The best of Edinburgh in one perfect day
Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities in the world for many reasons – the people are friendly, it’s small enough to explore in a day, one of Europe’s most beautiful sights looms over you from almost everywhere, there are lots of free things to do and the food and drink scene rivals that of any other capital city. This is why I try to get back there every year.
I always try to spend at least three days there, but if I only had one day there, this is what I’d do…
9am – Grab a coffee and a croissant in Wellington Coffee
Found on the corner of George St and Hanover St in Edinburgh’s New Town is Wellington Coffee. This is a small café where the coffee is good. Grab the coffee of your choice and a scone, cake or something else to accompany it. Try to get a seat by the window and watch how life begins in the Scottish capital.
10am – Wander along Princes Street
Photo courtesy of Raphaël Chekroun
Less than a minute’s walk from George St is Princes St – Edinburgh’s main shopping strip. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most recognisable brands along with Jenners – Scotland’s oldest department store. If you’re in the market for a treat, grab yourself a new pair of trainers, a lovely weatherproof jacket or whatever else takes your fancy. If you’re not in shopping mode, marvel at Edinburgh Castle that looms over you at every point along this street.
11 am – Go shopping on Cockburn St
Cockburn St is home to lots of independent stores that sell everything from knickknacks to trainers to t-shirts. See what the city’s independent retailers have to offer just make sure you can fit all your purchases in your suitcase before you leave!
12 pm – Grab lunch in The Baked Potato Shop
Located at the top of Cockburn St is The Baked Potato Shop – one of my favourite places for lunch in Edinburgh. Grab the potato of your choice and hope there’s a seat when you get there (they only have four!).
1 pm – Explore Edinburgh Castle
Stroll up The Mound to Edinburgh’s famous Old Town. Take a right up The Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Explore the Royal Apartments, the dungeons, and enjoy the view out over the city. Worth trying to make it there for 1pm for the One O'Clock Gun. This dates back to 1861 when it allowed ships in the Firth of Forth to set the maritime clocks they needed to navigate the world’s oceans. It reminds me of Mary Poppins :-)
3.30pm – Visit the National Museum of Scotland
Photo courtesy of seth m
Edinburgh is full of free museums, many of which are located along the Royal Mile. But the city’s best museum (which is also conveniently free) is the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers St. Visit it to learn about the country’s landscape, history and more.
5pm – Stop off for a drink in the Grassmarket
Photo courtesy of Jose Hernandez
Very close to the museum is the city’s Grassmarket area that is well known for its nightlife. There are lots of bars to choose from, but my favourite is The Last Drop, which is at the site of the last public hanging in Scotland, hence the name.
7pm – Head back to the New Town for dinner
Edinburgh is a city with no shortage of places to eat. One of the newest kids on the block is Bar Soba on Hanover St. The cuisine here is in the style of Asian street food. Enjoy a ramen, some pad Thai or sushi. This place is great for cocktails too.
9.30pm – Take your pick from the bars along George St
Finish the day where you started it. Take your pick from the different bars that line it such as The Dome, The Opal Lounge, Dirty Martini or Supercube, which we must point out is a karaoke bar, but if you want to share your singing skills it is the place to be.
Thinking of Scotland for your next homestay?
Written by Colm Hanratty
Colm first got the travel bug when he went to Australia in 1999 on a working holiday visa. Since then he hasn’t looked back.
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