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Planning a trip to the enchanting city of Edinburgh? This one day in Edinburgh itinerary will help you plan your route, featuring cozy coffee shops, charming book shops, and the top sights that you cannot miss!
Edinburgh is without a doubt one of the most charming unique cities I have ever been to.
Visiting the capital of Scotland truly feels like stepping directly into a fairy tale. With its old cobblestone streets, Gothic sandstone buildings, and mysterious towers that look like the perfect place to keep a princess captive.
It is also an exceptionally pedestrian-friendly city, in size and layout. Making it possible to visit most of the main attractions in a day, but hopefully, you stay a bit longer.
However, if you are just passing by, this one day in Edinburgh itinerary will help you make the most of your trip to this gorgeous city!
One Day In Edinburgh Itinerary
Where to sleep in Edinburgh
When visiting a city for a short amount of time I think 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 where we arrived from the airport, and also to most main attractions.
Breakfast at Lovecrumbs in Edinburgh
First things first; morning fuel. Point A Hotel is luckily within walking distance of one of the coziest coffee shops in town; Lovecrumbs.
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.
Stop by 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 mad man, in the best way possible. A little bit like Sherlock Holmes organized mess—and I love it!
Visit Grassmarket Square
After wandering the tight alleys of Armchair Books is time to wander the dramatically beautiful streets of Edinburgh.
Keep walking on West Port street until it turns into Grassmarket and you will inevitably find yourself at Grassmarket square. A quaint little plaza with a stunning view of the Edinburgh Castle in the back, making it one of the most iconic views of the city.
Admire the colorful Victoria Street
And speaking of iconic, Victoria Street is just a few steps away.
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 in at every other shop.
The angle and curve of the street also make it an extremely photogenic spot of the city.
For Harry Potter fans this street is 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 wizard’s world.
Fall in love with the University of Edinburgh
Another iconic spot you cannot miss in your one day in Edinburgh itinerary is the ridiculously beautiful New College building from the University of Edinburgh.
It is seriously breathtaking.
It will make you feel right at Hogwarts, and honestly, if I could study there 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.
Stroll the Princes Street Gardens
Walk over to the famous Princes Street Gardens and take a leisurely stroll through the perfectly manicured park.
Enjoy the view of the magnificent castle at the top, and watch out for the roar of the cannon that goes off every day at 1 pm (except Sundays).
If you are 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—and I have to admit I was impressed—and a pot of fresh mint tea. The service was really lovely and their dessert options look delicious.
My second option for you is Archipelago Bakery, 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.
Walk the popular Royal Mile
Now that you sat down for a while and recharged your batteries is time to get back on your feet and walk the Royal Mile.
To be completely honest it is quite a tourist thing to do, but we are tourists, so might as well.
Here you can find all the whisky and Tartan shops to complete your souvenir shopping, as well as admire the historic city’s architecture.
Catch sunset at Calton Hill
If you 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.
Here you will 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 imposing 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
On the way back to the city center make sure to walk through the Old Town, take a stroll around the area, and don’t miss the beautiful St Giles Cathedral and make use of their free entrance (if it’s still open).
Scottish dinner and drinks at McGonagalls
Hear me out, this one might sound a bit unconventional for dinner, but I really enjoyed having dinner and drinks at McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium.
I tried a few different places for a “typical Scottish dinner” and this was by far my favorite place. My bangers and mash were rich in flavor, 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 remind me of Alice in Wonderland.
Definitely a spot worth checking out during your one day in Edinburgh itinerary!
With its charming old book shops, cozy coffee shops and unique Gothic architecture, Edinburgh is a city I was dreaming of visiting for a long time, and now that I have I cannot wait to go back. And I am sure you will feel the same way.
Hope you found this one day in Edinburgh itinerary useful for your upcoming trip to this stunning city!
What are you most looking forward to on your trip to dreamy Edinburgh? Let us know in the comments.