best 1 day tour from edinburgh

One Day in Edinburgh Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Edinburgh, Scotland

Getting around to seeing everything there is to see in Edinburgh in a day can be quite a tall order. Although compact, the hilly capital of Scotland has more museums, sights, and attractions packed in a square mile than almost any other city in the world. The iconic Edinburgh Castle, dominating the skyline of Edinburgh, watches over the city’s elegant gardens, medieval buildings, and numerous memorials and monuments. No matter the length of your stay, spending at least one day in Edinburgh tops every single list of things to do in Scotland. Keep this itinerary close by to make the most of your time here!

Plan your trip to Edinburgh

1. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT EDINBURGH? 2. A FEW FACTS ABOUT EDINBURGH 3. ONE DAY IN EDINBURGH ITINERARY 3.1. Start Your Day in Holyrood Park 3.2. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse 3.3. Follow the Royal Mile 3.4. Check out the Museum of Edinburgh 3.5. Consider These Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids 3.6. Explore Princes Street Gardens 3.7. Grab a Bite to Eat 3.8. Spend the Afternoon at Edinburgh Castle 3.9. Test Your Courage at The Real Mary King’s Close 3.9.1. Spend the Evening at Cabaret Voltaire 4. WHERE TO STAY IN EDINBURGH? 5. DAY TRIPS FROM EDINBURGH 6. EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING EDINBURGH

WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT EDINBURGH?

As often happens with many other cities, the best time to visit Edinburgh is also its busiest period. During the summer months, i.e. from June to August , you can enjoy temperatures that typically hover around a balmy 65°F (18°C). The summer days are also very long due to the city’s high latitude. If you would like to visit Edinburgh during its busiest period, make sure to book your hotel several months in advance and prepare for crowds everywhere you go.

If that’s not really your cup of tea, fear not. Early fall and spring are much better and tend to hit the sweet spot with mild weather and manageable crowds.

Also, August is the time when the city comes alive with various festivals. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe , for example, brings in loads of performers who are free to come, whereas Edinburgh International Festival carefully chooses its guests and it’s a matter of prestige to be invited. Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival in April is also very much worth visiting, and Edinburgh Jazz & Blues F estival is a fantastic event for those who like this type of music. In short, there is plenty to choose from!

A FEW FACTS ABOUT EDINBURGH

Edinburgh, the second most populous city in Scotland (after Glasgow), has been the capital of Scotland since the 15 th century. As the administrative center of Scotland, Edinburgh houses all three branches of government. It also houses the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a 16 th -century palace of the Stuarts and the de-facto official seat of the monarch in Scotland. The city trails London both as the second largest financial center and as the second most popular destination for tourists in the United Kingdom.

Fans of Harry Potter will be interested to learn that J.K. Rowling wrote a large portion of Harry Potter in The Elephant House , a local café. Edinburgh also has 112 parks , with more trees per capita than any other city in the UK. Its rich architectural heritage also means that Edinburgh has more listed buildings than any other place in the world. In fact, both the government and UNESCO are working to preserve its weathered streets that carry memories of their proud inhabitants from different eras.

One day in Edinburgh therefore may not seem to be enough. However, if you follow this Edinburgh itinerary, you will get a feel for the city and a longing to come back and do it all again.

ONE DAY IN EDINBURGH ITINERARY

Welcome to Edinburgh! The capital of Scotland is always ready to blow you away with its rich history, incredible architecture and just being an all-around fascinating city. To make the most of your time here, you will need a reliable itinerary, so here it is – these are the top sights and things to do on your one day in Edinburgh.

Go on a tour:  Some of the best-reviewed tours you can find in Edinburgh. Check here for the most preferred!

Start Your Day in Holyrood Park

For a spectacular start to your one day in Edinburgh, if the day is clear and dry, go for a short hike through Holyrood Park. There you can enjoy the magnificent morning view from atop Arthur’s Seat , the highest point in Edinburgh. With amazing panoramic views of the city and the seaside in the distance, climbing this hill is absolutely one of the best things to do in Edinburgh for free. Additionally, Arthur’s Seat is often suggested as one of the likely locations for Camelot .

There is a hill fort at the summit, while nearby smaller hills are occupied by other historical landmarks, including the ruins of Saint Anthony’s Chapel to the north. Just make sure you have suitable footgear! Looking down at the city as you start your exploration of Edinburgh will be a sight to remember.

Some of you might like to have a local guide while visiting these historic sights. In that case, finding a local Edinburgher to help you out would be a perfect solution!

Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse

After Arthur’s Seat, take one of the paths leading north through Holyrood Park. Soon (20 mins tops), you will reach the Palace of Holyroodhouse . Purchase the ticket and explore the King’s official residence in Edinburgh (you can buy tickets here , to avoid waiting in line). Located at the end of Royal Mile, the Old Town’s main thoroughfare, Holyroodhouse is open all year long.

The audio tour , included with the ticket, focuses on the history of the Palace as it relates to famous historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots. Behind the palace, you can go for a walk among the columns and the ancient, crumbled arches of Holyrood Abbey , founded in 1128 by King David I. Wardens clad in traditional Scottish garb (Stewart tartan) offer free tours of the spectacular ruins.

Follow the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the name used for several streets that run between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle straight through the Old Town. Connecting two of the most significant locations in Scotland’s royal history, the Royal Mile is precisely a mile long. So, getting from Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes. To be fair, there are many pubs, shops, restaurants, and attractions in between.

Notable locations include the modern Scottish Parliament Building , Canongate Kirk (a 17th-century church where many eminent Scots are buried), the home of John Knox (15th-century Puritan reformer), St Giles ‘ Cathedral , and many others.

Check out the Museum of Edinburgh

After seeing Canongate Kirk, look for a bright yellow building with a red front. Don’t get fooled by the unimpressive exterior- visiting the Museum of Edinburgh is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh, and to top it off, it is completely free . The Museum, formerly the Huntly House Museum, focuses on the city’s origins, legends, and history.

Among its exhibits, you can find an authentic copy of the National Covenant dating back to 1683, beautiful Scottish pottery, and an engaging exhibition on the suffragettes. If you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh with kids, the Museum of Edinburgh is a good choice, since it has an area where children can dress up, get hands-on and do some crafts. But that’s just one of many options in this city (more on that later).

Grab a Bite to Eat

Time for lunch! If you’re in a hurry, you can grab something to go from one of the numerous small diners just off Princes Street, such as the Miros Cantina Mexicana. Pick a bench and enjoy the great views of Edinburgh Castle as you chow down.

If you’re willing to walk a bit, Gaucho Edinburgh is a fantastic Argentinian restaurant, whereas L’Escargot offers great French dishes at a reasonable price. For some good Scottish food, consider Howie’s Restaurant near Calton Hill.

For fans of fine dining, The Witchery by the Castle has delicious lamb Wellington and a luxurious, extravagant ambiance. If you are looking for special deals, check out 5pm Edinburgh .

Explore Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and its main shopping street. In addition, here you will find Princes Street Gardens , a gorgeous public park in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. So, you can pick up some souvenirs, and then just enjoy the scenery of this magical place.

Separating the New Town from the Old Town, Princes Street Gardens is filled with magnificent floral displays. However, it also has numerous statues and monuments. These include the statues of Adam Black, David Livingstone , and Wojtek the Bear . The Scott Monument, on the other hand, (honoring Sir Walter Scott) dominates the eastern side with its spire-like Victorian appearance.

Spend the Afternoon at Edinburgh Castle

One of the most recognizable symbols of Edinburgh and of Scotland in general, Edinburgh Castle is a momentous fortress dominating the skyline of Edinburgh from atop Castle Rock. With human occupation since at least the Iron Age and as many as 26 sieges in the last 1100 years alone, the site is famously one of the most besieged and attacked places not only in Great Britain but the whole world.

Inside the castle, pay a visit to the National War Museum (tracing the country’s military history) . T he Royal Palace with its collection of medieval arms will also take up some of your time, and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh and the oldest chapel in Scotland. It was built in 1130 by King David in honor of his mother, Queen Margaret. 

You can buy the ticket here to avoid waiting in line for this magnificent sight. Definitely a must-see on your one day in Edinburgh.

The castle closes at 5, so you should have plenty of time to see everything. Later on, as you close out the day, make sure to find a nice viewpoint and enjoy the impressive sight of Edinburgh Castle at night.

Test Your Courage at The Real Mary King’s Close

Back on the Royal Mile, across the street from St Giles’ Cathedral, you will find Mary King’s Close (a Scots term for alleyway). Visiting the close is certainly among the more unusual things to do in Edinburgh, but also one of the more well-liked. After spending the day learning about kings and other notable historical figures, Mary King’s Close gives you a chance to see how the other half of the city lived in the past.

Although dark and gloomy, it is well worth a visit, especially if you are a fan of urban legends and tales of murders and hauntings.

Treat yourself to a nice dinner

It’s been quite a day, so why not sit down and recap everything that happened? Maybe over a nice dinner and with a glass of wine? The Table is just the restaurant for that as it serves wonderful dishes in an intimate atmosphere. Perfect for couples! 

Chaophraya is a great choice if you’re in the mood for a Thai dinner, whereas Mussle Inn serves excellent seafood. Finally, do give Makars Mash Bar a try if you’d like to try some traditional Scottish dishes.

In short, no matter if you’re here with kids or not, if you’re on a budget, or if you’re looking for a special kind of food, Edinburgh will always have plenty of excellent choices.

Spend the evening doing something fun

If you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh at night, look no further than the Cabaret Voltaire. It is a trendy live music venue and basement club with a great selection of cocktails and craft beers . Located halfway down Blair Street in the Old Town, Cab Vol , as it is sometimes referred to by the locals, is an underground, multi-floor venue with retro-style arcade machines integrated into the tables, an atmospheric basement, and amazing wall paints.

Whether you are looking for great beer, excellent music, or just a place to dance all night, Cabaret Voltaire should be your first choice. Check out their official website for more info and special offers.

Obviously, Edinburgh is a great place for a drink, so if you’re looking for a bar, you will have plenty of choices. Thistle Street Bar , for example, is a very charming place with its own beer garden. Bramble Bar also comes highly recommended, and if you’re in the mood for cocktails, there’s no better place than Panda & Sons . There really are many options, so your evening in Edinburgh is bound to be great!

What  to Do in Edinburgh with Kids

If you are wondering what to do in Edinburgh with kids, worry not! Apart from the Museum of Edinburgh, you can also make a brief stop at the Museum of Childhood further down the street. With an extensive collection of children’s toys and games, this was the first museum anywhere in the world to focus on chronicling childhood and its history. The collection, ranging from the 18th to the 21st century, will keep your kids interested and engaged. And you won’t have to spend a single penny!

Additionally, doing the Potter Tour and exploring the locations that inspired the beloved book series is also one of the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids. Attractions include the real-life Diagon Alley , which can be seen on Victoria Street if you go left on the last roundabout before the castle, as well as The Elephant House , a relaxed café where J.K. Rowling wrote the books.

A guided tour of all these places that lasts 1-2 hours seems like a great idea. However, if you are on a budget and would like to know more about the various things to do in Edinburgh for free, don’t worry. With so many attractions to visit, you will never run out of options.

What to Do in Edinburgh for Free

So, we’ve got the Potter Trail, the Museum of Childhood, the Museum of Edinburgh, and Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. Plus there also hanging out in Princes Street Gardens . Visiting the National Museum of Scotland , located not far from the aforementioned Elephant House, is also free of charge. With a magnificent, huge open space with balconies and a beautiful glass ceiling, this museum is an architectural wonder in its own right.

You can maybe visit the Museum instead of exploring the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the morning. Likewise, in the afternoon, you can replace the stop at Edinburgh Castle with a visit to the Scottish National Gallery . Visiting the gallery is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh for free, seeing as it is located in the very heart of Edinburgh, just off Princes Street. It is home to one of the most extensive collections of fine art worldwide, including priceless works of art by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Titian, Botticelli, Raphael, Turner, Monet, Gaugin, and Van Gogh.

WHERE TO STAY IN EDINBURGH?

TIP: Click here to find the best accommodation deals in Edinburgh.

InterContinental Hotels – Edinburgh The George

19 – 21 George Street, New Town

With an enviable location just a stone’s throw away from Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood Palace, InterContinental Hotel – Edinburgh The George is the first choice for travelers looking for an exclusive, unforgettable experience in Edinburgh. Featuring elegant, richly furnished rooms , the hotel manages to achieve a sense of grandeur through simple detailing and an uncompromising focus on natural materials. The rooms all boast amazing views and the guests can enjoy a charming little bar on the 5 th floor.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

voco Edinburgh – Haymarket, an IHG Hotel

46 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8JB

voco Edinburgh – Haymarket will offer you a fantastic stay any day of the year. The place boasts a wonderful restaurant, an excellent fitness centre, and beautiful large rooms, among other things. Excellent breakfast is also worth mentioning as you have several options to choose from. Tea and coffee-making machines are in every room, with some providing a wonderful view. Modern, elegant, and comfortable, this hotel will deliver an excellent experience every time. Thumbs up!

ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square

6 Hunters Square (Off The Royal Mile), Old Town

Just off the historic Royal Mile, ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile is a stylish, modern hotel . It offers bright and spacious bedrooms, each with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a large work desk. An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is open for guests every morning, in addition to the 24-hour bar with beverages and light snacks. The great 24-hour bar only adds to the wonderful experience you get here.

Kick Ass Greyfriars

37-39 Cowgate, Old Town

You will fall in love with this charming hostel , its lively modern rooms, and its shared lounge. Kick Ass Greyfriars has a hip bar inside a “kick-ass” old VW van and its helpful crew makes everyone feel like one big family. With spacious lockers, free Wi-Fi, amazing parties each evening, and a continental breakfast every morning, this is the place to be if you’re getting ready to take on Edinburgh in a day. Bonus points: you can play pool at the property or work in the café on the 1 st floor with your laptop. And if you come early, just leave your luggage before checking.

DAY TRIPS FROM EDINBURGH

Staying longer in Edinburgh? Well, in that case, consider yourself lucky because you will have an amazing opportunity to explore Scotland! There are plenty of wonderful day trips from Edinburgh to choose from, and all you have to do is choose. If you can’t make up your mind, here are a few suggestions you can’t go wrong with!

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Trip from Edinburgh

An organized small-day trip from Edinburgh is the best way to explore some of the most famous attractions in the Scottish Highlands, including Glen Coe, Stirling Castle, Loch Ness , and Cairngorms National Park. With a professional guide to offer deeper insights, an organized tour is a perfect opportunity to see more of the Highlands in less time .

Pure and simple – why not spend one day in Glasgow if you have the opportunity? It’s just over an hour away, so you can get to Scotland’s largest city quickly and easily. And there’s plenty to see, too – wonderful museums, the exquisite university, and the stunning Glasgow Cathedral are just some of the sights to enjoy. The city is also vibrant, with plenty of options in the evening, so there’s really a lot to explore. If at all possible, go and visit Glasgow, you won’t be sorry!

Da Vinci Code and Scottish Borders Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh

This tour will take you on an adventure – to learn more about the real-life mysteries of The Da Vinci Code and the Holy Grail. With visits to Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey, your guide will bring to life notable historic figures including the Knights Templar and Robert the Bruce . Just relax and take in the breathtaking scenery as you tour the Roman ruins, the charming small town of Melrose, and secluded forgotten chapels whose provocative symbolism holds the key to untold mysteries of the past .

West Highland Lochs and Castles Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh

For fans of Monty Python and The Holy Grail , you can’t beat this day trip from Edinburgh, which includes a stop at Doune Castle , forever immortalized in the famous cult classic. Before that, you will get a chance to visit Stirling Castle, the one-time residence of Mary Queen of Scots , in addition to Inveraray Castle, Laky Fyne, and Loch Lomond. Learn more about Scottish legends such as Rob Roy MacGregor and William Wallace and let your mind wander as you admire the unparalleled medieval castles in the rugged Breadalbane Mountains.

EXTRA TIPS FOR VISITING EDINBURGH

-Most of the things to do in Edinburgh, especially museums and galleries , will be unavailable early in the morning. In general, they open around 9:30 or 10 , which is why you will have to spend the first hour or two just walking around and sightseeing.

-For Edinburgh Castle , the 11 am and noon slots have to be booked online at least 1.5 hours in advance . No more visitors are accepted after 4 PM (1 hour before closing).

-The Royal Mile has a bit of a reputation as a tourist trap. That doesn’t apply to all merchants there, but some caution is advised if you’re planning on spending money there. The chances are you can get a significantly better deal somewhere else.

-It’s good to keep in mind that Scotland has the same type G electric sockets as England. Therefore, your chargers probably won’t fit if you’re coming from some other part of Europe, or most of the world, for that matter.

-See the city on foot! While there are many tempting bus tours around, walking around Edinburgh is a whole different experience. It will help you immerse yourself in the city and experience it better.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Edinburgh Itinerary, feel free to share them in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

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• The Unofficial Edinburgh Guide

• Stockbridge & Dean Village
• South Queensferry
• Dunbar, East Lothian
• Food & Drink
• Edinburgh Activities
• Where to Stay

The Best Day Tours From Edinburgh For First-Time Visitors

This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.

Sit back and relax as a local expert guides you on the following day tours from Edinburgh. Reach rural and remote parts of Scotland featuring iconic landmarks such as castles, lochs, and mountains while learning more about history, culture, food, and drink without navigating public transport or maps! Whether you prefer a private, small group, or social coach, there are various options to choose from.

You may also enjoy our guide to Highlands tours .

Best Edinburgh Day Tours

Loch ness, glencoe & the scottish highlands tour.

With over 7000 reviews, this 1-day Highlands bus tour is ideal for people visiting Scotland for the first time or for locals who want to learn more about their home country!

The tour leaves Edinburgh for Stirling in the northwest, where you’ll see Stirling Castle from the bus window; this is where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned before the first refreshments stop at Kilmahog near Callander.

Here, you might just see a seasonal Highland coo!

Back on the bus, the tour drives through Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Glencoe while the driver regales the story of the 1692 Clan MacDonald massacre.

A lunch stop is offered at Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe; then it’s on to Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness, which guests can choose to tour for an additional fee.

The tour then regroups and heads towards a comfort stop at the Clansman Hotel, where visitors can choose between exploring the Old Coffin Road walk, doing a one-hour round trip cruise (additional fee), participating in a gin-tasting session (additional fee), or relaxing at the hotel before the drive back to Edinburgh but not without a stop at Pitlochry in pretty Perthshire.

The air-conditioned bus seats 16-53 people, and the price includes narration from an expert Scotland guide.

There are over 7000 reviews on GetYourGuide, with statements such as “lots of jokes and stories”, “knowledgeable in all of Scotland’s history”, and “definitely worth the money”.

Note: This will impact all of the Highland tours from Edinburgh in our guide, but the more rural you travel, the fewer options are available for hospitality during winter. It may be worth packing a lunch, giving you more time for sightseeing!

Also, wear layers to ensure maximum comfort on and off the coach.

• Duration: 12.5 hours
• Travel: Large bus, 16-53 people

Reserve your spot here .

Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis

Another option for tours to Loch Ness from Edinburgh, which allows you to see all of the Scottish sights that most newcomers dream of, are featured during this coach trip .

Embark from Edinburgh’s Old Town and drive by Stirling Castle on the way to Callander, aka The Gateway to the Highlands, then through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Then, the guided bus tour takes the winding roads to majestic Glencoe, stopping for a photo opportunity of the famous Three Sisters hills, two of which are classified as Munros.

The tour continues through Fort William, passing by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain of the British Isles.

Lunch is enjoyed in the quaint canal town of St. Augustus, where visitors can take a boat tour of Loch Ness or relax by the Caledonian Canal.

The final leg takes in Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Laggan, Grampian Mountains, and the Pass of Drumochter before a comfort stop at Pitlochry in Perthshire.

The air-conditioned bus seats 6-57 people, and the price includes live onboard commentary.

There are over 4000 reviews on GetYourGuide, with statements such as “humorous and so informative,” “totally worth it,” and “storytelling was incredible.”

• Travel: Bus, 16-57 people

Alternatively, please read our guide on how to get to Loch Ness by car, train, and bus.

Glenfinnan, Fort William, & Glencoe Day Tour

Depart Edinburgh to visit the viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter movies during this Highlands tour !

The first comfort stop during the 12-hour journey is in Callander, then on to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, which has been the backdrop of popular movies such as James Bonds’ Skyfall.

The next route hugs the banks of Loch Linnhe on the way to Fort William for a lunch break, fuelling up for the star of the show: the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

It’s surreal to think that this Victorian viaduct was built in 1897, and today, it is one of the most visited locations in the Scottish Highlands as this is where the Jacobite steam train that resembles Hogwarts Express passes four times a day to thousands of camera phone clicks and captures.

Glenfinnan is also home to the Black Lake, or Great Lake, that Hogwarts Castle overlooks, it is called Loch Shiel in real life.

This is where the boat rises from the water for the 700-year-old competition, the Triwizard Tournament in the Goblet of Fire.

Another landmark is the Glenfinnan Monument, a tribute to those who died in the 1745 Jacobite uprising, built in 1815.

The bus trip back to Edinburgh is broken up with a stop in Pitlochry.

There are over 2000 reviews on GetYourGuide, with statements such as “the views even from the coach are stunning”, “full of information”, and “informative and entertaining”.

• Duration: 12 hours
• Travel: Bus, 16 – 53 people

Reserve your spot at GetYourGuide or Viator .

Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour

This tour is a little shorter at nine hours and, like the above options, includes Loch Lomond and Stirling; however, it does not travel as far as Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Fort William.

A bonus with this shorter trip is that it visits the enchanting 100ft Kelpies located at The Helix; you honestly have to see them with your own eyes to appreciate how outstanding the craft by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott is.

The next stop is the largest loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond, where visitors can pay for an additional cruise before driving through the Highlands in Miniature, Trossachs National Park and a lunch stop.

The final leg is Callander driving by Doune Castle, an Outlander filming location, and a tour of Stirling Castle to learn about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots.

The tour ends back in Edinburgh.

There are over 1000 reviews, such as “we saw a lot in one day” and “never a boring/dull moment”.

• Duration: 9 hours

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

Add a splash of scotch to your Edinburgh day tour with this 10-hour trip to a distillery.

The bus excursion leaves Edinburgh for Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow, to visit the modern Clydeside Distillery, where guests can participate in a tour and tasting session for an additional fee.

Lunch can be bought at the next stop, Loch Lomond (Aberfoyle or Balmaha), with ample time to explore the shores before the final tourist attraction, Stirling Castle (additional fee).

There are hundreds of reviews, such as “an experience of a lifetime” and “a solid 5/5”.

Check out our whisky tours from Edinburgh guide for more one-day options.

• Duration: 10 hours

Outlander Adventure Day Tour with Entry

Calling all Claire and Jamie fans, this 1-day Outlander tour visits five filming locations and several historic landmarks, too.

The first stop is Jamie’s home, Lallybroch, which is Midhope Castle in real life, and then it’s on to the striking Blackness Castle, aka Jack Randall’s headquarters.

Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace, Linlithgow Palace or Wentworth Prison in Outlander land, is up next.

The palace was also used as a canvas in the Netflix TV show Outlaw King.

In the afternoon, the bus travels to Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, then Outlander’s Castle Leoch, which is called Doune Castle.

Here, you can listen to an audio guide that features a chapter spoken by the one and only Sam Heughan.

The final stop before returning to the city is Culross, Cranesmuir, the Fife village used for Claire’s herb garden (Culross Palace) and its historic streets.

Culross is also a filming location in Captain America: First Avenger.

There are hundreds of reviews such as “great stories along the way” and “highly recommend the tour”.

• Travel: Mercedes mini-coach, 16 people – small group tour from Edinburgh

Hogwarts Express and History Tour

You don’t have to travel to London’s Platform 9¾ to experience the Hogwarts Express as a Jacobite train chugs over Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, which you can witness during this Hogwarts Express tour .

The tour leaves Edinburgh for scenic Glencoe, then on to Fort William, passing Harry Potter filming locations such as Rannoch Moor, where the Death Eaters soar through the sky and abruptly board the train in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I.

During this trip, you will also learn more about Scottish history and the landmarks along the rugged road.

Alight the Hogwarts Express at Fort William and steam over the Victorian-era Glenfinnan Viaduct, which departs in Mallaig, where you can enjoy lunch.

Note: We have personally done this train ride, and the train itself, although beautifully historic, is not a replica of the Hogwarts Express, which disappoints some visitors.

After dining, the tour bus transfers you from Mallaig to the Glenfinnan Visitor Center so that you can watch the train thunder over the viaduct you just crossed.

