Planning the perfect day trip to Edinburgh: Everything you need to know

Are you planning a day trip to Edinburgh? This article will provide you with everything you need to know including, what to see, what to eat, drink and much more. We also provide you with top tips on how to plan a day in Edinburgh you won’t forget.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

A day in Edinburgh Factsheet

Located in the northern part of Great Britain Edinburgh is the Scottish capital city. There is a lot of history, some of it incredibly gruesome, and it is said to be one of the most haunted places in Europe. Although that might not come as a huge surprise when you think of how old the city is. In fact its origins can be traced back to the 7th Century AD.

Here are some further quick facts to help you plan you day trip to Edinburgh.

Country: Scotland

Languages Spoken: English

Currency: British Pound (although some notes you might notice are Scottish Bank notes)

Famous for: Castles, the birthplace of Harry Potter, old buildings

Visit if you like: History, beautiful cities, whisky, and ghost stories

Wondering if Edinburgh is worth visiting? Here is a helpful guide.

Starting your day trip to Edinburgh

In this section we go through how to get to Edinburgh for your day trip. There are a number of ways to get to Edinburgh.

If you are arriving from somewhere in the UK, you will more than likely be arriving by train. If you are coming from Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle or Glasgow this is your best bet. From Manchester for example you are looking at a travel time of around 3 hours, although Newcastle and Glasgow are obviously a lot closer. Once in Edinburgh you will arrive at Waverly Station, and from here it is only a 10 minute walk to the Old Town.

If you are travelling from further afield, from the UK or beyond then you will probably be flying in to Edinburgh Airport. From here you can get a train to Waverly station, which as mentioned above is a 10 minute walk into the Old Town. The train takes just under half an hour and they leave every 7 minutes.

Things to do as part of your day trip to Edinburgh

There is so much to see and do when spending a day in Edinburgh. Here is a run down of our top recommendations.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

One of the best things to do in Edinburgh is to do a scotch Whisky tour. You get to learn all about the different flavours of Whisky, how it is made, and where it comes from. You can also do a tasting if you opt for the premium tour package. Although if you are doing a day trip to Edinburgh you might want to eat before hopping on this tour.

Edinburgh Castle

One of the main attractions in Edinburgh is the Edinburgh Castle. Perched on top of Castle Rock, the castle dominates to city skyline, as a watchful fortress above the city. So if you have a day in Edinburgh this is by far one of the best things to see.

If you want to learn about the castle and it’s dramatic history you should get yourself booked on a tour. These are very popular in the summer months so do book ahead. It’s also worth booking an early morning tour to avoid a lot of the congestion.

There is also a cannon fired at 1pm everyday (with the exception of both Christmas and Good Friday) which can be heard around the city.

Walk the Royal Mile

If you are doing a day trip to Edinburgh the Royal Mile is a great place to visit. It’s a succession of streets that make up the main part of the Old Town. But it’s also where a lot of the key attractions like the Castle are located. There are lots of tourist shops, and some great pubs to grab a bite to eat.

Also make sure you explore some of the alleyways and side streets that lead off the Royal Mile as this is where you will find some quirky, photo opportunities.

St Giles’ Cathedral

When exploring the Royal Mile, make to pop into St Giles’ Cathedral. You will notice it’s unusually designed spire straight away. The church dates back to the 14th century with restoration works taking place late in the 19th century.  The interior as well as the stain glass windows are impressive and it certainly is worth a visit.

Do a ghost tour

A city ghost tour, whilst being slightly gimmicky is actually a really good way to learn about the gory history of the city.

If you only have a day in Edinburgh, you can book on a ghost tour during the day, which is a great option. But in our experience the best and spookiest ones are at night!

Climb Arthur’s Seat

If you are only doing a day trip to Edinburgh, you might not have time to climb Arthur’s Seat. That being said, if you are into hiking and the weather is decent we recommend it.

Arthur’s Seat is the name given to one of the hills that towers over Edinburgh. It’s located in the southeast part of the city with the walk starting in the Holyrood area. It does only take about 30 minutes to climb to the top, so it’s definitely possible to do it as part of your day trip to Edinburgh, but make sure you plan your time accordingly.

Real Mary King’s Close

The Real Mary King’s close is one of my favourite attractions in Edinburgh. Even more so than the Castle. Once you purchase your ticket you are taken to a deep underground medieval alleyway, which has been preserved to show you what life in Edinburgh was like in the 17th century.

