Edinburgh in 3 days What to See in Edinburgh FREE TOUR

Edinburgh, the setting for many films, the muse of many writers, home to great traditions, and also, holds one of the greatest mysteries in the world. We invite you to organize your trip to Edinburgh together in 3 days.

edimburgo-en-3-dias

Traveling to Edinburgh in 3 days Is it possible?

Yes, traveling to Edinburgh in 3 days is super possible. And here we will tell you how to make this trip a great adventure.

Some tips to tour Edinburgh in 3 days

Traveling to Edinburgh changes a lot depending on what time of year you have taken a passage. In summer the days are much longer, that will allow you to see more things and places per day. On the contrary, in winter the days are shorter and much colder. In the months of August and December, lodgings cost much more, since the city is filled with visitors due to the festivals held there.

Once you arrive at Edinburgh Airport it is advisable to hire a transfer to the hotel, otherwise you will waste a lot of time being able to start your trip. Keep in mind that from the airport to the center it usually takes more than 2 hours if you make the journey by bus. You can book your trips from the hotel to the airport by private car here.

Another of our advice that we always give to our travelers, that the best way to get to know any city is on foot. This guide is designed so that the distances are easy to travel and it is not necessary to take too much transport.

We recommend that you do a FREE TOUR BY EDIMBURG. What is a Free tour? Well, it's a TOTALLY FREE guided tour. And maybe you can think that it is very difficult to find them... Well you're in luck, it isn't! from here you can hire your FREE TOUR BY EDIMBURG Totally free and in Spanish. Made by experts in city history. Do not think it!

What to see in Edinburgh in 3 days

In this complete 3-day guide you will find a detailed itinerary to know the essential, the hidden and also the magical that this charming city hides.

Our route will be divided so that each day they know something different, fun and exciting. We will start with the medieval city with its mysteries and charms, the Harry Potter route, the new city and finally Lake Ness and Urquhart Castle. So ready for action?

What to see in Edinburgh: Day 1

Old Town, The medieval city

The starting point of the first day will be exploring the old city, it is one of the most fascinating areas of the city and steeped in history. Old Town was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
The Royal Mile is the most important artery in the old city. Initially the entire city was built around it. That is why you will be very struck by the type of construction of the houses. Very similar to Amsterdam! The Royal Mile is divided into 4 sections: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate. These sections hide mysterious and magnetic alleys. Some may enter, but others are private. It is 1.8 kilometers long, ranging from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse Palace.

Edinburgh Castle

Located on the volcanic escarpment on Castle Rock Hill, stands the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Three of its sides are cliffy, making it an impenetrable fortification for enemies.

Castillo-de-Edimburgo

The castle has been a royal residence, prison, army garrison, and center of numerous wars. Today, it is the most visited historical place in all of Scotland.

Visiting the castle will take you between 2 or 3 hours, its cost is 20. And we recommend as always that you get your tickets online and thus avoid the long lines. In addition, at 13:00 o'clock the cannon fire occurs ( or One o'clock Gun), a tradition that began in 1861 and continues to this day. Reserve your queued entrance from here.

disparo-del-cañón

The castle has several important points to see as: The Chapel of Santa Margarita, The Royal Palace and Crown Chamber, National War Museum (It houses 400 years of military history) and the War prison. And atypical places that you should also see, such as the small c of Soldiers' pets. It is a small terrace converted into a garden and that gives rest to the pets of the soldiers. A tradition that begins in the days when the castle was isolated from the outside.
The Scotch Whiskey Experience
Interested in learning about other aspects of the Scots? The Scotch Whiskey Experience is unique and highly recommended. You will be 2 hours living the manufacturing process of the most important drink of the Scots. You will also have the opportunity to test the product.

The Hub

Moment of a break? Try going to The Hub , an ancient Gothic church that today hosts the Edinburgh International Festival, and has an excellent cafeteria.

Writers Museum

Is it time for a visit without spending money? go to the writers' museum. There is something hidden behind the Royal Mile (but quiet that we have marked on the map that we have prepared for this trip) This museum houses the literary legacy of Scotland. Also after visiting it you can explore the area and meet Lady Stair’s Close, one of the oldest alleys.

St Giles Cathedral and David Hume's statue

Known as Edinburgh Cathedral, but the building does not hold such a title. The place has multiple renovations, so when you are inside you will be very struck by the mix of styles.

When leaving the cathedral, if you feel like it or if you are still studying, go ahead and rub your toe on the statue of David Hume. Tell the story that brings good luck on exams. True or not, you must do it, it's a lot of fun!

La-catedral-de-St-Giles

The Underground City

The Real Mary king’s close, is a complex of alleys that have been buried when the city grew and new constructions were made. It is a great plan to know what the city was like many years ago.

J.K Rowling and The Harry Potter Scenarios

Are you one of the fans of the great magician's history? We hope so, and even if you are not, this route that we have prepared will delight you. Since we have combined important points of the old city with milestones about the author and the filming of the films.

We will start at City Chambers , the place where J.K. Rowling has continued to be awarded a great recognition of immortalizing her hands in cement. It is an award that has been received by well-known authors from Edinburgh.

We continue along the street Victoria Street , where its original architecture served as inspiration to create the Dragon's alley. It is also an independent shopping area, you can stay there and hang out.

