Getting to and From the Airport

Edinburgh’s International and Domestic Airport is extremely well positioned, located just a mere nine kilometres west of the city centre. The airport is also extremely well connected, operating flights to and from the majority of European countries, as well as Canada, Mexico and the USA.

One of the easiest and fastest ways to reach Edinburgh’s city centre from the airport is to hop aboard the city’s efficient tramline, departing every seven minutes throughout the day, the tram is a low cost and fantastic means of getting to and from the airport. Alternatively, Uber is readily available across Edinburgh, offering an extremely efficient service, direct to the doorstep of your accommodation. As well as Uber, Edinburgh also boasts a large and comprehensive taxi network, capable of catering to a wide variety of transport needs.

This epic three day Edinburgh itinerary showcases the very best sights, activities and experiences on offer across the city, allowing you to get the absolute most out of your time during your visit to the magnificent Scottish capital.

Things to Do

• Visit the glorious Edinburgh Castle.
• Explore the cobbled streets of Old Town.
• Soak up the sights along the Royal Mile.
• Grab a coffee at the famous Harry Potter Café.
• Dive headfirst into the great Scottish nightlife.

There’s no better way to kick off your time in Edinburgh, than by exploring the splendid Edinburgh Castle. Found on practically every single postcard and brochure across Scotland, the spectacular Edinburgh Castle is a sight of exquisite beauty. Perched atop Castle Rock since the early 11th Century, this incredible structure has been an iconic symbol of Edinburgh since before the Scottish people can remember.

After visiting the castle, it’s time to explore the medieval cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile. Both of these fantastic areas are lined with a wide range of authentic Scottish shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. One café in particular that stands out from the crowd, is the famous Elephant House Café, this quirky little coffeeshop is the very place JK Rowling chose to write sections of her world renowned Harry Potter novels.

After a busy day exploring the sights of Edinburgh it’s time to fire things up and soak up Edinburgh’s notorious party scene. Edinburgh has it all, pub crawls, live music bars, sports bars, nightclubs and of course, traditional Scotch Whiskey bars. The Scots love to have a good time, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for traditional Scottish kilts and the occasional live bagpipe’s performance. (They sound better than you might think!)

Things to Do

• Hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat.
• Shop till you drop along Princes Street.
• Enjoy a picnic in Princes Street Gardens.
• Fill up on Scotch Whiskey during a Johnnie Walker tasting tour.
• Indulge in some hearty Scottish grub.

It’s time to blow away that Scotch Whiskey hangover by heading out into the fresh Edinburgh countryside and climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat. Situated just outside the city centre, Arthur’s Seat is the highest point of a dormant ancient volcano and is the best spot for taking in spectacular panoramic views of the city. Taking visitors on average two hours to complete, the 4.7km trail that leads to Arthur’s Seat is a relatively straightforward and simple walk, accessible to all kinds of fitness abilities.

After your morning walk, why not splash out and treat yourself to a shopping spree along the vibrant and bustling Princes Street. Located slap bang in the heart of Edinburgh, Princes Street is a shopaholic’s dream, lined with a wide range of designer and international stores. Once you’re all shopped out, grab yourself some yummy picnic food and head across the street into the charming Princes Street Gardens. These stunning gardens are set at the foot of Castle Rock, perfectly positioned to admire the prestigious Edinburgh Castle, whilst surrounded by a wide selection of beautiful floral arrangements and luscious greenery.

Scotland is notoriously famous for its beautiful tasting Scotch Whiskey and mouth watering hearty grub, so what better way to spend your evening than by joining a guided Johnnie Walker tasting tour, followed by a delicious spread of fresh Scottish cuisine. Make sure you get your good fill of both, as you’ll probably end up rolling (or stumbling) back to your accommodation!

Things to Do

• Admire the remarkable Forth Railway Bridge.
• Spend some time in South Queensferry.
• Climb the steps of the Scott Monument.
• Witness a stunning sunset from Calton Hill.
• Head below Edinburgh’s surface to explore the haunted city vaults.

Time to head a little out of the city, twelve miles west to be exact, to the delightful area of South Queensferry, a charming town perched on the banks of the Forth estuary. South Queensferry is known for its quaint harbour, pleasant cafes and inviting pubs, but it’s no question that the area’s main attraction is the monumental Forth Bridge. This gigantic railway bridge was built in 1889 and boasts a whopping length of 8094 feet! Trust me, the photo opportunities here are fantastic, make sure you bring along a wide angle lens!

Heading back into the city. it’s time to climb the steps of the gothic Scott Monument. Located right in the beating heart of Edinburgh’s city centre, this stunning 61 metre tall structure was built to commemorate the late writer, Sir Walter Scott. Those who successfully manage to scale the 287 spiralling steps, will be rewarded with spectacular views of the city, including stunning aerial perspectives of both Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens. After heading back down to street level and regaining your breath, it’s straight back on the move again, towards the top of Calton Hill, believe me, I’ve saved the best views for last. This exquisite spot is the perfect place to witness one of the most extraordinary sunsets you’ve ever seen, not just in Scotland, but in the entire world!

As darkness falls over the city of Edinburgh, it’s time to pluck up the courage to head down into the city’s haunted underground vaults. Dating back to the early 18th century, this eerie section of Edinburgh’s Underground City is said to have once been the scene for a number of bloody and brutal murders, whilst also housing the frightening practice of medieval witchcraft and sorcery. Guided tours lead visitors through the dimly lit and chilling vaults, whilst also providing them with a ton of insightful facts and information about Edinburgh’s intriguing and fascinating history.