Making the Most of 3 Days in Edinburgh, Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe — a historic city with cobbled streets, dramatic views, and a mix of medieval and Georgian charm. From Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, to the winding Royal Mile, Edinburgh is packed with history, whisky, and culture.

We spent three days here and still didn’t have enough time to see it all. This guide shares the best places and main attractions in the Scottish capital, plus a sample 3-day Edinburgh itinerary that’s perfect for a first-time visit.

The Royal Mile is a great way to start your trip. It runs from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is packed with shops, pubs, and historic buildings, and is exactly one mile!

We walked all the way down the Royal Mile to see the rest of it. Luckily, it was downhill all the way. At the very end is Hollywood Palace, which is quite magnificent. We did not have the time or the energy to take a tour, but we got a few good pics. If you would like to see more, check out our Instagram post. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).