Victoria-Street

Come down by George IV bridge and there you will find the Elephant Cafe where the author spent several moments writing the first manuscript (and the following books) of our great magician, in the company of her little daughter.

Walk a little more on George IV bridge and you will see the entrance to the Greyfriars Cemetery , here where the confrontation between Harry and Voldemort was filmed in the movie “Harry Potter and the limestone of fire'. He is looking for the grave they should look for is that of Thomas Riddell, and according to those who know it also served as inspiration to compose Voldemort, since both names are similar.

Furthermore, the cemetery is perhaps the best known in the city. Legends tell that there was a puppy named Bobby , who, for years, faithfully veiled his master's grave in this very place.

Estatua-del-perrito-Bobby

It is time for you to see Hogwarts or George Heriot's School, as its students know it. It is an imposing building that was the inspiration for the filming of the film. And in case you don't know, George Heriot’s School's study system is similar to what we know of Hogwarts, the distribution of students in colored homes. Where all year they must earn points for their respective houses. Impressed?

Take Grassmarket St to South Bridge and you will find the Old Nicholson's Cafés, other cafes where the author spent her time writing her books. Today that cafeteria does not exist but you will be able to observe a commemorative plaque on the facade of the building.

And to finish, you must go to the Balmoral Hotel, Rowling was staying at this hotel when the last book in the Harry Potter saga ended. There they put a bust with the following inscription: “On January 11, 2007, J.K. Rowling finished writing ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ in this room. ”.

Balmoral-Hotel

National Museum of Scotland

It is another of the free museums that the city owns and is located in Chambers St. It is a plan that will fascinate the little ones, if you are in a family plan. The museum is dedicated to history, nature and science.

Pssst! take a walk on the first floor, there you will find the stuffed figure of the Dolly sheep,

What to see in Edinburgh: Day 2

New Town, The elegant city

Everything that has fallen in love with you in the old town will be the anthesis in the new city, but also falls in love, don't think not. The new city was built to end Edinburgh's housing problem.

Calton Hill

Surely you have already observed it on this great hill located in the center. At its top there are several monuments that you must see. Once at the top we invite you to contemplate the great view of the city, it really leaves you breathless as both parts of the city merge.

calton-hill

Up there, you will see the National Monument, a perfect replica of the Parthenon of Athens , and the Nelson Monument, where you can go up to its terrace and contemplate the city once again. You can also access its small museum, if you feel like it.

Monumento-Nacional

You can also enter the Old Calton Cemetery , a magical place, like the entire city, wrapped in mysteries and ghost stories. There you can see David Hume's tomb and contemplate the imposing buildings and tombs. It is like being in a movie.

cementerio-de-Calton

Princes Street

Coming down the hill, you will walk Princes Street , one of the most important arteries in the city. Walking down this street you will reach the Princes Street Gardens , where you can find things like the floral clock. Right there you can climb the Scott Monument , a Gothic tower built in honor of the writer Sir Walter Scott for keeping the Scottish identity alive.

Monumento-de-Scottprinces-garden

Charlotte Square

A beautiful square that remains open in summer, around it you will see the The Georgian House , a beautiful house that allows visits, there you will see what life was like.
The Dome
Located at the end of George Street, one of the most emblematic buildings in Scotland where you can enjoy true local cuisine and contemplate its neoclassical architecture.

Royal botanical garden

To end day 2 and leave with a lot of energy, we propose you to visit the Royal Botanic Garden, it is an incredibly green place with many plants and fresh air. It is a good time to admire all the facets of the city of Edinburgh, and rest the view of the monuments. It is an experimental center for nature conservation that was founded in 1670.

royal-botanic-garden

What to see in Edinburgh: Day 3

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Already on your third day I invite you to encourage yourself to go beyond the city. I don't know you can stop by Scotland and leave without trying to see Nessie. Therefore, we recommend you visit the Loch Ness.

Reaching Inverness from Edinburgh is not an easy task, but it is possible. In Edinburgh there are plenty of tours you can take to get to the city Inverness or you can go to Edinburgh Central Station (Edinburgh Haymarket) and catch the train, which leaves the station every hour. There they can take several tours that run the lake and the Urquhart castle. Or they can continue alone by taking a bus (Scottish Citylink) that will take you to Drumnadrochit. From there they will take another bus to Urquhart Castl e, or walk and enjoy the ride. It's only 4 kilometers and it's really worth walking.

Arriving at the castle, on the banks of Lago Ness you can enter the fortification and learn about the history of one of the most disputed castles in history.

Castillo-de-Urquhart


Edinburgh Bonus track in 3 days... you want to be there, don't you?
Reading about everything that can be done in this wonderful city, fills you with emotion, right? Well, going through it, admiring it and knowing all its mysteries will be the greatest reward of this trip.

Book your DAY TRIP TO THE LAKE NESS AND HIGHLANDS - Essential 57.50 - Book Now>

We always recommend some alternative plans to complete the 3-day visit, and Edinburgh is no exception.

If you don't feel like going to Loch Ness, we recommend that you spend a day at Leith , the Trainspotting neighborhood. There are several buses that will take you from the center to there. It is a rather peculiar port city, which you cannot miss.

Day trips from Edinburgh

If you want to spend a day on an excursion from Edinburgh, we recommend that you choose from the following:

Edinburgh in three days PDF

For your comfort on the trip you can download our PDF guide so you can take it by hand on your mobile or printed on paper

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