How To Spend 24 Hours In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a euphonious song, moving you in such a profound way that you just can’t get enough of it. With its friendly people, never-ending array of festivals, alluring architecture, historical charm and overall sense of je ne sais quois, soaking it all up in 24 hours seems almost impossible. But if you only have one day in Edinburgh, fear not: Culture Trip has curated a taster tour of Scotland’s capital city.

Breakfast

You know what they say: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If in the New Town, Papii on Hanover Street is an adorable treat with its serene, almost seaside traveller vibes and impressive spread of eggs benedict, pastries and other yummy delights. It’s worth noting that it serves breakfast all day on weekends. When it comes to the Old Town, you can’t beat Saint Giles Cafe Bar for a memorable eating affair. The waffles are as addictive as Edinburgh.

If an IV of coffee is the wake-up routine of choice, then choose from the Burr & Co. on George Street (effortlessly chic), Artisan Roast Coffee Roasters (an artisanal coffee landmark) and Union Brew Lab (a caffeine-infused hipster haven).

Morning

Next, pop into Camera Obscura, Edinburgh’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction, and see the city from a trippy brand-new perspective. Other highlights on the Royal Mile include the statue of David Hume, the 14th-century St Giles’ Cathedral and, of course, the copious gift shops purveying all things Scotland, from tartan to shortbread. Scale the Mile to the bottom to see the Scottish Parliament Building, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur’s Seat.

The Scottish Parliament Building lies at the bottom of the Royal Mile

Lunch

Scaling the Royal Mile can work up quite the appetite, so swing by George IV Bridge for a spot of lunch. You can’t go wrong with the Outsider, a trendy foodie hangout with fresh, seasonal eats and castle views. For seafood, consider chilled oyster bar Ondine. When Italian calls, try the ultra-fashionable Cucina. For a romantic and atmospheric spot, the Grain Store on Victoria Street is a prime pick. Oink is a dream for on-the-go lunches.

Afternoon

Kick off the afternoon by having a wander down the colourful Victoria Street, perhaps the prettiest street in the city. Stop by the Red Door Gallery for local art and by Museum Context for hip Edinburgh decor ideas. Spend a few minutes in the historic Grassmarket area and hear the ancient buildings whisper of a bygone past.

The National Museum of Scotland, a stone’s throw from George IV Bridge, Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, features a wondrous showcase of Scotland and the world’s curiosities and mind-reeling exhibitions. This enchanting building lends itself to whistle-stop tours and long-winded explorations. Either way, the cafe is also on point, and if time allows, visit the rooftop garden. The magic that ensues is something special. If the museum seems too daunting, the Writers’ Museum is a wonderful way to delve deep into the city’s notable literary heritage, just as the Real Mary King’s Close offers an enthralling accurate portrayal of life in the 1700s in one of Edinburgh’s most mysterious subterranean spots.

Depending on tipple preference, a whisky or gin tour is a flawless way to get a true taster of Edinburgh.

Victoria Street is a beautiful area lined with unique shops

Dinner

After the day’s Old Town wanderings, hop in a taxi and head to Leith for some Scottish hospitality and culinary prowess. Fishers never fails to steal the hearts of foodies, while the Kitchin and Restaurant Martin Wishart offer sophisticated Scottish cuisine from renowned chefs. Alternatively, the Gardener’s Cottage is synonymous with an extra-special dining experience.

Evening

End the night with a dram or two in any of the local pubs and bars, or get back in a taxi to the New Town (Bramble happens to be a dynamite spot for cocktails) and paint the club scene of George Street red.

Until next time, Edinburgh.

The port area of Leith is home to many incredible restaurants

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.