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Of all the places in this world I’ve wandered around solo, I think Edinburgh may be my favorite. It feels safe, is English-speaking, is fairly small and easy to navigate, and is full (but not as full as other European capital cities) with other tourists. It really is the perfect place for a short solo trip. It’s also the perfect 1-2 nights away from London! Whether you’re visiting briefly from another city in the UK, or are staying in Edinburgh for a short stint before continuing north to the Scottish Highlands, I hope this guide covers all the information you need to plan your trip.
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What Is Edinburgh Famous For?
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and has a rich literary history. Aside from being famous for its Scottish whiskey, summer festival season, and complicated royal history (cue Mary Queen of Scots), Edinburgh was also the inspiration behind J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and was home to many other authors and historic literary figures.
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Two of Edinburgh’s most famous festivals take place during the month of August. These include the Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh Tattoo. The Fringe runs for most of August, and is the world’s largest art festival, with thousands of comedy, theater, music, and dance shows. The Tattoo focuses on British and international armed forces, featuring music, dance, and military performances. If you don’t plan to attend these festivals, avoid visiting Edinburgh during this time to avoid the crowds and surges in accommodation prices.
Pro-tip: When you’re in Edinburgh, I recommend doing a short walking tour of the historic Old Town to familiarize yourself with the history. I usually do one of these tours on my first day in any European city so I can ask for recommendations for the rest of my trip too.
When To Visit Edinburgh
As I mentioned above, festival season is in August. Summer also has the warmest temperatures (70s F) and the longest days of sunlight.
Edinburgh also is extremely magical during the Christmas season! I just visited during the first weekend of December and really enjoyed seeing the castle lit green and red at night, the Christmas markets, and all the trees, wreaths, and lights dotting the historic townhomes.
Pro-tip: If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh between mid November and early January, check out this guide to the best Christmas markets (and decor!) around Europe.
How To Get Around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is quite small, especially the Old Town area, so it’s easily walkable! Most of the main tourist sites lie around the Royal Mile area and can also easily be reached on foot.
If you aren’t walking, you can also take the public city bus, called Lothian Buses, which run 24/7 and cover the whole city. To ride, you can tap a contactless card, provide exact cash on the bus, or download the M-ticket app. Edinburgh Trams also connect the airport to the city center.
The main train station in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Waverley, which is located right in the heart of the city. Aside from flying into the airport, this is the most popular way to reach Edinburgh as it connects the Scottish capital with other cities like Glasglow, York, New Castle, with London, Cardiff, and more.
How To Get To Edinburgh
I took the LNER (London North East Railway) from London to Edinburgh. The journey is a bit long (about 4.5-5 hours), but is incredibly scenic and comfortable. You can board the train at Kings Cross in London and take it all the way to Waverley. Be sure to grab some snacks and a meal to bring with you before you leave, although there is a small café cart, ample views, and restrooms on board.
This train journey is a bit expensive — it costs me over $100 USD to travel each way. Be sure to book your ticket online and in advance. You’ll get a confirmation number in your email and can go to a kiosk in the station to print your ticket, which will be checked once you’re on board.
Where To Stay In Edinburgh
Edinburgh has all the big hotel chains and also some of Europe’s most popular hostel brands, like St. Christoper’s Inn. However, to match the charm of the city, I highly recommend staying in a quaint & historic BnB! There are hundreds of them scattered throughout the city — most of which are located within old townhomes that were once owned by individual families.
I have the perfect recommendation for accommodation for your one day in Edinburgh. You should book a room at B+B Edinburgh, located directly adjacent to Dean Village!
This property offers a delicious, made-to-order breakfast, whiskey tastings, high tea ceremonies, and has historic, comfortable rooms that overlook the Edinburgh Castle.
Dean Bridge is located just a 5-minute walk from the property, and Dean Village is right behind the BnB. I really enjoyed seeing the property decorated for the holiday season too.
One Day In Edinburgh: A Complete Itinerary
*Disclaimer: I did all of this in just one day (from about 8:30am – 4:30pm, but I also tend to cover a lot of ground + move quickly, especially when I’m traveling alone. The below itinerary can easily split into 2-3 days!)
Walk Through Dean Village
Begin your first morning in Edinburgh with a stroll through Dean Village. Start by walking over Dean Bridge so you can enjoy the iconic view of the village below. Then, head down into the village by walking down past Bell’s Brae.
Walking through this village, Edinburgh’s best hidden gem, is like experiencing a storybook coming to life.
Dean Village is a historic riverside neighborhood that began as a grain-milling settlement in the 12th century, taking its name from the Scots word dene, meaning deep valley. Powered by the fast-flowing Water of Leith, it was home to numerous mills for centuries and played a vital role in supplying flour to the city.
Today, Dean Village is full of dozens of hidden courtyards, primary schools, local apartments, the iconic red telephone booths, narrow cobblestone streets, and small bridges — making this neighborhood one of the most picturesque parts of the city.