You walk around with a group of about 20 people and a guide, and you get to hear all about the gruesome and fascinating tales of historical Edinburgh.

It honestly feels like you have gone back in time. There is a bit of walking involved so make sure you are wearing decent shoes as some of the floors are uneven. You should also book this in advance to avoid missing out.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard is probably one of the most famous cemeteries in Edinburgh, and it is a beautiful and fascinating place to walk around. You might have heard the story of the little dog ‘Greyfriars Bobby’ and this is where that story originated.

Most of the history here though is quite gruesome. There are parts of the cemetery where pits filled with plague victims were laid to rest. nd of course, there is also the story of Burke and Hare. They were body snatchers who would rob graves to sell the bodies to the local medical school. If you can do a tour of the cemetery do it, because you will learn so much.

Calton Hill

For some of the best views over Edinburgh you should head to Calton Hill. You can see Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat really will from on top of the hill. This is also one of the best sunset spots in Edinburgh.

It’s a short walk from the Royal Mile, so definitely doable on a day trip to Edinburgh. It also gives you the chance to see some of the famous monuments located here such as the Nelson Monument which commemorates the death of Admiral Lord Nelson.

There is also the National Monument which was inspired by the Parthenon in Greece. It was supposed to be a memorial for Scottish Servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars although it was never completed.

Victoria Street

Victoria Street in Edinburgh is probably one of the most beautiful shopping streets in the city. The street is slightly curved with several colour shopfronts. Take your time walking down and exploring the quirky shops and bars. The street is a great access point from Grassmarket to Lawnmarket, and surprisingly was only built in 1892-34 as part of improvement works to the Old Town to ensure easier access around Edinburgh.

National Museum of Scotland

There is nothing worse than having to deal with rain on your day trip to Edinburgh. Luckily there is still a lot to see and do in the city.

There are over 20,000 unique artefacts to see, like Egyptian relics and natural science exhibits. The rooftop terrace also has some incredible views of the city. Oh and the best thing is entry is completely free!

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

For something a little different you should visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. It’s actually one of the oldest attractions in the city, believe it or not and has been entertaining people since 1853.

There are heaps of optical illusions and interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family. The highlight though is seeing the 169-year-old Camera Obscura in action.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is a must for art lovers. It has works from the 1900s up to the present day. There is art from the likes of Picasso and Matisse, as well as many Scottish Artists. There is a great cafe here too which is perfect for coffee and cake.

The Edinburgh Dungeon

The Edinburgh Dungeon is great if you want to learn about Scottish history in a very interactive way. There are live actors you can interact with, and there are sure to be lots of screams! Or at least there were from me.

Hidden Gems to see as part of your day trip to Edinburgh

There are so many incredible hidden gems to discover during a day in Edinburgh. Here are some of our recommendations especially if you are after something a little quirky.

The Surgeon’s Hall Museums

Edinburgh has a long history of medicine, so one of the more unusual things to see in the city is this museum dedicated to all things surgery. You can learn about how surgery has evolved over the years, and the incredible Scottish minds that were involved in this.

Dunbar’s Close

One of the cool hidden gems in the middle of the old town is Dunbar’s Close. It’s a small alleyway/ small garden that is perfect for hiding away from the swarms of tourists.

National Museum of Scotland – Rooftop Terrace

One of the best hidden gems to discover during your day trip to Edinburgh has to be the rooftop terrace at the National Museum of Scotland. From here you will get some unbelievable views of the city, and the best part is not everyone knows about it.

The Vennel

If you want an incredible shot of the Edinburgh castle then head to the Vennel, an alleyway just off the Grassmarket. If you walk up it you will find one of the best photo spots in the city.

Things to do on your day trip to Edinburgh if it rains

So you have planned your day trip to Edinburgh and its forecast to rain ALL DAY! Never fear there is so much that you can do in Edinburgh and stay reasonably dry. Here are our top suggestions.

Visit the Museums

From the Surgeons Museum to the National Museum of Scotland there are plenty of places to learn all about the history of the city and stay completely dry.

The Real Mary King’s Close

This is another great attraction if your day in Edinburgh is forecast to be miserable. It’s all completely underground so you won’t even notice that it’s raining outside.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

I mean it it’s raining you might as well use it as an excuse to learn all about Scotch Whisky. The Scotch Whisky Experience will provide you much needed shelter from the rain as well allowing you to taste the drink the country is famous for.

