3 Days in Edinburgh
In just three days, we roamed castle walls, wandered quiet streets, searched for legendary names in atmospheric graveyards, and felt the city’s heartbeat everywhere. From iconic sights to hidden gems (and a few Highland cows 🐮), this trip balanced big highlights with small, unforgettable moments. This isn’t just ticking off sights — it’s about feeling Edinburgh’s rhythm.
Whether you're chasing history, magic, or just a really good view, here's how we made every day count.
Step by step, wand by wand. ✨
Explore the Days
Day 1 – City Arrival
Trams, cobblestones and castle views. From a smooth arrival to quiet Royal Mile strolls and a sunset at Calton Hill.
Day 2 – Highland Escape
Epic landscapes, the Harry Potter bridge and a meet & greet with very friendly Highland cows.
Day 3 – Castle Stories
Graveyard mysteries, castle legends, free museums and a final wander through Edinburgh’s cosy streets.
📍Day 1 – Hello Edinburgh! We landed in Edinburgh just before noon and slipped right into city mode – no delays, no drama, just a quick QR scan and we were on our way. From touchdown to top-of-the-hill views, this was a solid start.
11:30 – Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
Smooth landing, and before we even left the terminal, we sorted out our transport. We booked 3-day unlimited public transport passes (including the airport tram) for £20 per person via the official tram website: tickets.edinburghtrams.com. Two QR codes later, and we were ready to explore – unlimited rides on trams and buses, no printing, no stress. 📲🚌
12:00 – Tram ride & early check-in
The tram ride to the city took about 30 minutes and dropped us off just steps from our hotel – Holiday Inn Express. Great location and, to our surprise, our room was already ready. Early check-in success! 🙌
The room itself was clean and comfy, but just a heads up – the walls were a bit thin, and we had one of those rooms with a connecting door to the next one, placed right opposite the bed. Not ideal for privacy, so maybe bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. 🛏️🔊
(Early arrivals tip: Too early for check-in? Head to Newhaven Harbour – great spot for a walk and a bite by the sea. Especially if the sun’s out.)
13:00 – Princes Street to Royal Mile walk
Bags off, spirits up – we set out for a city stroll. From the buzz of Princes Street, lined with shops and trams, we wandered into the quieter charm of Tollcross before weaving our way up to the historic Royal Mile. The architecture here feels like a time machine – narrow closes, weathered stone, and the hum of bagpipes in the distance. So much character in every cobblestone.
14:00 – St Giles’ Cathedral visit
One of the city’s most striking Gothic landmarks – and totally free to visit. Inside, it's all dramatic arches, coloured glass, and a serene, almost sacred quiet that contrasts beautifully with the lively street outside. We spent a good while here just wandering and looking up. A peaceful interlude right in the heart of the Old Town.
14:30 – J.K. Rowling signature search
We couldn’t miss this. J.K. Rowling’s signature is set into the stone courtyard of the Edinburgh City Chambers, just off the Royal Mile, near the Writers’ Museum. It’s low-key and easy to miss if you’re not looking down – but that’s part of the charm. 🖋️🕵️♀️
15:00 – Shops, markets & local finds
Wandering through small shops, street stalls and local corners, we took our time – bought a couple of quirky souvenirs, browsed books, and sampled some sweet snacks.
15:30 – Calton Hill & surprise art
Calton Hill delivered the perfect mid-afternoon panorama – sweeping city views and sea air. There was also a strange art exhibit tucked away inside a building… very abstract, very Edinburgh. We’re still not sure what we saw. 🌫️
17:30 – Greenside & a modern pause
To finish the day, we wandered into a big shopping centre in the Greenside area. Mostly for the contrast – sleek, modern design after a day full of history and cobbles.
Evening – Slow down & recharge
Back at the hotel, feet up and phones full of photos. A perfect soft landing into Edinburgh – no big attractions ticked off, just the vibe, the views, and the city doing its thing. 🌃🛏️
💚 What I loved most:
That feeling on Calton Hill – no crowds, just wind and a view that made us stop and breathe. This city really knows how to open strong.
