We used our local knowledge to create 5 great itineraries for a 3 days visit to Edinburgh using Inspirocks travel planner.
This plan gives you a great introduction to the city on your first day with the excellent free walking tour from Sandemans after which you will have time to have some lunch before you go to the castle. The next day you will start off early to take the bus to Rosslyn. Here you can visit the Rosslyn Chapel and do a nature walk through the glen when you come back to Edinburgh you can visit the National Museum of Scotland or visit Carlton Hill to see the sunset.
This plan is for the shopaholics and still, want to see a bit of culture. You will start off in Portobello, where you can have a stroll along the beach and visit the historic town and have some lunch before you head off to the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Shore of Leith. The next day more shopping on Princes Street and a visit to Edinburgh’s Old Town. On your last day, you will visit the National Museum of Scotland and be sure to pay a visit to Armstrongs on Grassmarket the most amazing vintage store in Edinburgh. While you are at Grassmarket you can also enjoy a pint in any of the iconic bars on Grassmarket or Bow Street.
On the first day, you will set off to the fisher town of St-Andrews, which nowadays is world famous for the golf course and university. Next day you can take a stroll through New Town and check out some of the many shops, cafes and restaurants that can be found in the area around CODE Pod hostel. Climb the Scott Monument if you are not afraid of heights and narrow spiral staircases. Then make your way to the National Portrait Gallery and finally walk along the Water of Leith to the beautiful Dean Village.
Bringing the kids over to Edinburgh? Great! There are loads of cool things to do for kids! Highlights of this plan are the Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obsura and the Real Mary Kings Close. psst.. this plan is great for adults as well 😉
On the first day you will head off south to Graigmillar castle and Gilmerton cove and you will visit the historic site of Rosslyn Chapel. This area also lends it’s self for some great nature walks. On the second day, you will visit Melrose abbey and Tantallon castle and on the last day you will set off to Stirling, you can visit the castle do a walking tour through the city or just wonder around the city by yourself. To finish off you can check out the massive statues of the kelpies.
One of our favorite day or half day trips in Edinburgh is Cramond Island and River Almond. Cramond is a Tidal island out in the bay and you can walk to this island when the tide is low. It’s a spectacular walk with great views. Follow River Almond back to the bus route to get back to the city centre.
We created these plans to give you an idea of what you can do in Edinburgh and surroundings. You can use these itineraries as a template to make your own itinerary.