There are hundreds of reviews such as “absolutely brilliant day” and “great guide and very knowledgeable”.

However, some reviews state that the Glenfinnan Visitor Center car park was fully occupied; therefore, they did not get to experience watching the train on the viaduct.

• Duration: 13 hours
• Travel: Bus with toilet facility

St Andrews Tour From Edinburgh

We may be biased as we hail from The Kingdom of Fife , but we would love for visitors to consider this 1-day tour to see “it’s always sunny in Fife!”.

Leaving the city, the bus travels over the iconic Forth Bridge, which connects Edinburgh with Fife, then through the seaside village of Aberdour before stopping in the East Neuk villages of Anstruther, Pittenweem, Crail and St. Monans.

Popular day trips with locals, these charming villages are known for fishing trade, beaches, and witchcraft.

The next stop is St Andrews, which is famous for golf and the meeting place of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (Kate).

The tour then heads to the Lomond Hills and Falkland, an Outlander location where you can pose by Bruce Fountain as Jamie’s ghost does, looking up at Claire in Mrs Baird’s Guesthouse window.

On the way back to Edinburgh, the route passes Loch Leven and stops at the bustling South Queensferry to see the Forth Bridges in all of their glory.

There are hundreds of reviews such as “more than enough photo stops” and “enough time in all of our stops”.

Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Cross the border between Scotland and England during this bus tour to Hadrian’s Wall.

Departing Edinburgh in the morning, the first stop is Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders, one of 70 former royal burghs in the country, known for the 12th century Augustinian Abbey.

Next, the bus stops at Carter Bar, aka toll-gate, on the edge of the Cheviot Hills, which separates Scotland from England.

Now, for the main event, the route follows the south side of Hadrian’s Wall, with a stop at Steel Rigg, one of the best viewpoints of the wall, with Crag Lough Lake sitting in the distance.

Before returning to the city, visitors can add on an optional tour of the Roman auxiliary fort, Vindolanda.

There are hundreds of reviews such as “the landscape was amazing.” and “highlight of my trip to Scotland”.

• Duration: 11 hours
• Travel: 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach

Rosslyn Chapel Tours From Edinburgh

Learn about the myths of the Da Vinci Code during this 1-day trip to Rosslyn Chapel!

This six-hour tour itinerary features the lush Scott’s View, which overlooks the Tweed Valley in Melrose, a view loved by Sir Walter Scott before visiting the statue of William Wallace.

Then, the tour moves on to the 12th-century Melrose Abbey and the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart.

A lunch stop is provided in Melrose before visiting the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its inclusion in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code book and movie, before driving back to Edinburgh.

There are hundreds of reviews, such as “couldn’t have been better.” and “a healthy dose of Scottish history”.

• Duration: 6 hours

Final Words

From the north to south of the border, featuring castles, Munros, lochs, beaches, distilleries, battlefields, villages and cities, the itineraries on the above Scotland tours from Edinburgh will suit every visitor.

Which did you choose? Tell us in the comments.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Scotland » 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Though Edinburgh itself can feel like an escape from big city life, with its cobbled streets and tranquil views – there is in fact an abundance of truly beautiful places on its doorstep that’ll make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a different world.

From irresistibly picturesque coastlines to fairytale castles and all manner of highland dreamscapes, the regions surrounding Edinburgh are ideal for hikers and nature lovers alike.

For some inspiration and information on the best places that can be reached from Edinburgh in the space of a day, read on.

1. Loch Ness and the Highlands

Steeped in mystery and beauty alike, Loch Ness is one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh and for good reason.

Spend the day hunting for the elusive yet much loved Loch Ness Monster and gaze upon the impossibly serene glassy waters of Glencoe whose sunsets rival those of any tropical beach.

A mere coach trip from Edinburgh, the Highlands can be wandered for an entire day without seeing everything there is to see, not to mention the majestic Urquhart Castle where you can learn some of the region’s history.

2. The Lammermuirs

Forming a natural boundary between Lothian and the Borders, The Lammermuirs are a series of gracefully rolling hills that are a world away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh city.

A veritable dream for landscape photographers, the Lammermuir Hills offer remote, heather covered expanses of nature that are perfect for road trips.

The long straight roads give uninterrupted sweeping views of the beautiful and undulating Scottish landscape that will leave you enchanted.

Though its an ideal spot for a picnic, you can also find the small village of Gifford hiding amongst the hills where you can grab a pub lunch.

3. Stirling

If you liked Edinburgh Castle then you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the monstrously large and majestic Stirling Castle that has stood tall since Medieval times and successfully withstood a number of Viking attacks.

Surrounded by forest and panoramic views of the hills and mountains of Stirling, the castle is worth a visit but you can also spend the day exploring the vast expanses of highland.

Known as the gateway to the Highlands, Stirling is alive with folkloric tales and history alike, with enough to keep nature lovers and history buffs entertained for an entire day.

4. Borders Train

The train to the Scottish Borders leaves from Edinburgh Waverly and will have you feeling as though you’ve stepped back in time with its gloriously classic steam locomotives that are a sight to behold and even more intriguing to actually ride on.

Soak up the cinematic Scottish landscapes of The Borders and stop at any number of the enchanting spots along the way like Galashiels or Tweedbank.

A true trip to the Scottish heartland, this is one train journey you’re not likely to forget.

5. St Andrews

Home to the oldest University in Scotland and a host of other intriguing attractions, St Andrews is a perfect day-long getaway to a quaint town filled with quaint things.

If the charming array of pubs and local shops don’t keep you busy, then head down to West Sands Beach for a stroll along the iconic coastline where Chariots of Fire was filmed.

You’ll also find an abundance of fine dining in St Andrews so make sure you arrive hungry to enjoy some world-class food in one of the many reputable restaurants.

6. Wemyss Bay

Wemyss Bay is a charmingly tradition village that hails back to Victorian times and it’s easy to see why.

The railway station is the perfect epitome of 19th Century architecture and is in fact one of the most attractive and well preserved railway stations in the country.

With no shortage of sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the West Central Lowlands village is a perfect escape.

For the finishing touch, jump aboard the ferry to the Isle of Bute and explore the port of Rothesay.

The tiny fishing village of St Abbs is about as good as day trips from Edinburgh get, providing you with the ultimate tranquil getaway that is home to some of the most gorgeous coastal views Scotland has to offer.

The heather covered cliffs and headlands are perfect vantage points for some truly spectacular photography too.

Once you’re in St Abbs, you can either go surfing on some word-class waves (but remember to bring a wetsuit!) or simply take in the sea views, sea air and seabirds, all of which are in glorious abundance.

Positively dripping in history that shaped the fate of Scotland, Falkirk is the place that saw the defeat of William Wallace in 1298. Most well known for this event, it attracts history buffs and proud countrymen and women alike.

Marvel at the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotary connector in the entire world and one that links the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal.

Aside from this, allow yourself to be amazed by the biggest equine sculptures on the planet at The Kelpies, or simply enjoy the enviable shopping locations Falkirk has to offer.

9. North Berwick

An unbelievably short 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train is the beautifully picturesque seaside town of North Berwick.

Complete with everything you could want from a canonically Scottish seaside town, revel in walks along the beach enjoying ice-creams, or get in the sea with a paddle board to play in the waves.

As well as the beach, you can visit the iconic bird settlement known as Bass Rock, or for more aviary antics you can drop by the Sea Bird Center too.

As well as all this, North Berwick has got a plethora of coffee spots and excellent eats spread around town.

Home to the iconic and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most famous holy sites in Scotland, Roslin is a perfect getaway for those looking to explore an intriguing small town on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

The 15th Century settlement is surrounded by an enchanting glen and has its very own collection of traditional Scottish pubs.

Between the peaceful natural surroundings and mysterious history, Roslin is a worthwhile day trip from Edinburgh that’s easy to get to.

Nestled on the banks of the serene River Tay, the longest river in the country, the town of Perth at one time was the Scottish capital.

Having lost none of its former glory, Perth now boasts sights such as the Scone Palace and the Stone of Destiny, both popular attractions to most visitors.

You’ll also get the chance to explore the breathtakingly intriguing Perth Museum and Art Gallery, hosting artefacts from meteorites to mummies all within the walls of the ornate building complete with pillars and glass ceilings.

For the foodies amongst you, Perth also has the enviable status of being a foodie haven, so make sure you arrive hungry!

12. Windermere

In less than 3 hours you can be in one of the most stunningly gorgeous places in the United Kingdom.

Thanks to Edinburgh’s extraordinarily close proximity to the border of England, it doesn’t take an unreasonably long time to get to Windermere, a town in the beautiful Lake District.

Here you can gaze upon the tranquil expanses of water that fill the largest lake in England, Lake Windermere.

With valleys and vantage points to soak up the panoramic views literally everywhere, you’ll want to spend longer than a day exploring the green and blue dreamscape of Windermere.

13. Burntisland

For a much closer destination that loses none of the charm of somewhere like the Lake District, jump on a train from Edinburgh and in a mere 35 minutes you’ll be on the beaches of Burntisland.

A coastal town with charming pebble beaches and forested coastline, it’s the ideal place to spend the whole day or even just an afternoon given how close it is to the capital.

Full of restaurants and activities like scuba diving, it’s the perfect family destination.

14. Glasgow

Though you’ll be escaping one city for another, there’s absolutely no denying that if you’re spending some time in Edinburgh it’s worth a visit to Scotland’s second most iconic city.

Just over an hour away, the city famous for being the inspiration for the seminal film Trainspotting is home to an irresistibly quirky West End district.

Offering hipster places to eat and a forward thinking fashion and music scene, Glasgow is an exciting place to be.

Boasting impressively large Botanical Gardens and the quiet beauty of Kelvingrove Park, there’s a little something for everyone in the city of Glasgow.

Close to the iconic St Andrews is the even more beautiful tiny coastal town of Elie, adored by visitors, residents and locals alike for its aesthetic charms.

Its golden sand beaches and perfectly preserved 16th Century harbour attract all manner of photographers to catch Elie’s seaside charms.

Another popular attraction is the Elie Lighthouse that simply put, has some of the most captivating views in the country, not to mention that the lighthouse itself is enchanting.

If the mesmerising surroundings on land aren’t enough for you then have a scenic tour on one of the many yachts in the harbour.

The golfing enthusiasts among you will be pleased to know that Elie sports two reputable golf courses and a rich history of golfing action.

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh:

• Loch Ness and the Highlands
• The Lammermuirs
• Borders Train
• North Berwick
• Burntisland

1 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Edinburgh day trips.

Experience the best of Scotland in a day from our central Edinburgh departure point. When joining a Scotland tour you can discover legendary tales, lovely whiskies, and marvellous mountains. And we make it easy for you to reach these places. On our day tours from Edinburgh, you travel by a luxury but nimble 16-seat mini-coaches. This allows us to take you to the hidden locations unavailable to large coach tours. On our tours you’ll also support local communities, and learn the legendary stories from a friendly local guide . So, use your precious time wisely and join Rabbie’s for a one day tour departing from Edinburgh.

Inspirational Locations on a 1 Day Trip from Edinburgh

Scotland has some of the best scenery to experience in person. So why not view it for yourself on a day trip from Edinburgh. Alternatively you can visit England and see the likes of Alnwick Castle, the Northumberland Coast and the Borders . All these inspirational locations have something magical to offer their guests. Maybe some more than others if you are a Harry Potter fan! So discover their wonder now on a Scottish 1 day tour from Edinburgh.

Award-Winning Scotland Day Trips from the Capital

Take part in an escorted Scottish day trip, with a trusted, award-winning company . We pride ourselves in delivering unique experiences to our guests. Whether you choose to explore Loch Ness, the Highlands or Glencoe . Our experts can provide you with knowledge you may not find elsewhere. Book your place today.

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The 8 best day trips from Edinburgh

Looking for a rural escape from the city? Here are some of the best day trips from Edinburgh

Edinburgh is top notch, but in its most touristy months, it can be a little, you know, much . So if you’re looking for a day off from the hustle and bustle and the Harry Potter fans, we’ve got good news: there’s loads of great spots nearby for a day trip, and you can reach them all by public transport or a quick drive. 

On our list you’ll find coastal towns, mountainous landscapes, cultural monuments and more, where beach walks, quaint shopping streets and rigorous hiking routes await you. Our top tip? Stop for lunch, and then head back to Edinburgh for a great dinner and pub trip. That’s where the good stuff is, eh? Here are the best day trips from Edinburgh. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh   🎨 The best art galleries in Edinburgh 🏰 The best attractions in Edinburgh 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Edinburgh

This guide was updated by Edinburgh-based Arusa Querishi . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .  

An email you’ll actually love

Best day trips and places to visit near Edinburgh

1.  The East Lothian beaches

Edinburgh itself has a beach at Portobello, a suburb with a jolly seaside-resort feel. Beyond the city, however, there are more expansive and equally attractive beaches to be found in East Lothian.

The first bus from the centre to Aberlady takes just under an hour. A few minutes’ walk east of the village, along the A198, you’ll find Aberlady Local Nature Reserve, a haven for birds big and small. Follow the path round to the sands on the north side of Aberlady Bay and there’s beach and headland all the way to Gullane (approximately 5km). This village has a beautiful sweeping beach, some decent places to eat and drink, and a regular bus service to take you back to central Edinburgh. 

2.  Cairngorms National Park

As the largest national park in the British Isles, there's naturally huge amounts to explore within the Cairngorms. But with such a variety of options for activities in the area, choosing one or more highlights can make for the perfect day trip.

Whether you're into skiing, birdwatching, fishing or hiking, you can do it all within this stunning mountain range. But for a more chilled out activity, there are numerous castles and historical sites to check out too, including Balmoral Castle (the Queen's private residence), Braemar Castle and the Highland Folk Museum. And then there's the Dalwhinnie Distillery, currently the highest distillery in the country, where you can get a tour or a masterclass if you so desire.

If you're heading up there with the family, the Aviemore Zip Trek Park, the Landmark Forrest Park and Highland Wildlife Park are just some ways to keep everyone entertained. The drive-through reserve at the Highland Wildlife Park is particularly wonderful for spotting animals like bison, red deer, elk and vicuna.

3.  The Kelpies

If you’re visiting the nearby Falkirk Wheel, you’d do well to stop by at at Helix Park, home to the Kelpies, two monumental sculptures of mythical water horses , each nearly 100ft high. Legend has it kelpies had the strength of 10 horses and could shape-shift into human form – just as the landscapes in these parts have metamorphosed drastically over millennia. They’re made of steel in a nod to both contemporary sculptural trends and traditional artisan techniques. Enormous, glittering and utterly magnificent, the dual artworks have been open to the public since spring 2014, alongside a visitor centre where you can get guided Kelpie tours and explore exhibits relating to their history.

4.  Linlithgow

The main reason tourists flock to Linlithgow is to see the striking ruins of its royal castle. The birthplace of both James V and his daughter Mary, Queen of Scots, Linlithgow Palace echoes with the history of the Stuart dynasty that ruled Scotland from 1371. 

Perched on the shore of the town’s small loch, right next to St Michael’s Church with its distinctive modern steeple, you couldn’t deny it’s in a prime location. There’s been some form of royal palace here since the 12th century, although the current structure was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its heyday as the Stuarts’ primary residence came to an end when James VI became king of Great Britain in 1603 and relocated to London with his court. The building fell into disrepair over the next hundred years; a fire finally put the old place out of its misery in 1746.

Atmospheric and resonant, it’s now cared for by Historic Scotland and, if you catch it on a fine day, its red sandstone comes alive in the sunlight. The High Street is where to find cafés and restaurants, while the town also sits on the Union Canal, perfect for a bucolic saunter. ScotRail trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Linlithgow take around 20 minutes.

5.  Loch Ness

It takes less time than you’d think to get up to the Highlands, so a day trip to Loch Ness is completely doable. You’ll probably know it as home to Nessie, a cryptozoological sea creature whose sightings began in 595 and have continued ever since. There’s more to an excursion to Loch Lomond than monster-spotting, however. Lots of touring companies in Edinburgh will take you there (check out The Hairy Coo, Timberbush Tours or Rabbies). Some pass by Stirling Castle before stopping at Kilmahog – frequented by fairies, we’re told – while others go via Glencoe. Once at Loch Ness, you can cruise its waters, explore nearby Urquhart Castle and take part in whisky tastings. The whole trip will take up a full day (with an early rise), so it’s not for the faint-hearted. And remember to bring layers – this is Scotland, after all.

6.  North Berwick

A small and attractive seaside town, North Berwick has beaches stretching east and west from its harbour, a decent selection of bars and restaurants, small islands immediately offshore and the imposing presence of the Bass Rock, with its gannet colony, around 5km out into the Forth. Standing sentinel over it all is the 187-metre bulk of North Berwick Law directly behind the town, an ancient volcanic plug which affords brilliant views if you make the effort to reach the top.

Nearby you’ll find the Scottish Seabird Centre, which is great for children and birdwatching enthusiasts, and there are also scenic seasonal boat trips, some going all the way to the Isle of May – the last stop before Scandinavia. Put all that together and you have a well-rounded day trip in store; trains take less than 35 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley. 

7.  The Pentlands

It may be a bit cheeky to describe this range of hills as outside Edinburgh, given a chunk of it sits well within the city boundary. All the same, the Pentlands stretch over 30km away to the South West of the capital with a number of peaks over 500 metres – the area was designated the Pentlands Regional Park back in 1984.

Among the hills, you’ll find an artificial ski slope at Hillend (the Midlothian Snowsports Centre), farms, lochs, a military training zone that has live firing exercises and no end of trails to follow. The gentle way to experience the Pentlands is to drive or catch a First bus from the city centre to Flotterstone, walk 1.5km up the minor road to the picturesque Glencorse Reservoir, take in the view, then walk back the way you came, stopping for a drink and some pub grub at the Flotterstone Inn before heading back to the city. The more adventurous might also want to start at Flotterstone but instead embark on a circular walk of 18km taking in some of the hills, including Scald Law, the Pentlands’ highest peak at 579 metres. 

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

10 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh (Scotland) – by car or tours

Last updated on November 21, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Planning your trip to Scotland and wondering what could be the best day trips from Edinburgh for you? Below is my selection of the top 10 best destinations to see within a day. Plus, I share the options to join organized tours or complete the day trip by car depending on if you want to drive or not. Time to plan!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William

My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe

My favorite places to stay:

• Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
• Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
• Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
• Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel

Exploring Scotland with the best day trips from Edinburgh

For those who do not want to go on a road trip and change base every night, staying in  Edinburgh  is a great option.  There is  much to see in the city  and a wide variety of options for one day tours from Edinburgh with scenery, architecture, history and tasty whisky. You can find ideas for your accommodation in Edinburgh at the end of this article or see here the best rated accommodations .

Best day trips from Edinburgh Scotland – Short answer

If you don’t want to read the whole article, I think the best tours from Edinburgh you could enjoy are:

• Glencoe and the Highlands – the scenery is breathtaking! See small group tour option
• The Scottish Borders – a long history to admire in the ruins of these magnificent abbeys See small group tour option
• The West Highlands with one of my favorite Scottish Castles: Inveraray See small group tour option
• Stirling Castle and the Trossachs (with lochs and mountains) See small group tour option
• Queen’s View over Loch Tummel and Whisky tasting See small group tour option
• Exploring Glasgow – historical buildings, modern architecture and street art Easy to reach by train + hop-on hop-off bus
• St Andrews, for a classic See small group tour option
• The castles of the Lothians – not far and impressive Easy drive from Edinburgh
• Whisky Distilleries – don’t drive! See small group tour option
• Day trip to England with TV and Movie locations See group tour option

Find out photos and tips later in the article.

Map – where to go on a day trip from Edinburgh by car or by tour

And to get you oriented, below is a map with the 8 best areas:

Need to rent a car in Scotland?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the single-lane roads
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Answers to FAQs

How is driving about doing road trips – day trips from edinburgh by car.

Below you will see the 10 options with information to complete the day trips by car with

• time on the road
• best stops 

If you are worried about driving in Scotland, check out my article with videos and practical info .

Can you visit the Isle of Skye on a day trip from Edinburgh?

No. Sadly, the Isle of Skye is not one of them because it is too far away for only one day (4h30 drive to the Skye Bridge). But, if you have several days, head to my article about choosing your Isle of Skye tour .

Organized Tour Options

If you do not want to drive and (have to find parking in the city every evening), organized excursions from Edinburgh are a great option. When I book tours, I mostly use GetYourGuide (or Viator if I don’t find what I want) because I get many firsthand reviews from people who have really done the tour (no fake reviews like on TripAdvisor). 

Day trips from Edinburgh by train

If you don’t want to drive or join a group, your other option is the train. There are some famous train rides in Scotland, especially the Jacobite steam train. However, most of them would require more than a day of travel. If you have just a day, you can go to nearby towns by train. It is much harder to see nature highlights by train.

• Stirling, to see its castle
• Saint Andrews (train to Luechers + bus)

#1 – Glencoe & Highlands – day trip from Edinburgh to the Highlands

Type: Nature

• Drive by Stirling Castle and in the Trossachs National Park
• Small and larger lochs of all shapes and atmosphere
• Stunning valley of Glen Coe – With the famous mountain of Buachaille Etive Mor, the Three Sisters Ridge, the Meeting of the 3 waters falls and so much more…

Self-drive Information

Time on Road: 6h

• On route, you will drive past the Stirling Castle on M9 and the Trossachs National Park on A85
• Once you enter the Glencoe protected area, you can stop along A82 for some amazing views – check my article about the best stops along the road
• At Glencoe, turn right onto B863 to tour the magnificent Loch Leven surrounded by high peaks, one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland
• You can return via the same road with different perspective driving the other way around, or you can drive a little longer and return via A82 along Loch Lomond.

Want to stay overnight?

You can stay in the Glencoe town or further in the mountain in Kinlochleven. This way you can enjoy some hikes in the area. Check out the accommodations in the area .

Organized Tour Option

There are many day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands. Many drive through Glencoe. However, they don’t tour Loch Leven but continue on to other Highlands destinations. You will spend a lot of time on the road, but you will see a lot of the beautiful Scottish Highland landscapes.

I picked a tour clockwise for you because I think the views are better.

All of them are Loch Ness Tours from Edinburgh – They combine Glencoe with the famous Loch Ness and driving through the Cairngorm National Park. The day will be long, but you will see so much beauty!!!! And will you see Nessie the monster?

Small group tour (less than 16 people) – Long Drives

Check out program and prices

#2 – The Scottish Borders

Type: Architecture/History

• Old Abbeys that were powerful in this region close to the border with England
• Beautiful views of the Lowlands countryside with rolling hills

Time on Road: 3h30

On a very different style, you can head South to discover the ruins of several magnificent Abbeys which used to be very powerful in running the Scottish Borders.

• Make your way South on A68
• Visit Melrose Abbey and climb to the top of the remaining tower to find the pig
• Head to the Walter Scott viewpoint over the beautiful region
• History lovers will particularly appreciate the ruins of the Dryburgh Abbey nearby
• Then head to the magnificent double arch Jedburgh Abbey (personally my favorite) and imagine how life was in this magnificent structure
• (And if you are not yet tired of Abbeys, you can head to a last one in Kelso.)

Organized Tours Option

Get Your Guide does not have a tour with Jedburgh Abbey. But you can hop on this small group day tour from Edinburgh to Melrose Abbey and the very beautiful Rosslyn Chapel (and you don’t have to be a Da Vinci Code of Holy Grail myth fan to enjoy the tour).A great combination of history and countryside

Small group tour (less than 16 people)

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

#3 – West Highlands & Inveraray – beautiful road trip from Edinburgh

Type: Nature/Architecture

• Drive past Stirling
• Discover the Scenery of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
• Enjoy the view at ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ stop
• Explore the Fairy tale castle of Inveraray with its green wall, magical park (in the old trees area) and arms display.
• Admire the typical Highlands scenery of Loch Awe with the ruins of Kilchurn Castle

Time on Road:5h

This tour has a little bit of everything of Scotland – It could be Scotland in Miniature… Highlands, ruins, castles, lochs…

• Head North West on M9 towards Stirling – drive past the Stirling Castle – no time to visit if you want to see the rest
• Enter the Trossachs National Park on A85 and enjoy its beautiful scenery
• Continue on A85 towards Loch Awe to discover the ruins of Kilchurn castle in that typical Highland scenery: the ruins are in the middle of the loch surrounded with high summits
• Drive on A819 towards Inveraray. Explore the town and visit the Green Fairytale Castle of Inveraray
• Head back towards Edinburgh on A83 through Glen Croe and enjoy the view at the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ viewpoint and then A82 along Loch Lomond
• Finish with a little bit of Motorway on M8
• Compare rental prices on  Rentalcars.Com

A similar program is offered on a small group excursion from Edinburgh to the West Highlands including a visit to the Inveraray Castle.

