Edinburgh in a Day: Must-See Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

If you only have one full day in Edinburgh, we have some tips on how to make the most of Scotland’s capital. The city is compact and walkable, but some attractions may require a short Uber ride. This itinerary includes iconic sights such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, a detour to the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden, and a mix of local cuisine and late-night fun.

You can’t see everything Edinburgh has to offer in one day, but you will leave feeling like you experienced the city’s history, food, and nightlife if you follow our plan. Be prepared: it’s a long day!

Schedule at a Glance

• Scottish Breakfast at Brewhemia (Waverley Station)
• Edinburgh Castle (book timed tickets online)
• Cullen Skink for lunch at The Mitre or fish and chips at Landy’s
• Royal Botanic Garden (take Uber or bus)
• Royal Mile shopping and optional stops at St Giles’ Cathedral, Victoria Street, or the National Museum of Scotland
• Dinner near Canongate Kirk (before night tour)
• Ghosts, Myths, and Legends Tour (WithLocals)
• Live music at Whistle Binkies

Indulge in a Hearty Breakfast

Where We Went: Brewhemia

Start your day at Brewhemia, which is right next to Waverley Station. It is a large space with a lively vibe, and the Rabbie’s breakfast is a solid choice if you want to try haggis and black pudding. They also serve a vegan fry and banana pancakes, which I can’t wait to try next time. Our group went with a mix of options, and my favorite was the egg and avocado on a croissant.

Alternative Breakfast Spots for Next Time

• The Edinburgh Larder for a great take on traditional Scottish breakfasts.
• Loudons for pancakes, French toast, eggs benedict, and vegetarian friendly options.
• Hendersons for highly recommended plant-based breakfasts.

Explore the Famous Edinburgh Castle

From Brewhemia it’s a 15-minute uphill walk to Edinburgh Castle along the Royal Mile. You’ll need to get timed-entry tickets, so booking in advance online is strongly recommended to avoid long lines or sold-out days when you arrive.

We recommend visiting in the morning, so you have plenty of energy for the climb and exploration.

The castle involves uneven ground and many steps, so comfortable shoes are important.

Break for Lunch on the Royal Mile

Where We Went: The Mitre

We chose The Mitre, a traditional pub on the Royal Mile. It is a casual spot that’s easy to reach from the castle, and their Cullen Skink (a creamy smoked haddock soup) is filling (but light enough after that hearty breakfast) and a great sample of traditional Scottish food.

Alternative: Landry’s Fish and Chips

If fish and chips is on your must-eat list, Landy’s is steps away, and served our favorite fish and chips of the trip. The batter is crispy, and the fish is flaky. It’s so much better than we expected in the tourist center.

Wander the Beautiful Royal Botanic Garden

After lunch, take an Uber or local bus to the Royal Botanic Garden. Entry to the Botanics is free, and it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a calmer side of Edinburgh. The garden covers 70 acres and offers great views.

Shop and Sample Whisky on the Royal Mile

Head back to the Old Town by Uber or bus and spend the late afternoon browsing shops and landmarks.

• Royal Mile shops offer a mix of whisky tasting, treats like Scottish shortbread, tartan clothing, and souvenir stores.
• St Giles’ Cathedral is free to explore, though donations are encouraged and appreciated.
• Victoria Street is a colorful spot that is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
• National Museum of Scotland is also free entry. We didn’t have time to pop in but I wish we did even for 30 minutes to check out Scottish history.

Dinner Near Canongate Kirk

Where We Went: The Black Grape

We booked The Black Grape, which is just off the Royal Mile and right down the street from the starting point of our evening tour (Canongate Kirk).

The menu is built around small plates, which is a great way to try a few flavors and share with your group. This wasn’t our favorite meal of the trip, but there were some delicious highlights, and the service was outstanding. Our favorites were the wild mushroom spring rolls, Newhaven crab crumpet, and the hummus. But we would skip the Scotch egg and the steak next time.

Alternative Spots We Want to Try Next Time

• Tolbooth Tavern
• Wedgwood

We also really want to check out the Palmerston, but that’s on the other side of town. We need another trip!

Discover Ghosts, Myths, and Legends

Edinburgh is famous for ghost stories, and an evening tour adds some spooky indulgence to your trip. We booked the WithLocals Ghosts, Myths, and Legends Tour, which lasted about 2.5 hours and covered cemeteries and backstreets while our guide shared stories of Edinburgh’s darker past. This tour worked well for us because it was private and personalized.

End the Night with Live Music

If you’re not ready to hit the hay, head to Whistle Binkies, a basement bar with live music. The atmosphere is casual and lively, and the drinks are reasonably priced. It is not fancy, but it’s a fun way to wrap up your day in Edinburgh. We had such a great time!

Practical Tips

• Walkability: The castle, Royal Mile, shops, dinner, ghost tour, and Whistle Binkies are all walkable.
• Transport: Only the Royal Botanic Garden requires transport, but Uber was readily available.
• Packing Pointers: Edinburgh has cobbled streets and hills, so you’ll need good walking shoes. The weather is also unpredictable, so bring rain gear.

To be honest, one day is not enough in Edinburgh, and this itinerary is jam-packed. But if you’re up for the adventure, our plan covers the must-sees and gives you plenty of ways to explore the history, culture, food, and nightlife of this beautiful city.

Have you been to Edinburgh? What are your must-see stops? Let us know in the comments.

Check Out More of Our Scotland Tips

• What to Eat in Edinburgh: Best Dishes and Where to Get Them
• Glasgow in a Day: Where to Eat, Drink, and Wander in Scotland’s Biggest City