3-Day Scotland city break in Edinburgh

Your exciting city break begins as soon as you arrive in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 2 nights.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Royal Mile, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,405 reviews.

When the afternoon arrives, make your way to the hotel of your choice in downtown Edinburgh. Check-in at hotels in Scotland normally starts around 2 to 3 PM. Each accommodation option in Edinburgh offers a unique blend of comfort and style in addition to prime access to the city’s top attractions.

After a full day of exploring, we recommend you try one of the best places to eat in Edinburgh. Enjoy the local flavors, unwind, and reflect on the day's adventures.

Take your Edinburgh getaway to new heights by dining at Heron, a restaurant. Renowned for its world-famous 1 Michelin-star rating and a variety of creative and refined dishes, Heron consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional modern cuisine.

A renowned dining spot in Edinburgh is Condita, which holds a rating of 1 Michelin stars. This Bib Gourmand establishment’s inviting ambiance and menu leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its modern menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to the Condita’s culinary mastery.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Edinburgh and reserve a table at the 1-star Michelin restaurant, The Kitchin. Its delectable modern menu has contributed to impressive reviews from many previous guests. Food enthusiasts visiting the area will be particularly excited to experience this Bib Gourmand restaurant.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the region, Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh). This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Panda & Sons. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,617 customers.

The Dome cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Around 6,433 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.6 out of 5 stars average rating.

Celebrate the start of your 3-day city break in Edinburgh with a toast!

On day 2 of your city break, you will set out to discover Edinburgh, including some of the most amazing things to see and do in the city. You’ll stay 1 night in Edinburgh and enjoy plenty of time for exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 visitors.

Edinburgh Castle is another popular attraction you could visit today. This castle has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 90,949 visitors.

National Museum of Scotland is also highly recommended by travelers. This national museum has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 45,476 visitors.

Palace of Holyroodhouse is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This official residence is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,746 reviews.

Another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today is Holyrood Park. This archaeological site has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,119 travelers.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

When it’s time for dinner, try one of the most popular restaurants in Edinburgh. Make sure to reserve a table in advance, as the best restaurants fill up quickly.

Don't miss out on experiencing Dishoom Edinburgh, a renowned dining spot in Edinburgh. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 5,852 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre while immersing yourself in Edinburgh. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,950 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Cafe Andaluz, a beloved dining establishment within Edinburgh. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 3,019 satisfied customers.

Spend the night with your favorite cocktail in hand at Whiski Bar & Restaurant. This bar is among the most recommended in the region, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,669 customers.

Embrace relaxation as you toast to a fantastic night at Chaophraya Thai Restaurant. This popular bar in Edinburgh is a local favorite with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,238 customers.

If you want to check out another bar in the area, you’ll love The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh. This bar is known for its many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,314 reviews.

Reflect on the adventures of the day as you unwind in the comfort of your hotel in Edinburgh. Tomorrow holds new possibilities and discoveries!

Your city break in Edinburgh is coming to an end, and it's soon time to say goodbye to the city. Before you leave, make sure to capture a few last moments to cherish your rejuvenating vacation in Scotland.

Depending on how much time you have to spare on your departure day, you may want to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Downtown Edinburgh offers excellent shopping opportunities and is the perfect place to browse for souvenirs and gifts to bring home. Take a walk and discover unique items you can purchase to remind you of your city break in Edinburgh.

If you can catch a later flight today, we recommend visiting some of the attractions you may not yet have had the time to explore. This extra time will let you discover more iconic landmarks and hidden gems in Edinburgh.

Dean Village is an attraction you could visit on your last day in Edinburgh. This village has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,727 visitors.

Before you conclude your city break in Edinburgh, drop by a top-rated restaurant for your last chance at a memorable dining experience in the city. Savor the destination's vibrant atmosphere over a delicious meal.

Enjoy a memorable meal at The Witchery by the Castle. This popular restaurant offers a whole menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,766 customers.

We also recommend Howies Restaurant for a lovely dining experience to cap off your getaway in Edinburgh. Howies Restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,817 customers.

If you prefer a restaurant that is popular among locals, try Howies Restaurant. This restaurant serves excellent food, as evident by its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,828 customers.

As you conclude your city break in Edinburgh, treasure the memories you've made. May they accompany you on your journey homeward while carefully planned travel arrangements ensure your safe return. It's time to say, "See you later, Edinburgh!" and travel onwards.