Edinburgh Travel Guide & a 3-Day Itinerary in Scotland’s Beautiful Capital

March 1, 2026

Edinburgh always leaves me with indescribable feelings about the ancient charm of the city’s corners. Of all the places I’ve been, Edinburgh is one of the cities that always captivates me whenever I think of it. Steeped in history, impressive architecture, and countless exciting activities, Edinburgh is a wonderful destination that I believe remains underrated, as it’s still relatively unpopular.

The signature architecture of Edinburgh.

A Brief History of Edinburgh

Modern Edinburgh’s history spans over 1,000 years, and you may have heard that the city’s castle is built on a volcanic rock formation. This location provided a significant advantage in defense and warfare. The castle was built around 1100 and has undergone numerous modifications over the centuries to achieve its current appearance. The city developed from this castle, and you can still clearly see the original layout. Many buildings in the Old Town date back to the Middle Ages, around the 15th-16th centuries.

Cobblestones street adorn with lush greenery of plants and flowers.

You can explore Edinburgh’s spooky stories through ghost tours, but in reality, living conditions were once so bad that the city had to be reformed in the mid-18th century, leading to the formation of the New Town across the valley. When you arrive in Edinburgh, you’ll easily recognize the medieval heritage of the Old Town and the distinctive Georgian architectural style of the New Town.

Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since 1437 and has been the center of many conflicts between England and Scotland. It is also home to many members of the Scottish royal family, including Mary, Queen of Scotland, and King James VI.

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

It’s important to note that Edinburgh gets very crowded. The city is ranked as the second most visited city in the UK after London. The best time to visit Edinburgh is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and many festivals take place.

Spring (April – June): The city is vibrant with flowers blooming everywhere, the weather is cool, ideal for visiting historical sites.
Summer (July – August): Peak tourist season with the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the time with the most cultural events.
Autumn (September – October): Romantic scenery with golden and red leaves, cool weather, less crowded than summer.
Winter (November – January): Edinburgh becomes magical with the Christmas market and the Hogmanay New Year festival.

Generally, the best time to visit Edinburgh is in May, before the peak season, when accommodation prices are quite reasonable. The weather is also quite dry, not as humid as other months, avoiding the drizzle and fog characteristic of Northern England.

Transportation and Ways to Get to Edinburgh

Flying from Vietnam to Edinburgh

There are no direct flights from Vietnam to Edinburgh. Popular airlines include Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines, with one layover in Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul. Flight time is approximately 17-25 hours depending on the route. Ticket prices range from 20-35 million VND depending on the time of year.

Getting to Edinburgh from Other European Cities

To get to Edinburgh from other European cities, you can choose between train and plane. Below is a detailed guide to both modes of transportation:

Getting to Edinburgh by Train:

From London (or other UK cities) to Edinburgh: Travel time is approximately 4 hours and 58 minutes. Ticket prices start from around 40E/person with 26 trains running daily, from early morning to midnight. Note that it is advisable to book tickets in advance for better prices and guaranteed seating.
From York to Edinburgh: The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes for a distance of about 259 km.
From other European cities: For example, from Paris to Edinburgh, you can take the Eurostar train from Paris to London, then transfer to a train to Edinburgh. The total journey time is approximately 7-8 hours. If traveling from Brussels to Edinburgh, take the Eurostar train to London and then transfer to Edinburgh.

These trains will take you from London to Edinburgh for £25

Getting To Edinburgh by plane:

From London to Edinburgh: The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can depart from airports such as London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), or London City (LCY). The arrival airport will be Edinburgh Airport (EDI). You can book with budget airlines like EasyJet or Ryanair for the lowest fares.
From other European cities: Flights from Paris or Amsterdam to Edinburgh take approximately 1 hour and 30-45 minutes. Flights from further locations like Frankfurt will take about 2 hours.

Where to stay when traveling to Edinburgh?

In my experience, it’s best to stay in the city center, such as a hotel in the Old Town. I only had a few days in Edinburgh, so minimizing travel time was essential. This allowed me to visit Edinburgh’s highlights in a short amount of time. If you have more time, you can venture out of the Old Town and explore other areas of the city.

If you’re looking for luxury hotels in Edinburgh, consider The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel with its iconic clock tower in the heart of Edinburgh, a unique architectural highlight. The Michelin-starred Number One restaurant offers a world-class dining experience. Other luxury 5-star hotels include The Caledonian Edinburgh and Gleaneagles Townhouse.

