13 August 2024
Wondering what to see in Edinburgh in 1 day? This guide will help you make the most of your Edinburgh itinerary, whether you’re on a day trip to Edinburgh or just have limited time to explore.
Read on to discover the must-see attractions that will make your visit unforgettable. We’ll show you how to experience the charm of Scotland’s capital city in just 24 hours.
With just one day to explore the Scottish capital, you’ll want to make every moment count. One day in Edinburgh may seem short, but it’s enough to experience the city’s highlights if you plan wisely.
Our Edinburgh day trip itinerary ideas take you through both the Old Town and New Town, so you can wander cobbled streets steeped in history while also experiencing the city’s modern charm. Let’s discover how to spend a day in Edinburgh to make the most of your whirlwind visit.
No visit to͏ central Edinburgh is complete without a castle visit. Located atop an extinct ͏volca͏no, Edinburgh d͏omina͏tes the city skyline and offers br͏eathtaking views of the city.
Look out for St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surv͏iving building in Edinbu͏rgh, the Scottish Crown Jewels, or the St͏o͏ne of ͏Destiny ͏used in the co͏ronat͏ion of King Charles.͏
After exploring the͏ castle, you’re in a prime͏ position to exp͏erienc͏e mor͏e of ͏Edinburgh’s attractions. The ͏Scotch Whisky Experience is within͏ walking distance, offering a tast͏e of Sc͏otland’s national drink. ͏
As you take in͏ the castle ͏views, ͏you can plan your route through the rest of the city, as many͏ key sights are visible from this vantag͏e point. ͏Remember, Edinb͏urgh is͏ a sm͏all city, so you can easily re͏ach ͏mo͏st attrac͏tion͏s by tour bus or ͏foot from ͏this central locati͏on͏. ͏
Tip: It’s be͏s͏t t͏o sta͏rt your day ear͏ly͏ ͏at Edinburgh Castle to beat͏ t͏he cro͏wd͏s and ma͏ke the most of ͏yo͏ur t͏ime.
After exploring Edinburgh Castle, take a breather in Princes Street Gardens. This beautiful green space is a must-see on your one-day trip in Edinburgh. It offers a peaceful retreat and fantastic views of the castle above.
As you walk through the gardens, you’ll come across the impressive Scott Monument, a towering tribute to Sir Walter Scott. If you’re up for it, climb the 287 steps for a great view of the city.
Don’t forget to look for the Robert Louis Stevenson memorial, honouring the author of “Treasure Island”. Before you leave, take a moment to admire the recently restored Ross Fountain — it’s a Victorian beauty. Princes Street Gardens is the perfect spot to recharge before continuing your Edinburgh adventure.
If you’re looking for enchantment on your Edinburgh visit, Victoria Street is a must-visit. This curving street is said to have been the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series, making it a popular pilgrimage site for Harry Potter fans.
With its vibrant shopfronts and charming architecture, it’s easy to see why JK Rowling might have drawn inspiration from this picturesque lane while writing in Edinburgh’s cafes.
Even if you’re not into wizardry, Victoria Street is still a highlight for day trips to Edinburgh. It’s packed with unique shops, from quirky boutiques to traditional Scottish stores. Take your time browsing, or try your own hand at capturing one of Edinburgh’s most photographed streets.
The Royal Mile should be at the top of your list when exploring Edinburgh in a day. This historic stretch is the backbone of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.
Visitors and tourists seeking to experience the heritage of Edinburgh will find the Royal Mile packed with attractions, shops, and restaurants that capture the city’s spirit.
As you stroll down the cobblestones, stop at St Giles’ Cathedral, a stunning 900-year-old church with its distinctive crown spire. Inside, you can learn about Scottish religious reformer John Knox and admire the beautiful stained glass windows.
Offering a combination of history and modern Scottish culture, the Royal Mile is ideal for those trying to see the best of Edinburgh in a limited time. Also, keep an eye out for the numerous narrow alleyways branching off the main street — they often hide fascinating secrets of old Edinburgh.
Head to the Scottish National Gallery on Queen Street for cultural exploration on your Edinburgh one-day tour. This stunning neoclassical building boasts an impressive collection of fine art that spans centuries of Scottish history. As one of the premier national galleries in the UK, it’s a popular spot for art and history buffs.
The gallery’s exhibitions showcase masterpieces from renowned artists like Botticelli, Raphael, and Van Gogh, alongside celebrated Scottish painters. Best of all, admission to the permanent collection is free, making it one of the many free things to do in Edinburgh.
If you’re short on time but still want to experience Edinburgh’s cultural side, this gallery offers a perfect taste of what the city’s museums have to offer. Don’t miss the opportunity to see some of Scotland’s most prized artworks in this iconic institution.
Calton Hill offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Edinburgh skyline, allowing you to take in the city’s beauty from an elevated perspective. This scenic spot is home to several historic monuments that add to its beauty and make it a photographer’s dream.
As you explore, you’ll find the towering Nelson Monument, a tribute to Admiral Lord Nelson, and the imposing National Monument, often referred to as “Edinburgh’s Disgrace” due to its unfinished state.
Don’t miss the elegant Dugald Stewart Monument, a circular temple-like structure that perfectly frames the city views. If you’re interested in science and art, the City Observatory is also located here, now repurposed as an art gallery.
The Scottish Parliament Building is a great example of contemporary architecture that stands in stark contrast to Edinburgh’s historic structures.
Designed by Spanish architect Enric Miralles, this complex opened in 2004 and has quickly become an iconic part of Edinburgh’s landscape. Its unique design uses elements of Scottish culture and nature, with leaf-shaped motifs and buildings that seem to grow out of the land.
