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Scotland, UK, United Kingdom · Trip plan

3 days in Edinburgh

A castle on a volcano, cobbled closes and the world's biggest Hogmanay.

Best time
Dec – Jan, May – Sep
Ideal length
3 days
A day, mid-range
$200 per person
Trip for two
about $1,200

Planning a 3-day trip to Edinburgh? Here's a day-by-day Edinburgh itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Edinburgh's Christmas markets and its legendary Hogmanay street party on New Year's Eve draw visitors from around the world.

Scotland's capital is a dramatic mix of a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town, both UNESCO-listed, overlooked by its castle and wild hills.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May: a good time to go
  6. Jun: a good time to go
  7. Jul: a good time to go
  8. Aug: a good time to go
  9. Sep: a good time to go
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to January: 1–7°C, with short days and frequent rain.

Create my Edinburgh trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Edinburgh

  • 01

    Edinburgh Castle

    A fortress on an extinct volcano, home of the Scottish crown jewels.

  • 02

    Royal Mile

    The medieval spine of the Old Town.

  • 03

    Arthur's Seat

    A hike to a volcanic summit in the middle of the city.

  • 04

    Hogmanay

    Torchlight procession, street party and fireworks.

Day by day

Edinburgh itinerary for 3 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Castle and Royal Mile

    Morning
    Edinburgh Castle at opening, including the Stone of Destiny.
    Afternoon
    Walk down the Royal Mile, ducking into its narrow closes, to Holyrood Palace.
    Evening
    Ghost tour of the underground vaults, then dinner in the Grassmarket.

    Book castle tickets online for a timed entry.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Arthur's Seat and the New Town

    Morning
    Hike Arthur's Seat (about 1.5 hours return) for views over the city and the sea.
    Afternoon
    Princes Street Gardens' Christmas market and the Scott Monument.
    Evening
    Whisky tasting at a Royal Mile bar.

    Wear boots; the path can be muddy.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Leith and home

    Morning
    Dean Village's riverside walk.
    Afternoon
    Leith's harbour and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
    Evening
    Fly home or join Hogmanay celebrations.

    The tram goes straight to the airport.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Edinburgh in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in Edinburgh

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Leith and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in Edinburgh

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Bath.

What it costs

Edinburgh trip budget

StylePer person, a day3 days for two
Budget$100$600
Mid-range$200$1,200
Luxury$450+$2,700

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Edinburgh is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Edinburgh for every budget

  • Budget

    Kick Ass Grassmarket

    Grassmarket

    A hostel with castle views.

    from $60 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    The Inn on the Mile

    Royal Mile

    Boutique rooms in an old bank.

    from $220 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    The Balmoral

    Princes Street

    A landmark Edwardian hotel.

    from $550 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Edinburgh

  • Haggis, neeps and tatties

    Scotland's national dish.

  • Cullen skink

    Smoked haddock and potato soup.

  • Whisky

    Try a dram at a Royal Mile bar.

Getting there

How to reach Edinburgh

Travel
Edinburgh airport is 30 minutes by tram; trains from London take about 4.5 hours.
Getting around
Walkable; trams and buses for longer trips.
  • Book Hogmanay street party tickets early.
  • Layers and a waterproof are essential.

Before you go

What to pack for Edinburgh

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Edinburgh trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Edinburgh?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day Edinburgh trip cost?

Roughly $100 a day per person on a budget, $200 mid-range and $450+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,200 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

Dec – Jan, May – Sep. Edinburgh's Christmas markets and its legendary Hogmanay street party on New Year's Eve draw visitors from around the world.

Where should I stay in Edinburgh?

Budget: Kick Ass Grassmarket (Grassmarket), from about $60 a night. Mid-range: The Inn on the Mile (Royal Mile), from about $220 a night. Luxury: The Balmoral (Princes Street), from about $550 a night.

How do I reach Edinburgh?

Edinburgh airport is 30 minutes by tram; trains from London take about 4.5 hours.

Is 2 days enough for Edinburgh?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Leith and home". 3 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Edinburgh?

December to January: 1–7°C, with short days and frequent rain.

What food should I try in Edinburgh?

Haggis, neeps and tatties: Scotland's national dish. Cullen skink: Smoked haddock and potato soup. Whisky: Try a dram at a Royal Mile bar.

How do I get around Edinburgh?

Walkable; trams and buses for longer trips.

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