How to Spend One Day in Edinburgh, Scotland: Top Things to Do, See, & Eat

Adventures of Matt & Nat
Jul 17
9 min read

Bottles of whisky, a plate with beef dish, Edinburgh Castle, and smiling couple walking by a fountain. Text: "How to Spend One Day in Edinburgh, Scotland."

How to Spend One Day in Edinburgh, Scotland: Top Things to Do, See, & Eat

Edinburgh is a city that feels like it was pulled straight out of a storybook. Perched on ancient volcanic rock and layered with centuries of history, it’s home to craggy castles, winding cobblestone streets, moody weather, and some of the best views in the UK. It’s a place where past and present collide… Where you can explore medieval alleyways in the morning, sip whisky by afternoon, and end the day with a mountain-top sunset. If you only have one day in Edinburgh, you’re in for a wildly scenic, history-packed adventure. We visited Edinburgh for the first time in October and spent the entire day walking through Old Town, soaking up the gothic architecture, sipping lattes at cozy cafés, and learning more about Scottish history and culture than we could’ve imagined in 24 hours. Whether you're here for the castles or the whiskey (or both), this itinerary will help you make the most of your day. Below you'll find a full hour-by-hour breakdown of our day in Edinburgh, including can't-miss landmarks, food recs, and bonus stops if you’ve got energy left after dinner! And be sure to check out our “How to Spend One Day in Edinburgh” video for a closer look at our visit!

⬇️ For the best Tours, Tickets, & Experiences, check out GetYouGuide! ⬇️

⬇️ Looking for the perfect stay in Edinburgh? Check these out! ⬇️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Aparthotel Adagio (where we stayed)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Scotsman Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Indigo

⭐️⭐️ CoDE Pod

Quick Tips for Visiting Edinburgh Before You Go:

Before we jump into this one-day itinerary, here are a few things that’ll help you make the most of your time in Scotland:

Know the Currency: Scotland uses the British Pound (£), just like the rest of the UK. Most shops, cafés, and attractions accept credit cards (including contactless), but it’s always a good idea to have a little cash on hand, especially for tips or smaller vendors. Pro tip: Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. See our favorite travel credit card HERE!

Walk the City: Edinburgh is a very walkable city, especially if you’re sticking to the Old Town and Royal Mile like we did. But heads up: it’s also hilly and cobblestoned, so wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself. Find some of our favorite footwear HERE!

Expect a Mix of Weather: Edinburgh weather is famously unpredictable. In October, we had chilly mornings, bursts of sunshine, light drizzle, and wind... sometimes all within the same hour. Bring layers and a compact rain jacket. Check out our UK Fall Essentials on Amazon!

Stay Connected with an eSIM: Whether you’re navigating the Old Town streets and alleyways or double-checking your dinner reservation, reliable data is key. We recommend using an eSIM to stay connected without international roaming fees. Our go-to eSIM provider in the UK is Sim Local.

Book Major Attractions Ahead of Time: If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh Castle, tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or do a whisky tasting like The Scotch Whisky Experience, we recommend booking ahead, especially during weekends or summer travel. Browse top-rated Edinburgh tours and tickets on GetYourGuide!

Tipping Culture: Tipping in Scotland is appreciated but not expected. A 10–12% tip at restaurants is plenty if service isn’t already included. You don’t need to tip at bars or cafés, but feel free to round up or leave change for great service.

Look Right, Then Left: Traffic in the UK drives on the left side of the road, so when crossing the street, be sure to look right first.

7:45 AM – Golden Hours at Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens

📍Location: 117 Princes St

There’s no better way to start your day than with golden hour views of Edinburgh Castle rising above the trees in Princes Street Gardens. Once you enter the park via the Statue of Thomas Guthrie entrance (address listed above), follow the path to the right, and you’ll find the Ross Fountain, a dramatic 19th-century cast iron fountain, which makes the perfect foreground for a postcard-worthy photo, especially before the crowds roll in.

Other options:

📍Room Rumours Coffee (Arch 13, 25 E Market St)

📍Hideout Cafe (5 Upper Bow)

📍Santu Coffee (126 Canongate)

🚶‍♂️Walk to next stop: ~15 minutes, mostly uphill

A vibrant turquoise fountain (Ross Fountain) with statues in a lush park. People stroll nearby, with a historic castle on a hill in the background.

8:15 AM – Coffee & Pastries at The Milkman

📍Location: 7 Cockburn St

Tucked into a historic stone building on Cockburn Street, The Milkman is one of the coziest (and most popular) cafés in the city. Known for its specialty coffee, flaky pastries, and cozy vibe, this is a great place to fuel up before a busy day of sightseeing.

