One Day in Edinburgh : 24 Hour Guide

I always recommend that people spend more than 24 hours in a place, but for those times when that is not possible. Here are my top tips for spending one day in Edinburgh, from midday to midday – you’ll note it’s mostly about food!

One day in Edinburgh : 24-hour Itinerary

12 Midday – Lunch at El Cartel

Start off with lunch at El Cartel Mexicana (64 Thistle St).  This wee gem of a restaurant is tucked away on Thistle Street.  You can’t book in advance, so just put your name on the list and head over the road to The Bon Vivant wine bar to wait for your table to become free.  The menu is fresh homemade Mexican street food – there’s definitely a reason why there is always a waiting list!

2pm – Scott Monument

Head to Princes Street and climb the Scott Monument. This Victorian gothic monument is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, and from the top you get a good view of the city.

3pm – Edinburgh Castle

From your vantage point up the Scott Monument, you would’ve seen the Castle up on the hill.  It’s worth a visit for both the history and the view.  Be aware though, it’s not just one big castle on a hill, it’s a fortified complex of buildings sitting upon Castle Rock.  On this visit, you can see St Margaret’s Chapel, a 12th century Romanesque chapel, and the oldest building in Edinburgh.

5pm – Victoria Street

Walk down from the Castle, and head down Victoria Street. Be sure to walk along Victoria Terrace, the pedestrian street that runs along the top of the first layer of buildings. Stop for a drink at one of the bars along the terrace, or for a wee dram of whisky at the Bow Bar (80 W Bow).

6pm – Dinner at Petit Paris

Carry on down through the Grassmarket, a lovely square in the shadow of the Castle (there are plenty of pubs to stop at too). There are lots of restaurants to choose from in the Grassmarket, but I suggest Petit Paris. They have a great formula menu, pre-theatre specials, and their tiny establishment really is like being in Paris.

If you want a more traditional UK pub meal, there are lots of pubs and beer gardens to choose from.

8pm – Live Music

If you’ve only got 24 hours in Edinburgh, then catching some live music (traditional or otherwise) is a must. Some great live music pubs and venues in Edinburgh are listed below – most having music most evenings.

• The Royal Oak (traditional)
• Captain’s (traditional)
• Whistle Binkies (rock)
• Whighams (jazz)
• Sandy Bells (traditional)

*** fall into bed at an undisclosed hour ***

9am – Breakfast or Brunch

Breakfast options in Edinburgh are vast. For a full Scottish fry-up with haggis, beans, fried eggs and bacon, try the neat diner, Quick & Plenty Cafe ( 27 Leven Street). If you want something central, cozy and quick, head to Papii (101 Hanover Street) for eggs benedict and a nice creamy latté.

10am – Arthur’s Seat

Walk off your big breakfast with a walk up Arthur’s Seat.  This 822ft hill is located in Holyrood park, and affords you spectacular views of Edinburgh. There are several routes up Arthur’s Seat – the easy route is via the ring road and Dunsapie Loch. Or you could visit the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel on the way for a more staggered route. You can also choose a private tour to get more history on your visit.

11am – Holyrood Palace

Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen’s Edinburgh pad); and see the amazing Holyrood Abbey – founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland.

12 Midday – Lunch on the Southside

Time for one last meal in this city of diverse food. Head up to 56 North (2 West Crosscauseway) for some tasty food. I recommend the burgers and their incredible selection of gins. 56 North is also one of Edinburgh’s many dog-friendly restaurants!

One day in Edinburgh : 24 hour guide

Edinburgh was my home for many years, and I loved calling this city ‘home’. I have also written lots of my local Edinburgh tips; so if you have longer than one day in Edinburgh, then tuck-in! If you get time, please stop by my favourite Edinburgh museum too. I can’t wait for you to experience the history and character of this city!

Making the best use of short visits is my speciality! Check out my 24 hour guides to London, Paris and Niagara Falls!

All photos and content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!).

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