How to Explore Edinburgh in Just One Day: Must-See Tips for Busy Travelers

Edinburgh is considered one of the most haunted cities in Europe, thanks to its fascinating and mysterious history. With thousands of years of existence, the city is home to dark legends involving witches, paranormal phenomena, and ghosts. Its rich heritage, marked by dramatic events and haunted locations, makes Edinburgh an irresistible destination for those curious about the beyond.

Have you ever felt like someone is watching you? In Edinburgh, that feeling never really goes away. With its narrow streets and mysterious corners, the city seems to keep an eye on you, as if the past never truly left.

I’m going to share what I did in just one day in this incredible city. Get ready to be inspired and discover Edinburgh’s fascinating—and spooky—side!

Breakfast at Edinburgh Larder Café

I woke up early and headed to Edinburgh Larder Café, famous for its seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, right in the heart of the city. The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is impeccable.

I went for the traditional Scottish breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, grilled tomatoes, sausage, baked beans in tomato sauce, and, of course, the iconic black pudding (made from pork blood). For anyone who loves a hearty and flavorful breakfast before starting the day, this is an excellent choice!

Staying in the City Center

Although Edinburgh isn’t huge, staying in the city center is always the best option. I chose Novotel Edinburgh Centre, just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and the main attractions. The room was spacious and comfortable—perfect for resting after a day of exploration.

Exploring Edinburgh Castle

Of course, Edinburgh Castle was my first stop! Majestic, it rises atop a rocky hill in the city’s highest part. Its beauty is breathtaking—and it has a spooky aura that adds to the mystery.

Did you know the castle is over 900 years old and one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe? Full of history and legend, it’s Scotland’s most visited tourist attraction.

For fans of J.K. Rowling, the castle was one of the main inspirations for the Harry Potter saga. Walking through the city, it’s easy to feel like you’re stepping into scenes from the movies—the magic of Edinburgh is around every corner.

Tips for visiting:

• Pre-book tickets to guarantee entry.

• Allow at least 3 hours to explore.

• Check the official website for details: Edinburgh Castle

Fun fact: Every day at 1 PM (except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas), the One O’clock Gun is fired. Tourists often jump in surprise, while locals check their watches with perfect timing. This tradition has been ongoing since 1861!

Ticket prices:

• Adults: £19.50

• Children (7–15, accompanied by an adult over 16): £11.40

• Seniors (65+): £15.50

• Children under 7 (accompanied by an adult over 16): free, ticket required

I didn’t take photos inside the castle because I wanted to fully immerse myself in the visit. Next time, I promise to take LOTS of photos! Anyone who knows me knows I have “wheels on my feet,” and I’m already counting the days to return (after winter, of course lol).

Old Town Music

Leaving the castle, I headed to the Old Town. Right in front of Tolbooth Kirk, I was enchanted by a street performer. I stayed there for about 20 minutes, watching people pass by and letting the music carry me away. Edinburgh’s streets are full of incredible talent!

For those who want to know more about this singer and artist, here’s his Instagram: @murdomitchell.

I continued my walk, exploring the alleys, souvenir shops, whisky stores, tartan (the traditional Scottish fabric), and old bookstores. I love browsing these places—there’s always something unexpected waiting to be discovered. I ended up buying a beautiful scarf and a mini Scottish whisky to keep in my flask (perfect for trips to cold places—it always saves the day and warms you up!).

I had read great recommendations about Armchair Books, so I headed there before taking a lunch break.

At Armchair Books, you’ll find a mix of old and new books. The interior is much more spacious than it seems at first glance, and the smell of the books will definitely transport you back in time. I highly recommend this bookstore to everyone—it’s a true haven for book lovers!

Lunch Time!

I chose Petit Paris for its location and the recommendations I had read—nothing was planned in advance. The French bistro is just a five-minute walk from the bookstore and offers a delicious lunch menu. The atmosphere is cozy, and the vibe is lively.

I went for French onion soup and, for dessert, a crème brûlée. I wasn’t very hungry for a main course, but the chicken in white wine and the fish with potatoes I saw on several tables looked amazing. If the weather is nice, it’s worth sitting outside. I highly recommend it and will definitely return!

Next Stop: The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s most iconic street. Many say it’s a “tourist trap” because of all the souvenir shops, pubs, and restaurants (and now, I agree), but it’s impossible not to stroll through, take a look around, and feel the energy of such an ancient and unique place.

A Wonderful Day

What a gorgeous day! The weather was warm and sunny (yes, even Scotland has had some heat waves with climate change). Towards the very end of the day, it rained for about an hour, but since I was having dinner, it was lovely to watch the rain from the restaurant window.

Visiting the Scott Monument

A little before my dinner reservation at 7 PM, I walked over to the Scott Monument, right across from the restaurant. The monument is an impressive Victorian Gothic structure dedicated to the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Did you know it’s the second tallest monument in the world dedicated to a writer, second only to the José Martí monument in Havana, Cuba?

A few weeks before my visit, I entered an Instagram giveaway and guess what? I won! Yes, I’m incredibly lucky! A dinner for two with live music (Piano Supper) at the famous The Scottish Café & Restaurant, which also offers a stunning view of the city.

We arrived at 7 PM and were warmly welcomed. We quickly got settled, and of course, I ordered my Aperol Spritz (in the summer, it’s my favorite drink). The menu offered options like the traditional Scottish ham or a spinach and pea risotto served with caramelized red onions. Any guesses about my choice? Rice, rice, rice! lol The food was wonderful, top-notch quality. Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram: @thescottishcafe.

The pianists, Sean Logan and Daniel Wilsher, shared their life stories and what inspired them to play the piano. It was a moving experience that added an extra special layer to the evening.

And that’s how my day in Edinburgh ended. I walked straight back to the hotel from the restaurant, took a refreshing shower, and collapsed into bed. Oh, and a reminder: don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, because walking around Edinburgh can be quite extensive!

I hope you traveled with me through this amazing day in Edinburgh! Most of the itineraries I create across Scotland are based on my own local experiences, to ensure each trip is unique and full of special discoveries.

See you in the next post!