🚶‍♀️Walk to next stop: ~10 minutes, mostly uphill

A cozy cafe scene (Milkman Coffee & Espresso Bar) showing pastries, a mug with a plant, a black menu board, and colorful bottles against a brick wall in warm lighting.

9:30 AM – Tour the Edinburgh Castle

📍Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a stop at its most iconic landmark. Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline from atop Castle Rock and holds centuries of history within its walls. From the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny to St. Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh), there’s so much to take in here.

Pro Tip: Book tickets online in advance for timed entry and plan to spend around 2 hours here. And if you want to take a guided tour of the castle, CLICK HERE!

🚶‍♂️Walk to next stop: ~5 minutes (you’re headed down the Royal Mile)

People line up outside a historic stone castle (Edinburgh Castle) with flags. A sign reads "Pre-booking recommended." The sky is cloudy.

11:45 AM – Explore the Royal Mile

From Edinburgh Castle at the top to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom, the Royal Mile is the spine of Old Town and the heartbeat of Edinburgh’s history. Its name comes from the traditional processional route of kings and queens. As you walk downhill, give yourself time to explore the main thoroughfare and the narrow alleyways (called closes) that branch off it. Each close has its own story, many dating back to medieval times. And if you’re interested in diving a little deeper into the culture and history, consider taking a FREE WALKING TOUR!

Here are some of the most notable stops along the way:

Gladstone’s Land

A restored 17th-century tenement where you can explore what life was like for Edinburgh’s upper-class merchants. It’s run by the National Trust and worth a peek for history buffs.

Shortbread Stop

At some point along the walk, pop into one of the Royal Mile’s many gift shops and grab a pack of shortbread cookies (or biscuits, as the Scots say). It’s Scotland’s national treat… simple, buttery, and the perfect walking snack between sights.

The Writers’ Museum

Tucked away in Lady Stair’s Close, this museum celebrates three of Scotland’s literary legends: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Bonus: It’s free to enter!

Advocate’s Close

One of the most iconic photo spots in Edinburgh. Look through the stone archway and you’ll see a perfectly framed view of the Scott Monument in the distance.

St Giles’ Cathedral

This 12th-century Gothic cathedral is one of the city’s crown jewels. Step inside to admire its stained glass windows and the intricately carved Thistle Chapel, home to the Knights of the Thistle (Scotland’s order of chivalry).

Fun Fact: The heart-shaped mosaic outside—The Heart of Midlothian—marks the site of the old Tolbooth prison. Locals spit on it for good luck (or as a rebellious gesture against authority… the origin is debated).

The Real Mary King’s Close

Ready for something spooky? This underground tour takes you through a preserved 17th-century close beneath the city streets. It's a fascinating (and eerie) glimpse into plague-era Edinburgh.

The Scotsman Hotel

Just off the Royal Mile sits this gorgeous baroque building, which was once the headquarters of The Scotsman newspaper. Now it's a luxury hotel with sweeping views of the city.

John Knox House

One of the oldest houses in Edinburgh, dating back to 1470. It’s believed John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation, lived here near the end of his life.

Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop

A hidden gem for whisky enthusiasts, Cadenhead’s is Scotland’s oldest independent bottler. It’s small, unassuming, and packed with rare and single-cask options you won’t find elsewhere. No flashy signage, just knowledgeable staff and great recommendations.

Canongate Kirk

A peaceful and historically significant church just off the main drag. It’s the parish church for the British royal family when they’re in town, and the final resting place of economist Adam Smith, author of The Wealth of Nations.

Scottish Parliament Building

Love it or hate it, the Scottish Parliament is one of the most striking (and controversial) pieces of modern architecture in Edinburgh. You’ll find it just before Holyrood Palace, and it’s free to visit when in session. Keep an eye out for its abstract shapes inspired by raindrops and boat hulls.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

At the very end of the Royal Mile, you'll find the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. The palace grounds and interior are open to visitors when the royal family isn’t in town. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets!

Fun Fact: This is where Mary, Queen of Scots lived—and where her private secretary, David Rizzio, was famously murdered in front of her by her jealous husband.

🚶‍♂️Walk to next stop: ~21 minutes, mostly uphill (from Palace of Holyroodhouse)

Collage of Edinburgh's Royal Mile: whisky shop, cathedral interior, kilted musician with bagpipes, Walker's box, historic buildings, and street scenes.