Small group tour (less than 16 people) – Long drives

#4 – Stirling Castle & The Trossachs

• Visit of the impressive medieval fortress of Stirling
• Tour of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
• Loch Katrine and its historical steamboat (self-drive only)

Time on Road: 4H30

On this Edinburgh Day Trip, you can enjoy one of the most impressive castles in Scotland and discover the weekend nature gateway of the Scottish people.

• Take M9 to Stirling and visit the Stirling Castle on top of the hill
• Head North on A84 towards the Trossachs National Park
• Stop at Loch Katrine and consider a cruise on the historical steamboat
• Continue in the Trossachs on A85 and then A82. Stop for a short walk to the enchanting Falls of Falloch
• Head South and enjoy the shores of Loch Lomond . If you did not cruise Loch Katrine, you can do so on Loch Lomond from the town of Tarbet.

Most organized day tours from Edinburgh focus on Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. Loch Katrine and the Falls of Falloch are not included. But they already cover a lot, and you will learn plenty about Scottish history thanks to your guide.

#5 – Queen’s View and Whisky

Type: Nature/Culture

• Enjoy one of the best views in Scotland at the Queen’s view
• Taste famous Scottish whisky and learn the process of making it

Time on Road: 5h

On this day tour from Edinburgh, you will discover what is considered one of the best views in Scotland, admire beautiful scenery and learn more about whisky. But don’t drive and drink!

• Head North towards Perth and Pitlorchy on A9
• Head towards the beginning of Loch Tummel to enjoy the famous Queen’s view
• Head South towards the shores of Loch Tay and enjoy
• Stop at Killin to see the famous Falls of Dochart
• Join A85 and drive along Loch Earn. Enjoy the magnificent view from the East tip at St Fillans
• Stop at Crieff to discover the Famous Grouse Experience distillery. A bit touristy but the visit is quite enjoyable and accessible to whisky novices.

This organized tour does covers the beautiful Queen’s View and more in the Perthshire including: the village of Pitlorchy, Loch Tay and the Dewar’s World of Whisky.

#6 – Glasgow – best day trip from Edinburgh by train

Type: City/Culture

Time: 2h train return

Head to Glasgow with a short train ride: 51 min every 15 minutes 

Once in this vibrant town you can discover the many sights:

• The Glasgow Cathedral and its lower church
• The beautiful Garden of the People’s Palace
• And the very impressive Glasgow University
• Check out my article about spending one day in Glasgow

Once in Glasgow the easiest way to hit all the major sights in to take a hop-on hop-off bus.

Save on your Hop-on Hop-off ticket

#7 – St Andrews – short day trip from Edinburgh

Type: Golf/History

• Forth Road Bridge – Famous suspension bridge for trains – 1.5 miles in length
• Historical town of Saint Andrews with the ruins of the cathedral and the oldest university in Scotland
• History of Golf

Time on Road: 3h

If you enjoy golf and history then this is the perfect day trip from Edinburgh for you.

• Head North and cross the water on the Forth Road Bridge – stop around to admire the iconic suspension railway bridge called Forth Bridge
• Head East to the historical town of St Andrews – Absorb the atmosphere, enjoy the bay and visit the ruins of the once huge cathedral

Sit down and relax on this one-day trip from Edinburgh – Let them guide you to St Andrews and learn more about golf history and the oldest university of Scotland. And discover small fishing villages which have been settlements for hundreds of years.

#8 – Lothians – Dirleton and Tantallon Castles – easy drive from Edinburgh

Type: History/Architecture

Time on Road: 2h 

If you are looking for a quieter day with less driving, head East to visit 2 castles of the Lothians and discover their history.

• Take the A1 out of Edinburgh towards the East Coast
• First stop at Dirleton Castle . Part of its structure is still standing from the 13th century. It has many rooms to explore so kids really enjoy it
• Next head to the coast and discover the very impressive Tantallon Castle . Take the time to explore every staircase. Enjoy the views of the cliffs and towards the island of Bass Rock

#9 – Whisky Distilleries

Type: Culture

For those who enjoy whisky, the best region is Speyside. However, Aberlour is a 3h30 drive away from Edinburgh, so not really manageable in the day tour.

Don’t drink and drive!

However, you can still discover the distillery world with this organized day tour from Edinburgh that takes you to 2 distilleries with a side of beautiful Loch Lomond.

#10 – England excursion (+TV/Movie locations)

Type: Nature/ Architecture

Time on Road: 4h 

If you are fan of Downtown Abbey or Harry Potter or simply enjoy a beautiful castle, you can head South, cross the Scottish Border and visit the Castle of Anlwick.

• Drive South on A1, cross the in-country border between Scotland and England
• Stop at the beautiful Holy Island, only accessible at low tide
• Head to the ‘Windsor of the North’, the Anlwick Castle which has been featured in Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter

This exact program is offered as an organized tour from Edinburgh city center:

Accommodations for your Edinburgh base

Before you discover all the amazing one-day Trips from Edinburgh I have picked for you, you first need to find a great base in the city.

Best locations to be able to discover the city on foot are situated in the Old Town or around Princes Street. This way you are close to everything.

Below is my selection of fantastic accommodations in Edinburgh:

• First price – Best rated hostel is the High Street Hostel located in the old town – Check out photos and availability
• MID-RANGE – The Inn Place will offer you good comfort with a great location in the old town – Check out photos and availability
• APART HOTEL – The Princes Street Suites are close to everything but more modern than the old town. A great combination – Check out photos and availability
• LUXURY and HISTORY – Since 1902, the Balmoral Hotel welcomes guests in Edinburgh – Check photos and availability
• LUXURY and BEST VIEWS – The Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian offers rooms with an unobstructed view of the Castle and the old town. Amazing to wake up to see it – Check photos and availability

Want to choose yourself? Here you go:

• Check out the best rated hotels in Edinburgh
• or Check out the best rated apartments in Edinburgh

However, if you want to see more of Scotland, I really recommend a road trip.Check out my travel guides to help you plan your itinerary :

Plan your dream trip to Scotland with my guides!

• 15 easy-to-plan maps
• 170+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• Useful planning tips
• 170+ large photos 

• 8 easy-to-plan maps
• 60+ pre-selected locations
• 115+ large photos 

And keep track of your own trip!

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Reader Interactions

February 14, 2020 at 5:24 AM

Hii Claire,

We are planning to visit UK this September with a stop in Edinburgh (its a must isnt it), im travelling with my wife, 1 y.o infant and my mom..

We would love to do beautiful but relaxing day tours to the nearby places.. is it possible to do that?

Thanks heaps.

Reza Soebagio

February 14, 2020 at 3:45 PM

Hi Reza, I am not sure what is relaxing for you… For less intense program over a day, then organized group tours are not your best options. You should rent a car or use public transportation and just pick one place. For example, you can just go to the charming town of Stirling for the day and enjoy the views from the Castle. or You can just drive to the lowlands and visit Melrose and Jedburgh Abbeys. The Highlands will automatically mean more driving, so not so relaxing. I wish you a wonderful trip Claire

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6 Great Day Trips From Edinburgh

There's so much to see and do in Scotland's capital, but if you’re looking to escape the city and get off the beaten track, then there are plenty of day trips from Edinburgh. From breathing in the fresh sea breeze in East Lothian to visiting the historic towns of the Scottish Borders, we’ve rounded up a few great day trips from Edinburgh that you can access easily by public transport.  

North Berwick East Lothian

Time from Edinburgh: 30-minute train, 50-minute drive

For those seeking a chance to detox by the sea, get some fresh air and sample local foodie delights, North Berwick is the perfect day trip. 

A 30-minute train journey from Edinburgh through Scottish farmland, once you arrive in North Berwick there’s so much to see and do. It’s a lovely contrast to a busy city break, so make the most of the seaside location and take a long stroll along its sandy beaches. If you’re looking for a more extended walk, visit the ruins of Tantallon Castle, perched dramatically on the surrounding clifftop. Admire the iconic Bass Rock, home to the world's largest colony of northern gannets, or catch a wildlife boat trip from the Scottish Seabird Centre to get a closer look. The town is also full of restaurants, seafood shacks and cafés to sample local produce – try Alandas for delicious ice cream, Steampunk for a warming coffee, Bostock Bakery for a crumbly pastry and, if you’re lucky, sample the morning’s fresh catch at The Lobster Shack in the harbour. 

Melrose Scottish Borders

Melrose Abbey

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Time from Edinburgh: 50-minute train (to Tweedbank station), 1-hour drive

The Scottish Borders is an area rich in history, culture and endlessly rolling landscapes. It’s easily accessible from both Edinburgh and England, so it makes a great stop off on the journey or as a day trip destination. 

There are plenty of towns to explore in the Scottish Borders, each with their own unique traditions and character. Melrose is conveniently located on a train stop on the Borders Railway, which is a beautiful train journey through the Scottish countryside. Hop off at Tweedbank station and discover the bustling market town, from the romantic ruins of Melrose Abbey to the delicious pastries you need to treat yourself to from Twelve Triangles bakery and coffee shop. For those looking for an outdoor adventure away from the city, the Eildon Hills just outside of Melrose are a great spot for some hillwalking in the fresh air.  

South Queensferry South Queensferry

The Forth Rail Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing

Time from Edinburgh: 20-minute train (to Dalmeny, not Queensferry station!), 30-minute drive

If you’re looking for a quick trip filled with iconic sites, sea views and picturesque surroundings, then South Queensferry is for you!  

The town is made up of a colourful collection of painted houses on twisting cobbled streets, making it the perfect place for a peaceful wander. Pop into the independent shops and eateries to see what the locals have to offer, from artwork at the Harbour Lane Studio to a sweet treat from The Little Bakery. South Queensferry is most famous for its spectacular view of the Firth of Forth and the Forth Bridges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Why not join a boat trip experience for a fun way to learn more about the Firth of Forth? It’ll give you epic views of the bridges and hidden gems, such as Inchcolm Abbey, which sits on an island in the middle of the Firth and was founded by King David I. 

Linlithgow West Lothian

Linlithgow Palace

Time from Edinburgh: 20-minute train, 45-minute drive

Linlithgow is an historic village, only 20 minutes on the train from Edinburgh city centre. It's ideal for those looking for a quick day trip to soak up Scotland’s royal history – the palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V.  

Linlithgow Palace is a must-see for those making the trip to this West Lothian town. Built in 1424 by James I of Scotland, the palace was a royal residence until it was attacked by Oliver Cromwell in 1746. You can explore the Renaissance architecture, delve into its tumultuous history and enjoy the serene surroundings of Linlithgow Loch. The town itself also has lots to discover – make sure you plan a trip to Far From the Madding Crowd, a cosy and award-winning independent bookshop. For a flavour of the countryside, pick up locally grown produce and wholesome treats at Grow Wild. It's a farm shop with groceries from Bonnytoun Farm and is only a 15-minute walk from the end of the loch.

Roslin Midlothian

Rosslyn Chapel

Time from Edinburgh: 45-minute bus journey on the 37 bus, 30-minute drive  

If you’re interested in mystery, intrigue and legend, the Midlothian town of Roslin should definitely be on your list whilst in Edinburgh.  

A quick trip from the city centre, it’s home to the famous Rosslyn Chapel, a familiar site to any fan of The Da Vinci Code. The chapel itself is full of intricate stonemasonry and late-gothic features. You could easily spend hours admiring the craftsmanship and learning more about the many stories and mysteries associated with the site. The chapel sits within the historic surroundings of Roslin Glen, which is full of walks and paths to immerse you in the woodland setting. The River North Esk runs through the valley, bordered by the largest surviving stretch of ancient woodland in Midlothian. See if you can find the picturesque ruins of Rosslyn Castle or be inspired by the wildlife and nature that has engaged the likes of Wordsworth and J.M.W. Turner. 

Dunfermline Fife

Dunfermline Abbey

© Fife Council / Damian Shields

Time from Edinburgh: 35-minute train , 40-minute drive

If a captivating journey across the Forth Bridges and into the Kingdom of Fife appeals to you, then Dunfermline is a great starting point for an adventure into this region of Scotland. 

Dunfermline was made Scotland’s newest city in 2022. It has an ancient past and was once the capital of the country; kings and queens, including Robert the Bruce, are buried in the abbey here. Dunfermline Abbey has roots back to the 11th century and you really get a sense of the significance of the place as you wander through the Romanesque architecture. The town is also the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie, and his influence on the city is easy to see, from the first Carnegie Library to Pittencrieff Park, which he donated to the people of Dunfermline.  If you’re travelling by bike or car, then take a trip along the coast to explore the East Neuk of Fife, an area packed full of hidden gems, quaint fishing villages and stunning sea views. On a sunny day you may even be able to see back to Edinburgh across the Forth! 

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Loch Ness, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Day Tour Experience from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1100
• Tour theme: Edinburgh Day Tours (Group Tours) ,
• Duration: 1 Day - 11 hours 30min approx.
• Starts from: Edinburgh

Experience the best 1 day tour of Scotland, we go to the famous Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands, see the rich mountain scenery as you tour on the Nessie Bus...

Loch Lomond, Whisky, and Stirling Castle Tour Experience from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1102
• Tour theme: Edinburgh Day Tours (Group Tours) , Whisky Tours ,
• Duration: 1 Day - 9 hours 30min approx.

Day Tour to Loch Lomond Tour and Stirling Castle from Edinburgh, including a Whisky stop at Clydeside Distillery. Castles, lochs and whisky, a perfect day out.

Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling and Dunfermline Tour Experience from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1107
• Duration: 1 Day - 8 hours 30min approx.

Day tour from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel from the Da Vinci Code, Holy Grail, also Stirling Castle, and Bannockburn, Robert the Bruce, Dunfermline, and more....

St. Andrews, Falkland Palace and Fishing Villages Tour Experience from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1106
• Tour theme: Whisky Tours , Edinburgh Day Tours (Group Tours) ,
• Duration: 1 Day - 9 hours approx.

Day tour from Edinburgh to St. Andrews, home of golf, and the Kingdom of Fife, Falkland Palace, and Kingbarns Whisky Distillery, St. Andrews Tour Edinburgh...

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and Scottish Borders Tour

• Tour ID: 1185
• Tour theme: Luxury Coach Tours , Edinburgh Day Tours (Group Tours) ,

Scenic coastal tour into the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria in North-East England, Alnwick Castle from Harry Potter, and the historic Flodden Battlefield....

The Ultimate Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1533
• Duration: 1 day - 10 hours approx

Whisky tour departing from Edinburgh going to Dewars Aberfeldy Distillery for Whisky and Chocolate tasting then to Deanston Distillery, Doune Castle, Loch Leven

The Outlander Palaces Day Tour from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1526

Outlander Day Tour to Midhope Castle aka Lallybroch Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, Hopetoun House. Tour of sets of the famous TV series..

Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Tour from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1590
• Duration: 1 Day - 12 hour approx.

Glenfinnan tour begins in Edinburgh. Glencoe features in James Bond Skyfall, and is the backdrop to Harry Potter. main attraction of the day; Glenfinnan Viaduct to see the Harry Potter Steam Train.

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1-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Tour departing from Edinburgh

Explore the beautiful scottish highlands, secure your seat now.

The best-rated Loch Ness Tour

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• Concession(60+): £51
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Discover Loch Ness, Glencoe, Inverness and the Highlands departing from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, house of the famous monster , may have been one of the first things that you heard about Scotland. A day trip from Edinburgh will give you the opportunity to go and look for the creature.

"Graeme was excellent, very knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommended this tour of Edinburgh"

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"Fraser the guide was really cool and knowledgeable and took us through the hidden stories of the amazing Edinburgh"

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Tour Description

Crossing the spectacular landscapes of Cairngorms National Park, we will arrive in Victorian Pitlochry, before visiting Inverness, the most important city of the Scottish Highlands . The tour guide who will accompany you during the trip will share with you all the secrets and stories about these places.

And once we get to Loch Ness, you may decide to visit Urquhart Castle and take a boat trip on the Loch Ness and enjoy the breathtaking views while you look for the monster, locally called Nessie.

On the way back we will see Mount Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. We will travel across some of the more emblematic landscapes in Scotland , as the Trossachs or the magnificent Glencoe Valley, where you will see the impressive Three Sisters and still be in time to dine in Edinburgh.

Why choose us for your excursion to Loch Ness?

• Enjoy the best-rated trips to the Highlands
• Unbeatable value
• An expert tour guide will accompany you during your trip
• 24/7 availability
• The most complete route

What does the price include?

• Professional tour guide

Not included in the price

• Entrance tickets to monuments and attractions
• Private expenses

Optional tickets

• Urquhart Castle and Cruise on Loch Ness: £27 adults / £20 children (cash payment only)
• Check-in no later than 7.45 am
• Minimum age to travel: 3 years old
• Cancellations 24 hours before the tour departure: 100% refund
• Luggage maximum weight: 15kg, maximum size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm

Early departure from Edinburgh at 8 am. You will cross the Cairngorms Park to get to Pitlochry, a little village where you will be able to have breakfast before we head on for the Highlands .

After leaving Cairngorms Park, you will travel to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and the most important city in northern Scotland.

From there, straight to Loch Ness, where you can visit Urquhart Castle and navigate the lake looking for Nessie .

On the way back, after seeing the touching Commando Memorial, we will stop in the impressive Glencoe Valley, facing the amazing Three Sisters .

After passing by Stirling, we will be back in downtown Edinburgh around 8.30 pm.

Detailed route

Departure from edinburgh (8 am), bridges over the forth river.

When head towards the Highlands, we will cross over the Forth estuary by one of its bridges, currently a flagship. Forth Bridge in particular, the red railway bridge, whose construction became a landmark in British engineering .

Our first stop is in a Scottish National Park, Cairngorms, site of the splendid Victorian Pitlochry Villa. You will have the opportunity to take a stroll or drink a cup of coffee before we head on for Loch Ness.

Here, in Inverness, you will take a panoramic tour of the most emblematic places of the Highland capital city without having to get out of the car. Tour the most impressive points of Inverness while your guide tells you interesting secrets of this imposing northern city.

After visiting Inverness, you will reach the shores of Loch Ness , where you can take photos and enjoy this immense lake, one of the most famous in the world and one of the hallmarks of Scotland. While visiting Loch Ness, pay close attention to the water and maybe, just maybe, be the next person to sport Nessie .

Urquhart Castle

Let yourself be blown away by the incredible landscapes and sceneries on the way to Urquhart Castle. Once there, you will have the option to head inside the castle and take a nice boat tour in search of the famous Loch Ness Monster .

Commando Memorial Viewpoint

This lost corner in the Highlands served as training ground for the Scottish soldiers that would later be sent to fight in WWII. From this point, in the middle of a spectacular mountainous landscape, you can see the Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom .

Be ready for a breathtaking view at about 11.00, when one of the most impressive landscapes opens before your eyes, the Three Sisters in Glencoe Valley. You will not want to leave without having a photo taken. This is one of the more emblematic places in the Scottish Highlands . Not to be missed.

Loch Tulla and Rannooch Moor

To continue discovering Scotland while you are on your way to Loch Ness, we will stop at the beautiful Loch Tulla and in the peculiar Rannooch Moor, both of them will show you some of the typical landscapes of the Scottish Highlands .

When we go to Edinburgh on our return, we will pass by Stirling Castle , one of the most important fortresses in Scotland, located in the highest part of Stirling's medieval Old Town.

Arrival to Edinburgh (8.30 pm)

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Edinburgh Day Trips: 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 34 Comments

After four years living in Edinburgh, we’ve put together a guide to our favorite day trips from Edinburgh Scotland. There are so many things you can do and see on a day trip from Edinburgh, which include exploring castles, touring whisky distilleries, teeing off on a famous golf course, exploring historical attractions, birdwatching, hiking in national parks, and visiting filming locations for popular movies and TV shows like Outlander , Harry Potter , and Downton Abbey .

We suggest ideas for 15 different day trips from Edinburgh that cover a range of interests as well as a wide array of regions from the Scottish Borders to Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands. For each day trip from Edinburgh, we provide all the information you need about how to plan your day out, from how to get there to things you can do there. We provide information on traveling by car, bus, train, and as part of a guided day tour.

We lived just south of Edinburgh for four years and have visited all these places a number of times, both by ourselves and on tours. We’ve also explored a lot more of Scotland. So just shout if you have any questions or need further Edinburgh day trip ideas!

Table of Contents:

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

If you’ve exhausted all the things to do in Edinburgh , and are looking for more things to do in Scotland, Edinburgh can be a great base for some terrific day trips. You can set off to Scotland’s largest city, learn about Scotch whisky , search for Nessie at Loch Ness , explore a medieval castle, or take in the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands

Here is our list of the 15 best day trips from Edinburgh in no particular order:

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel, also known as the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, is a 15th century chapel located in the small village of Roslin. It was built for the Sinclair family as a Roman Catholic church, but after the Scottish Reformation it became part of the Scottish Episcopal church. It is still an active church that is privately owned by the Earl of Rosslyn.

The small chapel with its intricate stonework alongside the ruins of Rosslyn Castle have attracted many famous visitors over the centuries including Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, Robert Burns, William Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, and Tom Hanks.

The chapel is considered one of the architectural gems of Scotland. The stone that forms the chapel’s pillars and arches, including the exterior, contains intricate carving work portraying a number of religious and secular symbols and imagery. The most notable feature is the Apprentice’s Pillar, which is a pillar that is covered in intricate carvings and stonework, and was clearly made by a very talented stonemason.

However, today, it is best known for its speculated connection to freemasonry and the Holy Grail as was made famous by Dan Brown’s bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code . In the book, members of the Knights Templar hide the “Holy Grail” in the chapel’s crypt. Since the book and subsequent film starring Tom Hanks, the number of visitors to the chapel have multiplied and a new visitor center was built for the chapel.

There is a fee to visit the chapel. Talks and tours are given regularly by staff each day which are free to take part in. There is also a small cafe and gift shop area. Photography is not allowed inside the chapel.

If the weather is nice, we recommend taking the walking path over to see the ruins of Roslin Castle (part of this is a private residence though so stay beyond their parking area), and then doing a hike on one of the trails in Roslin Glen Country Park.

If you are looking for other things to do in this general area (we live in this part of Scotland), some suggestions are  Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh, Craigmillar Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh,  Butterfly World  in Lasswade, National Mining Museum in Newtongrange, or hiking in the Pentland Hills .

Or you can also head further south to explore part of the Scottish Borders region which we cover later in the article.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

It is easy to get to Rosslyn Chapel by car, bus, or day tour.

Rosslyn Chapel is located about a 10 mile (16 km) drive south of Edinburgh, and it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to drive there. There is free parking located at Rosslyn Chapel for visitors.

By Public Transportation

There are regular buses from Edinburgh to Roslin but there is no train station in Roslin. The journey by bus takes about 50 minutes. From the nearest bus stop (Rosslyn Inn), it is about a 3 minute walk to the chapel.

Most of the other attractions mentioned in the area can also be easily reached by bus. The National Mining Museum in Newtongrange can also be reached directly by train from Edinburgh.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

There are several day tours from Edinburgh that visit Rosslyn Chapel and most tours also visit other attractions as well. This day tour visits Rosslyn Chapel and also visits some attractions in the Scottish Borders, including Melrose Abbey.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and well worth a visit as it offers a refreshing contrast to the more tourist-oriented Edinburgh. The city is known for its friendly residents who can be a bit hard to understand with their famous Glaswegian accents. The city sits alongside the River Clyde and is only about 45 miles west of Edinburgh.

The city is home to lots of free museums and attractions, a thriving live music scene, beautiful parks, amazing street art, and the best shopping in Scotland. For architecture lovers, there are a large number of buildings in the city designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. There are also breweries and distilleries you can visit and tour within the city.

If you are thinking of taking a day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh, check out our guide to things to do in Glasgow and our Glasgow street art guide . There’s a lot to do and see in Glasgow, so I’d plan ahead so you can make the most of your day trip. Some of the city’s attractions and tours need to be booked in advance.

There is plenty to keep you busy for a day in central Glasgow, but some attractions outside of central Glasgow, depending on your interests, include Pollock House , House of an Art Lover , and the National Museum of Rural Life .

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glasgow

The easiest ways to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh are by car, bus, or train. You can also get there via plane, taxi, or day tour.

For drivers, Glasgow is about 50 miles west from Edinburgh and the drive normally takes about 1 hour and 10  minutes from the city center. However, it really depends on traffic. We recommend avoiding the morning and afternoon rush hour traffic to save on driving time.