Go to the pub

And if all else fails there are so many amazing pubs around the Royal Mile and Grassmarket to enjoy a pint or two.

Things to do as a family during your day trip to Edinburgh

If you are planning to visit Edinburgh with kids here are some of the best things to do in the city.

Visit the Museums

There are lots of great museums in Edinburgh which are great for kids to learn all about the history of the city.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

This interactive attraction is rated one of the best in Edinburgh for kids. It’s also fun for adults too, so don’t write it off if you are visiting without kids either.

The Real Mary King’s Close

I know I’ve mentioned this a few times now, but this is such a good attraction for kids. It’s educational but in a really fun and interactive way.

Climb Arthur’s Seat

If you are trying to tire the kids out Arthur’s Seat is a great option. It’s a relatively easy hike that you can do in 30 minutes, and the views of Edinburgh are awesome.

Romantic things to add to your day trip to Edinburgh

If you are travelling to Edinburgh with your significant other, and you are looking for romantic things to do here are some ideas.

Afternoon Tea

A lot of hotels in Edinburgh do a mean afternoon tea. And since it is Edinburgh you can ditch the tea and opt for something a little harder.

Sunset at Calton Hill

Take a picnic with you and enjoy the sunset at Calton Hill. It does get a bit chilly so do wrap up warm.

Do a ghost tour

I know this sounds like a weird suggestion but if you scare easily like I do you will probably spend a lot of time very close to your partner (I mean I also feared for my life but you know).

Free things to do as part of your day trip to Edinburgh

Edinburgh might be an expensive city to visit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do things on the cheap during your day trip to Edinburgh. Here are some free things you can do to save you a bit of money when visiting.

Walk the Royal Mile

Walking the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is completely free, and it is also a great way to see some of the cool architecture in the city. Our advice is to explore and see where it takes you.

Arthur’s Seat

Climbing Arthur’s Seat is of course a completely free activity when spending a day in Edinburgh.

Visit the Museums

A lot of the museums in Edinburgh are completely free like the Scottish National Gallery, The People’s Story Museum, and even the National Museum of Scotland.

Calton Hil

Visiting Calton Hill is another free thing to do during your day trip to Scotland. And so is hanging out here and watching the sunset.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the prettiest cemeteries we have ever visited, and it’s also completely free to explore. There are also some great views of the Castle from here.

Eating your way through a day in Edinburgh

The food in Edinburgh is incredibly multicultural. You might have this idea in your head that it’s all Haggis and Black Puddings, and there is an element of that, but the food scene in Edinburgh is so much more.

The city has a number of independent coffee shops and restaurants and even a few Michelin star choices. It’s also a top place to go for a spot of afternoon tea, although this being Scotland, the tea part of your afternoon can involve hard liquor if you so choose.

If you eat anything during your day trip to Edinburgh though make it a deep fried Mars Bar. A lot of chippers along the Royal Mile sell these, and my gosh they are good. A coronary nightmare but good nonetheless.

Where to drink during your day trip to Edinburgh

Visiting a pub in Edinburgh is a right of passage. Although when you only have a day in Edinburgh you probably won’t be able to visit them all. Here are some of our favourite pubs in the city in case you are looking for somewhere to relax with a pint.

Greyfriars Bobby Pub

One of our favourite places to drink in Edinburgh has to be  Greyfriars Bobby Pub. You will know you are in the right place as there is a little statue of a dog out the front. The statue is a tribute to the popular story of the little dog whose owner was buried in the Kirkyard just behind the pub. The dog refused to leave his owner’s grave and the tale has been turned into both a book and a film. It is a great place to go for a pint and they serve some pretty decent pub food too.

Grassmarket

If all the stories of bodysnatching and plague victims don’t put you off your food then we recommend heading down to the Grassmarket to unwind with some drinks. It is located directly below Edinburgh Castle and was actually once a place where public executions were held.

One of the most unusual hangings occurred in 1742 when Margaret Dickson was hanged for murdering her illegitimate baby after birth. While her body was being taken away she awoke and since her punishment was already carried out she was allowed to go free. You will now find Maggie Dickson’s pub located in the area which has been named after her.