2:00 PM – Lunch at Makars Mash Bar

📍Location: 9-12 Bank St

You’ve earned this. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar serves up hearty Scottish comfort food with a modern twist. Their creamy mashed potato varieties (yes, multiple) are served with everything from haggis to veggie sausages. It's delicious, filling, and right in the heart of Old Town. We recommend making reservations so you aren’t spending valuable vacation time waiting for a table.

Other options:

📍Oink (82 Canongate)

📍Tempting Tattie (18 Jeffrey St)

📍Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips (9 Victoria St)

🚶‍♂️Walk to next stop: ~8 minutes

Gourmet Mash-Bar (Makars Mash) sign and menu outside a historic building. Plates with rich meats on mashed potatoes and colorful sides, creating a cozy vibe.

4:00 PM – The Scotch Whisky Experience

📍Location: 354 Castlehill

Whether you're a whisky enthusiast or just curious, The Scotch Whisky Experience is a fun and interactive way to learn more about Scotland’s national drink. You’ll be guided through the whisky-making process, explore the different flavor profiles of Scotland’s regions, and taste a dram (or two) with expert guidance during the immersive experience. Let’s just say that it’s earned its unofficial nickname of ‘Malt Disney World’! We booked the 75-minute experience via GetYourGuide and loved how approachable it was. The highlight? (other than tasting the whiskey, of course)... Seeing the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky! Over 3,000 bottles housed in a stunning glass gallery! CLICK HERE to book your tickets!

🚶‍♀️Walk to next stop: ~8 minutes

Shelves of whisky bottles and a hand holding a glass against a bar backdrop. Close-up of whiskey glasses on a wooden tray, warm lighting. Scotch Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh, Scotland

5:45 PM – Greyfriars Kirkyard & Greyfriars Bobby Statue

📍Location: 41 Candlemaker Row

As the afternoon winds down, take a quiet stroll through Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of the most famous (and most haunted) cemeteries in Scotland. Beyond its beautiful, mossy gravestones and somber history, this spot is a hidden gem for Harry Potter fans.

Fun Fact: J.K. Rowling wrote much of the early Harry Potter series just around the corner at The Elephant House café. While walking through the cemetery, she drew inspiration from the names on the headstones—like Thomas Riddell (a possible influence for Tom Riddle), William McGonagall, and others that may sound strangely familiar.

If you’re up for a mini scavenger hunt, see if you can spot those names, but be respectful, this is still an active burial ground.

Just outside the gates is the beloved Greyfriars Bobby Statue (34 Candlemaker Row), commemorating the famously loyal Skye Terrier who, according to legend, guarded his owner's grave for 14 years. Visitors still leave sticks, coins, and even dog toys in his honor.

🚶‍♂️Walk to next stop: ~7 minutes

Collage of Greyfriars with a gate, informative plaques, church spire, stone building, Greyfriars Bobby statue, and a woman pointing at a gravestone.

7:00 PM – Dinner at Howies Victoria Street

📍Location: 10-14 Victoria St

For a cozy and classic Scottish dinner, we ended the day at Howies, tucked along the colorful curve of Victoria Street (rumored to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley). Their seasonal Scottish menu features salmon, venison, and veggie-forward options—plus sticky toffee pudding that’s worth saving room for. You’ll definitely want to make reservations as this is a popular restaurant! Pro Tip: Get the Cullen Skink! One of the best chowders we've had!

Other options:

Scotts Kitchen (4-6 Victoria Ter)

Amber Restaurant (354 Castlehill)

Wedgwood The Restaurant (267 Canongate)

Restaurant entrance with "HOWIES" sign; clockwise from top: creamy soup, steak with fries and salad, risotto garnished with herbs. Warm lighting.

Optional: 9:00 PM – Cocktails at Panda & Sons

📍Location: 79 Queen St

If you’re not ready to call it a night, head to Panda & Sons, a hidden speakeasy disguised as a vintage barbershop. Descend the stairs, push open the secret bookcase door, and you’ll find inventive cocktails served in one of the most atmospheric bars in the city.

Other options:

Lucky Liquor Co. (39A Queen St)

Never Really Here (89 Rose St N Ln)

The Cocktail Geeks (Arch 14, 27 E Market St)

And just like that, your day in Edinburgh has come to an end! From ancient castles and cobbled closes to cozy cafés and rich drams of whisky, this city knows how to pack centuries of history and charm into a single day. We hope this itinerary helps you plan your own unforgettable visit to Scotland’s capital, and if it did, we’d love for you to follow along on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube Channel, where we share even more travel tips, guides, and behind-the-scenes adventures from the road!

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