There are two main routes, taking the M8 or taking the M9 and M80. Both roughly take about the same amount of time, but check traffic before setting out as this is often the busiest section of road in Scotland as the routes link the country’s two largest cities.

Train connections are regular between Edinburgh and Glasgow.  Trainline and  ScotRail  are good websites to check for schedules and train tickets.

Bus connections are regular between the two cities. You can check  National Express  for coach connections and prices between the two cities. You can also book a  CityLink shuttle bus  which provides direct service between Edinburgh and central Glasgow.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glasgow

Glasgow is probably best visited by train or bus from Edinburgh as there are a number of regular connections. However, if you would prefer a tour you might consider this custom private trip to Glasgow with a chauffeur.

St. Andrews, Dundee, & Fife Villages

Fife is both a historical area, often referred to as the Kingdom of Fife , and a council region of Scotland. There are a number of places worth visiting in the area, with the most notable being St. Andrews, Dunfermline, and the fishing villages. Just north of Fife is the city of Dundee which is also well worth a visit.

Dunfermline is known for its long history of royal connections and its large number of well-preserved historical buildings. The most notable is Dunfermline Abbey which was originally built in the 12th century during the reign of David I. The abbey is most notable for its architecture and for being the burial place for 18 members of Scottish royalty. Dunfermline is also the home town of the famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and you can learn more about him at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum .

St Andrews is located on the northeast coast of Fife. It is well known for the University of St Andrews, one of the oldest universities in the world, the ruins of St. Andrew’s Castle and the  Cathedral of St Andrew , and for being the birthplace of modern golf. It is also the town where Prince William went to university and met Kate Middleton.

St. Andrews offers a number of museums and attractions, the oldest golf course in the world ( Old Course ), and a number of shops and well-rated restaurants. Plenty to keep you busy for a full day. There are also a number of golf courses in and around St. Andrews, so if you want to play a round, be sure to book a tee time in advance.

About 7 miles outside of St. Andrews is also the Secret Bunker , a Cold War nuclear command center and secret bunker that has been opened to the public. Note that it is closed for part of the winter months.

The small historic fishing villages along the Fife coast are a nice places to stop over for a seafood meal and a stroll along the harbor. Many also offer other attractions as well, such as the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther. A few villages to consider are Crail, Anstruther, Elie, and Pittenweem.

Dundee is a coastal city on the Firth of Tay and is best known as a UNESCO city of design and for its museums and maritime attractions which include the RRS Discovery , Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, and the HMS Frigate Unicorn , a 19th-century Georgian wooden warship. The city’s newest attraction is the V&A Dundee , Scotland’s first ever design museum, which opened in September 2018. The museum is free to visit although there is an extra charge for some temporary exhibitions.

Try to avoid leaving or returning to Edinburgh during rush hours as the traffic in and out of Edinburgh and across the bridges at Queensferry is often slow during these times.

But we do recommend making a quick stop to take in the view of the three bridges crossing the Firth of Forth. The Forth Rail Bridge is an UNESCO designated Victoria era rail bridge that is architecturally significant for being the longest single cantilever bridge span when it was completed in 1890.

How to Get from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

The easiest way to get to St. Andrews from Edinburgh is by car, bus, day tour, or private transfer . Dunfermline and Dundee can be easily reached by train, bus, car, or day tour.

Buses are options to almost all the mentioned locations, but if you want to visit multiple towns in this area in one day, we’d recommend either driving or booking a day tour.

For drivers, Dunfermline is about an 18 mile drive north of Edinburgh and it usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, St. Andrews is about 50 miles and takes about 1.5 hours, and Dundee is about 60 miles away and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Parking is limited in St. Andrews city center but there are free and paid parking areas as you enter the city. We normally park in the large parking area next to the British Museum of Golf. This parking area is free during the low season but there is a parking charge during busier times of year. It is located just across from the Old Course.

Buses operate from Edinburgh to most of the mentioned cities and towns. A bus to Dunfermline takes about 40 minutes. A bus from Edinburgh to St. Andrews takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A bus from Edinburgh to Dundee takes about 1.5 hours. You can check  National Express  for coach connections and prices.

Dundee can easily be reached by train from Edinburgh and the train takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. Dunfermline can also be reached by train in 30 to 45 minutes. You can check ScotRail and Trainline for schedules and train tickets.

There is currently no operating train station in St. Andrews and the nearest station is located in Leuchars, about 5 miles away. If you want to travel by train from Edinburgh, you’ll need to take a train to Leuchars and then take a bus or taxi to St. Andrews.

For more complicated itineraries, you might want to use Traveline to figure out the best way to get from place to place.

* Note: There are tentative plans to reopen the train station in St. Andrews and provide a direct rail link between Edinburgh and St. Andrews and strengthen rail links throughout Fife. So worth checking if you’re wanting to travel by train.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

There are several day tours that head up to Fife, most focusing on a visit to historic St. Andrews. We’ve done and enjoyed this day tour which stops at St. Andrews, the historic town of Falkland, and at a couple of the Fife fishing villages.

There is also this full day private tour which includes St. Andrews and a number of other locations along the Fife coast.

Outlander Filming Sites

Outlander is a romantic fantasy drama TV series set in Scotland that was adapted from the best-selling books by American author Diana Gabaldon. The storyline is set in both the 1940’s and the 18th century as Claire Randall is transported back in time to 1743. In the 18th century she meets a Highland warrior named Jamie Fraser and the series mainly centers on their love and relationship amongst tumultuous circumstances.

To be honest, we are not huge fans of the show but we have visited most of the filming locations for Outlander and most are places worth visiting whether you are a fan of the show or not. If you are a fan, we’d recommend considering joining an  Outlander themed tour to enjoy a day out with other fans.

The show is primarily shot at the filming studio near Glasgow, but a number of scenes for Outlander have been shot in filming locations throughout Scotland. Here are some of the better known and more interesting ones that are within a 2 hour drive of Edinburgh. You can choose a handful of these to visit to make a full day trip of it.

• Blackness Castle – A 15th century sea-edge fortress that is shaped like a ship, located about 20 miles (45 minute drive) from Edinburgh. In Outlander , it was used as Fort William and is where Jamie received lashings from Captain Randall and where Jamie rescues Claire from Black Jack.
• Culross – Culross is a picturesque village with a number of historic buildings that are under the care of the National Trust for Scotland . Many scenes for Outlander were filmed here as it was used as Cranesmuir in the show and you’ll also find Claire’s herb garden here. It is located about 25 miles away (45 to 55 minute drive) from Edinburgh.
• Doune Castle – Doune Castle was built around 1400 and was used as the fictional Castle Leoch in Outlander.  However, it is better known for being the primary setting for the majority of the scenes in the film  Monty Python and the Holy Grail . It is located about 45 miles from Edinburgh (1 hour to 1.5 hour drive).
• Falkland – A small historic village located in Perthshire, about a 40 mile (50 to 60 minute drive) from Edinburgh. Its most notable landmark is Falkland Palace which is run by the National Trust and open to the public. Falkland was used as 1940’s Inverness in the show.
• Hopetoun House  – Hopetoun House is a gorgeous 17th century mansion home which featured as the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham in Outlander.  Located about 14 miles from central Edinburgh (30 minute drive). Open seasonally to the public.
• Midhope Castle – Midhope Castle is a tower house (used as Lallybroch in the TV show) that is also on a private section of the Hopetoun Estate and is sometimes accessible to visitors. The building is derelict so you can only see the exterior. Parking pass needed to visit. Open seasonally.
• Linlithgow Palace  – A partially ruined medieval royal residence and the birthplace of King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. It featured as Wentworth Prison in Outlander . It is located about 18 miles drive from Edinburgh (35 to 50 minutes).
• Newhailes House – A 17th-century Palladian villa located about 6 miles (20 minutes drive) from Edinburgh. Scenes were shot here for Outlander of Jamie discussing land grants with Governor Tryon in North Carolina. The house is open seasonally for guided visits and run by the National Trust.

Note that almost all the attractions mentioned charge a fee for entry, and many close during the winter months.

For more Outlander locations, see our detailed guide to all the Outlander filming locations in Scotland .

How to Get from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

The easiest way is going to be by car or day tour. Although you can get to many of the sites by public transportation it would be difficult to visit more than 2 or 3 locations in one day.

All of the attractions can be visited by car and all are within a 2 hour drive of Edinburgh, and there are several within a 1 hour drive.

Many of the Outlander filming sites can be visited by bus or train from Edinburgh, including Linlithgow Palace, Falkirk, Blackness Castle, and Newhailes House. I’d check Traveline for the best method and route depending on the filming sites of most interest to you.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

There are several tours from Edinburgh that go to several Outlander sites in one day, most visiting the same filming locations. We’ve done this 1 day tour with Rabbies that includes stops at several Outlander filming locations including Culross, Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, and Linlithgow Palace.

If you’re a super fan, you may consider a longer Outlander tour such as this 4 day tour that visits just about all the major Outlander sites in Scotland, or this shorter 2 day tour option .

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park was designated as Scotland’s first national park in 2002. The large national park includes mountains, forest, lochs (lakes), small villages, and farmland. Loch Lomond is the largest inland body of water by surface area in the UK.

The park is a popular place for hiking, camping, biking, and water sports. It’s particularly well known for hiking and is crossed by two of Scotland’s most popular long distance paths, the West Highland Way and The Three Lochs Way. There are also historic villages, scenic viewpoints, adventure parks, and boat cruises. This is also the land of Scottish outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor .

If you are thinking about visiting, check out our travel guide to the top things to do in Loch Lomond to help plan your time here. A great place for a day trip or an overnight trip.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

The easiest way to get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond is by car or day tour, but you can also get there by bus or train. If traveling by public transit, you’ll want to plan carefully to make the most of your time.

Loch Lomond National Park covers a large area, but it is about 80 miles away from Edinburgh. It takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the village of Luss alongside Loch Lomond from Edinburgh.

You can travel by bus or a combination of bus and train to several villages within Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. These include Luss, Balloch, Tarbet, Callander, and Killin. But almost all routes include stops and changes. Travel times vary from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the village.

If traveling by train, a few villages in and around Loch Lomond & the Trossachs are on a train line, such as Balloch and Tarbet. If you get off at Balloch, you can walk to several attractions (Balloch boat pier for loch cruises, aquarium, Birds of Prey centre, Balloch Castle Country Park ). Check ScotRail and Trainline for schedules and train tickets.

For planning journeys by bus or multi-stop journeys, you can use Traveline to figure out the best route.

If you get to Balloch by bus or train, you can join a bus tour there such as this one of the park to explore further afield.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

There are several day tours from Edinburgh that include visits to Loch Lomond, such as this one that visits Stirling Castle, the Kelpies, and Loch Lomond, this one that visits Loch Lomond and 2 whisky distilleries, and this one that visits Loch Lomond as well as three castles.

If you want to do a cruise of Loch Lomond on a day tour, this one visits Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond and includes the option for a 1 hour boat cruise.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Whisky is the drink most associated with Scotland and many visitors want a chance to learn more about it, see how it is made, and taste a few drams. There are lots of places in Edinburgh where you can try Scottish whisky but there are no distilleries currently open to the public in the city. But luckily there are several within a 1 to 2 hour drive of the capital.

There are a number of whisky distilleries within driving distance of Edinburgh that you could visit on a day trip. I’d try to choose one or two based on a particular brand, type (single malt or blended), or taste (e.g., peaty or fruity) of whisky you personally enjoy.

If you are new to Scotch whisky, I’d recommend doing a tour and tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience  or a local history and tasting tour first in Edinburgh, and then that should help you know better about what kind of whisky you enjoy.

Many whisky distillery tours are fairly similar so we’d advise that one or 2 are plenty for most people. You can easily combine a couple into one day. Also if you are traveling with someone who doesn’t enjoy whisky, try to combine the distillery visit with another attraction of interest.

For instance we’ve done this  whisky tasting tour from Edinburgh that stopped at both Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery. I actually opted to visit Doune Castle (located nearby) instead of the Deanston Distillery as the tour gives you flexibility to do as much or as little as you want at the distilleries themselves.

Here is a list to get you started of several distilleries located within a 2-hour drive of Edinburgh:

• Glenkinchie Distillery – This single malt Lowlands distillery is just a 19 mile (31 km) drive from Edinburgh (30 to 40 minute drive) in the town of Tranent. Offers tours and tastings.
• Glengoyne Distillery – A popular whisky distillery located in Dumgoyne, about 55 miles (88 km) from Edinburgh (1.5 hour drive). It has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1833 and makes its unpeaty single malt whisky using slow and traditional methods. Tours and tastings available.
• Deanston Distillery – Deanston Distillery is a popular whisky distillery in Doune situated alongside the River Teith. It is located about 45 miles (72 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour to 1 hour 30 minute drive). It produces single malt whisky and offers tours and tastings.
• Glenturret Distillery – This distillery is located in Crief about 55 miles (88 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour 20 minute to 1 hour 50 minute drive). The Glenturret Distillery produces single malt whiskies and offers tours and tastings. Pre-booking is recommended.
• Aberfeldy Distillery – The Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is located outside Aberfeldy, about 74 miles (119 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours drive). It produces single malt whisky and offers tours and tastings.

There are also a few newer distilleries, like Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow, within driving distance but they are relatively new and don’t have their own whiskies yet (should have a 5 year by 2022). Although they do tours of their distilleries and include tastings of other whiskies from around Scotland. So still worth visiting if you don’t mind that they are not producing their own spirits yet.

Most whisky distilleries offer several tours throughout the day and can be booked on arrival, but some do require advanced booking, especially in the low season, so be sure to check ahead. Also special tours and experiences (e.g., masterclasses, food and whisky tours) often need to be booked in advance.

Whiskey distillery visits are great for rainy days as the majority of tours take place indoors and you can get warmed up with a dram. Most of the larger distilleries offer a cafe or restaurant where you can get hot food and drinks. As they say in Scotland, today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky!

It is easy to combine a visit to a distillery to a visit to another attraction in Scotland such as Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle, Falkirk, Glasgow, Doune Castle, or Rosslyn Chapel. Many day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow include a whisky distillery stop as part of the itinerary.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

The easiest ways to visit a whisky distillery from Edinburgh is by car or day tour, but it is also possible by public transportation. You can also book private transfers such as this one .

All of the whisky distilleries can be reached by car and most have free dedicated parking lots. They range from 30 minutes to 2-hour drives from Edinburgh.

If you are thinking of driving yourself, note the Scottish drinking and driving laws  are very strict, so almost all distilleries offer to-go sample cups for drivers and bikers. If you don’t want to drive, I’d recommend booking a driver or guided tour.

Some whisky distilleries can be reached by bus or train and some are not well-served by public transit. So you’ll want to check on the distilleries you want to visit on Traveline for the best bus or train services. For instance you can visit the Glengoyne Distillery, Deanston Distillery, Aberfeldy Distillery, and Glenturret Distillery by public transit

In most cases, it is likely going to be easier and more time efficient to join a day tour from Edinburgh to visit distilleries than to do it via public transit.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

Several tours from Edinburgh include stops at a whisky distillery. This whisky tour includes stops at two single malt whisky distilleries and a visit to Loch Lomond. This  day tour include a stop at a distillery as well as stops in small villages, scenic viewpoints, and Highland lochs. This day tour includes Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and a stop at one distillery.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park was the second national park established in Scotland and is currently the largest national park in the British Isles. It is most notable for its mountain range, the Cairngorms. It is a popular area for a number of outdoor recreation activities including hiking, boating, climbing, fishing, camping, skiing, and birdwatching.

It is a popular area for families with lots of activities such as the Landmark Forrest Park (amusement park), Highland Wildlife Park (animal park), and Aviemore Zip Trek Park (ziplining park). The Strathspey Railway , which offers steam train rides, is also a popular attraction for people of all ages.

There are a number of castles and historical attractions located within the park that can be visited by the public, including Blair Castle, Braemar Castle, Ruthven Barracks, and Balmoral Castle (Queen’s private residence). There are also museums such as the Highland Folk Museum (large open-air museum) and Grantown Museum .

The park is also home to several whisky distilleries that can be visited including Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, and Speyside. The best known of which is probably Dalwhinnie Distillery .

It is one of the best wildlife and birding areas in Scotland, home to a number of species including red squirrels, capercaillie, osprey, deer, badgers, and the Scottish wildcat. You can take a guided wildlife tour here with Speyside Wildlife  and/or visit the Osprey Centre .

If you are thinking of visiting in winter, we have a guide to visiting the Cairngorms in winter for tips and things to do. The park is the most popular area for winter sports in Scotland and is home to three of Scotland’s five ski resorts. Scotland is the only place in the British Isles with ski resorts and you can read our  guide to skiing in Scotland for more information.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

The best way to get from Edinburgh to the Cairngorms National park is by car, but you can also get here via bus or train. Some towns, such as Aviemore, are well-connected by bus and train from Edinburgh, whereas others, such as Braemar, are not.

It depends where you are driving, but it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the southern part of the park (e.g., Blair Atholl). It is about 130 miles (209 km) from Edinburgh to Aviemore (largest town in park) and the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

There are bus connections from Edinburgh to several villages and towns within the Cairngorms National Park, including Aviemore, Blair Atholl, and Newtonmore. However, the best connections are primarily to those town and villages in the southern and western areas of the national park.

Train connections are possible to some villages and towns including Aviemore, Dalwhinnie, Blair Atholl, and Newtonmore. Trains can take 2 to 4 hours depending on destination and route.

You can check the bus services and routes online via National Express  and  Stagecoach  (local operator for most services within Cairngorms). Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

If you are planning to travel around the Cairngorms by public transit, I’d check out  this brochure  (just note it was last updated in 2015) for an idea of the bus, train, and national cycle routes within the park itself.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

We don’t know of any day tours from Edinburgh that only focus on Cairngorms but some do drive through or make a stop or two.

If you want to do a day tour to explore the Cairngorms National Park while in Scotland, we’d recommend taking the train to Inverness or Aberdeen and then booking a day trip from there. Both cities are closer and will allow you to explore this area better.

This day tour from Inverness and this day tour from Aberdeen both explore parts of the Cairngorms National Park.

Loch Ness is a large deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands and is the second deepest loch in Scotland. It is best known for the numerous sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, known as “Nessie”. The first such reported sighting of the mysterious sea monster was in 1933.

There are several things to do in and around the loch, and the most popular is to take a cruise on the loch , which range from about 30 minutes to 3 hours. A visit to the picturesque ruined Urquhart Castle can be done as part of a cruise or on its own.

A few other places of interest are the village of Drumnadrochit, the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition , scenic Glen Affric, and a visit to the town of Fort Augustus which is a good place to get a look at the Caledonian Canal. There are also a number of hikes and outdoor activities in this area, and there is even a little beach area near the Dores Inn .

For more information, see our complete guide to visiting Loch Ness , which has details of all the attractions in the area.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

The easiest ways to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness are by day tour or car, but you can also reach Loch Ness by bus or a combination of train and bus.

Although Loch Ness can be done as a day trip from Edinburgh and is a popular place to visit, it is a long way to go for a day trip. So we recommend either doing it as an overnight trip or booking a day tour to avoid having to do so much driving in one day. In winter, the limited amount of daylight hours, means you’ll likely be driving back in the dark.

It is about a 175 mile (281 km) drive to Drumnadrochit from Edinburgh, which can take between 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic. You can get to most places in the Loch Ness area within 4 to 5 hours.

Given the long drive, we’d recommend doing this as an overnight trip from Edinburgh or as a day tour so you don’t have to worry about 7 to 8 hours or more of driving.

By public transportation you can reach Drumnadrochit, Clansman Harbour (one of the places cruises depart), Urquhart Castle, and Fort Augustus. This is possible by bus or via a combination of bus and train. Travel time is 4.5 to 5.5 hours each way, many requiring stops and changes, making this not an ideal way to travel for a day trip.

Different bus services operate here and most journeys require multiple stops so you can use Traveline to plan the best route. Many journeys require you to stop first in Inverness. Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

If planning to visit as a day trip, we’d strongly recommending booking a day tour instead. Or consider staying overnight in Inverness or surrounds, there are lots of great places to stay in the area.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

There are several companies offering day tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, including Rabbie’s Loch Ness tour that also visits scenic Glencoe as well as this day tour option .

A day tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness is a long day with lots of time in a bus, and ideally we’d recommend taking the train to Inverness and doing a tour to Loch Ness from Inverness as it will allow you to see more at a slower pace.

Stirling Castle & Falkirk

Stirling is a city north of Edinburgh that was once a very powerful town in Scotland. Stirling Castle, alongside Edinburgh Castle, was one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland and it dominates the city’s skyline. It was the medieval home for Scottish royalty and it saw many battles and sieges.

Today, Stirling Castle is the most popular visitor attraction in Stirling, and a tour here allows you to learn about its long history, the people who lived here, and see its principal rooms. You may also want to visit the Church of the Holy Rude, a nearby church that was used by royalty staying at Stirling Castle in the medieval period.

Other things to see in or near Stirling is the battle site of the Battle of Bannockburn , which was a famous battle fought between the Scottish and English in 1314 where Robert the Bruce’s army beat the army of King Edward II in what is often referred to as the First War of Scottish Independence. You can learn more at the  Battle of Bannockburn 3D Experience .

Nearby is the National Wallace Monument , a large memorial completed in 1869 to commemorate William Wallace , a Scottish knight and hero, who fought alongside Robert the Bruce. He is the man who was famously portrayed by Mel Gibson in the 1995 film Braveheart . Wallace’s sword is also on display here. You can see the monument from a distance for free (it is 220 feet high!), but there is a fee to visit.

On the way to Stirling, you’ll pass by the town of Falkirk, where you’ll find a number of additional attractions. The Kelpies are 98 feet tall steel horse head sculptures and they are the largest equine sculptures in the world. You can get a glimpse of them from the highway but we recommend stopping to visit them (free to visit, but small fee if you want to climb inside one of them).

Other attractions worth visiting nearby include the Falkirk Wheel (an interesting boat lift connecting 2 canals, can take a short ride) and Callendar House  (grand 19th century mansion with medieval core). For history buffs, the remains of a section of the Antonine Wall (a smaller northern version of Hadrian’s Wall) runs through the grounds of Callendar House.

Yet, another attraction that could be visited as part of a day trip to Stirling is Linlithgow Palace , a partially ruined medieval royal residence and the birthplace of King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. A great piece of history although we had a very confusing time trying to navigate it due to its ruined layout! On a nice day, you may want to walk the path around Linlithgow Loch located below the palace.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Stirling

It is easy to get from Edinburgh to Stirling by train, car, bus, or day tour. It is also possible to reach Falkirk by car, train, bus, or day tour.

Stirling is about a 36-mile (58 km) drive from Edinburgh, and the drive takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. Falkirk is about a 45-minute drive away from Edinburgh. The M9 goes past both cities.

You can reach Stirling bus or train, and the journey takes about 1 hour.

The train between Edinburgh and Falkirk takes about 30 minutes. From here, you would need to take a local bus (check First Bus ) to get closer to most of the city’s visitor attractions. 

You can check the bus services and routes online via  National Express . Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Stirling

You can visit some of these sites, most notably Stirling Castle and the Kelpies, via a day tour. This day tour includes a visit to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and the Kelpies.

If you want to see the Falkirk Wheel and explore Callendar House as well, you might consider this private day tour . It includes pick up and drop off from Edinburgh hotels and time spent at the Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel, and Callendar House. See more tour options for Falkirk here .

Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is the southern region of Scotland that borders England. It is a hilly, bucolic, and largely rural area that was once occupied by the Romans and saw the coming and going of many Scottish and English armies over the centuries. It is the area of Scotland just south of where we live!

We enjoy exploring the Scottish Borders as it is relatively unknown to most tourists and there is a lot of scenery and historical sites in the area. You’ll find historic market towns, Roman sites, ruined grand abbeys, brochs, castles, nature areas, and a network of hiking paths.

Scenic towns that are easy to explore on foot include Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose, and Peebles. The area is known for its four great ruined medieval abbeys (ruined during the reign of King Henry VIII) at Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose, and Dryburgh. The most famous of which is probably Melrose Abbey which was the first Cistercian abbey in Scotland.

There are also a number of castles, museums, and historical attractions. Castles that are open to the public in the area include Floors Castle ,  Hermitage Castle , and Thirlestane Castle . Museums include the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Center in Jedburgh, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum , and the  Coldstream Museum .