Visitors can take a free tour of the Parliament building to learn about Scotland’s government and see democracy in action. The debating chamber is particularly impressive and features a distinctive roof resembling upturned boats. Even if you don’t have time for a full tour, it’s worth stopping by to admire the building’s exterior and the dynamic grass landform.
When visiting Edinburgh, don’t miss the chance to explore George Street, one of the city’s most sophisticated thoroughfares. This wide street in the heart of New Town is lined with stunning Georgian architecture, high-end shops, and some of Edinburgh’s trendiest bars and restaurants.
It’s the perfect place to indulge in some retail therapy or simply admire the grand buildings that go back to the city’s 18th-century expansion.
As the evening approaches, George Street comes alive with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. It’s an excellent spot to sample some Scottish food with a modern twist. You’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds, from haggis, fresh seafood, or a warming bowl of Cullen skink.
If you’re chasing breathtaking views of Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat is a must-visit spot. This extinct volcano, now an iconic hill in Holyrood Park, offers one of the city’s most rewarding hiking experiences. Rising 251 meters above sea level, it’s the highest point in Edinburgh and provides panoramic vistas that highlight all the top sights of the city and beyond.
Arthur’s Seat has trails for all fitness levels, from gentle slopes for casual strollers to more challenging paths for experienced hikers. With a bit of determination, most visitors can make it to the top and enjoy the spectacular views.
Once at the top, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Firth of Forth stretching out to the horizon. On clear days, you can see as far as the Highlands.
The Royal Yacht Britannia provides a glimpse into the lives of the British royal family. This magnificent ship, which served as a royal residence for over 40 years, is now permanently moored in Edinburgh’s port of Leith.
As you explore its decks, you’ll see how the royals lived and entertained on the high seas.
A guided tour takes you through five decks of this floating palace, from the lavish State Apartments to the cosy Royal Bedrooms, revealing fascinating stories about royal voyages and state visits.
You’ll also see the Queen’s bedroom, the Sun Lounge, where the royal family relaxed, and even peek into the engine room.
Don’t forget to stop by the Royal Deck Tea Room for a taste of royal hospitality with stunning views of the Firth of Forth.
When planning your one-day tour in Edinburgh, make sure to include the Palace of Holyroodhouse on your itinerary. This grand building serves as the British monarch’s official Scottish residence and offers a royal experience like no other in the city.
As you wander through the grand State Apartments, you’ll walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, including the infamous Mary Queen of Scots, whose chamber is one of the highlights of the tour.
The palace offers a fascinating journey through time, blending Renaissance architecture with modern royal life. Your sightseeing adventure here includes the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, the palace gardens, and the Queen’s Gallery, which hosts changing exhibitions of art from the Royal Collection.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this living piece of Scottish royal heritage during your Edinburgh visit.
As your 1 day in Edinburgh winds down, make your way to Grassmarket Square. This vibrant area, once a medieval marketplace and site of public executions, now buzzes with life and charm. The square is framed by colourful buildings and dominated by the looming presence of Edinburgh Castle above.
Grassmarket is known for its many traditional pubs, making it the best spot to end your day trip to Edinburgh with a taste of Scottish hospitality. Many of these establishments have been serving patrons for centuries and come with their own fascinating stories.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet pint, some live Scottish folk music, or a hearty meal of local specialities, you’ll find it here.
Let Bright Bus Tours whisk you effortlessly between these 12 iconic attractions. Book your tickets now and explore the best of Edinburgh in one day with our hop-on hop-off bus tours!
Edinburgh is a small city, and many attractions are within walking distance. This makes it ideal for exploring on foot. However, if you want to cover more ground or save energy, there are several options:
We suggest a combination of walking and using the Bright Bus Tours hop-on-hop-off service. This allows you to see the city up close while also covering larger distances and accessing commentary about the attractions.
Yes, several attractions we’ve discussed in this guide have free entry, including:
While these attractions are free, some may have specific areas or exhibitions that charge a fee. You should check their official websites for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
If you’re passionate about outdoor activities and want to combine sightseeing with a bit of adventure, Arthur’s Seat could be a highlight of your trip. However, if you prefer to focus on historical and cultural attractions, you can admire Arthur’s Seat from afar and spend your time exploring other parts of Edinburgh.
If the weather is good and you’re physically able, the views from Arthur’s Seat are spectacular. However, the climb can take 2-3 hours round trip, so consider if you have time in your one-day itinerary.
Absolutely! Consider visiting the Writers’ Museum, dedicated to famous Scottish authors, or Dean Village, a picturesque area just a short walk from the city centre.
Both of these attractions give you the chance to step off the beaten path and experience different facets of Edinburgh’s history and culture. They’re valuable additions to a one-day itinerary if you can squeeze them in.
Ready to make the most of your one-day itinerary in Edinburgh? Let Bright Bus Tours be your guide! Our hop-on hop-off service is the brightest way to experience the city’s best sights, from the historic Royal Mile to the grand Edinburgh Castle.
We are Scotland’s official open-top tour and airport connection and are proud to have received a 4-star award from Visit Scotland in recognition of our exceptional customer service. This award reflects our commitment to providing the friendliest and most informative experience for visitors to Edinburgh.
With several tours to choose from, including our City Tour and Britannia Tour, you’ll have the flexibility to explore Edinburgh at your own pace. Our knowledgeable drivers and engaging audio guide ensure you won’t miss a single detail about Scotland’s capital.
Don’t just wonder about what to see in Edinburgh in 1 day — let Bright Bus Tours show you the way!
Visit our website to buy your 24-hour ticket for just £16.