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With only one day in Edinburgh, you won’t see everything – but you’ll still get a fantastic introduction to Scotland’s capital.
I often take quick sightseeing trips to Edinburgh since I live just an hour away, so I know exactly what’s realistic to fit into a single day. From must-see landmarks to great places to eat, I’ll show you how to make the most of your time.
The good news? A trip to Edinburgh doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of brilliant free things to do in Edinburgh that keep costs down without compromising on the fun. And if you have another day to spare to nip over to Glasgow, I’ve got a full Glasgow 1-Day Itinerary guide.
Whether this whirlwind one-day visit is a standalone adventure or part of a bigger Scottish itinerary, this guide will help you get a good taste of what Edinburgh has to offer. Let’s go!
Morning: Start Your One Day in Edinburgh Around the Historic Old Town
I recommend beginning your one day in Edinburgh right in the Old Town. This is the heart of the city and home to many of its most iconic sights. Here’s the order I’d follow:
- Start on the Royal Mile. This is Edinburgh’s most famous street. Lined with cobblestones, tartan shops, buskers, and centuries-old closes, it’s the perfect place to get your bearings and get a feel for the city’s medieval charm. If you need a caffeine boost, grab a morning coffee from The Milkman, Santu Coffee, or John’s Coffee House & Tavern just off the Mile.
- Next, wander up to Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically on Castle Rock. Even if you’re not going inside, the esplanade offers sweeping views over the city and is a must-see on any one-day itinerary.
- Head downhill to St Giles’ Cathedral. This spiritual heart of Edinburgh dates all the way back to the 12th century. Its crown-shaped steeple makes it one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, and it’s free to enter.
- From here, explore a few of the Royal Mile’s historic closes and courtyards, such as Advocate’s Close or Makars’ Court. It gets even more fascinating when you discover the Real Mary King’s Close. A hidden street sealed beneath the bustling Royal Mile, holding centuries of history. If you wanted, you could continue to walk the entire length of the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, which is only around 20 miles.
- Explore the colourful Victoria Street. This curved lane is one of my favourite places to go in the city, and it’s even said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
- Continue to Grassmarket, an atmospheric square with cafes with great views of the Castle, especially from the Vennel.
Seeing all of this will comfortably fill your morning at a nice pace. If you’d prefer a guided experience, consider joining an Old Town walking tour. It’s a fantastic way to learn the history behind the buildings you’re walking past.
Since the Old Town is packed with great brunch spots, you’re perfectly placed for a late-morning bite. Excellent nearby options include The Edinburgh Larder, Castlegate Cafe, or Quinn’s Cafe.
Afternoon: Cultural Highlights for Your One Day in Edinburgh Itinerary
For your afternoon in Edinburgh, it’s time to shift from the Old Town to the New Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with culture, Georgian architecture, and wide, open streets. You can walk there in under 10 minutes from the Old Town.
Since we’re short on time, we’ll focus on one of the New Town’s major highlights:
- The Scottish National Gallery: Located right on Princes Street, this free museum is ideal for an afternoon visit. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Turner, and Scotland’s own Raeburn. You can easily spend 1–2 hours wandering the galleries.
- If museums aren’t your thing, swap the gallery for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Hop on bus 9 or 23 from Princes Street — the journey takes about 15 minutes. With over 13,000 plant species and one of the most beautiful Victorian glasshouses in Scotland, it’s a peaceful place to get away from the busyness of the city centre. On sunny days, grab ice cream from Mary’s Milk Bar before heading to the gardens.
As the afternoon winds down, make your way to Calton Hill for incredible views over the city. The walk from Princes Street only takes about 10 minutes. With its Greek-style monuments and panoramic skyline, it’s the perfect spot to end the afternoon or watch the sun set over the city.
Evening: Where to Eat and Unwind During Your One Day in Edinburgh
Since you’ll likely finish your afternoon around Calton Hill or Princes Street, it’s an easy stroll into either the New Town or Old Town to enjoy your evening.
In the New Town, I’d highly recommend Dishoom, where vibrant Bombay-inspired dishes come with a modern twist and an irresistible atmosphere. Alternatively, head to Hawksmoor for their pre-theatre menu — even on this menu, you’ll still get a perfectly cooked steak.
For drinks, The Dome on George Street is an institution. Its grand, chandelier-filled interior makes any evening feel special, especially at Christmas when it’s covered in decorations. Or, head to Rose Street, a lively, pub-lined lane, perfect for a more relaxed drink. For something truly unique, Panda & Sons is an award-winning speakeasy tucked behind a barbershop facade.
If the Old Town is more your vibe, Piggs Wine Bar offers delicious, authentic Spanish-style tapas, or for something a bit more casual, visit Makars Mash Bar. For cocktails in the Old Town, The Burrow and Caru by Candlelight are the places to go!
Alternatively, join an Edinburgh food tour with a local guide to dive into the city’s culinary scene — from Scotch whisky to traditional haggis. It’s an ideal way to gain a real cultural insight into Scottish cuisine.
How to Get Around for One Day in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city — perfect for a one-day visit. Most major sights in the Old Town and New Town sit within 10–20 minutes of each other, so you’ll easily be able to walk between them.
If you prefer to save your legs on the hills (and there are a few!), the city has excellent public transport. Lothian Buses run frequently across the centre, and the tram is a quick way to move between spots like Princes Street, St Andrew Square, and the West End.
If you want to maximise the amount you can see in the city, get a ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus as it links attractions like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Yacht Britannia at Leith.
Ubers and taxis are another popular option, but you’ll seldom need them unless you’re heading further out of the city to the likes of the Royal Botanic Garden.
Final Tips for Your One Day in Edinburgh
- Wear comfortable shoes: Cobblestones, hilly streets, and narrow closes mean you’ll be doing plenty of walking. Good footwear makes the day far more enjoyable.
- Start early: Edinburgh’s top attractions can get busy, especially the Castle and Royal Mile. Arriving early lets you beat the crowds and take photos without too many people getting in the way!
- Pack layers: Scottish weather is famously unpredictable. Even in summer, a light waterproof jacket and a scarf can make sightseeing so much more enjoyable.
- Book popular attractions in advance: Tickets for Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, or the Camera Obscura sell out fast, particularly during peak tourist season.
- Keep a flexible itinerary: While it’s tempting to see everything, focus on your top sights and leave room for wandering. Some of Edinburgh’s best experiences are spontaneous, like popping into a cosy cafe or discovering a hidden alley.
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Kirsty x