Many sites in the Scottish Borders have a relationship with writer Sir Walter Scott who spent much of his childhood living in the area with his aunt and would later make this his home as an adult. For example, you can find a plaque and bust in Kelso (where he went to school and spent many summers with his aunt and uncle), visit the courthouse museum in Selkirk where Scott served as sheriff for almost 30 years, tour his grand house Abbotsford , and see his burial place in Dryburgh Abbey .

If you’d like to hike in the area, you can check out local walking routes here . If you like history you might consider walking a section of the 65 mile Borders Abbeys Way which connects the four abbeys and other attractions as well. The Sir Walter Scott Way also runs through the region.

The Scottish Borders is a large area, so it really depends on what your interests are but it is definitely a region worth exploring if you are looking for a lesser known and less busy destination in Scotland. You can read about the first two day trips we took ourselves to this area to come up with a list of things to do in the Scottish Borders .

You can also combine a visit to the Scottish Borders with a stop at Rosslyn Chapel or a visit across the border to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Both are covered in detail in other sections of this article.

How to Get from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders

It is easy to visit the area by car, bus, or day tour. You can also reach the area by train.

You can easily reach the Scottish Borders by car. It takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hour to reach towns in the Scottish Borders. For instance Peebles is 23 miles (37 km), Melrose is 37 miles (59 km), Selkirk is 39 miles (62 km), and Jedburgh is 48 miles (77 km) from Edinburgh.

You can reach most of the towns by bus from Edinburgh which include Melrose, Selkirk, Galashiels, Kelso, and Peebles. Travel times vary widely but most towns can be reached in 1 hour to 2 hours. You can check bus services and routes online via Borders Buses.

In many cases you can save time by taking the train and then getting a bus from Galashiels or Tweedbank. You can reach Galashiels and Tweedbank by train from Edinburgh on the Border Railway. You can book tickets via ScotRail  or  Trainline . From these stations, you can connect by bus to reach most of the other towns in the Scottish Borders or book a taxi.

Galashiels is the largest town in the Scottish Borders and here you’ll find the best transport links and the most services.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Borders

There are a number of day tours that can give you a taste of the Scottish Borders. This Rabbies tour includes a visit to Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey, this one visits the Scottish Borders with a stop in Jedburgh and Hadrian’s Wall, and this day tour visits Alnwick Castle with a stop in Kelso.

Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre is a charity-run discovery center in North Berwick that runs birdwatching boat trips and also participates in a number of local conservation efforts. The Firth of Forth is an important breeding area and is believed to be used by almost half of all of Europe’s seabirds!

Species that breed here each year include razorbills, Atlantic puffins, Atlantic gannets, Arctic terns, kittiwakes, shags, cormorants, and numerous duck species. Most notably, the world’s largest colony of northern gannets (over 150,000!) nest each year on Bass Rock.

The Discovery Centre is an interactive information and museum center, designed to be family-friendly. From here, you can learn about all the local species and even watch the birds on live cams that are set up on the island and local cliffs. There is also a cafe and gift center here.

The boat tours run from about April to November, and leave from the Scottish Seabird Centre. The boat tours go to or around one or more of the small rocks or islands where the birds nest each Spring and Summer. These include Bass Rock, Lamb, Craigleith, and the Isle of May. Some of the special tours include landings on either Bass Rock or the Isle of May.

If you love birds, especially sea birds, and are visiting in the Spring or Summer, we’d definitely recommend considering a visit here. In addition to birds, you also have the chance to see dolphins, seals, and whales in these waters. There is also a view of the ruined Tantallon Castle.

We’ve visited twice and done two boat tours so far, one RIB boat tour that circled the three islands and one regular boat tour that landed on the Isle of May. Both tours were educational and fun, and we got to see a lot of birds on both trips. You can read about our experiences and tips for visiting the Scottish Seabird Centre  to help plan your own trip. It is best to pre-book the boat tours in advance.

North Berwick is a nice town to wander around and has a number of casual eateries and pubs; we recommend trying the local seafood. Other attractions around North Berwick include Tantallon Castle , a ruined 14th century castle, and the National Museum of Flight . There are also dozens of golf courses along the coast between Edinburgh and North Berwick; just be sure to book a tee time in advance if you want to play.

You can also combine a day trip out to North Berwick with a visit to other attractions such as Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin or Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

It is easy to reach North Berwick by car, train, or bus.

It is about a 25 mile (40 km) drive from Edinburgh to North Berwick, which usually takes about 45 to 50 minutes. There is a pay-and-display car park located at the Scottish Seabird Centre or street parking in town.

North Berwick is well connected to Edinburgh by public transit. You can travel by train from Edinburgh to North Berwick by train in about 30 to 40 minutes. You can book tickets via Trainline  or ScotRail .

Or you can take a bus (check schedule online with East Coast Buses ) to North Berwick, which takes about 1 hour.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

We are not aware of any day tours that visit the Scottish Seabird Centre or stop in North Berwick, but it is easy to reach North Berwick by public transit. However, you could arrange a private transfer or private tour.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was a defensive fortification built by the Romans in the northernmost part of the Roman province of Britannia, which is now northern England. It is believed construction on the wall started around 122 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and it was used by the Romans until they left Britain in the early 5th century. It is 73 miles long (80 Roman miles) and runs from Wallsend to the Solway Firth.

Games of Thrones fans will likely know, or be interested to learn, that the Game of Thrones book series written by George RR Martin was inspired by Martin’s visit to Hadrian’s Wall in 1981. He notes that the Wall was the first thing he developed in the books, and you can read more about that in his  2014 interview with Rolling Stone .

Hadrian’s Wall was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and has become a popular tourist attraction. Many people, especially UK residents, do a week-long walk from one end to the other during the summer months. But as a day trip, you can still see a section of the wall and visit one of the forts.

There are hundreds of Hadrian’s Wall and Roman related sites in the area, and if you are really interested in seeing specific things I’d recommend getting a recent guidebook on the wall to help you learn more and choose the best things to visit. But if you are just happy to see a few highlights, we’ll recommend some places that work well as a day trip from Edinburgh below.

You can see stretches of it by car or bus along the Roman Dere Street and then one of the most popular places to get out and see the wall up close is at Steel Rigg. Nearby, Sycamore Gap (easy to spot from the Roman Dere Street) is a scenic spot that was featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

There is a parking area at Steel Rigg which provides a nice view of the wall and you can follow a path along a decently preserved section of the wall. Please don’t sit or walk on the wall as it is a protected monuments and both the wall and the surrounding ground is quite fragile.

An alternative to Steel Rigg is Heddon-on-the-Wall which is another well-preserved stretch of the wall that you can see up close. This gets less visitors than Steel Rigg which is where most of the tour buses and cars stop. There is no dedicated parking here but there is street parking.

Before or after you’ve seen a stretch of the wall, I’d recommend visiting one of the ruined forts and museums along the wall. There were originally at least 14 larger Roman forts built along the wall and you can still see the ruins of many of these today. We’d recommend planning a visit to either Housesteads or Vindolanda . Both have fort ruins and a museum with archaeological finds and information to help you learn more about the sites.

If you want to do a long walk in the area, we’d recommend this 8 mile circular walk around a section of the wall which includes Steel Rigg, Sycamore Gap, Housesteads, and a lake. It takes about 3 hours at a normal pace and starts and ends at the Housesteads Visitor Center. This would make for a great day out for those who want to combine hiking with sightseeing.

A day trip to Hadrian’s Wall could be combined with a short stop at Rosslyn Chapel or to a town in the Scottish Borders such as Melrose or Jedburgh. You might also want to stop at Carter Bar which is the border of Scotland and England for short photo stop. You can read more about our own day trip to Hadrian’s Wall from Edinburgh  for more ideas.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

The easiest ways to reach Hadrian’s Wall are by car, booking a day tour, or booking a private transfer . Public transportation is very limited in this area.

Hadrian’s Wall is about a 100 mile (160 km) drive south of Edinburgh. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the mentioned sites along Hadrian’s Wall by car. The sites are then spread out alongside the wall, but we’d recommend trying to stick to those within 30 to 60 minutes drive of each other.

There is very limited public transportation in this area which is primarily rural and many of the recommended sites are outside of towns. If you want to visit without a car, we’d recommend booking a day tour from Edinburgh.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

There are several day tours from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall, many of which make a stop or two in the Scottish Borders. This day tour (which we’ve done) stops in a Scottish Borders town, Carter Bar, Steel Rigg, and (usually) Vindolanda. If you’d like to combine a trip to Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall, you might consider this tour  although it spends less time at Hadrian’s Wall.

Harry Potter Filming Sites

While much of the Harry Potter books were written in Edinburgh by J.K. Rowling , Edinburgh was never used as a filming location for any of the films. Although you can find several related sites to Harry Potter in Edinburgh .

Hogwarts is of course set in Scotland and there are a number of Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland . You can put together your own list if you already know where you want to go. Just know that there is not too much to see at some of them.

We’ve listed some below for you to consider, but just note most are 3 hours or more drive time from Edinburgh if you head north so this makes for a very long day trip. The closest in terms of driving time is Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England which is a 2-hour drive away.

• Glenfinnan Viaduct – The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line just outside the town of Glenfinnan. It opened for operation in 1901. In Harry Potter, it is the viaduct or bridge that the Hogwarts Express is seen going over in the films.
• The Jacobite Train – This is the steam train run by West Coast Railway used for shots of the Hogwarts Express. The train mainly runs between Fort William and Mallaig. For the full Harry Potter like experience we recommend booking the “First Class Compartment Carriage HP Style” seats. The train operates seasonally, normally April to October.
• Rannoch Moor – Rannoch Moor is a boggy moorland area near Loch Rannoch. This is where the Death Eaters board the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 .
• Steall Falls in Glen Nevis – Steall Falls, Scotland’s second highest waterfall, and surrounding area were used in the background for scenes where Harry fights the dragon in the Triwizard Tournament during Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . You can find hiking information here .
• Alnwick Castle – Located in northern England, the castle exterior and courtyard were used as Hogwarts to shoot several scenes in the first two films, including where the students learn to fly on their broomsticks. The castle offers Harry Potter related activities like broomstick lessons. The castle has also been used as a filming location for Downton Abbey , Transformers: The Last Knight , Elizabeth , and other films. The castle is worth a visit in its own right and there is also an amazing garden located here!
• Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a scenic glen and also the site of a terrible massacre in 1692. In Harry Potter, the area was used in a few films and it is best known as the location for Hagrid’s Hut (although the hut was a film set not a real place). You can view our Glen Coe photography guide .

It is not possible however to visit all of the mentioned filming locations in one day so you’ll need to figure out which ones you are most interested in seeing. You can fit several locations into a day if you head northwest. But Alnwick Castle, for instance, is in the opposite direction (in England) than all the rest.

If you are looking for just one Harry Potter thing to do, I’d probably choose The Jacobite train ride (a fun experience and nice scenery), a visit to Alnwick Castle (iconic castle with broomstick lessons), or a visit to Glen Coe (dramatic landscape and good area for a walk/hike).

For more ideas, see our Harry Potter Scotland guide for a full list of filming locations.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

It is easy to reach the Harry Potter filming sites by car or day tour from Edinburgh, and some can also be visited by bus and/or train.

It takes 1.5 hours to 2 hours to reach Alnwick Castle by car, and the rest of the sites can be reached by driving 3 to 4 hours from Edinburgh.

If you plan to head north towards Fort William and Glen Coe, we’d actually recommend doing this as an overnight trip if you can and perhaps stay overnight in Fort William . Or consider a day tour so you don’t have to do the driving yourself.

Many of the filming locations can be reached by bus and/or train including Fort William (where the steam train departs), Alnwick Castle, Glenfinnan, Rannoch Moor, and Glencoe. Check Traveline for the best routes to each.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

There are day tours that include many of the Harry Potter sites, just note that most focus on Alnwick Castle since it is much closer than the others. For instance, this day tour visits Alnwick Castle, the Scottish Borders, and the Northumberland Coast.

If you are wanting to take the Jacobite Steam Train, I’d check this day trip with train ride as it includes transport to and from Edinburgh, the steam train ride, and views of some Harry Potter filming locations in the Highlands.

If Glen Coe is the top site on your list, you might consider this day tour that includes Glen Coe as well as Loch Ness.

Glen Coe & Scottish Highlands

Glen Coe , or Glencoe, is a glen of volcanic origins in the Scottish Highlands that is well-known for being scenic and atmospheric. It is an area designated as a special scenic area and nature reserve. Most of the glen is owned and conserved by the National Trust of Scotland .

It is also the site of a terrible massacre in 1692, known as the Massacre of Glencoe , where 38 people from the MacDonalds of Glencoe clan were murdered unarmed as they slept by those that had given them shelter. The government initiated massacre was led by a member of the Campbell clan and this has led to a MacDonald and Campbell feud that lasted for generations (in some cases may still exist).

However, most people come to Glen Coe not for its history, but for its scenic beauty. It is a draw for many photographers and has been used as a filming location for a number of movies including Highlander , Rob Roy , Braveheart , and the Harry Potter films. You can view our Glencoe photography guide .

It is a popular place for hiking, climbing, and mountaineering and there are a number of paths and routes within the area. Nearby Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles.

There is a visitor center and exhibition center (fee for non-members) run by the National Trust here which is a great place to stop for information and hiking routes. The National Trust staff sometimes led guided walks or safari tours. There is also the Glencoe Folk Museum which presents local history presented within thatched cottages.

On the way to Glen Coe, you might like to stop and explore a bit of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

The easiest way to get here is by car or day tour. It is possible to get to the village and many areas of Glen Coe by public transit as well.

It is about a 120 mile (193 km) drive from Edinburgh to Glencoe, and the drive takes about 3 hours. Can take longer depending on traffic.

It is possible to travel to Glen Coe by public transit, either by bus or a combo of bus and train. See Traveline to help you plan your journey.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

There are day trips from Edinburgh to Glen Coe, such as this one that visits both Loch Ness and Glencoe, as well as this similar tour .

Castles were built in Scotland from the 11th century to 20th century, and range from tower houses to large fortresses to fairytale palaces. Many are open to the public and are within day tripping distance of Edinburgh.

Castles in Scotland range from almost forgotten about ruins to prime tourist attractions, and you can find them in just about any part of Scotland. I’d take a look at this castle list as it organizes castles by council area in Scotland so you can identify which ones are near where you’d like to go and are worth visiting.

If there is a particular castle you really want to visit, I’d then explore the area around it to find other castles that are open to the public. It is easy to visit 3 to 4 castles in a day trip from Edinburgh if you plan ahead.

There are dozens of castles that are within day tripping distance from Edinburgh, here are some to help get you started (all within a 2.5 hour drive):

• Cragmillar Castle – A ruined castle with parts dating back to the 14th century that was used by Mary Queen of Scots. Only a 20 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Blackness Castle – A 15th castle that is shaped like a ship located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Filming location for Outlander . 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Thirlestane Castle – A privately owned 16th century castle located in the Scottish Borders that is home to the Maitland family. Located about a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Stirling Castle – A large medieval castle that served as one of the most important fortresses in Scotland for a long period and was used as a residence by Scottish royalty. Lots of resemblance to Edinburgh Castle. About a 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Doune Castle   – Castle dating back to about 1400 that became derelict but was significantly restored in the 20th century. Filming location for  Monty Python and the Holy Grail and  Outlander . Located 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Alnwick Castle – A picturesque and mighty castle with sections dating back to the 11th century. Located in northern England, it is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland. Filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey . Adjacent to the beautiful Alnwick Garden . Located a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Dunnottar Castle – A dramatically situated ruined medieval fortress along the coast that has a rich history and was a significant place of defense during the Jacobite rebellions. Dunnottar Castle is about a 2 hour to 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Balmoral Castle – Castle built for Queen Victoria and now the private home of Queen Elizabeth II. Beautiful grounds and gardens, but only the Castle’s Ballroom and stables are open to the public to tour. Only open to the public during certain times of the year. About a 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.

Note that all the castles listed charge an admission fee for visitors. If you plan to visit several castles while in Scotland, you might check out the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid for travel between April to October) which gives you free entry to over 120 National Trust and Historic Scotland sites.

There is also the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  which includes entry into over 70 Historic Scotland sites. These passes include entry into lots of castles including Edinburgh Castle, Blackness Castle, Craigmillar Castle, Stirling Castle, and Doune Castle.

You can also join the National Trust for Scotland for free entry into their properties.

Most castles in Scotland have seasonal hours and some close throughout the winter months. So be sure to check head before planning a visit to be sure they’ll be open during your visit.

We’ve visited loads of castles in Scotland, so if you are looking for a castle in a particular area to fit into a day trip or a castle of a particular type, feel free to ask us in the Comments section and we can give you our recommendations.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Castles

Castles in Scotland can be reached by car or day tour, and many can also be reached by bus or train.

The mentioned castles are all within a 20-minute to 2.5 hour drive of Edinburgh.

Most of the mentioned castles can be reached by public transportation. Use Traveline to help you plan your route to specific castles. Just note that it may be hard to visit more than one or two castles on a day trip using public transit.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Castles

Castles are a part of a lot of day tours from Edinburgh. This castle-focused day trip visits several castle as well as Highland lochs and scenery. You can also find day tours that include a particular castle along with other attractions including this one to Stirling Castle and this one to Alnwick Castle .

A Few Tips for Planning Day Trips from Edinburgh

Here are a few tips for planning a day trip from Edinburgh whether you plan to drive, take public transportation, or book a guided day tour.

• It rains a lot in Scotland and can be windy so be sure to take along raingear, warm layers, and practical shoes! Check the weather forecast before setting out. Don’t let bad weather stop you from exploring, just be prepared!
• When planning day trips from Edinburgh, we recommend sticking to places within a 2.5 hour drive or less from the city. Any further and you’ll spend half of your day simply driving and not getting to see as much. Also be sure to take daylight hours into account as you have more limited hours in winter.
• If you are thinking of going to places that are further away, such as the Isle of Skye or northern Scottish Highlands, we strongly recommend an overnight or multi-day trip. If you don’t want to make arrangements, many local tour companies such as Rabbies offer overnight tours from Edinburgh to more far-flung places in both Scotland and England.
• If driving, try to avoid rush hour if leaving or returning to Edinburgh on a weekday. Morning rush hour is normally from about 7:30am to 9:30am (7:30 to 9:30) and afternoon rush hour is normally from 4:00pm to 6:00pm (16:00 to 18:00). You can check road conditions and traffic online at Traffic Scotland .
• New to driving in the UK? Check out our tips for driving in the UK and navigating single track roads .
• We recommend the Traveline website for helping to plan journeys in the UK via public transportation. The site is especially helpful if you are having trouble figuring out which bus to take or how to do a multi-leg journey.
• If planning to do day trips by public bus or coach, know that there are several bus stations in Edinburgh but the buses of most of the bus companies start and end their journeys at the Edinburgh Bus Station  (also known as St. Andrews Bus Station) on Elder Street.
• For bus tickets, you can often purchase them online through sites like National Express or the local service website. But others you will need to purchase in person at the bus station or directly from the driver (cash usually needed).
• We currently have two train stations in central Edinburgh, the main one where most trains arrive and depart is Waverley Station . But there is also the Haymarket Station  which handles a lot of commuter train traffic. Just be sure you know which station you need.
• If you plan to do a lot of travel by bus or train from Edinburgh, we recommend booking your accommodation within walking distance of the train or bus station to make your travels easier.
• If traveling by public bus or train and you want to visit more than one place in the same day, be sure to check the routes and schedules in advance to make the most of your day. Public transit is not that frequent in some areas.
• If you plan to use a taxi or private transfer to get from one place to another, we often use minicabit to compare cab fees. We do have Uber in Scotland (launched in 2015 after we moved here) but it is currently limited to pick-ups in and around Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen only.
• If looking for day tour operators in Edinburgh, we can recommend Edinburgh-based Rabbies . You can also see a wider selection of tours from Edinburgh on GetYourGuide and Viator .
• If doing a day tour, tipping or leaving a small gratuity to your guide and/or driver is appreciated and common, although not necessary, if you enjoyed their services.
• If you plan to visit a number of historical and cultural sites while in Scotland, you might check out the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid for travel between April to October) which gives you free entry to over 120 National Trust and Historic Scotland sites. There is also the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  which includes entry into over 70 Historic Scotland sites including Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castle, Stirling Castle, Melrose Abbey, and St Andrews Castle.
• Be sure you allow enough time to see all the things you want to do in Edinburgh! We sometimes hear from visitors who did so many day trips, they didn’t get to see much of the city itself. Edinburgh is a cultural hub of Scotland and there is a lot to do here. If you’ve tired out all the top things to do in Edinburgh , you can also check out our list of less known things to do in Edinburgh !
• If you are looking for more Scotland day trip ideas, also check out our guides to day trips from Glasgow  and day trips from Inverness .

So that is our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh! Hopefully it has helped you plan your own Edinburgh day trip.

Planning to do a day trip from Edinburgh but not ready to plan it out yet? PIN this article to Pinterest to read later:

Have you done any day trips from Edinburgh? If so, feel free to tell us about your day trip experience and how you planned it.

If you have a question about planning a day trip from Edinburgh or anything else about visiting Edinburgh, just leave us your question in the Comments section below!

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Steve Post author

May 12, 2023 at 10:51 am

hello there and thank you for this great resource! We’ll have 3 full days in Scotland, based out of Edinburgh. To get as much of the Scottish experience possible, do you think 1 day touring Edinburgh and 2 days doing day trips with a car would be best, or 2 days to tour Edinburgh and only 1 day to devote to a day trip? Thanks

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 16, 2023 at 9:09 am

I don’t think there is any correct answer to this. You could easily find enough in and around Edinburgh to fill three days as you can probably see in some of our other posts on things to do in Edinburgh. But with three days only in Scotland, I’d definitely recommend at least one day on a day trip or tour of some kind, especially if you don’t think you’ll be returning to Scotland.

In terms of which days trips and one or two days really depends on what you are most interested in doing/seeing. What are your main interests after looking over the options? If you think you’ll never return to Scotland, then you might want to do a day trip that goes up to the Scottish Highlands as I would say that is what most people think of in terms of Scottish landscapes (lochs, hills, moors). Many people also want to visit a Scottish distillery (best on a tour so driver can drink) or another castle or two (in addition to Edinburgh Castle).

Hope that helps, and happy to answer more questions as you have them!

Best, Jessica

Rita Shemchuk Post author

April 9, 2023 at 11:59 am

Hello Jessica and Laurence. We are planning a trip to Scotland in the spring 2024. I am enjoying reading your Edinburgh day trip suggestions with travel tips and places not to miss. I stumbled onto your blog doing research for our trip.

We are flying into Edinburgh and staying there 3 days then onto Glasgow 1 day. And then onto to rest of the country. Up north to Inverness and continuing down to Stirling before returning to Edinburgh for departure.

We are planning to get a rental car. Is it worth having the car in Edinburgh? Different travel people are suggesting getting the car in Glasgow as opposed to Edinburgh.

My question to you is this. Should we rent a car at the Edinburgh airport as that’s where we’re going to end up OR after visiting Edinburgh take the train to Glasgow and get the car there for the rest of our journey.

Thanks, Rita Shemchuk

April 10, 2023 at 12:23 pm

I would not recommend renting a car in Edinburgh unless you have a specific need for one (e.g., to get somewhere specific that you can’t get via public transit or walking). Even for some of the day trips, it is usually easier to use public transit or join a day tour.

We lived outside Edinburgh for many years and normally just took the bus into the city as it can be difficult to find parking and you will need to pay to park each day (unless your accommodation offers free parking). If you stay centrally most things are easy to get to on foot or a short bus or taxi ride. So it is can be more expensive and more stressful to have a car.

You can get a bus or train to Glasgow easily and then once you are in Glasgow you can rent a car there. Depending on where you are staying in Glasgow and what you plan to do, you may or may not want a car there. But it is easy to rent a car in Glasgow either on arrival or as you are leaving to head to more rural destinations.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have more questions as you plan your visit to Scotland!

Scott Post author

April 3, 2023 at 11:10 pm

Love your website, it’s been instrumental in helping me plan my trip to Scotland!

I’ve got about 2.5 days in Edinburgh planned with enough time for 2 day trips. I’ve decided to use Rabbies as you recommended. So far I’ve decided on the West Highlands and Castles tour. I’m torn on the last one though and would love some help.

I’m torn between seeing Hadrians Wall, or doing the Alwick Castle + Northumberland Coast and Borders, and also the St. Andrews/Fife fishing villages. The first two are interesting to me to see Northumberland since I’m seeing the West Highlands with the first trip. St. Andrews and the fishing villages are also high on your list so I’m heavily considering that. Thoughts?

April 4, 2023 at 12:43 pm

So glad to hear that our website has been helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Scotland.

