Foreboding castles atop hills, mind-blowing highlands, craggy coastlines, serene lakes and breathtaking monuments, the iconic city of Edinburgh is a destination with its own unique beauty. It has a medieval old town with brilliant architecture, cobblestoned streets, and fragrance of history, whereas Scotland’s capital also has a Georgian new town with romantic gardens, neoclassical buildings and bustling markets. This enchanting destination promises you with picturesque-postcard views anywhere you turn. So, without wasting any more time, have a look at the following best Things to do in Edinburgh along with an affordable 3-day itinerary. You will definitely fall in love with everything this city has to offer.
Best Things To Do in Edinburgh
No one can get bored in Edinburgh, United Kingdom because this place has so much to offer to its visitors. Check out these top things to do in Edinburgh and make your vacation count.
- Explore the Wonderful Edinburgh Castle
- Climb the Famous Arthur’s Seat
- Visit the Fascinating Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
- Stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden
- Admire Treasures of the National Museum of Scotland
Also read: Culture Corner: The Edinburgh Experience in Scotland-Things to do in Edinburgh!
1. Explore the Wonderful Edinburgh Castle
One of the top things to do in Edinburgh is to visit the mesmerizing Edinburgh Castle. The castle is perched over a rock and offers you stunning 360-degree views. This is a popular tourist attraction because the castle is home to various significant Scottish artefacts, including gems and jewellery, paintings, sculptures, and more. Be the part of a guided tour to gain more knowledge about the castle.
2. Climb the Famous Arthur’s Seat
Your visit to Edinburgh is incomplete without climbing the marvellous Arthur’s Seat. It is an extinct volcano, which makes it more interesting to visit it. With the peak of 251 metres above sea level, this place is well-known for its spellbinding views. Being Edinburgh’s best tourist attraction, don’t miss the great chance to explore an extinct volcano!
Also read:A Scottish Sojurn – Best day trips from Edinburgh.
3. Visit the Fascinating Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is one of the perfect places to go in Edinburgh for families with kids. This place will not only give goosebumps to kids, but to adults as well. This place is 5 floors, each having its own speciality. From mirror maze to Vortex Tunnel, you will find everything related to illusions.
4. Stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden
Who doesn’t love spending time in nature and breathing fresh air? The Royal Botanic Garden is situated on the edge of the New Town, covering over 70 acres of land. The garden flourishes a wide range of plants, trees, and flowers, accompanied by panoramic views. Spend some time away from the city and enjoy peace and serenity at the Royal Botanic Garden.
Also read: Top-notch places to visit while visiting Edinburgh, Scotland
5. Admire Treasures of the National Museum of Scotland
The capital city of Scotland is home to numerous museums, but the National Museum of Scotland is one of the best museums to explore. Also, if you are looking for free things to do in Edinburgh, this place is perfect for you. This intriguing museum displays more than 20,000 unique artefacts, overwhelming, isn’t it? This place has everything for everyone, from grasping knowledge about world cultures, Scottish history, nature, art and design, modern technology and so on.
Affordable 3-days Edinburgh Itinerary
Edinburgh is a lovely place with so much to do. Plan at least a 7-day trip to Edinburgh but if you are short on days and wish to spend 3 day in this magnificent city, then here we are to help you with it. Have a look at this perfect and affordable 3-days Edinburgh itinerary and plan your next trip accordingly.
The city is divided into 2 parts, old town and new town. We will plan our trip accordingly and cover area by area.
Also read: 2 Days Edinburgh Itinerary – A Fun and Loving Trip!
Day 1 in Edinburgh – Upper Old Town
After landing in this perfect city of Edinburgh, let us start exploring this city to the fullest. Dedicate your day 1 to the Upper Old Town of the city that is very well known for its history. Visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle, where you will get to know about Scottish royalty. Head to Writer’s Museum and Elephant House. Then you can have a traditional Scottish lunch and after that visit the Greyfriars Bobby and Greyfriars Kirkyard (Graveyard). And now it is time to explore the popular National Museum of Scotland. Discover about art, science, history, technology and so much more in the museum. End your day 1 at Grassmarket with shopping, dancing and having delicious dinner. After having such a hectic day, all you need to do is sleep and have some rest for the next day.
Day 2 in Edinburgh – The New Town and Leith
Wake up and have a delicious Scottish breakfast. Be ready to explore and grab some amazing experiences. On day 2, visit the new town area and start your sightseeing by visiting Princes Street Gardens, a perfect way to start your day in nature. Then head to Princes Street and George Street for shopping and buy some exciting souvenirs for your loved ones. If you love gaining some knowledge on the city you have visited, then you can also head to the Scottish National Gallery. Have a scrumptious traditional lunch, and then you can head to the Royal Botanical Garden. Click some pictures and relax your mind and body. To have a tasty dinner, fun musical night and end your day perfectly, visit the colourful area of Leith. Get back to your hotel and have a sound sleep.
Also read: The Best Cocktail Bars in Edinburgh
Day 3 in Edinburgh – Lower Old Town
The last day of your Edinburgh trip has so much in store for you. Start your day by visiting Royal Mile Free Museums and then going for shopping at Royal Mile, or you can also start your day by climbing the extraordinary Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano. Visit any nearby restaurant for lunch, and then you can head to Holyrood Palace and after that you can be part of the Edinburgh Ghost Tour. After completing the tour, head to any nearby restaurant to have dinner and sleep well with all these happy memories. Wake up in the morning and have breakfast, catch your flight and cherish every moment you spent.
What do you say? Visiting Edinburgh next holiday? Book the best Edinburg travel packages from Pickyourtrail and let us craft your dream holiday. You can also customise your Europe itinerary and have it just the way you want. Don’t waste your time and book your ideal vacation at best deals. See you soon 🙂
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