How to Spend 24 Hours in Edinburgh

When I lived in Inverness, I often took the cheap (but sometimes gross) Megabus to Edinburgh for a day of exploration before returning the next day.

During these trips, I discovered the best ways to make the most of 24 hours in Edinburgh.

This guide highlights discoveries I made on those trips, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, and provides practical tips from when I eventually moved to Edinburgh to help you navigate the city efficiently.

Whether avoiding the crowds or finding the best eats, this itinerary covers you.

An image of an outdoor scene during autumn, featuring a pathway bordered by black iron fences and stone steps. The ground is covered with fallen leaves in various shades of orange and yellow, and the scene is framed by a large tree with dense branches and green leaves. The path leads to a small building in the distance, with a quaint lantern lighting the way, creating a picturesque setting in Edinburgh.

One Day in Edinburgh Itinerary at a Glance

Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile
St. Giles Cathedral
Victoria Street
Grassmarket
Princes Street Gardens
Calton Hill

Morning

Breakfast at The Milkman

Kick off your day with a visit to The Milkman on Cockburn Street (pronounced coburn street).

This charming café offers a range of delicious coffee and pastries to fuel you for a day of exploration. Aim to arrive around 8:00 AM to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before the crowds.

The forecourt at Edinburgh castle looking up to the Castle light up at night time

Stop 1: Edinburgh Castle

Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

After breakfast, head to Edinburgh Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a 15-minute walk from The Milkman.

Located at the top of the Royal Mile, the castle offers stunning views over Edinburgh and a wealth of history to explore.

Although it is a tourist attraction and at the top of many travellers’ bucket lists, I highly recommend a visit – I have been inside the castle at least 5 times, and I love it every time

Key highlights include the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the Great Hall.

Plan to spend about 1.5 hours here for a decent visit to the Castle. Before you leave the forecourt, take in the views of Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens. For some reason, this is one of my favourite views of Edinburgh.

Directions: From The Milkman, walk northwest on Cockburn Street toward Market Street. Turn left onto Market Street, then right onto The Mound. Continue up the hill until you reach the castle entrance.

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People Walking on the Street Between Buildings

Stop 2: The Royal Mile

Time: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Next, stroll down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This historic street is packed with shops, restaurants, and street performers.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. Spend around 30 minutes wandering the mile.

Again, it is very touristy, and the shops are selling many things you don’t need, but it is a great walk, and you will see some exciting things. Especially if you are visiting in August, you will see many street performers.

If you would like to hear a piper play a tune, the Royal Mile is the place to be.

Directions: Exit Edinburgh Castle, and you will be directly on the Royal Mile. Head down the hill to continue your journey.

The interior of St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, featuring a striking gothic architecture with ribbed vaults painted in blue and gold.

Stop 3: St. Giles’ Cathedral

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

A short 5-minute walk from the Royal Mile is St. Giles’ Cathedral. Known for its stunning architecture and the famous Thistle Chapel, this cathedral is a must-visit. Take time to explore the beautiful interior and learn about its history.

Directions: Continue walking down the Royal Mile until you see St. Giles’ Cathedral on your left.

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Stop 4: Real Mary King’s Close

Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

After visiting St. Giles’ Cathedral, visit Real Mary King’s Close for an intriguing underground tour.

This attraction gives you a glimpse into the hidden streets of Edinburgh, showcasing how people lived centuries ago. Tours last about an hour and provide fascinating insights into the city’s past.

Real Mary King’s Close seems very touristy and it is but I loved it and found it really interesting hearing about how people used to live in Edinburgh.

Directions: Walk southeast on the Royal Mile from St. Giles’ Cathedral. Real Mary King’s Close is located opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral, making it a convenient 2-minute walk.

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Stop 5: The Writers’ Museum

Time: 12:40 PM – 1:10 PM

Next, head to The Writers’ Museum, which celebrates Scotland’s rich literary heritage with exhibits on famous authors such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

This museum is a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts and provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Plan to spend about 30 minutes exploring the exhibits.

Directions: From Real Mary King’s Close, walk northwest on the Royal Mile towards Castlehill. Turn right onto Lady Stair’s Close, where The Writers’ Museum is located. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.

Lunch

Lunch at Deacon’s House Café

Time: 1:20 PM – 2:00 PM

After your late morning explorations, enjoy lunch at Deacon’s House Café. This charming café offers a variety of Scottish dishes and light bites in a historical setting, making it a great place to refuel before continuing your adventure.

Directions: From The Writers’ Museum, head northeast on Lady Stair’s Close towards Lawnmarket. Turn right onto Lawnmarket and walk straight to reach Deacon’s House Café. The walk takes about 3 minutes.

Afternoon

A street scene from Victoria Street in Edinburgh, showcasing a row of brightly colored buildings with various shops and storefronts. A black hanging sign with white decorative patterns reads "Walker Slater." Several pedestrians walk along the curved sidewalk, some dressed in warm clothing. Cars are parked along the street, which has a gentle curve and a cobblestone road. The buildings feature distinct colors, including red, blue, and orange, adding a vibrant and lively feel to the scene.

Stop 6: Victoria Street

Time: 2:10 PM – 2:40 PM

Next, make your way to Victoria Street, a colourful and winding street known for its unique shops and vibrant atmosphere.

It’s often cited as the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. Spend about 30 minutes wandering and shopping.

In fact, if you’re like me you will probably spend most of that time taking photos! There are plenty of Harry Potter stores if you’re a fan of the series and some more traditional clothing stores.

Directions: From Deacon’s House Café, head southwest on Lawnmarket and then turn left onto Victoria Street. The walk takes about 5 minutes.