Yes, there are so many good day trip possibilities from Edinburgh. I think it is hard to recommend one tour over the other as they are all fairly different. We’ve done all three and I think you’d probably enjoy any of them. I would read through all the descriptions and see what appeals most. What are you most interested in seeing/doing?

Pat Freedman Post author

February 23, 2023 at 3:14 pm

Thanks for this very useful blog. I have been feeling overwhelmed in planning a Scotland trip for me and my husband in September 2023, but your information has helped me get a handle on which day tour to take from Edinburgh–I think we will take the Rabbie’s tour to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and kelpies. Do you think 4 nights will allow enough time to see the main city sights (half-day on arrival, plus 2 full days) and do the day tour (on the third full day)? We plan to rent a car after the last night in order to see more of Scotland, and we will return to Edinburgh for 1 or 2 nights at the end of the trip, so we can do a bit more city sightseeing then.

February 24, 2023 at 2:55 am

So glad that you are finding our travel blog useful in planning your visit to Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland!

Yes, I think that sounds like a very reasonable plan. It of course depends on how much you want to see in Edinburgh, but most people find 2 full days are enough to see most of their must-see places and have some time to walk around and explore. So I think 2.5 days plus some potential time at the end of your trip is a good amount. I would make a list of the places you really want to visit and then allocate how much time you think you’ll need to each and that should help you decide for sure if you are feeling a bit unsure.

I think a day tour to Stirling Castle is a good idea for Day 3 as it will give you a bit of a break from the city and someone else will be doing the driving. Rabbie’s drivers/guides are generally very friendly and good to ask for recommendations for things to do/see.

Since you are planning to visit Stirling Castle and probably also Edinburgh Castle, you may want to check out the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass as it allows to you visit dozens of properties in Scotland and includees those two castles. For example if planning to go up to Loch Ness/Inverness, it includes Urquhart Castle and Fort George. Normally it is worth it if visiting at least 3 included places on your trip. Many of Scotland’s castles and abbeys are included. Some you’ll want to book your timed entry in advance. You can read more about it here .

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland!

Jack Couture Post author

March 29, 2022 at 6:27 am

What a great resource you have put together with so many options! We are have put together a 5 week tour of Europe meandering from a start in Scotland to island hopping in Greece – with many places in between. We will arrive EDI from BOS 4/26 16:00, picking up a car and AirBnB near Edinburgh castle. Taking an evening walking tour of City. Thinking of driving up to St. Andrews area 4/27 after a morning in City. 4/28 we are driving to Connel near Oban by way of Loch Lomand and staying on a farm B&B. 4/29 we are returning to EDI by way of Glasgow for an afternoon flight. What are your thoughts on this plan? What would you recommend we do to make the most of this short stay within the itinerary we have laid out. Is the ride to Fife area the right move? Any thoughts you have on tightening up our plans would be most welcome. We are thinking the ride to the west coast should be rather interesting.

March 29, 2022 at 7:28 am

Glad you are enjoying our travel blog. Nice that you have included Scotland in your Europe tour; however, you do have very little time to spend there. You essentially have about 2.5 days which is about the time we’d recommend spending just in Edinburgh. So I would consider streamlining your itinerary a bit so you have a bit more time at the places you most want to visit.

I am not sure what time you need to return your car and check in for you flight, but I imagine you won’t have too much time on 4/29 if you have an afternoon flight (you’ll need to be there 2 hours before your flight to check-in). The drive from Oban to Edinburgh is at least 3 hours. I’d probably skip Glasgow that day unless something specific you want to see as that will make the drive longer that day and the traffic between Edinburgh and Glasgow can be heavy at times.

With limited time, I would recommend using it to spend at least 1 full day in Edinburgh (unless you’ve been before) rather than doing a day trip to St. Andrews. You’d have very little time in St. Andrews if you just had the afternoon and I’d recommend avoiding the 3 hours of driving unless it is a must-see of course for you.

I’d then use the rest of the time seeing Loch Lomond and then Oban since you are driving all the way there. I’d make sure you have time to explore Oban and the coast. There is a nice harbor to walk around, a castle/museum you can visit, nice walks (Battery Hill nice to walk up for view of town/harbor), a whisky distillery you can tour, boat tours you can take, etc.

Here’s what I’d suggest based on what you want to see/do and amount of time:

4/26 – arrive, check-in, do evening city walking tour, overnight Edinburgh 4/27 – Explore Edinburgh – lots to see/do, overnight Edinburgh 4/28 – pick up car, explore Loch Lomond area, drive to Oban/Connel, overnight Connel 4/29 – explore Oban in morning, drive back to Edinburgh, car drop off, flight out

For the rental car, if you decide that you don’t need it the first 2 days, you might wait to pick it up in the city to avoid the fees/parking for the first 2 nights (unless it is less expensive to pick it up from the airport). Then do drop off at airport on return. You don’t need a car for getting around Edinburgh – most places are within walking distance and public buses (or sightseeing bus) can get you pretty much anywhere else you’d probably want to go.

Anyway, hope those suggestions help. Just let me know if you have further question as you plan your trip to Europe!

Mark T Post author

January 3, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence. What a great article!

We are thinking of visiting for 10 days in mid-March. We don’t mind that the weather may not be ideal, but more concerned that the scenery will not be as green and beautiful as we hope.26

Can you tell me what the scenery is like in mid-March?

January 4, 2020 at 3:29 am

We think Scotland is scenic year-round and I would say it doesn’t change as much as in some other parts of the world. Some wildflowers flowers will already be blooming by March. The issue is as you noted the weather, and a lot of rain and gray skies can really dampen one’s outlook (and ability to see) the scenery. You also have fewer daylight hours than later in the Spring or summer.

That said, a clear winter day with some sunlight is a wonderful time to see Scotland’s scenery and a great thing with traveling in March is that it won’t be very crowded in most places. Just note that some attractions and activities, especially those outside the cities, won’t be operating in March (April to September is the main tourism season).

Photos of Glencoe in winter and Cairngorms in winter for some ideas of scenery – you can see there is still greenery and color even at the height of winter. The snow is just because we are at higher altitudes and you’d rarely see much snow in say Edinburgh even in the middle of winter.

But I would be very prepared for rain in March and make sure to pack your rain gear, coat, and good waterproof shoes so you can enjoy being outside even when the weather is bad.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland.

Dave Murray Post author

October 18, 2019 at 11:38 am

Hello. Great information. Looking for a suggestion. What would be the best for the following. First are there wineries near whisky distilleries. My wife would prefer the wine. The best case scenario would be going somewhere where there are a lot of castles to see on the trip there and back. Even if not stopping at them or maybe one or two. Just to see them. Then the destination have a castle, wine, scotch, etc. Thanks!

October 19, 2019 at 2:18 pm

Grapes don’t really grow well in Scotland and although there are a few fruit/grain wines being produced locally, the couple of wineries that have tried have not been very successful in producing much drinkable wine (you can read that story here ). So for wine, you are better off heading to a wine bar or nice restaurant in Edinburgh 😉

There are however several whisky distilleries within an hour or so of Edinburgh you can visit. Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery are easy to combine into one day. Deanston Distillery is very close to Doune Castle, and Stirling Castle would be an easy stop on the way north to Deanston. So you could head out of Edinburgh, head north to visit Stirling Castle, then stop at Deanston Distillery, then visit Duone Castle, and then end at Glengoyne Distillery before making you way back to Edinburgh. Then perhaps a nice glass of wine when you return for your wife 😉

Hope that helps, and let me know if you have any other questions, Jessica

Rohan Post author

August 28, 2019 at 7:55 pm

Hi, what is second picture on this page (it shows a small castle atop a hill surrounded by ocean)? And how to get there (using public transportation)? Thanks,

August 29, 2019 at 4:09 am

The castle is Dunnottar Castle, located near Stonehaven. It is currently open from 9:00 to 17:30 daily, and there is an admission fee to visit.

So there is no direct public transit route from Edinburgh. You have a couple of options if you want to do public transit. You can take a bus or train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and then catch a bus (X7 and 107) from Aberdeen which stop within a short walking distance of the castle. Or you can take a bus or train to Stonehaven and walk from the village – this is about a 40 minute walk.

Another good option that may be more time efficient, particularly if you want to see more of this region which has limited public transit in some areas, is to take the train (or bus) from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and then take this day tour with Rabbies . It includes a visit to Dunnotar Castle as well as stops at waterfalls, Royal Deeside, and scenery in Cairngorms National Park.

Hope this helps! Jessica

Lorelle Post author

August 11, 2019 at 10:15 pm

Planning a trip May 2020 with a week in Edinburgh & a week in Glasgow. I would like to do the 1 hour boat trip on the Falkirk wheel but can’t find a day tour that includes the boat trip. Any suggestions? We could hire a car. Is it worth taking the boat or is the view from the canal bank more interesting?

August 12, 2019 at 2:59 am

Hi Lorelle,

Yes, both Edinburgh and Glasgow are great cities and both are great bases for day tours around Scotland.

It is great to just learn about the Falkirk Wheel and watch it (without being on it) but it is also fun to be on it as well. So I’d recommend both if you plan to visit. But if you are short on time, you can still read the signs and watch it in action.

Falkirk Wheel is not included on any of the regular bus tours as it is a less known attraction; however, it is possible to still visit it with a tour. Here is the best priced tour I could find which is a private taxi tour and includes the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, and a visit to Callendar House. You just need to take the train to Falkirk (easy ride from Edinburgh or Glasgow) and they will pick you up there and drop you off after the tour.

You can see more tour options here (most are private).

Hope that helps! Jessica

August 12, 2019 at 6:02 am

Thank you…….wonderful blog. I’m now thinking of hiring a car & visiting the Falkirk wheel on the way to Inverness & then fly to Orkney. Which leads me to another question. Am I better to hire the car in Edinburgh or Glascow? Which city is easier to drive out of? We will try to find accomodation that is very central in both cities.

August 12, 2019 at 6:40 am

If you are just renting the car to leave the city and head to Inverness (and not planning to drive around in the city itself) I think either would be about equal. We personally find it a bit easier to leave/enter Edinburgh by car than Glasgow. But I would just check prices and see where you can get the better deal. The drive to Inverness is about the same distance from both cities; the Falkirk Wheel is a bit closer to Glasgow than Edinburgh.

We don’t really recommend visitors explore either city with a car since you can get around most places by walking, public transit, or short taxi rides. So I’d just pick up the car on your way out to avoid having to find and pay for parking in the cities.

Orkney is a great, especially if you like Neolithic ruins and archaeology. Another option to get from Inverness to Orkney without driving (or flying) is this small group tour from Rabbies. We haven’t done this specific tour but we did meet and chat with the driver on our visit over the summer while on the island. The driver seemed great – the tour includes your ferry passage and it went pretty much everywhere we did on the main island.

Yes, I would definitely choose central accommodation if you can as it makes it easier to explore. We give some area recommendations and some specific hotel recommendations in both our Edinburgh and Glasgow guides that might be helpful. Let us know if you have any questions.

Natalie Post author

March 4, 2019 at 6:40 pm

Hi! I was wondering if you had any recommendations for half-day or afternoon tours from Edinburgh? I arrive in Edinburgh on a Friday morning (around 9:30am) and have the day free before my friend arrives. Since I’ve been here twice already, I was hoping to see something new outside the city but am having trouble finding afternoon tours. Any recommendations for something nearby or even something unusual to do in Edinburgh? I’ve been to Rosslyn Chapel and St. Andrews and we’ll head up to the highlands when my friend arrives. Thanks!

March 4, 2019 at 7:26 pm

Hi Natalie,

No, I am afraid I do not as most leave between 8 and 9, so I think if you are arriving around 9:30 or later, you will miss most day tour departures. You can of course book a private day tour but it would be very costly for one person.

Some ideas:

-Consider taking the bus or train to visit a nearby attraction or two such as Stirling Castle, an Outlander site, or other place of interest. We list info about public transit options for each day trip idea in the article. -If you enjoy hiking, you can spend the day walking or hiking around Edinburgh at places like Arthur’s Seat or along the Water of Leith or head by bus a bit further away like the scenic Pentland Hills. -Consider a day exploring Glasgow if you haven’t been before as it’s an easy bus or train ride away, see our Glasgow guide . -In Edinburgh, we have a guide to less known things to do in Edinburgh -Consider doing a walking tour or two in Edinburgh such as this 3 Hour Food Walking Tour or this bike tour .

Will Flight Post author

February 27, 2019 at 1:00 am

Hi Thanks for a great post! We’re planning a Scotland trip using Edinburgh as a base hand this has given us loads of ideas for things to do! One thing I’d like to mention is the National Museum of Scotland is Amazing, we went last time we were in Edinburgh just after the refurb and it’s amazing! It’s a great alternative if the weather is not up to scratch (as is often the case in Scotland)

February 27, 2019 at 3:37 am

Hi Will, Yes, the National Museum of Scotland is great and has gone even more changes probably since your last visit as they seem to be continually updating the museum. It has become the most visited attraction in the country I think since the changes! Enjoy your trip and let us know if you have any questions about potential day trips from Edinburgh. Best, Jessica

Micki Post author

January 31, 2019 at 11:01 am

This is fantastic! We’re looking at staying Edinburgh for a few days this spring, and this saves me so much work trying to sort out day trips. Thank you! I’m hoping for good weather! 🙂

January 31, 2019 at 11:06 am

Hi Micki, Glad you are finding our post helpful in planning possible day trips from Edinburgh. The weather here in Scotland is unpredictable and tends to vary throughout the day (its hailed, snowed, rained, and had glorious bursts of sunshine today for example!), but just come prepared with layers, waterproof shoes, and a waterproof jacket and you should be fine with whatever the weather throws at you 😉 Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip! Best, Jessica

Esther Post author

January 27, 2019 at 12:33 am

Oh, I really can’t agree more on this list. Scotland is gorgeous, isn’t it. I think that booking an extra day when in Edinburgh is just the perfect excuse to venture out and see some more of the country.

January 27, 2019 at 4:43 am

Hi Esther, Yes, indeed 🙂 I think that if you have more than 2 days in Edinburgh, it is definitely a good idea to think about taking a day trip from Edinburgh! So many great options. Best, Jessica

Nigel Post author

January 13, 2019 at 8:23 am

Wow, an amazing list of great day trips from Edinburgh – been to many but certainly not all of these. Will keep these handy for weekend trips with the family!

January 13, 2019 at 8:37 am

Hi Nigel, Glad you enjoyed our list of day trips from the capital, and hope you find a few new places on your weekend adventures with your family! Best, Jessica

Stephen Garone Post author

January 9, 2019 at 9:48 am

Rosslyn Chapel was amazing, wasn’t it???

January 9, 2019 at 10:06 am

Hi Stephen, Sounds like you enjoyed your visit to the chapel! We actually live within walking distance of Rosslyn Chapel so have been many many times 😉 It is definitely an amazing chapel and even though it is very small, there is a lot to see with all the carvings and features. The regular talks are also definitely worth taking the time to listen to during a visit. We often stop by to see William, the resident cat. It certainly makes for a good stop on a day trip from Edinburgh or half day trip if you only have time for the chapel. Best, Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

January 9, 2019 at 5:13 am

I absolutely love birds so I think I would love the Scottish Seabird Centre. It’s funny, this post is making me think of my family. My oldest would love the Harry Potter Filming sights, my youngest would be into the castle, and my husband would probably vote to visit the distilleries. Now that I have a new son-in-law, I am including his preferences as well. He would be all over the Outlander sights. I’ve never seen the show, but I’m glad to know I don’t need to be a fan to enjoy the scene!

January 9, 2019 at 7:51 am

Hi Seana, Yes, there is something to suit everyone and lots of choices. Many of the interests can definitely be combined as many of the Outlander sites (and one of the Harry Potter sites) are castles. You definitely don’t need to be an Outlander fan to enjoy many of the sites – Laurence and I did a full day tour of Outlander sites and enjoyed it and went to places we probably would not have done otherwise. The Scottish Seabird Centre is a great day trip from Edinburgh and would highly recommend pre-booking a boat trip there if you plan to visit. Best, Jessica

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21 Best day trips from Edinburgh (+ practical info & tips)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: February 4, 2024

Are you looking for a day trip from Edinburgh? If so, then look no further. In this article, we have put together the best day trips from Edinburgh Scotland and not only show you what to do and see but also how to plan your trip.

Whether it’s visiting castles, exploring ancient ruins or learning about history and culture you can find the perfect day trip from Edinburgh for a range of interests in this article. To help plan your perfect day out we have included information about what to do at each destination plus how to get there too via public transport (bus or train from Edinburgh ), by car if you plan to drive from Edinburgh or by joining some of the best day tours from Edinburgh.

Read on for all the information about the best Edinburgh day trips.

We recommend Edinburgh Black Cab Tours for the best private driver-guided day (& multi-day) trips from Edinburgh – destinations include – Glencoe – The Isle of Skye – Glenfinnan – Old Man of Storr – Culloden – Quiraing – Fairy Pools – Fairy Glen – Kilt Rock – Talisker Distillery – Pitlochry – The Kelpies – Doune Castle – Stirling Castle – Wallace Monument – Loch Lomond – Glen Etive – Loch Ness – Urquhart Castle – Fort Augustus – Click here for more information about their multiple award-winning private tours.

⭐️ Best multi-destination tours from Edinburgh

How to get from edinburgh to glasgow, how to get from edinburgh to rosslyn chapel, how to get from edinburgh to stirling castle.

• How to Get from Edinburgh to Doune Castle 

How to Get from Edinburgh to The Kelpies

How to get from edinburgh to linlithgow palace , how to get from edinburgh to loch lomond , how to get from edinburgh to inveraray castle, how to get from edinburgh to alloway, how to get from edinburgh to the cairngorms national park, how to get from edinburgh to inverness & loch ness, how to get from edinburgh to st andrews , how to get from edinburgh to dundee, how to get from edinburgh to melrose abbey , how to get from edinburgh to kelso, how to get from edinburgh to north berwick , how to get from edinburgh to st abbs head nnr, how to get from edinburgh to the scottish seabird centre (north berwick), how to get from edinburgh to alnwick castle .

• How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian's Wall

Best day trips from Edinburgh for whisky lovers

Best day trips from edinburgh for harry potter fans, best day trips from edinburgh for fans of outlander, uk travel planning podcast, enjoy your day trip from edinburgh, best day trips from edinburgh.

If you are on a tight schedule and want to combine two or more of these destinations into one day trip from Edinburgh we recommend considering a tour.

Our preferred private driver guide company for tours from Edinburgh is Edinburgh Black Cab Tours . They have an outstanding selection of award-winning half-day, full-day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh.

We have also chosen a selection of our favourite small group tours from Get Your Guide . They have excellent customer service and most tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. You can keep track of all your tour bookings on their app too.

More information – Small group tours

• Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour – Escape the city for the day and head to the Scottish Highlands. Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter, and jump on board the Hogwarts Express on an unforgettable journey on the Jacobite Steam Train .
• Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Tour from Edinburgh – Enjoy a full-day tour and experience some of the most dramatic scenery the Scottish Highlands has to offer. Spend time at mysterious Glencoe and have the chance to enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness and a visit to Urquhart Castle.
• Loch Lomond, Kelpies, and Stirling Castle Small-Group Tour – Discover the Scottish Highlands on a full-day small-group tour, and see forests, lochs, and stunning mountains. Explore Scotland’s history and learn about its greatest heroes with visits to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and more.
• Loch Ness, Highlands & Whisky Distillery Tour – Experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands on a full-day coach tour to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Trossachs National Park. Go to a working whisky distillery for an optional tasting. Stop for lunch in Fort Augustus and more.

Glasgow 

Glasgow is located only an hour away from Edinburgh by train. It is Scotland’s largest city and is full of fascinating attractions and beautiful architecture.

Explore Glasgow’s rich history at the Glasgow Cathedral or the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. The architectural beauty of The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery and the University of Glasgow are also great places to visit.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Glasgow’s most iconic building, The Art Deco-styled City Chambers. After exploring this famous city hall be sure to stop for a drink or meal at the stunningly designed Grand Cafe, located on George Square.

Glasgow City Chambers, often referred to as ‘The People’s Palace’ are also worth a visit. Not only is it a beautiful building with an interesting history but it also houses a cafe and museum. It’s also the original headquarters of Glasgow City Council and is now a category A listed building.

• By Car 

The journey from Edinburgh to Glasgow is just over an hour via the M8 motorway. 

• By Public Transportation

Train – Scotrail run direct trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central Station, journeys take approx. 1hr 15mins.

Bus – National Express services also run from Edinburgh to Glasgow with a bus departing every 20 minutes from 7 am – 11 pm

Rosslyn Chapel 

Rosslyn Chapel lies about 7 miles south of Edinburgh city centre in the village of Roslin. The chapel was built in the mid-15th century and is known for its intricate carvings that depict biblical scenes as well as plants, heraldic symbols and a series of mysterious stone carvings depicting what some believe to be the Holy Grail or the ‘Holy Chalice’ along with other ancient relics. In Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code the “Holy Grail” was hidden in the chapel’s crypt.

The chapel is open to the public and guided tours are available during the day and at night when different light shows illuminate some of the carvings, including one that depicts a scene from Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. 

The trip takes about 30 minutes via the A701 from central Edinburgh

To get to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh, take a train to the nearby town of Penicuik and then catch the local bus that takes you directly to Roslin village and the chapel. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Alternatively, take the bus Lothian Service 37 from Edinburgh City Centre to Roslin village. The journey time is around 60 minutes.

• On a group tour

Stirling Castle 

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous castles and a popular day trip destination. The fortress has been home to kings and queens over the centuries with many important historical events taking place here.

Visitors can get an insight into life at the castle by visiting the Stirling Castle Exhibition, which tells the story of this historic site through the eyes of those who lived here. Former residents include Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce.

Don’t miss a visit to the National Wallace Monument which was built in 1869 to commemorate William Wallace who defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. If you have watched Braveheart starring Mel Gibson this is the character he plays.

• By Car  

The journey takes about 1 hour via the M9 motorway

Train – Scotrail run direct trains between Edinburgh and Stirling Train Station, journeys take from 40 minutes.

Bus – National Express services also run from Edinburgh to Stirling with a bus departing every 20 minutes from 7 am – 11 pm

Doune Castle 

Doune Castle is just 9 miles outside Stirling so makes a perfect day trip from Edinburgh. The castle features in the movie Game of Thrones as Winterfell Castle, in the TV series Outlander as Castle Leoch and even in Mony Python’s Holy Grail!

On a more serious note, it is worth visiting for anyone who is interested in learning more about Scotland’s political history. 

How to Get from Edinburgh to Doune Castle  

The castle is just 9 miles west of Stirling via M9 and A91. Allow around 30mins for the journey. 

• By Public Transportation 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Stirling that stop at Doune, journey time is approx. 30mins. 

Falkirk and The Kelpies 

The Kelpies , which are 30-metre-high equine sculptures, stand on the edge of Falkirk in Scotland. Designed by artist Andy Scott to resemble the carousel horses he used to ride as a child these impressive structures are worth visiting. The construction of the Kelpies was completed in October 2013 and they were opened to the public in April 2014.

The Kelpies are located at the Helix, a land art project created by Falkirk Council to regenerate a large area of brownfield land that had once been used for heavy industry.

The Helix is now home to several structures including the newly opened Titan Crane visitor’s centre and The Falkirk Wheel, which links the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal, both of which are also worth visiting.

The Kelpies are located next to the M9 motorway (the journey takes about 40 – 60 minutes). Parking is available at The Kelpies for a fee.

Train – A direct train service between Edinburgh and Falkirk Grahamston Station runs every 30 minutes. Journey time is just over an hour, however, allow extra time for the walk from the station to The Kelpies which takes about 45 minutes. Or take a taxi or a bus (the bus stop is outside the train station)

Linlithgow Palace 

The birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, Linlithgow Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in Scottish history. The palace was the official residence of the monarchs of Scotland from 1424 through to 1603 when James VI moved to London after becoming King of England and Scotland. A wonderful place to visit in historic Scotland.

Linlithgow Palace appears in scenes from the TV series Outlander .

The palace is just west of Edinburgh via the M9. Allow around 45 mins for the journey. 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Linlithgow every hour. The journey time is around 20 minutes.

The Trossachs National Park & Loch Lomond

The Trossachs offer beautiful landscapes and an array of wildlife including red deer, beavers, osprey and wild cats. Located just east of Stirling it makes a perfect day trip from Edinburgh.

Loch Lomond is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain covering an area of about 23 miles. It’s also one of the most famous lochs so it would be a shame to not pay a visit when in Scotland! 