I recommend bringing a camera and walking around here for about an hour. The morning is best so you can enjoy the tranquil flow of the river and enjoy the cool morning mist without many other tourists.
Waterstones Café
Next up, walk over to Princes Street for breakfast and coffee at Waterstones Café, just a 10-15 minute walk from Dean Village. I think this café is one of my top 3 favorites I’ve ever visited in the world.
Waterstones is a 4-floor bookstore located in a historic building that has a café on the 2nd & 3rd floors with huge picture windows that overlook the Edinburgh Castle. The café has some sandwiches, but is probably most well-known for its cakes, cappuccinos, and lattes. Grab something sweet and plan to linger for a window seat! I had to wait a few minutes, but thoroughly enjoyed people watching, reading, and writing here SO much.
Walk The Royal Mile & Victoria Street
Once you’re caffeinated, it’s time to explore the main part of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Royal Mile! Take a left out of the café and walk down Princes Street until you reach the main bridge that leads up to the area on the hill. You’ll see many other tourists making their way up the winding ramp and staircases into the historic streets.
The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s historic main street running between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse through the heart of the Old Town, lined with centuries-old landmarks, shops, and narrow closes. I recommend strolling through here and making your way to Victoria Street. Victoria Street is the colorful, curving road you’ve definitely seen tons of photos of. This street inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and is worth the walk down / photo-op.
You’ll see a long queue for a Harry Potter themed store / mini museum on this road. If you’re a major fan, make a stop!
Pro-tip: I didn’t include it on this itinerary because I didn’t really have time, but you can also take a Harry Potter themed walking tour! See Tom Riddle’s grave & more. If I had more time, I definitely would’ve done this!
Greyfriars Kirkyard & Bobby Statue
Greyfriars Kirk is a historic 17th-century church and graveyard in Edinburgh’s Old Town, famous for its literary connections. Just outside, stands the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier said to have guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years, making him a beloved symbol of devotion in the city.
Rub Bobby’s snout for good luck!
Pro-tip: If you book this all-encompassing walking tour, you’ll be able to visit all of the above sites with a guide!
Visit Edinburgh Castle
From here, follow the winding roads and stairs up to the Edinburgh Castle! If you have more than one day in Edinburgh or are a history buff, I definitely recommend pre-booking tickets to visit the castle. Otherwise, spend some time enjoying the scenic overlooks and exterior views of the moat and fortress.
Edinburgh Castle sits dramatically atop Castle Rock and is one of Scotland’s most important historic sites, having served as a royal residence, fortress, and military stronghold for centuries. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland.
Pro-tip: The Witchery is one of the most popular restaurants in Edinburgh and is located right near the castle if you’re able to grab a reservation, this would be a great place to eat lunch or dinner.
Head To The Vennel Viewpoint
The Vennel Viewpoint isn’t too far from the castle — just another 15 minute walk or so. This viewpoint is the one I’ve seen the most frequently on Instagram and was so happy to visit myself!
The viewpoint is a historic stone staircase with street lights that overlooks the castle. This is a great spot for photos, so plan to hang here for 15-20 minutes.
Late Lunch At Baba
This vibey Middle Eastern restaurant was highly recommended across several other blogs, so now I’m going to recommend it to you! They have small plates that are good for sharing around lunchtime, plus a full cocktail menu with Mediterranean-inspired dishes for dinner during your one day in Edinburgh.
Walk Down Circus Lane
After a late lunch (or on day two… depending on how you’re splitting this up!), head over to Stockbridge. This part of Edinburgh is just as charming without nearly as many crowds. It’s full of small cafes and little shops, and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Pro-tip: If you’re here in the morning, you MUST eat brunch at The Pantry!
Circus Lane is a charming cobblestone street, known for its curved Georgian townhouses and ivy-covered façades. One of the city’s most photographed spots, it offers a quiet, village-like feel just a short walk from the city center.
Thrifting In Stockbridge
The main shopping street in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, is Raeburn Place. It’s lined with independent boutiques, cafés, and specialty shops, and nearby streets like St Stephen Street and Hamilton Place also have a variety of local stores. There are many second-hand stores in this neighborhood, so grab a coffee and do some thrifting!
Water Of Leith Walkway
The Water of Leith Walkway is a 12 mile path with a section that runs along a scenic riverside path that leads directly back into Dean Village. I recommend walking along this for about a mile or so, it’s very tranquil.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
While I don’t think Edinburgh has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, it is worth swinging into if you happen to have one day in Edinburgh in December. The Edinburgh Christmas Market runs from mid-November to early January and transforms central Edinburgh into a festive hub, primarily in East Princes Street Gardens.
The market features 70+ wooden stalls selling gifts, seasonal foods and drinks, and artisanal goods, alongside rides, ice skating, etc. Daily hours are generally 10 am–10 pm, with adjusted times on holidays, and entry is free, though individual rides and attractions require tickets.
That brings us to the end of this complete guide to one day in Edinburgh! I hope this post helps you make the most of your time in this magical city.
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