Restaurants and Traditional Dishes in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is famous for its many traditional Scottish dishes. Here are some delicious dishes you should try and some suggested restaurants that serve them:

Haggis: Scotland’s national dish, made from minced sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, and spices, stuffed into a sheep’s stomach and cooked. Often served with mashed potatoes (tatties) and mashed turnips (neeps).

Cullen Skink: A traditional smoked fish soup, combining smoked cod, potatoes, and onions, creating a rich and warm flavor.

Cranachan: A dessert consisting of fresh cream, honey, raspberries, and roasted oats, showcasing the sophistication of Scottish cuisine.

Stovies: A stew made from potatoes, onions, and lamb or beef, often served on cold days to keep warm.

Fish and Chips: Crispy fried fish served with chips, a popular and beloved dish in Edinburgh. You can visit The Fishmarket, highly rated by renowned chef Tom Kitchin.

Must-See Attractions in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Located on the volcanic hill of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a historical symbol of Scotland. It was once a military fortress, a royal palace, and is now one of the city’s most popular attractions. Inside the castle are valuable artifacts such as the Scottish Royal Crown and the Stone of Destiny.

The Royal Mile

This historic 1.6 km road connects Edinburgh Castle with Holyroodhouse Palace. Along the road are ancient buildings, churches, museums, souvenir shops, and traditional pubs. This is where visitors can best experience the atmosphere of old Edinburgh.

Holyroodhouse Palace

The official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland, this palace bears the mark of Mary, Queen of Scotland. Visitors can explore the magnificent royal chambers, the expansive gardens, and the ruins of the ancient Holyrood Abbey.

Arthur’s Seat

The highest hill in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is an ideal destination for hikers. After conquering the summit, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh.

National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh free things to do — This appealingly eccentric palace of wonder is a mad dash through the history of the world and everything in it

This museum boasts a vast collection of Scottish history, science, nature, and culture. Visitors can discover everything from dinosaur skeletons and scientific inventions to fascinating Scottish history stories.

Victoria Street

One of Edinburgh’s most beautiful streets, with its colorful buildings, unique shops, and cozy cafes. It is also said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions: This is the ideal spot for those who love optical illusions. Visitors can experience magical light effects and enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh from the rooftop.

Dean Village

Not far from the city center, Dean Village boasts a peaceful beauty with ancient stone houses lining the Water of Leith. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a tranquil space, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Calton Hill

Featuring ancient Greek-style structures such as the Scottish National Monument and Nelson’s Observatory, Calton Hill is one of the best places to watch the sunset and enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

This cemetery is famous for its spooky stories and is the resting place of the loyal dog Greyfriars Bobby. It’s also a favorite destination for Harry Potter fans, as many of the names on the tombstones are believed to be inspirations for characters in the stories.

Bobby the dog (who died in 1872 at the age of 17) spent 14 years guarding his owner’s grave until his death.

Edinburgh Travel Guide: Edinburgh 3-Day Basic Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Edinburgh Old Town & Castle

Morning: Visit Edinburgh Castle – the city’s iconic landmark, enjoying panoramic views of Edinburgh from above. Stroll along the Royal Mile, the historic street connecting the castle to Holyroodhouse Palace.
Afternoon: Visit Holyroodhouse Palace, the official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland. Explore the National Museum of Scotland, home to Scottish history and culture.
Evening: Enjoy haggis at The Scran & Scallie or a traditional restaurant like The Witchery by the Castle.

Day 2: Sightseeing & Cultural Experience

Morning: Climb Arthur’s Seat, the now-extinguished hill of fire, for a panoramic view of Edinburgh. Explore Dynamic Earth, an exhibition about the earth and nature.
Afternoon: Visit Dean Village, a peaceful village in the heart of Edinburgh. Stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway, admiring the classical architecture. Evening: Join a Ghost Tour to discover Edinburgh’s spooky stories.

Day 3: Exploring New Town & the Outskirts

Morning: Stroll around Princes Street Gardens, a green park in the heart of the city. Visit the Scottish National Gallery, showcasing famous works of art.
Afternoon: Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, a British Royal yacht, in Leith. If time permits, stop by Rosslyn Chapel, a famous chapel with mysterious architecture.
Evening: Enjoy cocktails at Panda & Sons, a popular speakeasy-style bar.

This itinerary allows you to fully explore Edinburgh’s history, culture, and nature in just 3 days!

Edinburgh, Scotland | Edinburgh Travel Guide

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Edinburgh you can refer to

Read more top things to do in Edinburgh here. And Edinburgh itinerary 1 day — How to spend 1 day in Edinburgh & what to do in Edinburgh in one day.