One Day In Edinburgh | The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
Looking for a family day out?
One day in Edinburgh is enough time to see some of Scotland’s most famous sights.
We love Edinburgh’s relaxed atmosphere, walkability and variety of things to do. It has the perfect mix of culture, history and fun and is a great, family-friendly city that’s well worth visiting, no matter how long you have.
Edinburgh’s famous castle, museums, and lively street performers combine with hikes, sightseeing and shopping to make it a great place to visit for a day trip.
Our kids will choose Edinburgh over any other Scottish city, despite living central to them all. We have visited more than thirty times over the last decade, with Summer being our favourite season and Winter being our least. That said, the Christmas market is definitely worth a visit and the decorations are spectacular!
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Planning A Family Trip To Edinburgh?
Book Transport: Flights and Trains
Accommodation: Booking.com
Tours and Activities: Viator or Get Your Guide
One Day In Edinburgh With Kids
If you have one day to spare in Scotland’s capital, you can have a whirlwind adventure with your kids. Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, Edinburgh offers many options for a one-day itinerary for families. We have recently completed this route with our kids.
Morning In Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat ~ Royal Mile ~ Palace of Holyroodhouse
Afternoon In Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle ~ Royal Mile ~ National Museum of Scotland
Evening In Edinburgh
Princes Street Garden’s or Carlton Hill ~ Dinner in Grassmarket
Best Time To Visit Edinburgh For A Day
The best time to visit Edinburgh for the day depends on your preferences for weather, events, and crowds. However, the city can be enjoyed any time of year.
The Summer months (June to August) are our favourite. The warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours are ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and attending festivals, especially if it is only a day trip. This is peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices.
Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to October) can be a happy medium with fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Meanwhile, Winter (November to February) brings shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather. However, it is a popular time to visit Edinburgh for events like the Christmas markets and Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations. If you are lucky, snow also adds to the magic.
A Day In Edinburgh | Family Itinerary
This is our favourite walkable itinerary to take in the best of Edinburgh in a day.
Climb Arthurs Seat
Start your day with a walk-up Arthur’s Seat. If you are driving, leave your car at Holyrood Park (£1 per hour or free at the weekend), which is also the starting point for the hike.
The circular walk up Edinburgh’s extinct volcano gives fantastic views of what you will visit as part of the day’s itinerary. Holyrood Park itself hosts several historical points of interest. Be prepared for wind at the summit, but this short hike is worth it because of the panoramic view over Edinburgh.
This is a popular family hike for both locals and tourists. We prefer to walk in the morning to avoid crowds. However, if you are earlier than us, sunrise from Arthur’s Seat lights up the historic city below.
Walk The Royal Mile From The Palace To The Castle
Across from Holyrood Park is the start of the Royal Mile, which stretches from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle.
The Royal Mile is a traditional Scottish mile (approximately 200 metres longer than a standard English mile). Historically, kings and queens travelled this road between the two significant royal residences.
It is worth walking the length of The Royal Mile. It is the perfect navigation for our one-day Edinburgh itinerary.
View The Palace Of Holyroodhouse
Discover the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, with its grand rooms and beautiful gardens. Explore if you started your day early or view from afar. We used the toilet here before continuing on the Royal Mile.
If you start your day early, you might have time to visit both Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle, but we recommend witnessing the firing of the One O’Clock Gun at the Castle.
Explore Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle takes pride of place on Castle Rock at one end of the Royal Mile.
Taking a trip up the rock for the panoramic views is a worthy trek in itself, but we feel that entering the castle is a must. A family-guided tour around its ancient walls will give you valuable insight to its incredible history.
Our kids were fascinated by the prison quarters, medieval weaponry, pet cemetery and the Crown Jewels. When we visited, the Stone of Destiny was also sited there, but has since been relocated to Stirling.
While exploring this iconic fortress, you can also enjoy the city views. Head to the Half Moon Battery to witness the One O’Clock Gun firing. Note: It does not fire on Sundays.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance. Edinburgh has the most popular castle in Scotland, attracting large volumes of daily visitors, especially around mid-day. It is worth remembering that as it is still a working military site, the Castle occasionally closes to the public.
Stroll The Royal Mile And Old Town
Step back onto the Royal Mile and soak up the history of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with centuries-old buildings, cobbled streets, and narrow alleys. Pick up a souvenir in one of the quirky shops or go underground in medieval Edinburgh on The Real Mary King’s Close guided tour.
There are charming cafes for a bite to eat – try Mimi’s Bakehouse for afternoon tea or Mary’s Milk Bar for a selection of gelato. If you have a Harry Potter fan, detour to Victoria Street for The Elephant House, famously known as the birthplace of Harry Potter.
Often, bagpipers and other street performers bring the Royal Mile alive. In August, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival brings extra buzz to the street with additional street acts.
National Museum Of Scotland And Greyfriars Bobby
Depending on how long you have spent on the Royal Mile, you might want to walk 10 minutes to the National Museum of Scotland (it is free but closes at 5 p.m.).
