One Day in Edinburgh Itinerary: What to Do, See, and Eat

Last updated on July 28th, 2025

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Edinburgh is, without a doubt, one of the most charming, unique cities I have ever been to. I could spend weeks wandering its Gothic streets, but if one day in Edinburgh is all you have, this itinerary has you covered.

Visiting the Scottish capital truly feels like stepping directly into a fairy tale. And while many European cities can feel this way, Edinburgh takes it to the next level!

With its old cobblestone streets, impressive Gothic buildings, and mysterious towers that look like the perfect place to keep a princess captive, it’s hard to believe this place is even real.

Luckily, this faraway land is an exceptionally pedestrian-friendly city, in size and layout, making it possible to visit most of the main attractions in just a day—if that’s all the time you have.

Since I like to slow travel while visiting any destination, I spent 3 days here, so this one day in Edinburgh itinerary is a compilation of all the highlights—including where to have the best scones in the city, the unmissable sights, and where to finish the night off with a cheeky cocktail.

So let’s get started!

One Day in Edinburgh Itinerary: What to Do, See, and Eat

Where to sleep in Edinburgh

When visiting a city for a short amount of time, it’s important to make sure that your accommodation is somewhere central. We have no precious time to waste commuting.

And I found exactly this in the Point A hotel.

The rooms are not the biggest, but they are extremely clean and modern. The hotel is within walking distance of the train station from which we arrived from the airport, and also to most main attractions.

Check for availability for your dates here:

Breakfast at Lovecrumbs: The best scones I’ve ever had

First things first: morning fuel. Point A Hotel is luckily within walking distance of one of the coziest coffee shops in town, Lovecrumbs.

Lovecrumbs is the cutest, homiest place, with incredible coffee and scones so famously delicious that you need to rush out of bed in the morning to make sure you get one before they sell out.

Which happens every day at around 10 am.

I’m not a morning person by any means, but setting up the alarm extra early for this was absolutely worth it. Would do it again.

Their brownies are also to die for, and the whole place’s aesthetic just makes you feel warm and safe and like you are the main character in an indie film. I would love to be a regular here.

Yes, I’m a fangirl for this place.

Browse the tight aisles at Armchair Books

Just a few steps away from Lovecrumbs is Armchair Books, a bookshop I kept seeing on everyone’s list to visit, and a mandatory stop during your one day in Edinburgh.

This is a used books bookshop, with mountains of books on the floor, and even more flooding the shelves.

The place resembles the library of a madman, in the best way possible. A little bit like Sherlock Holmes’ organized mess—and I love it!

Visit the historic Grassmarket Square

After wandering the tight alleys of Armchair Books, is time to explore the dramatically beautiful streets of Edinburgh.

I swear the whole place looks like a movie set!

Keep walking on West Port Street until it turns into Grassmarket, and you will inevitably find yourself at the historic Grassmarket Square.

This open square used to be a livestock market in the 15th century, but is now a quaint little plaza lined with boutique shops, pubs, and restaurants, all with a stunning view of he iconic Edinburgh Castle in the back.

Stroll along Victoria Street: Edinburgh’s most colorful street

And speaking of iconic, Victoria Street is just a few steps away—I told you everything is within walking distance.

Victoria Street is a unique curved road, lined with colorful houses and cute local businesses, making it almost impossible to walk the whole length of the street without stopping at every other shop.

The angle and curve of the street also make it one of the most photographed spots in the city.

And if this street kind of seems familiar, it’s because it’s also known as the real-life Diagon Alley, since it is rumored that J.K. Rowling got inspired by it to create the famous alley in the wizards world.

Fall in love with the University of Edinburgh

A spot that you shouldn’t skip when planning your one day in Edinburgh itinerary is the ridiculously beautiful New College building of the University of Edinburgh.

It’s seriously breathtaking!

The New College building will make you feel like stepping into Hogwarts, and honestly, if I could study here, I might just never stop being a student.

The building is an extraordinary piece of neo-Gothic architecture that will make all your dark academia dreams come true.

Make sure to also stop at The Writers Museum close by—it would be rude not to, considering that Edinburgh is recognized as a UNESCO World City of Literature.