Enjoy cruises along the loch or explore some of the picturesque villages and castles in the surrounding area.

Loch Lomond is 75 miles north of Edinburgh via M8, A82. Allow around 2 hours for the journey. 

Train – Take the Scotrail service from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street and change for the Balloch train. Once at Balloch a taxi to Loch Lomond takes around 10 minutes. Allow 2 hours for the journey from point to point.

Inveraray Castle 

With its fairy tale turreted structure, Inveraray Castle is a popular castle located overlooking Loch Fyne on the west coast of Scotland.

The beautiful castle with its turrets, towers and grand interiors is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll and the seat of the Clan Campbell. The construction of the castle was completed in 1789 though the third floor and conical roofs on each of the corner towers were added in 1877 following a fire.

It takes about 2 hours via M9, A82 and A83. Allow extra time for traffic especially in summer.

Train – The nearest train station is Dalmally Railway station. Journey time from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street and onto Dalmally (one change) is approximately 4 hours.

Bus – Pick up the bus service from Glasgow City Centre with Scottish Citylink to Inveraray. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

If you are pressed for time taking a tour which combines a number of destinations may be the best way to visit Inveraray.

Alloway 

Just south of Ayr in the lovely county of South Ayrshire, Scotland lies the delightful town of Alloway. This small town made famous by Scottish poet Robert Burns is well worth a visit.

Burns House provides a fascinating insight into the life of Robert Burns, one of Scotland’s favourite sons. The museum also hosts an interesting collection of artefacts including some that belonged to the famous poet himself. The town is filled with several other historic houses and buildings which provide great photo opportunities.

Alloway Aisle was built in 1320 and is where the poet Robert Burns is buried along with his wife Jean Armour and daughter, Isabella.

Alloway is 84 miles southwest of Edinburgh in Ayrshire. via M8 motorway. The journey by car will take around 1 hour 50 minutes via the M8 and M77.

Train – Scotrail run direct trains between Edinburgh and Ayr Train Station, journeys take approx. 1hr 10mins. 

Cairngorms National Park 

The Cairngorms National Park is Scotland’s largest national park and home to one of the UK’s highest mountains, Ben Macdui.

The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities from skiing, snowboarding and climbing to walking, cycling and kayaking making it an ideal getaway for those who love nature.

The Cairngorms National Park is located 130 miles north of Edinburgh via M90 and A9. Allow around 2 hours for the journey. 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Aviemore in the Cairngorms. Journey time is approx. 3 hours 25 mins. 

Bus – Scottish Citylink run direct buses between Edinburgh and Aviemore and take around 3 hours.

Many tours to the Scottish Highlands include a drive through the Cairngorms on the way to Loch Ness.

Loch Ness & Inverness

The famous Loch Ness is home to one of the most mysterious and interesting attractions in Scotland; ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness Monster! The area also includes Urquhart Castle which sits on a beautiful lochside setting. 

Enjoy a cruise across the loch and enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery.

The largest city and capital of the Highlands Inverness sits on the River Ness and River Beauly. The area includes two popular visitor attractions; Inverness Castle which dates back to 1847 and features stunning grounds that are open to visitors all year round, plus Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which houses a fascinating collection of historical items including the Ardross Cup.

It takes about 3 hours and 30 mins via M90 and A9 via Perth. Allow extra time for traffic especially in summer. 

• By public transportation 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Inverness. Journey time is around 3 hours 30 minutes. Hire a car or take a bus from Inverness.

A tour is the recommended option if you want to visit Loch Ness from Edinburgh due to limited public transport options. Many tours also include a drive through the Cairngorms and other Scottish highlights such as Glencoe.

St Andrews and Fife 

St Andrews is one of Scotland’s oldest towns and home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. The town has a charming atmosphere with cobbled streets and historic buildings.

St Andrews is also the place where Prince William met Kate. This charming town is also known for its golf courses, as the game was invented here. If you are a fan of the game a visit to the British Golf Museum is the place to visit!

• By car  

St Andrews is 60 miles north of Edinburgh via M9, A92. Allow around 1 hour 30 mins for the journey.

Train – Take the train from Edinburgh to St Andrews with one change at Leuchers. Journeys take approx. 1hr 30mins – 2hrs 

Bus – National Express run direct buses between Edinburgh and St Andrews that take approximately 1 hr 20 mins.

Dundee is Scotland’s 4th largest city and home to the Discovery Quay. The area includes an excellent aquarium, interactive science centre, art gallery and Dundee Contemporary Arts – which has regular contemporary art exhibitions including some of the world’s best street artists. 

Dundee is 50 miles from Edinburgh via M90 and A90. Allow around 1 hour 20 mins for the journey. 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Dundee. Journeys take approx. 1hr 20mins

Melrose Abbey 

One of the most beautiful and historic abbeys in Scotland, Melrose Abbey is a must-see for history lovers. The site features an active community with regular church services and includes a museum telling stories of Scottish kings and the Battle of Flodden Field. 

The abbey is just southeast of Edinburgh via the A68. Allow around 1hr for the journey. 

Train – Direct trains run between Edinburgh and Galashiels from where you can catch a bus to the abbey. The entire journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Kelso 

The town of Kelso is located on the banks of the River Tweed, in the heart of the Scottish Borders, well known for its vibrant market town atmosphere and beautiful abbey.

There is a good selection of cafes, bistros and restaurants in the centre of town as well as some unique shops. The farmers market is held on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9.30 – 1.30.

• By car 

The journey from Edinburgh to Kelso takes about 1 hour 20 mins via A68 and A6089. Allow extra time for traffic in summer.

• By public transportation  

Train – Travel from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank then onwards to Kelso by bus or taxi.

This tour to Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders from Edinburgh also includes a visit to Kelso.

North Berwick 

The town of North Berwick lies on the east coast of Scotland about 55 miles from Edinburgh. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, historic buildings and a thriving fishing industry. The area is also home to some unique festivals like the World Pipe Band Championships held every year in August.

It takes about 45 minutes via the A1 from Edinburgh to North Berwick.

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and North Berwick. Journey time is approx 34 mins. 

St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve 

Situated in the quaint fishing village of St Abbs on the Berwickshire coastline on the Scottish borders, one can find the St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve.

The area was declared a national nature reserve for its rich marine life and extensive birdlife that includes puffins, kittiwake and gannets. The surrounding cliffs are also great for walks and birdwatching.

St Abbs is about 50 miles east of Edinburgh via A1. Allow around 1 hour 30 mins for the journey.

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed which take around 45 minutes. From Berwick take the 235 bus to St Abbs (journey time 35 mins)

Scottish Seabird Centre 

If you have an interest in wildlife and bids this Edinburgh day trip will be of interest.

This award-winning attraction features live footage of seabirds from the Scottish islands on a big screen. Visitors can also learn about conservation and follow trails to identify birds in their natural habitat. 

The drive takes around 45 minutes on the A1 from Edinburgh to North Berwick.

Alnwick Castle 

Alnwick Castle is a popular attraction for visitors to Northumberland , especially the younger audience who have grown up with Harry Potter scenes shot in the castle! Alnwick Castle and Gardens was used as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is also an easy day trip from Edinburgh.

The castle is also home to St Mary’s Chapel which features some of England’s oldest stained glass.

The castle is located in the Northumberland town of Alnwick over the border in England. Allow around 2 hrs for the journey on the M1.

Train – Take the train from Edinburgh to Alnmouth (1 hour) then the X20 bus to Alnwick Castle (11 mins)

We highly recommend taking a tour from Edinburgh to Alnwick Castle. These tours also include other popular destinations in Northumberland such as Holy Island or Hadrian’s Wall.

Hadrian’s Wall 

The remains of Hadrian’s Wall can still be seen today running from coast to coast in northern England. The wall marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire and was built to protect against the fierce tribes in Scotland known as ‘the Picts. 

Today, visitors can retrace parts of their footsteps on a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

The wall is 129 miles south of Edinburgh. Allow around 2 hours 30 minutes for the journey. Popular destinations are Housesteads Fort.

If you want to visit the Roman Wall from Edinburgh and do not want to drive we recommend taking a tour due to the difficulties of logistics with public transport.

The best themed day trips from Edinburgh

If you have a particular interest in whisky, Harry Potter or Outlander these tours are highly recommended.

There are several tours which visit the whisky distilleries for which Scotland is famous. If sampling some famous Scottish whisky at a distillery is on your bucket list these tours offer are the perfect options.

For private driver-guided whisky tours, we recommend the award winning Edinburgh Black Cab Tours which offers excellent whisky distillery tours.

AS well as the many Harry Potter sights to explore in Edinburgh itself there are a number of themed tours which visit other famous destinations associated with the films such as Alnwick Castle and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

There are lots of great Outlander-themed tours available from Edinburgh. If you are looking for the full Outlander experience it may be worth booking on a multi-day tour – read more in our detailed guide to Outlander tours.

For private driver-guided Outlander tours, we recommend Edinburgh Black Cab tours which have 4 different Outlander-themed tours to suit a variety of timescales.

As you have read Edinburgh is a beautiful city in Scotland with lots of day trips to offer. We’ve listed some of our Edinburgh day trip favourites and why they should be on your must-do list if you are visiting the country for the first time! 

For further practical tips, ideas and inspiration you will find these articles helpful

• Best things to do in Edinburgh (plus itinerary)
• Where to stay in Edinburgh (Location and accommodation guide)
• Scottish castle hotels
• Best Isle of Skye tours
• Best day trips from Inverness

One Day in Edinburgh: Things to Do, Map & Itinerary

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

Visiting Edinburgh for one day and wondering what to see and how to best plan your time? This guide and a suggested Edinburgh 1-day itinerary should help you make the most of your short visit. Take a look!

Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital city – has so much to offer its visitors! From the charm and history of the Old Town to the beautiful Georgian architecture and modern shops of its New Town. It’s also a perfect place to include in any Scotland itinerary because you can easily see the best of Edinburgh in one day !

The city is quite compact in size and most of its best sights are within walking distance of each other. This makes a day trip to Edinburgh fun and not too tiring. But what is worth your time the most if you only have a day in Edinburgh?

In this guide, we share the best things to see and do in Edinburgh in one day. We also include advice for getting around and tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Keep in mind that there are so many possible itineraries and ways to spend your day in Edinburgh. So much will depend on your interests, but also on the time of the year and even the weather. So use our suggestions as an inspiration and tweak this itinerary to your interests.

READ ALSO: Tips for Visiting Edinburgh for the First Time

How to use this guide: First, you can find an overview of our suggested itinerary for 1 day in Edinburgh and a map, followed by detailed information for each place. We also include a few additional suggestions for things to do in Edinburgh for those of you who have a bit more time or want to see something different than recommended in our itinerary.

At the bottom of this article, you can also find practical information and tips for getting around , as well as additional restaurant recommendations . We also include recommendations for where to stay and top tips for your first trip to Edinburgh. Find out!

Edinburgh One Day Itinerary & Map

Here’s what to see and do in Edinburgh in one day:

• Sunrise at Calton Hill (or visit at sunset)
• Breakfast at Princes Street Gardens
• Stroll Princes Street Gardens & see the Ross Fountain
• Short Visit to Scottish National Gallery
• Explore Edinburgh Castle
• Don’t miss the One O’clock Gun (1 pm at Edinburgh Castle)
• Late lunch at the Botanic Gardens
• Visit the National Museum of Scotland
• Walk the Royal Mile
• Dinner at Edinburgh’s Grassmarket

And here’s a map indicating all these places to see in Edinburgh in one day and our additional suggestions that you’ll find further below in this article.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Here’s what to see and do in Edinburgh in 1 day:

Sunrise at Calton Hill

Calton Hill is one of the landmarks of Edinburgh and one of the best, easy-to-reach viewpoints of the city. From Calton Hill, you can enjoy stunning 360° views of Edinburgh.

There are several monuments here, an art gallery, and a café. Don’t miss the Dugald Stewart Monument and National Monument of Scotland . For an even higher perspective and unobstructed views, you can also climb the narrow staircase of the Nelson Monument . For the opening hours and more info, see here .

Remember that Calton Hill is one of the most popular, must-see places in Edinburgh. So it can get very busy here during the day. On the other hand, it’s a big open space, and the crowds spread out easily.

If you are jet-lagged after your flight and are up early, Calton Hill is a great place to visit at sunrise . The views from the top are stunning and the chances are high that you’ll have this place all to yourself early in the morning.

Alternatively, this is also a fabulous place to watch the sunset in Edinburgh . So you can also come here in the evening. In any case, don’t miss it. Even if you only have a day in Edinburgh, Calton Hill is a must!

Getting there: Calton Hill is centrally located in Edinburgh and you can easily reach it via the staircase from Regent Road. It takes just 3-5 minutes to walk to the top. If you are coming from the other side, you can also walk up the hill from the Royal Terrace. Please see our map above for the exact locations. It’s also possible to drive up here by bus.

Breakfast at Princes Street Gardens (& Indoor Alternatives)

One of the best ways to start your day in Edinburgh is with breakfast at Sir Walter’s Cafe in the Gardens . This charming little kiosk is located in the beautiful Princes Street Gardens (east side) and has outdoor seating. So if you are visiting in the summer and the weather is nice, make sure to check it out!

It’s open from 8.30 am, 7 days a week. The cafe serves delicious waffles, crepes, coffee, and more, all of which you can sit and enjoy al fresco. The surroundings here are incredible! Look up and you can see the imposing Edinburgh Castle at the top of the hill, or look around you to appreciate the beauty of Princes Street Gardens.

Alternatively, if you are visiting in the colder season or the weather isn’t great, try one of the other popular breakfast spots in central Edinburgh . We recommend Deacon’s House Cafe , Southern Cross Cafe , The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant (located inside the Scottish National Gallery), or The Edinburgh Larder. To make it easier for you, we marked all of these cafés on our map above.

Princes Street Gardens & Ross Fountain

Princes Street Gardens are situated on the south side of Princes Street and mark the division between Edinburgh’s New and Old Towns. They are actually two public parks – West Princes Street Gardens and East Princes Street Gardens . The two parks are located side by side and separated by The Mound, with the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery of Scotland in between.

After breakfast, set aside half an hour to stroll through the Gardens. That should be enough time to appreciate the stunning floral displays, tiered gardens, and monuments dotted throughout.

Don’t miss the Floral Clock and the picturesque Great Aunt Lizzie’s cottage (image above).

If you’re a literary fan, be sure to check out the very modest memorial to Robert Louis Stevenson . Located amidst a small grove of trees, the stone is carved with a simple RLS, in keeping with his wishes to keep his memorial understated. Whilst it might look like a grave, it doesn’t actually mark his burial place. Robert Louis Stevenson was buried in Samoa.

My personal highlight of Princes Street Gardens is the astonishingly beautiful Ross Fountain . Recently refurbished, the cast-iron fountain was originally sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Jules Klagmann and was bought from the Great Exhibition in London by David Ross. David Ross was a local gunmaker and he presented the Fountain as a gift to the city of Edinburgh.

The Ross Fountain is incredibly photogenic – especially if you get the angle right and include the magnificent castle in the background!

Scottish National Gallery

After a stroll around the park, it’s time to visit the Scottish National Gallery . Before going in, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the building itself. It’s a fantastic example of neo-Classical architecture.

The Gallery is home to one of the best art collections in the world, including works by Botticelli, Raphael, El Greco, Constable, and many more. Ideal for all ages, it offers storytelling for children, life drawing classes, and an interactive IT exhibit.

Good to know: Entry is free (although donations are welcome) and the Gallery is open daily, from 10 am to 5 pm. Expect to spend about 45 minutes here. For more information, check the official website .

Edinburgh Castle

Your next stop and an absolute must in the city is Edinburgh Castle . It proudly overlooks the city from its position at the top of Castle Rock .

The Castle played an enormously important part in Scottish history, the story of which is told via its various exhibitions. The ‘Fight for the Castle’ exhibit tells how the city’s stronghold repeatedly changed hands as the English fought with the Scots for control during the Wars of Independence.

Don’t miss the majestic Great Hall ! Its wooden roof is considered to be one of the finest in Britain. The Hall – completed in 1511 – was built for King James IV of Scotland. As you stand inside, it’s easy to picture the magnificent banquets and state events that took place there.

Inside the castle, you’ll find displays of various weapons and suits of armor. The highlight of the day is viewing the ‘ Honours of Scotland ‘. Consisting of a crown, a scepter, and a sword, these are the oldest crown jewels in Britain .

You can also stand for a while in the beautiful and tranquil St. Margaret’s Chapel , where the royal family of Scotland once knelt to worship. Just outside the Chapel sits the mighty Mons Meg , a 6-ton siege gun named after the town in Belgium where it was made.

Practical info: The Castle is open from 9.30 am to 6 pm daily, with the last entry at 5 pm. The Edinburgh Castle website suggests various itineraries to help make sure you see everything during your visit. Alternatively, you can hire an audio guide or opt for a guided tour.

Good to know: As this is an extremely popular attraction and a must-see during any trip to Edinburgh, I strongly recommend booking in advance in order to avoid disappointment. Also bear in mind the fact that there is a lot of walking up and down hills involved. While this means that you get unparalleled views of the city, it also means you need to wear comfortable shoes. Even in summer, it can feel quite chilly, so wrap up warmly too.

TIP: Edinburgh Castle tickets are included with this 2-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket . So if you are staying in Edinburgh for 24 hours or more, it might be a good option to consider. Another great option is the ‘ Royal Pass ‘ which includes all the main attractions in Edinburgh.

One O’clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle

The One O’clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle, a tradition that dates back to 1861, deserves a separate mention. Every day (except Sundays) at precisely 1 pm, a gun is fired from the Castle grounds. So precisely and so loud that the ships in the Firth of Forth and Leith Harbor 2 miles away used to set their clocks by it.

Locals say that you can always tell visitors from the Edinburgh natives when the gun goes off. Whereas locals tend to check their watches, visitors jump out of their skins!

Nowadays, the Gun has become a popular tourist attraction. So even if you have a day in Edinburgh, be sure not to miss it! Kids will be particularly fascinated by the One O’clock Gun, which will serve as the finale to your Castle visit.

TIP: If you are up for Scottish ice cream, stop at the van permanently located on the esplanade outside the castle.

Royal Botanic Garden

After the 1 o’clock Gun, it’s time for lunch. If you want to escape the busy city center, we recommend heading to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh .

The walk through the 350-year-old Botanic Gardens on your way to lunch is simply spectacular. Surrounded by 70 acres of breathtaking landscape, 100.000 plants, and excellent views of Edinburgh’s skyline, the Gardens feel tranquil and a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You can have lunch at either the Terrace Cafe or The Gateway Restaurant inside the Royal Botanic Garden. They use fresh ingredients from their own Market Garden. The Terrace Cafe also gives you the opportunity to dine outdoors and enjoy a great view of the castle.

If you have time after lunch, check out the amazing glasshouse . They recreate 10 different climatic zones, including tropical rainforests and deserts.

Practical information: The Botanic Garden is free to enter and is open daily, from 10 am to 5 pm. There is a small fee to visit the glasshouse.

Good to know: The Royal Botanic Gardens are 30-40 minutes walk from the city center. So if you are not interested in the garden or the weather isn’t great, you may want to skip this. In that case, have lunch in the Old Town (restaurant suggestions further below). Alternatively, if you don’t like to walk much, but still want to see the Gardens, you’ll be glad to know that the City Sightseeing Bus passes here as well (more information below).

TIP: If you are not going to the botanical gardens and want to do something special for lunch, consider a local food tour instead.

National Museum of Scotland

After lunch, it’s time to head to the National Museum of Scotland , back in the city center. During the summer months, bus #9 runs directly from the Botanic Gardens to the Museum. Alternatively, you can walk, or take the earlier-mentioned sightseeing bus.

The National Museum of Scotland is the most popular tourist attraction in the United Kingdom outside of London. And when you visit, it’s easy to see why. Plan to spend 2-3 hours here in order to enjoy the best that it has to offer!

Featuring thousands of exhibits, the museum has galleries devoted to art and design, fashion, science and technology, the natural world, and also Scottish history and archaeology. The best way to explore is to follow one of the three ‘trails’. They are designed to make sure that you see everything you want to see in the most efficient way!

There is truly something for everyone here and the whole family will enjoy the incredible displays and interactive exhibits. We loved the Lewis Chessmen – a fascinating set of 93 12th Century chess pieces carved from walrus ivory. They are considered to be one of Scotland’s best archaeological finds, although no one knows quite who made them.

If you’ve ever wondered how it feels to touch a real meteorite, then check out the 170 kg iron-type Muonionalusta Meteorite . It’s around 800,000 years old and – amazingly – on open display.

Probably the highlight of the day is a visit to Dolly the Sheep . Dolly was born in July 1996 and was the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell. She died in 2003 but is still attracting crowds today!

Practical information: The National Museum of Scotland is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and is free to visit. It tends to be very busy on Saturdays, but much quieter mid-week. Do note that the museum can be more crowded when housing temporary exhibitions. For more information visit the official website of the museum .

After all the sightseeing, end your day in Edinburgh with a stroll and some (window) shopping at the Royal Mile.

Royal Mile is a series of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of Edinburgh. It connects Edinburgh Castle on the hill with the Palace of Holyroodhouse , resting in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat.

Its total length is 1.81 km which is approximately 1 Scots mile long (1.814 m). Scots mile is an old Scottish measurement that hasn’t been used since the 18th century. The ‘Royal’ part of the name comes from its tradition as a processional route for kings and queens.

There is a lot to see and do along the Royal Mile. To start with, the Edinburgh Castle which we already mentioned before. Palace of Holyroodhouse , the Queen’s official residence in Scotland is also worth checking out. But with just one day in Edinburgh, you’ll probably only have time to see it from the outside.

The remains of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey are interesting to see as well. St Giles’ Cathedral , The Real Mary King’s Close , and the Scottish Storytelling Centre are also worth considering, depending on your interests and how much time you have. For a glimpse of present-day Scotland, check out the ultra-modern building of the Scottish Parliament .

Royal Mile is also a good area for shopping and dining and you’ll find lots of traditional taverns here. But we recommend another place for dinner and drinks in the evening, Grassmarket (see below). Alternatively, further below, you can find a few other restaurant recommendations.

Grassmarket

Grassmarket is a medieval market square with centuries-old architecture and stunning castle views. Once a site of public executions, this is now a very popular vibrant part of town with trendy cafés, restaurants, vintage shops, and boutiques.

The atmosphere here is great and the area is loved by locals, students, and tourists alike. Some pubs have live music performances on most nights.

With an excellent choice of restaurants and lively pubs, this is a great place to end your day in Edinburgh!

Grassmarket executions ceased in the 18th century. But some of the traditional pubs, such as Maggie Dicksons or The Last Drop , keep the bloody tale of the dark past of Edinburgh. So if you like historic pubs and traditional Scottish and British food , check these out!

Good to know: On Saturdays, between 10 am to 4 pm, the Grassmarket Market takes place here. You’ll find everything from fruits and vegetables, street food, but also clothes, handicrafts, and local souvenirs here.

Additional Things to Do in Edinburgh if You Have More Time

If you have a little more time in Edinburgh or somewhat different interests, there are lots of fun tours and many other attractions that are well worth a visit as well. Here are several suggestions:

• Harry Potter tour . Edinburgh is the city that inspired Hogwarts and the famous Harry Potter characters, and where J.K Rowling wrote some of the stories. If you are a Harry Potter fan this tour is a must when visiting the city!
• Dynamic Earth . Located at the base of Salisbury Crags, this is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you through our planet’s story. Through a variety of excellent interactive earthscapes and a 360-degree show dome, it explores the processes that shaped Earth, including earthquakes and volcanoes. It’s great fun for kids, but also interesting for the whole family.
• Museum of Childhood . Located on the Royal Mile, this was the first museum in the world to specialize in the history of childhood. It houses a fascinating collection of toys throughout the ages, from the 1800s to the present day. Children will love looking at what kids used to play with in years gone by, whilst you will enjoy the nostalgia. It’s a lot of fun to look out for the toys you remember from your own childhood! The Museum of Childhood is open daily and is free to enter.
• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions . The oldest visitor attraction in Edinburg (since 1853) and one of the top attractions in Scotland, this interactive world of illusions is so much for all ages. Plus, you have access to some of the most fantastic views of the city from their rooftop terrace.
• The Royal Yacht Britannia . The former floating royal residence of the Queen, this ship is now one of the most popular attractions in Edinburgh.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Practical Information for Visiting Edinburg

Getting around.

Edinburgh has some of the best views of any capital city in the world, with its beautiful and historic architecture surrounded by rolling green hills. With all its main attractions so close together, Edinburgh city center is really best appreciated on foot .