Explore the extensive natural history, science, and Scottish culture in exhibits from prehistoric times to the present day. This is one of the best museums in Scotland, offering lots of interactive activities for kids. You could spend hours here, although that may not be possible unless you have two days in Edinburgh.
Our favourite section was Explore and Technology by Design, with its interactive displays, but Animal World was a close second.
Rub the nose of the Greyfriars Bobby statue across the road for luck! The statue is in honour of Edinburgh’s most famous dog. Greyfriars Bobby was loyal to his owner, even after his death, by sleeping at his grave.
Dinner In Edinburgh
By now, your kids will be hungry. You are spoilt for choice with cafes, restaurants and food on the go in Edinburgh. We suggest having a traditional Scottish meal at one of the many local restaurants.
In the Grassmarket area, there are a variety of eateries for a leisurely lunch or dinner. The Huxley offers a full Scottish meal with kippers or haggis-loaded fries, while we’ve had excellent fish and chips at The Beehive Inn.
Family-friendly restaurant chains like Pizza Express or Nando’s offer familiar choices, whereas, The Last Drop offers Scottish classics in a welcoming setting for a taste of Scotland.
Princes Street Gardens Or Carlton Hill
If your family still have energy, a great way to finish your day is at Princes Street Gardens (if visiting in summer) or Carlton Hill (any season).
Kids can let off steam in Princes Street Gardens playpark while you relax in the shadow of the Castle. Alternately, take in the National Monument and the city’s skyline by night from Carlton Hill. Our family loved the view from here, which would be a perfect end to a day in Edinburgh.
Additional Places To Visit In Edinburgh
While a day trip can not include everything this city has to offer. Here are more sightseeing options if you have two or three days in Edinburgh or are planning a return family trip.
- Dynamic Earth: An interactive earth science exhibit.
- Camera Obscura and World of Illusions: Marvel at this quirky attraction from optical illusions, holograms, and mind-bending exhibits.
- Edinburgh Zoo: Meet animals from around the world at Scotland’s largest zoo.
- Edinburgh Dungeons: Take a dramatic journey through Edinburgh’s darkest history.
- Dean Village Riverside Cycle: Enjoy a leisurely cycle along this picturesque area of Leith, dotted with wildlife and greenery a short distance from Old Town.
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival: (in August): Experience the world’s largest arts festival with family-friendly performances, activities and street entertainment.
- Climb the Scott Monument: Ascend this Gothic tower for views of Princes Street Gardens and beyond.
Tours For A Day In Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers numerous family-friendly tours, from historical walks to themed adventures and traditional city-seeing buses. Our kids engage on tours and surprise us with snippets they have learnt after.
- 2-hour Harry Potter Magical Tour in Edinburgh: Join the fun of Harry Potter by exploring Edinburgh’s connections to J.K. Rowling and visit locations that inspired Hogwarts and Diagon Alley.
- 75-minute comedy Ghost Bus Tour in Edinburgh: Explore Edinburgh’s most haunted sites while learning about its dark and mysterious past, making it a thrilling guided tour for families with older children.
- Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh: This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s hidden past, engrossing visitors with ghostly tales and historical mysticism.
Where To Stay In Edinburgh
Book your family-friendly accommodation in advance if you have more than 24 hours in Edinburgh. We have stayed in the city several times and chose family-friendly city centre stays for location over the cheaper out of city options.
City Centre Budget | a&o Edinburgh City |
Relatively budget family accommodation in the city centre can be hard to find. We stayed at this hotel in Old Town, which has good-sized family rooms.
Mid-high range | Cheval Old Town Chamber |
These modern family apartments are located on the Royal Mile, which is ideal for returning in the middle of the day. They can accommodate families with up to six people and have kitchen facilities.
Ultimate Luxury | The Balmoral Hotel
This luxury 5-star hotel is in a prime location on Princes Street, next to Waverly train station. Old Town and the Royal Mile are a short distance away. Most rooms even have a view of Edinburgh Castle.
FAQ | A Day In Edinburgh With Kids
Absolutely! Edinburgh is a compact city with ‘must-see’ attractions and experiences, from historic landmarks and museums to its fun atmosphere and family-friendly activities. You’ll find plenty to see and do in one day.
Yes, it is a very walkable city. Many ‘must-see’ attractions and restaurants are located within easy walking distance of each other. Its compact size and scenic streets make it ideal for exploring on foot. Trams, buses, bikes and taxis are available.
Yes, Edinburgh has some must-see attractions that are perfect for wet weather, such as Dynamic Earth, Camera Obscura, World of Illusions, and the National Museum of Scotland. Families can also explore the Edinburgh Dungeons, take an underground tour, or visit the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Final Thoughts | One day In Edinburgh
Whether it’s a first-time adventure, a flying visit, or a day trip, Edinburgh has many options for family one-day itineraries. Make sure you check the weather and book ahead during peak season. Pick out your ‘must-sees’ from our list and save the others for another visit if you want to take your time and travel slower. No matter how long you spend in Edinburgh, you’ll always find a reason to return!