Take a peaceful stroll through Princes Street Gardens

After thinking of the life you could have in a parallel universe as a university student in Edinburgh—just me?—make your way to the charming Princes Street Gardens.

Take a peaceful walk through the garden, unless it’s close to 1 pm when the cannon goes off every day… in this case, just be ready to get a jump scare.

It’s freaking loud! You’ve been warned.

Cannon aside, the gardens are very cute, and if you’re lucky with the weather, this is the perfect place to sit down for a bit at one of the picnic tables and admire the incredible view of Edinburgh Castle.

If you’re getting hungry at this point, worry no more, I have a lunch option close by.

Lunch options near Edinburgh Old Town

I’ve got two options for you, depending on how much you want to walk.

First up is the Lowdown Coffee, a casual coffee shop with baked goods and light lunch options—we are keeping it light because dinner is going to be good.

At Lowdown, I got my first ever vegetarian sandwich—I have to admit I was impressed—and a pot of fresh mint tea. The service was really friendly and their dessert options look delicious.

My second option for you is Archipelago Bakery, just a few blocks further, where you can get a hearty bowl of soup with a warm slice of bread right out of the oven for around 5 pounds(!)

I was visiting Edinburgh during March, so the warm meal was very appreciated to fight the chills from walking all day.

Take a leisurely walk through Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile

Now that you have sat down for a while and recharged your batteries, it’s time to get back on your feet and walk the Royal Mile.

The Royal Mile is the main street of the Old Town district in Edinburgh, which goes from Edinburgh Castle to the Holyrood Palace, both royal residences, thus giving it the name “The Royal Mile”.

Here you can find all the whisky and Tartan shops to complete your souvenir shopping, as well as admire the stunning city’s architecture.

Catch the sunset at Calton Hill

If you’ve already made it all the way to the end of the Royal Mile, it would be a shame to turn around now.

So take a breath, maybe a sip of water—I always carry a water bottle—and hike up to the top of Calton Hill, one of the best spots to see the sunset in Edinburgh.

From here you’ll get a magnificent view of the whole city, and if you get lucky, you might also get a spectacular sunset.

On the way to Calton Hill, you will also pass by the famous Balmoral hotel, make sure to take a few minutes to scan it up and down and admire its beauty.

Wander the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town

After sunset, on the way back to Edinburgh’s city center, make sure to walk through the Old Town, exploring its Gothic streets, before heading for dinner.

Don’t miss the beautiful St Giles Cathedral, and make use of their free entrance—if it’s still open.

End the night with a Scottish dinner and drinks at McGonagall’s

Hear me out, this one might sound a bit unconventional for dinner, but I really enjoyed having dinner—and drinks—at McGonagall’s Gin & Whisky Emporium.

I tried a few different places for a “typical Scottish dinner” during my stay, and this was by far my favorite place.

For a traditional dinner, I ordered bangers and mash, and they were the best I had in the city, so flavorful—same as their pie, which my friend ordered.

I’m not much of a beer drinker, but they also have a variety of beers and tasty ciders that my friend approved of.

Lucky for me, they also specialize in cocktail drinks, and their gin sour is a solid 10/10.

The place has the vibe and looks of a pub, but with beautiful flower wallpaper and lots of art hanging on the walls, which, for some reason, reminds me of Alice in Wonderland.

Definitely a spot worth fitting into your one day in Edinburgh itinerary!

Final thoughts on a one day in Edinburgh itinerary

With its charming bookshops, cozy coffee shops, and unique Gothic architecture, Edinburgh is a city I had been dreaming of visiting for a long time, and now that I have, I cannot wait to go back.

And I’m sure you will feel the same way.

But if one day in Edinburgh is all you have, this itinerary will help you cover all the basics while also enjoying the little things of slow travel that I love so much, such as a cute brunch spot, leisurely walks through the city’s main garden, and having great food.

A very important part of my itineraries.

So, I hope you found this one day in Edinburgh itinerary useful for your upcoming trip to this stunning city. I’m already jealous.

What are you most looking forward to on your trip to dreamy Edinburgh? Let us know in the comments.