Stop 7: Grassmarket

Time: 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM

Just a short walk from Victoria Street is the Grassmarket area. This is area is close to my heart as I used to live in the Grassmarket, I loved the vibes on a hot summers afternoon (yes, there are the occasional hot summers day in Edinburgh).

This historic marketplace is lively with pubs, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great spot to soak up the local culture and perhaps enjoy a quick drink.

Directions: Walk down Victoria Street, which will lead you directly to Grassmarket. The walk takes approximately 5 minutes.

Stop 8: National Museum of Scotland

Time: 3:30 PM – 5:10 PM

Next, visit the National Museum of Scotland to explore Scottish history, culture, and science.

This impressive museum has a wide range of exhibits and is a must-see for any visitor. Spend about 1 hour and 40 minutes here to fully appreciate the diverse collections.

Directions: From Grassmarket, head southeast on Grassmarket towards West Port. Turn left onto West Port, continue onto Lauriston Place, and then turn right onto Forrest Road. Continue straight to reach the museum on Chambers Street. The walk takes approximately 15 minutes.

Early Evening

View from Calton Hill in Edinburgh, showcasing the lush green landscape of Holyrood Park with the prominent Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags under a partly cloudy sky. The Scottish Parliament building and parts of the city are visible in the foreground amidst greenery and urban structures.

Stop 9: Calton Hill

Time: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM

Finish your sightseeing with a climb up Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city, including iconic monuments like the National Monument and Nelson Monument. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset.

The walk up to Calton is up hill and there are some stairs but it is a pretty relaxed walk.

Directions: From the National Museum of Scotland, head northeast on Chambers Street towards South Bridge. Turn right onto South Bridge, then left onto High Street. Continue on Regent Road and turn left onto Calton Hill. The walk takes about 20 minutes.

Dinner at The Piper’s Rest

Time: 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM

End your day with a hearty dinner at The Piper’s Rest, where you can savour traditional Scottish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to conclude your day of exploration.

Directions: From Calton Hill, walk northwest on Calton Hill towards Regent Road. Turn right onto Regent Road, then left onto North Bridge. Continue on to High Street, and The Piper’s Rest will be on your right. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.

Night

Whisky Tasting at Sandy Bell’s

Time: 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM

End your day with a whisky tasting session at Sandy Bell’s, a beloved local pub known for its extensive whisky selection and live folk music. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the traditional Scottish atmosphere.

Directions: From The Piper’s Rest, head northeast on High Street towards North Bridge. Continue on to South Bridge and then turn left onto Chambers Street. Turn right onto Forrest Road, and Sandy Bell’s will be on your left. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes.

The fountain in Princes Street Gardens with the sunset shining on Edinburgh Castle

Bonus: Following Morning in Edinburgh

Holyrood Palace

Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

If you have extra time, start your following morning with a visit to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Explore the State Apartments, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the beautiful palace gardens.

Hike Up Arthur’s Seat

Time: 10:45 AM – 12:30 PM

After Holyrood Palace, take a hike up Arthur’s Seat for stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh.

This ancient volcano is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a relatively easy hike with rewarding views.

If you don’t want to hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat you can walk around the base which is a lovely walk too. I highly recommend this walk if hiking isn’t your thing but you still want to feel a little removed from the city.

Directions: From Holyrood Palace, head southwest on Abbey Strand. Turn left onto Queen’s Drive and follow the signs to the path leading up to Arthur’s Seat. The hike to the top takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Quick Tips for Planning Your Edinburgh Itinerary

Cobblestone streets and steep hills: Edinburgh’s terrain is challenging, with uneven cobblestone streets and steep hills, especially around the Old Town.
Choose sturdy shoes with good support to keep your feet comfortable throughout the day.
Skip-the-line benefits: Pre-booking tickets for major attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Real Mary King’s Close, and Holyrood Palace often includes skip-the-line privileges, saving you from long waits.
Hydration: Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you’re doing a lot of walking. There are water refill stations around the city.
Changeable weather: Edinburgh’s weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers helps you stay comfortable. Carry a light waterproof jacket, even in summer, as showers can be sudden.
Seasonal considerations: In winter, extra layers and accessories like hats and gloves are essential. In summer, a hat and sunscreen can protect you from sun exposure during outdoor activities.
Local insights: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations. Edinburgh’s residents are generally friendly and can offer insider tips on the best places to eat, lesser-known attractions, and events during your visit.
Language: While English is spoken everywhere, a few Scots phrases like “cheers” (thank you) and “aye” (yes) can go a long way in making connections.

White flowers at the end of a cobblestone lane lined with brickhouses

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

The Balmoral Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel offers luxury with historical charm, making it an iconic choice for travelers seeking an opulent experience. Situated at the east end of Princes Street, it provides stunning views, luxurious rooms, and top-notch service. Its prime location allows guests to easily explore major attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the National Gallery.

Stay Central Hotel

Stay Central Hotel is an affordable and centrally located option, ideal for budget-conscious travellers who don’t want to compromise on comfort. This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price, situated just off the Royal Mile, making it perfect for exploring Edinburgh’s top attractions on foot. Guests can easily access St. Giles’ Cathedral, Real Mary King’s Close, and numerous shops and restaurants.

Castle Rock Hostel

Castle Rock Hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation with stunning views, perfect for travelers looking for an affordable stay with a social atmosphere. Located near Edinburgh Castle, the hostel offers some of the best views of the historic fortress and the city skyline. Its central location means you’re just steps away from major attractions like the Grassmarket, Victoria Street, and the Royal Mile.

Final Thoughts: One Day in Edinburgh Itinerary

Exploring Edinburgh in just 24 hours can seem daunting, but with a well-planned itinerary, you can experience the best this historic city has to offer.

From iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile to hidden gems and local favorites, this guide ensures you make the most of your time in Scotland’s vibrant capital.

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