Another good reason to walk is that Edinburgh’s traffic can be very heavy and subsequently very slow. It’s quite possible to walk to your destination more quickly than a taxi or bus could drive you there!

But if the distance between any of the attractions listed in this guide is a little too far for you – or if the weather is bad – then it’s good to know that Edinburgh has an excellent bus service. Buses run 24 hours a day, with routes all over the city, and services are frequent.

Another option is to use Edinburgh’s taxis, which are quicker than the bus. Taxis are just like the black cabs you see in London, with plenty of room for up to 5 people and fixed tariffs. So you can work out an approximate cost of your journey ahead of time.

Sightseeing Bus

Another way to get around (and learn about Edinburgh’s history and culture at the same time) is to take the City Sightseeing Bus Tour . This hop-on hop-off tour comes with an audio guide or live commentary.

The ticket includes 3 tours, one of which takes you out to Leith where you can see the Royal Yacht Brittania.

If you don’t need that many options of tours to choose from, a regular hop-on hop-off bus ticket is also available. It has one tour covering only the main attractions.

No matter which option you choose, bus tours give you a great chance to get an introduction to the whole city in a short time. It’s also a good choice if a rainy day makes the prospect of walking a bit less attractive!

Additional Restaurant Suggestions

There are many nice restaurants and cafes throughout the city, some of which we already mentioned in the one-day itinerary above. But if you are looking for more ideas, these are a few of our personal favorites (we also indicated them on our map).

• Forage and Chatter . Using ingredients sourced locally, Forage and Chatter is one of Edinburgh’s top-rated restaurants. Both the food and service are of very high quality and children are made to feel very welcome. When we visited, the waiter offered to adapt items on the menu to suit our son. There are lots of great wines on the menu and don’t miss the delicious bread that is served at the start of every meal!
• Makars Mash Bar . This is a restaurant with an interesting twist – everything is served with mashed potatoes. But not just any potato! This is gourmet mashed potato, seasoned in a variety of ways. Whilst there’s plenty on offer for vegans and vegetarians, there are some fabulous Scottish favorites too, including wild boar sausage and – of course – haggis!
• Ristorante Isola . This restaurant is further away from the city, but is absolutely worth mentioning. Using fresh, Scottish seafood, this unpretentious gem creates authentic Sardinian dishes. Staff go above and beyond to ensure you enjoy your meal and there’s something for everyone on the menu, including some of the most amazing pizzas we’ve ever eaten! For something a little different (and absolutely delicious) try a traditional Sardinian dessert – Ravioli Dumplings with Quince. Yum!
• Whilst you’re near the castle, be sure to take a peek into the secret garden of The Witchery by the Castle – Scotland’s most famous restaurant and luxury hotel decorated in lavish Baroque style. Its historic courtyard is visible through a doorway at the side of the restaurant. We didn’t eat here, so I cannot comment on the food, but it has an excellent reputation.

Where to Stay

There are many hotels and accommodations for all budgets in Edinburgh city center. However, it’s also a very expensive destination that furthermore, books up fast. So book your accommodation in Edinburgh as soon as you know your travel dates!

We stayed at a couple of different hotels in Edinburgh. Every time we visited the city, the choice of somewhat affordable accommodation in the city center was very limited.

We once stayed at  The Place and once at the  Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Center . Both of these hotels are conveniently located for sightseeing, but not in the hustle and the bustle of the downtown area.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rental accommodations in Edinburgh . Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

If you prefer to stay in the historic neighborhood in the Old Town and are looking for some of the best options, check out the following hotels in Edinburgh for all budgets:

• ££ Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square . An excellent lower-budget 3* option in the heart of the Old Town.
• £££ The Scotsman Hotel . A beautiful 4* hotel in a historic building and modern rooms. Excellent location close to the train station and all the Old Town attractions.
• ££££ Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh . A wonderful 5* hotel on the Royal Mile.
• £££££ The Witchery by the Castle . If you are looking for an opulent, 5* luxury stay and don’t mind splurging, this is one of the most unique hotels in Edinburgh!

Tips for Your First Visit to Edinburgh

• Planning is everything! Edinburgh is a busy city and the main attractions get booked up well in advance. Plan what you want to do and buy your tickets ahead of time if necessary.
• Dress appropriately . The weather can be very changeable even in summer. So dress in layers and make sure that the outer layer is waterproof in readiness for Edinburgh’s infamous rain! Umbrellas are often useless as they blow inside out and annoy other pedestrians on the very busy streets.
• Wear comfortable shoes , particularly if you plan to walk around the Old Town, with its cobbled streets and many steps.
• Beware of souvenir shops on the Royal Mile (the streets forming the Old Town’s main thoroughfare). They are typically over-priced and sell a lot of inauthentic, mass-produced items. If you’re looking for high-quality Scottish knitwear, try Ragamuffin . And if you’d like to take home some fine Scottish whisky, go to Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, Cadenheads . Both of these are also along the Royal Mile.
• Money. Make sure to select ‘local currency’ when using ATMs to avoid ridiculous exchange fees. And don’t worry if you’re given English pounds in your change. English money can be used in Scotland and vice versa.
• Want to hear the sound of bagpipes ? Head for the Castle – you will almost always find a bagpiping busker on the surrounding streets.
• Try to avoid visiting the city during the Edinburgh Festival , the world’s largest arts festival that takes place every summer. It is extremely crowded and prices are higher!
• If you happen to order whisky during your visit, you might prefer to order a dram. If you ask for a shot, you will immediately reveal yourself as a tourist!

LEARN MORE: Edinburgh Travel Tips

So, this is our guide to the best of Edinburgh in one day. I hope that it will help you make the most of your visit!

TIP: If you are visiting Glasgow as well, check out our similar guide on how to see the best of Glasgow in one day . If you are looking for more travel inspiration for Scotland, take a look at the Isle of Skye itinerary . It’s one of the most beautiful places to see in Scotland!

If you are a whisky enthusiast, check out our review of an amazing Scotland Whisky Tour from Edinburgh.

READ ALSO: Best Tourist Sights & Attractions in Edinburgh

More tips for your trip to the UK:

• Best Cities in the UK
• Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool & Liverpool Day Trip from London & The Beatles Sights in Liverpool
• Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1 Day in Manchester
• Best Places to See in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Where to Stay in Blackpool & Blackpool Travel Tips
• UK Travel Guide

London travel inspiration & tips:

• Best Things to Do in London
• Best Day Trips from London
• London Travel Tips
• 1 Day in London
• London in Two Days
• Hidden Gems of London
• Camden Town & Camden Market
• Best London Views & Viewpoints
• Best Things to Do in Greenwich
• London with Kids

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
• 1 Day in Florence (Italy)
• 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
• 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
• 1 Day in Milan (Italy)
• 1 Day in Naples (Italy)
• 1 Day in Paris (France)
• 1 Day in Reykjavik (Iceland)
• 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
• 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
• 1 Day in Venice (Italy)

READ ALSO: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

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Edinburgh in One Day: Best Itinerary + Map, Tips & Guide

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

How to Spend One Day in Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a beautiful city where medieval and neoclassical history and architecture exist in harmony. Full of quirky corners and hidden squares just waiting to be discovered, you’ll be enchanted by the city’s wonderful hospitality and unique vibe.

We’ll show you Edinburgh’s fascinating tapestry of medieval lanes and grand avenues lined with historic buildings, elegant churches, and world-class museums, with our one-day Edinburgh itinerary.

In this Edinburgh one day travel guide, you’ll find a complete itinerary of all the most important must-see Edinburgh attractions, with an interactive map, organized to make the best use of your time. We also share recommendations for places to stay, where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your perfect day in Edinburgh.

Are you planning your trip to Edinburgh last minute?

Be sure to book your  accommodation and tours in Edinburgh  ahead of time to ensure availability! Here are our top picks!

• Want to get from the airport to Edinburgh hassle-free?   Get the  best airport transfer  options here!
• Driving to or from Edinburgh? Get the best car hire deals here!
• Need data for your trip? We recommend Airalo or Holafly for eSIMs
• Top Hotels in Edinburgh:
• Luxury: Glasshouse Autograph Hotel (well located and very lux!)
• Mid-Range: Market Street Hotel (Old Town style, our fave!)
• Budget: Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile (simple, central & great value)
• Hostel: CoDE Pod – The CoURT (great choice of dorms & private rooms)
• Top Activities & Tours in Edinburgh:
• For all the best things to see in Edinburgh, grab this guided walking tour  
• Get your Edinburgh Castle tour + tickets to see the city’s top historic site
• Ride the Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus to see all the main attractions
• Explore the history with this Royal Mile walking tour with a local guide
• Book this underground evening ghost tour to meet Edinburgh’s spooks!

Things to See & Do in Edinburgh

Interactive map.

ROUTE: Edinburgh Castle – Victoria Street – Grassmarket – The Royal Mile – Scottish Parliament Building – Palace of Holyrood​ – Arthur’s Seat – Auld Reekie

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Itinerary Notes

• Is one day enough for Edinburgh? This is a compact city with most things you’ll want to see within easy walking distance. Follow our full day itinerary and route to see all the top places to visit in Edinburgh, and get a real flavor of the city’s history, culture, and cuisine. 
• Or, if you prefer to have your day organized for you , check out our recommended Edinburgh guided walking tour  and place yourself in the hands of a local expert who will show you the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of the city. 
• Is this your first visit to Scotland? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Visit Edinburgh Castle

When people ask what to do in Edinburgh in the morning, there is only one answer! Spend your morning reveling in the history of the fortress that is Edinburgh Castle, one of the best-known historic sites of the city and an absolute must-visit in the capital city of Scotland.

The castle is located on the Castle Rock, one of the oldest parts of Edinburgh, on the west side of the Royal Mile. Built for King David I in 1103, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and the most besieged place in Britain.

With a long and rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, fortress, and prison, the castle is alive with many exciting tales and is one of the best sights in Edinburgh. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, soldiers, prisoners, and as legend has it, the odd pirate or two!

Today, you can find a combination of museums, exhibitions, and themed rooms, along with superb views over Edinburgh. One of the top attractions is The Honours of Scotland which are on display in the Crown Room and are the oldest Crown jewels in Britain.

The jewels are made of gold, silver, and precious gem and include the stunning crown, sceptre, and sword of state, which are all objects of immense importance. The crown was made for James V, who first wore it at the coronation of Queen Mary of Guise in 1540.

The castle grounds in front of the Portcullis Gate are always busy, but to enter beyond this, you do need a ticket. To get an expert’s view into the history of the castle, join our highly recommended Edinburgh Castle guided tour including fast-track entry tickets .

Stroll Victoria Street & Grassmarket

After finishing your castle visit, your next stop requires a little detour to Victoria Street, with its cute independent boutiques and shops. This colorful curving street is thought to have been J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books, where Harry and his wizarding friends go shopping for their Hogwarts supplies.

Then, continue to Grassmarket, with its lively atmosphere and outdoor restaurants. If it’s market day, then you will be able to find many local products to buy. From Grassmarket, you also have an amazing view of the castle. 

TOP TIP: As you wander, take the less obvious streets and alleys for a different Edinburgh perspective – many of the main thoroughfares are connected by steps or pedestrian-only winding alleys, where you’ll discover hidden squares and corners.

Experience The Royal Mile

It is time to properly explore The Royal Mile. This historic street is actually Edinburgh’s Old Town High Street. It became known as The Royal Mile as historically it was used as the processional route between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

On your way to Victoria Street, you will have already passed some tourist attractions such as the excellent  Scotch Whisky Experience , offering virtual tours to a whisky distillery along with some whisky tastings, the  Camera Obscura and World of Illusions , and the neoclassical Scottish National Gallery. 

There are a few more ahead which you can visit including  The Real Mary King’s Close , which gives you the chance to learn about life in Edinburgh a few hundred years ago. 

Make sure to stop and see the Heart of Midlothian mosaic set in the pavement outside St Giles Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh. The heart marks the spot where Edinburgh’s Old Tolbooth stood before being demolished in 1817. The medieval building served a variety of purposes such as housing the council and early meetings of the Parliament of Scotland and the Court of Session.

The Tolbooth was also the city’s main jail where physical punishment and torture were known to be commonplace. Locals will often spit upon the heart as a sign of good luck, originally believed to be done as a sign of disdain for the executions that took place within the Old Tolbooth.

OStatue of David I on the West Door of St. Giles High Kirk, Edinburgh

If you like museums, you can find the  Writer’s Museum , which celebrates the life of Robert Louis Stevenson, just off the Lady’s Stairs, the  People’s Story Museum , and the  Museum of Childhood  further down the road. 

This  entertaining Royal Mile walking tour with a private local guide  will help understand and interpret the history of this iconic part of Edinburgh. If you’re on a budget, grab this audio guide Royal Mile tour on your smartphone.

TOP TIP: Once the High Street becomes Canongate, take a right onto Coopers Close just after the Museum of Edinburgh to find Bakehouse Close and the famous archway dating back to 1570, which is featured in Outlander .

Scottish Parliament Building

The Scottish Parliament Building, situated at Holyrood within central Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and became the home of the Scottish Parliament in 2004.

Controversy surrounded the building from its inception, with criticism directed at its location, design, and the handling of its construction. Originally scheduled to open in 2001, it was delayed by three years and incurred costs far exceeding initial estimates.

A public inquiry was conducted, highlighting mismanagement and cost overruns. Despite these challenges, the building received praise from architectural circles for its attempt to reflect Scotland’s landscape, culture, and people. It won several awards, including the prestigious Stirling Prize in 2005, and has been lauded as a significant achievement in British architecture.

Constructed from a mixture of steel, oak, and granite in a striking contemporary design, this is a real Marmite building, with people either loving or hating the imposing structure.

There is free entry to  visit the Scottish Parliament Building  and take a guided or self-guided tour. You can also watch parliamentary business taking place, and visit the exhibition, café and gift shop.

Palace of Holyrood​

At the bottom end of the Royal Mile, you can find Holyrood Palace. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the King’s official residence in Scotland. The royal palace dates back to the 16th century and since then it has accommodated many important figures in its state apartments, such as Mary, Queen of Scots.

A visit to the palace will allow you to visit the Throne Room, marvel at the Great Gallery, walk in the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and even come close to some royal gifts. Next to the palace, you will find the Queen’s Gallery, which houses different rotating exhibitions.

Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat

If you still have energy and there is still daylight, you can finish your day at Holyrood Park and attempt to climb up to the top of Arthur’s Seat, a long extinct volcano and the highest peak in Edinburgh at 251 meters.

The hike is neither very difficult nor long, but it can get steep in places. Depending on when you visit, the actual top can be very crowded. Nevertheless, the whole hike offers amazing panoramic views of Scotland’s capital city, from the nearby castle all the way to the port of Leith and the Pentland Hills.

Edinburgh is also known as Auld Reekie, meaning Old Smokey. The name emanated from the stench of badly managed sewage in the Middle Ages and has stuck!

Down-to-earth and unpretentious, much like the Scots themselves, Auld Reekie comes alive at night, with busy pubs, live music, vibrant restaurants, and late-night drinking clubs, full of would-be comedians and storytellers.

With legendary hospitality, you’ll be welcomed into the pubs and clubs of the city with open arms, whether you prefer a bawdy comedy club or a tiny, cozy nook.

Go Ghost Hunting

Considered to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland, if not the UK, Edinburgh’s history is a tapestry woven with both beauty and horror. The Old Town’s ancient winding streets serve as the stage for chilling tales and eerie tours.

There are plenty of these tours on offer but we think the best is this Edinburgh underground vaults evening ghost tour , probably because it comes with whisky!

Visit a Comedy Club

Home of the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh is no stranger to comedy. Stand-up takes place all year round in the city, and visiting a comedy club is one of the best ways to end your 24 hours in Edinburgh. 

TOP TIP: Our top picks are  The Stand Comedy Club  for up-and-coming talent and great nachos and  Monkey Barrel Comedy  for Edinburgh’s typical alternative approach to comedy and a fab cocktail list!

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

Urban angel.

For breakfast or brunch, head to  Urban Angel , a café and bistro just a few minutes away on foot from Princes Street, to try some of their healthy dishes made with locally sourced and free-range ingredients.

During weekends it can be busy, but their Eggs Benedict is worth the wait.

The Fiddlers Arms

Anyone visiting Scotland for the first time should try haggis, a savory mixture of sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs) minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, and served with tatties (mashed potatoes) and neeps (mashed turnip).

For vegetarians, there is a non-traditional version made primarily from beans and mushrooms. You can try either version at many pubs around the city.  The Fiddlers Arms  at the Grassmarket is one of the best places to try this most Scottish of dishes. 

TOP TIP: Across from The Fiddlers Arms is  Mary’s Milk Bar , an ice cream shop serving the most unique ice cream flavors and chocolates. During winter, their opening times vary, but if you visit during the summer, stand in line after finishing your lunch to grab a scoop or two of this delicious dessert.

The Elephant House

If Harry Potter is your thing, make sure to have a coffee at the  Elephant House , the café where the boy wizard was created by writer J.K. Rowling, and the first chapters of the Harry Potter series of books were written.

Just 100m from the Elephant House, is a statue depicting the Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. The little dog is famous for guarding his owner’s grave in the nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard for fourteen years.

After a fire in 2021, The Elephant House is temporarily closed. You can still take photos of the outside though! The owners say they are expecting to open again by the summer of 2024, but check before you visit.

Hemingway’s

For dinner, and a more upscale dining option, head to  Hemingway’s  in Leith. There you should try their delicious small plates, perfect for sharing, while enjoying the quirky interiors and awesome cocktail offerings.

If you have time before or after dinner, you could go for a short walk along the Water of Leith, the main river which flows through Edinburgh to the port of Leith, from where it joins the sea via the Firth of Forth. See if you can spot the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is berthed here.

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Top five edinburgh tips.

• Edinburgh is cold and windy, so make sure to dress warm and in layers even in summer – I may have already said that!
• Also, it’s a good idea to pack a pair of comfy shoes or trainers, because the best way to explore this city full of hills is on foot – forget about the Edinburgh bus tour, you’ll see much more walking!
• If you are coming to Edinburgh from London as part of a longer trip, the quickest (and sometimes cheapest) way to arrive in the city is by train. Of course, you can always choose the plane or the bus, but the trains are in general very comfortable and efficient, although probably not the best option if you only have a day in Scotland – you’d spend all your time traveling!
• Avoid the incredibly naff souvenir shops on the Royal Mile, where tartan tat reigns supreme. Items are overpriced and of dubious quality. Give them a miss and do your Edinburgh souvenir shopping elsewhere. 
• Last but not least, remember to enjoy your time in the city and try some whisky on this excellent whisky history and tasting tour .

More Than One Day in Edinburgh?

If you have just another half a day in Edinburgh, you could also explore these attractions;

Princes Street Gardens

Take a stroll in beautiful Princes Street Gardens, between the Old and New Towns and in the very center of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site before visiting the Scott Monument, a much-photographed Victorian Gothic spire, built to commemorate Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.

National Museum of Scotland

Visit the  National Museum of Scotland  and explore Scottish history and culture. As well as the national collections of Scottish archaeological finds and medieval objects, the museum contains artifacts from around the world, encompassing geology, archaeology, natural history, science, technology, art, and world cultures. 

Dean Village

Go for a stroll in  Dean Village  on the Water of Leith. With historic buildings, art galleries, and an olde worlde ambiance, it’s easy to while away a few hours here.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is a peaceful haven where you can escape the bustle of the city. Founded in 1670 by two doctors studying medicinal plants, the gardens were moved to their current site in 1820 and cover 70 acres just north of the city center.

The gardens have over 10,000 species of plants and trees, divided into sections of different vegetation. There’s a woodland garden with Giant Redwoods, the Chinese gardens, a rock garden, and most impressive of all, the original Victorian temperate palm house, which was built in 1858 and is one of the tallest traditional palm houses ever built.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill , known in the 18th century as ‘the Athens of the North’, is famous for its collection of historic monuments, which form some of the most important landmarks of the city.

One of the most striking is the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Intended to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars, it was never completed leaving just the twelve columns you see today. 

Also look out for the Nelson Monument, shaped like an up-turned telescope. Completed in 1816 the monument commemorates the death of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. 

With fantastic views across the entire city and surrounding countryside, it is also one of Edinburgh’s best spots to watch the sun go down.

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small Group Day Tour

If you take one day trip from Edinburgh, go north on this highly rated and well organized day trip from Edinburgh.

Explore some of the most famous attractions of the Scottish Highlands , including Glen Coe,  Loch Ness , and the stunning Cairngorms National Park .

With a professional guide to offer insights, an organized tour is the perfect opportunity to see  more of Scotland in less time!

Edinburgh Practicalities

When to visit edinburgh.

Edinburgh is known for its cold and windy weather year-round. Despite that, blue skies are not that uncommon during the summer months, which makes it a great time to visit Edinburgh’s attractions. At the same time, summer is when the Scottish capital comes to life with many festivals taking place. 

The most popular of them is the  Edinburgh Fringe Festival which takes place in August every year and is the world’s largest arts festival. There are thousands of performances and shows of all types, from comedies to talk shows to circuses. 

This does mean that the city becomes extremely crowded, so if you want to experience the quieter side of Edinburgh, then you should consider visiting during one of the other seasons.

Spring provides a great spectacle of blossom trees in the parks, while autumn sees the city fill with students from all over the world as they start the new university year.  

Autumn brings wonderful colours to Scotland and some summer heat remains into early October. The city will be quieter as crowds thin out, making hotels and attractions better value for money.

Winter is the most tranquil time to visit, although note that it is usually very cold, and days are extremely short. Of course, there is the Christmas period (late November to early January), when the city comes to life once again, with the famous  Edinburgh Christmas Market , followed by Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s New Year celebrations.

RELATED POST: 14 Stunning Places for Autumn Breaks in the UK

Getting to Edinburgh

Edinburgh Airport  is only 7 miles from the city and has a couple of different options for your transfer.

You can catch the tram from the station located right outside the terminal. There is a tram every 7 minutes between 7am to 7pm and every 15 minutes outside of these hours. The journey time is about 30 minutes to get to St Andrew’s Square. Buy your tickets before getting on the tram at the vending machines at the airport.

There is also a bus which leaves the airport every 10 minutes and also takes 30 minutes to get to the city center. You will find the bus stop for the Airlink100 bus right outside the terminal. You can purchase tickets on board, using the exact amount or a contactless debit card, or you can purchase beforehand here .

For a great way to start your Edinburgh trip book a private transfer from the airport with Intui directly to your accommodation in the city center – it’s more cost-effective than you think! Intui works with a large range of local operators to bring the best options and prices for your transfer.

Are you visiting Edinburgh as part of a longer trip? A Scottish road trip is the best way see this gorgeous country, and our guide to road tripping in Scotland has all you need, including maps, routes, highlights and tips, to help you plan the perfect trip.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a relatively small city and despite being built on a hill, it is easy to walk around. There is an extensive network of buses, along with a tram line to connect the different parts of the city. However, if you are visiting Edinburgh in 1 day, then you may not need to use public transport at all if you choose centrally located hotel accommodation.

Princes Street is the center of the New Town and is where the main shopping street is located. This street and its parallel ones, Rose Street and George Street, have a lot of hotels and restaurants for various budgets. 

This area is also convenient for getting in and out of the city as it services the tram which connects the city centre to the airport and is only a short walk from the main bus station.

On the other hand, the Old Town is where you will find the more historic (and touristy) side of the city, with just as many Edinburgh hotels and other accommodation options. 

Luxury: Glasshouse Autograph Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Located at the foot of Calton Hill in a fabulous modern building with a historic facade, the Glasshouse is a real treat. With full-height windows in all the rooms, the views over Edinburgh are spectacular. Add a delicious local breakfast and a rooftop garden, and this hotel makes a great place for a special visit or celebration.

Mid-Range: Market Street Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Superbly located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Market Street Hotel is one of our favorite places to stay for a short visit. The rooms are simple but stylish, and many local crafts have been used in the decor throughout the hotel. Make sure to enjoy a glass of something fizzy in the rooftop champagne bar!

Budget: Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Booking.com | Agoda

Another well-located hotel, the Ibis holds no surprises. Comfortable, functional, and clean, you’re in a perfect place to see all the top attractions, many of which are literally on the doorstep.

Hostel: CoDE Pod – The CoURT – Booking.com | Agoda

One of Edinburgh’s top hostels, CoDE Pod hostel offers simple but clean dormitories and private rooms making it a great option for those spending a night or two in Edinburgh on a budget.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Edinburgh . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Written for The Gap Decaders by Elina at Empnefsys and Travel .

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