✨ Quick tips:
• Buy your tram/bus pass online at tickets.edinburghtrams.com – £20 for 3 days incl. airport.
• Stay close to a tram stop – makes everything easier.
• Calton Hill is free, fabulous, and full of photo ops.
• St Giles’ Cathedral is beautiful and also free to visit.
• Find J.K. Rowling’s signature in the City Chambers courtyard – but don’t expect a big sign. That’s the fun of it.
💸 And guess what?
We didn’t pay for a single entrance ticket all day. Just public transport. Budget-friendly and still full of experiences.
📍Day 2 – Highland adventure: Glencoe, the Harry Potter viaduct & surprise cows. A full-day road trip deep into the Scottish Highlands – dramatic landscapes, charming towns, a bit of Harry Potter magic and... unexpected carrot feeding. 🥕🐮
07:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
We kicked off the day early with a quick breakfast at the hotel – nothing fancy, but enough to fuel up for the big Highland adventure ahead. Strong coffee, something simple to eat, and a bit of excitement in the air. No rush, but definitely a sense of "let's go!"
08:00 – Meeting point & departure
We met our guide and driver right on time at Charlotte Square – specifically at the bus stop in front of West Register House (17 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DJ). Quick check-in, a few smiles, and by 8:15, we were rolling out of the city and into the wild. 🚌✨
09:30 – Callander break
First stop in the cute little town of Callander – a proper Scottish village vibe with stone houses, fresh air, and a good chance to grab a coffee or stretch your legs. Short but sweet.
11:50 – Glencoe: dramatic views
Driving through Glencoe was like stepping into a movie. Towering mountains, misty valleys, and that raw, wild energy you can’t fake. We stopped for a few photos – and honestly could have stayed much longer just staring into the epic landscape. 🏔️💨
12:30 – Fort William lunch stop
Time to refuel! We grabbed a pint and a wood-fired pizza at Black Isle Bar Fort William – perfect cozy spot with local beer and great food. Highly recommend taking a breather here before heading deeper into the Highlands. 🍕🍺
14:00 – Glenfinnan Viaduct (aka Harry Potter bridge)
Highlight of the day! We had about 90 minutes to explore around the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Sadly, we visited just before the train season started, so no Hogwarts Express crossing today – but on the bright side, it wasn’t packed with tourists either. Still magical. 🚂🌄
16:00 – Surprise stop: Newtonmore & friendly cows
Bonus adventure! We made a random stop in Newtonmore where a local farmer had Highland cows (yes, the super fluffy ones!). 🐮 We even got to feed them carrots. It was hilarious, chaotic, and a total mood booster after all that serious scenery. 🥕
17:30 – Pitlochry quick break
Last pit stop in the pretty Victorian town of Pitlochry – just 30 minutes to walk around, grab a snack, or breathe in that cool Highland air one more time before heading back.
19:30 – Back to Edinburgh
We rolled back into the city tired but buzzing. This trip was an absolute highlight – epic views, great group energy, lots of laughs... but yeah, we were KO by the end. Totally worth it. 🌟💤
💚 What I loved most:
The sheer variety – from moody mountains to playful cows. One minute you’re in a postcard, the next you’re laughing over a cow snatching your carrot. Highlands magic.
✨ Quick tips:
• Bring some snacks – it's a long day out.
• Dress for all weather – seriously, sun and rain can swap places in five minutes. ☀️🌦️
• Comfortable shoes are a must.
• If seeing the steam train is a must for you, check the Jacobite train schedule ahead of time.
• Save some energy – it’s a big day, but you’ll want to be awake for every minute.
📍Day 3 – Castles, hidden names and saying goodbye to Edinburgh. Our last day started early and full of plans. From quiet cobbled streets to castles and legendary graveyards — it had it all. Plus... plenty of Harry Potter magic and a cozy hotel dinner to end the trip.
