Curator’s statement
This is the perfect 3-day trip to Edinburgh with this relaxed, walkable itinerary. This includes top sights like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. This itinerary highlights local food favorites like Fishers in the City and The Outsider, shopping at Barbour and hidden gems like Deans Village.
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Day 1: Arrival and first flavor of Edinburgh
12:00 pm: Check-in at InterContinental Edinburgh The George
1:00 pm: Light stroll on George & Frederick Streets (Barbour store stop on 21 Frederick Street)
3:00 pm: Tour Holyrood Palace
4:30 pm: Walk up the Royal Mile, take in street life & sights
5:15 pm: The Real Mary King’s Close tour
6:30 pm: Whisky & pints at The Bow Bar
7:30 pm: Dinner at The Outsider (Castle views!) Make sure to ask the amazing concierge at the Intercontinental to make reservations!
10:00 pm: Back to hotel and unwind
Day 2: Castles, shopping and comfort food
8:00 am: Breakfast at Dishoom (bacon, naan and chai = yes)
9:30 am: Explore Edinburgh Castle (you’ll get a guide with your ticket. Book it online before arriving to get a small discount)
10:45 am: Shopping on Victoria Street
After breakfast, it’s time to browse some classic Edinburgh style: Walker Slater (on Victoria Street) – A must-stop for beautiful Scottish tweed blazers, coats and accessories. If you want that classic countryside-meets-city look, this is the place.
11:45 am: Say hi to Greyfriars Bobby
12:00 pm: Pub lunch at Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar
2:00 pm: Taxi to Royal Yacht Britannia (tour and tea on deck)
5:00 pm: Return to hotel to rest/freshen up
6:30 pm: Cocktails at Panda & Sons
8:00 pm: Seafood dinner at Fishers in the City
Day 3: Final morning and farewell flavors
8:00 am: Breakfast at Urban Angel
9:30 am: Last chance shopping: Barbour, boutique stroll
10:00 am: Peaceful walk in Dean Village
11:30 am: Check out & store luggage at hotel
12:30 pm: Farewell lunch at The Broughton
2:00 pm: Head to train station/airport – goodbye, Edinburgh!
Need to know
This is a great pre-trip to St Andrews, Scotland. This is exactly what I’ve done with my husband when we visit our daughter, who attends the University of St Andrews. Edinburgh always makes for a charming and memorable start.
Try to walk to all the destinations except for The Royal Yacht Brittania. There’s so much to see on foot.
Travel Advisor
Brenda Tolentino
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For more travel inspiration, check out our Edinburgh page.