If you only have one day to visit Edinburgh, you can still get a great feel for the city if you make the most of it. Here is a route to see the essentials of Edinburgh in one day.
This route combines walks and optional visits. To do it in one day, choose only one long indoor visit, the Castle or the Palace, and see the rest from outside. If you join the Free Walking Tour in the morning, you’ll need to cut down the later visits. Leave time for lunch and check closing times.
To see Edinburgh in one day on this route, we recommend an early start. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and get ready for a busy day.
The table below summarises the places you’ll visit on this one-day Edinburgh itinerary.
Itinerary at a glance
Your day in Edinburgh
Old Town
Start with the best introduction to the city on our Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh, which covers all the essential places in the Old Town with a local guide who will tell you everything you need to get your bearings and make the most of your time.
Choose a morning departure and check the available times when you book.
Greyfriars
On the tour you’ll visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, home of Greyfriars Bobby and a place of great importance in Scottish history, where the National Covenant was signed. It’s also a very special place for Harry Potter fans.
Edinburgh Castle
Now it’s time for Edinburgh Castle, on your own or on our guided tour with your ticket included. It is Scotland’s most important fortress and was the centre of its political life for centuries.
At the Castle you can see the Scottish Crown Jewels and discover the history of the fortress. Note that the Stone of Destiny has been on display at Perth Museum since 2024.
If you want to save time or money, you can just see it from outside: walk around the Esplanade and enjoy its imposing exterior.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the main street of the Old Town. It gets its name because it covers about one Scots mile, the distance between Edinburgh’s two traditional royal residences, the Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Many of Edinburgh’s most important monuments line the Royal Mile. It’s a walk of about twenty minutes that you must do, stopping at fascinating places along the way.
St Giles’ Cathedral
The first essential stop is St Giles’ Cathedral, Scotland’s most important church. A Protestant church since the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century, its many reconstructions and additions give it a unique style.
Don’t miss the Thistle Chapel, with its exquisite carved wooden stalls.
Canongate
Heading towards Holyrood, you’ll find another church, Canongate Kirk, full of history and, thanks to its simplicity, much more typical of a Presbyterian church than St Giles’.
Next to it is its kirkyard, one of the best preserved in Edinburgh, where Adam Smith is buried.
Opposite stands the old Canongate Tolbooth, with its clock, now a symbol of the Royal Mile.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Your walk down the Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British royal family in Edinburgh.
Unless a member of the royal family is staying, you can go inside. Highlights include the Throne Room and Mary Queen of Scots’ chambers.
The visit ends at the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, next to the palace.
Scottish Parliament
Opposite the Palace is the modern Scottish Parliament building, very striking and controversial at the time, but which has since won many awards.
You can take a free guided tour of the building, but it’s best to book in advance.
This may be a good time for lunch. Take a look at our guides to where to eat in Edinburgh for some of the best lunch options.
National Museum of Scotland
Of the city’s many museums, it’s worth visiting at least Edinburgh’s two most important ones.
First, the National Museum of Scotland, with a fascinating journey through Scotland’s history, from its geological origins to the present day.
If you want to complete this whole route to see Edinburgh in one day, you won’t have time to see it in depth, but you’ll get a good idea of the highlights. Entry is free.
Princes Street Gardens
Afterwards, take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, relax and enjoy the wonderful views of the Old Town.
Scottish National Gallery
The second museum we suggest is the Scottish National Gallery, Scotland’s largest art gallery, with works from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, including Velázquez’s An Old Woman Cooking Eggs. Entry is also free.
New Town
When you leave the Gallery, you’ll be in the New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 and one of the finest examples of Georgian and neoclassical architecture.
Wander its streets and enjoy a much less touristy atmosphere than the Old Town. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best places to go shopping in Edinburgh.
To learn more about this historic part of the city, join our Free Dean Village & New Town Tour.
Calton Hill
Overlooking the New Town is Calton Hill, with one of the iconic views of the city. Climb up to watch the sun set over the Old Town and take Edinburgh’s most famous photo.
Free Ghost Tour
Finally, you can’t leave without discovering Edinburgh’s darkest past. On our Free Ghost Tour you’ll explore some of the Old Town’s most sinister graveyards and closes, while your guide tells you about the episodes that marked the dark history of the city’s people.
Have more time? See our 2-day and 3-day Edinburgh itineraries.