07:30 – Breakfast at the hotel
Fueling up for our final day. Nothing fancy, just a nice relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Strong coffee, a bit of food, and that bittersweet feeling – excited for the day but already missing Edinburgh. ☕🍳
08:20 – Royal Mile morning magic
The famous Royal Mile in the early morning? Empty and dreamy. Perfect time for photos with all its colourful facades and charming vibe. Shops and the Harry Potter museum were still closed, but we knew we’d be back later. 📸🎨
08:40 – Greyfriars Kirkyard: The names behind the magic
Next up – the legendary Greyfriars Kirkyard. J.K. Rowling found inspiration here for several names in the Harry Potter series — including Tom Riddle. Can you find them? It wasn’t easy even with a detailed map, but that’s part of the fun. Spooky and special. 🪦🕯️ 👉 [See the map]
09:00 – The Last Drop pub & historic stroll
A quick stop for a classic Edinburgh snap in front of The Last Drop pub — ever wondered about the name? It refers to public hangings once held nearby. Yep, dark history, but the pub itself is as cosy as they come now. Then, time for more alleyway wandering.
09:30 – Edinburgh Castle opens its gates
Of course, no trip is complete without visiting the Edinburgh Castle. We joined the queue right at opening and spent time exploring this historic fortress, full of exhibits and epic views. Look carefully — you'll even spot the motto Audentes Fortuna Juvat (Fortune favours the bold), which might sound familiar if you’ve played Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
11:00 – Back to the Royal Mile & Harry Potter Museum
We circled back to visit the Harry Potter Museum (finally open!) and browsed a few of the magical shops nearby. Wand magic, scarves and plenty of house pride. 🧙♂️✨
11:45 – National Galleries of Scotland (free entry!)
Did you know? Most museums in Edinburgh are free! We popped into the National Galleries of Scotland and enjoyed works by many world-famous artists. A peaceful and inspiring break. 🖼️🎨
12:30 – Lunch at Popeyes on Princes Street
Time for a casual bite. We grabbed some crispy, delicious chicken at Popeyes right on Princes Street — fast, tasty, and just what we needed to refuel. 🍗
13:00 – Wandering, souvenirs & literary stops
The rest of the early afternoon was about easy city strolling. We picked up souvenirs, walked by The Elephant House (the famous birthplace of Harry Potter), and passed St Giles’ Cathedral again — still impressive no matter how many times you see it. 🛍️📚
15:00 – National Museum of Scotland: massive & marvellous
This place blew us away. The National Museum of Scotland is huge and packed with treasures — natural history, design, science, culture. We spent hours here, fully geeking out. Absolutely a must-see. And guess what? It was free too. 😄
17:00 – Quartermile & winding down
As the day wrapped up, we strolled through Quartermile, soaking up the last of Edinburgh’s vibes. For dinner, we grabbed some quick bites at M&S Food on Princes Street — perfect for a casual park picnic next to the National Gallery, where locals enjoy sunset views. 🧺🌇
18:30 – Back to the hotel & goodbye feels
Back to the hotel, tired but full of memories. Time to pack, reminisce, and get ready for tomorrow’s flight. Edinburgh, you were magic.
💚 What I loved most:
Crossing magical alleyways, standing by the legendary Harry Potter bridge and soaking up the wild beauty of the Highlands — pure adventure. Every moment felt special, from epic landscapes to the charm of Edinburgh’s hidden corners.
✨ Quick tips:
• Get to Edinburgh Castle early to avoid queues.
• Greyfriars Kirkyard is atmospheric but tricky – maps help!
• Museums = mostly free. Use that to your advantage.
• Popeyes Princes Street is a fast and easy lunch spot.
• M&S Food is perfect for grabbing snacks or dinner on the go.
🪄 Final Thoughts — Edinburgh, your way
Edinburgh may be historic, but it’s anything but stuck in time. From empty morning streets and castle legends to Highland cows and hidden names carved in stone — this trip had layers. We didn’t rush. We let the city guide us, enjoyed the unexpected, and left space for small moments to become big memories.
If you’re heading to Edinburgh, I hope this guide inspires your own adventure — and reminds you that the real magic often happens between the must-sees and the little surprises.