There is also The Last Drop whose name is a reflection of the Grassmarket’s gruesome past. And the White Hart Inn. It is said to be one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh and is supposed to be haunted. They serve some pretty good grub, but it is also a great place to sit with a pint. It does get pretty busy so be prepared, but if you can handle the jostling then it really is worth visiting.

How to get around during your day trip to Edinburgh

If you only have a day in Edinburgh you probably won’t want to do a lot of exploring with public transport. So the good news is that a lot of the main tourist attractions are close to each other, and are easily walkable. There are som exceptions though in which case you may need to use a bus.

Buses in Edinburgh run 24 hours and tickets can be purchased when you board.

There are 2 main bus operators First and Lothian, so keep this in mind as you can’t use tickets for one company on another’s buses.

There are also trams, and these connect the new town with the airport. Tickets can be purchased at machines at the tram stops. They don’t give change though so it’s best paying by card.

How much money for a day in Edinburgh

You might be wondering how much money you will need for your day trip to Edinburgh. Overall we think Edinburgh is one of the more expensive cities in the UK, although it is still cheaper than London.

In terms of spending money you should budget around £100 per person for a day in Edinburgh. This will include tourist attractions, food and drink, and souvenirs. This price will of course increase or decrease based on your own spending habits.

You probably won’t need accommodation if you are only spending a day in Edinburgh, but in case you do, expect to pay somewhere between £120 – £150 per night. This is for mid range accommodation located in the centre of Edinburgh.

Best time of the year to plan your day trip to Edinburgh

If you only have a day in Edinburgh you are going to want to make the most of your time here. For that reason we would recommend visiting in June or July. The weather is mild with temperatures averaging between 10 – 20 degrees Celsius. The days are also brighter for longer, and with more daylight hours means more time to explore.

August isn’t ideal because it coincides with school holidays, which means higher accommodation costs and long queues for attractions. You also have the Edinburgh Fringe festival at this time of year. It’s one of the biggest arts festivals in the world, and honestly you will have no chance of getting accommodation – especially last minute.

Winters do tend to be harsh in Edinburgh so if you are planning on climbing Arthurs Seat for instance the winter months won’t be ideal. Whilst it is not often that it gets below freezing, it does get foggy, and tends to rain a lot, so probably not ideal for planning a day trip to Edinburgh.

But winter is a good excuse to hide away in a cosy pub to keep warm so there is always that. The Christmas Markets are another good reason to visit Edinburgh in December. They are incredibly atmospheric and probably one of the best Christmas Markets in the UK.

Is a day in Edinburgh enough?

You might be wondering if a day in Edinburgh is enough time. Honestly we would say no. To really get to grips with the city you probably need 3 days.

But if you can only do a day trip to Edinburgh all is not lost. The good news is, a lot of the main attractions are really close together. If you hang around Old Town you will be able to see a good bit.

It’s also a very walkable city so it won’t take you ages getting from place to place. The main thing is, if you plan what you want to see, book tickets in advance, and are mindful of your time, you should be able to do a fair bit in Edinburgh in a day.

Staying overnight?

Even if you are only planning a day trip to Edinburgh you may decide to stay overnight and leave early the next morning. If that is the case, we highly recommend you look for accommodation around the Royal Mile or Holyrood. This will ensure that you are close to the main attractions and the train station.

What to pack for day trip to Edinburgh

Here are some of our top suggestions on must haves for your day trip to Edinburgh.

• A portable phone charger- trust us you will take that many photos you will need it!
• A decent day bag for carrying essentials.
• Good, waterproof shoes.
• Rainwear – unfortunately it does rain quite a bit in Edinburgh.
• A good waterproof jacket.
• Layered clothing.
• A refillable drink bottle.

Tips for planning your day trip to Edinburgh

Here are some final tips for planning your day in Edinburgh.

• Dress for the weather, and be prepared for rain!
• Book tours in advance particularly during peak season.
• Also book any restaurants in advance.
• Edinburgh is pretty walkable but make sure you have decent shoes.
• Double check if there are any festivals on before you go as it will be crowded.

Should I spend a day in Edinburgh?

Hopefully after this article you are no longer wondering if you should spend a day in Edinburgh. We think Edinburgh is incredible, and is one of the must visit places in Europe. There is so much history and beauty to be uncovered in the city, so if you have the chance to do a day trip to Edinburgh take it! Just make sure you plan things in advance to make the most of your short time in the city.

If you found this article useful you can pin it for later!

Happy Travels!