Edinburgh in 3 Days: The Castle, Old Town and Calton Hill

Begin at Edinburgh Castle for Scotland’s royal and military history, with views over the city from the ramparts. After the visit, follow the Royal Mile downhill to St Giles’, stopping at the closes branching off the street.

Step inside St Giles’ to see the vaulted nave and the Thistle Chapel, then continue exploring the Royal Mile. The lanes off the main street offer cafés and lunch stops before Victoria Street.

Follow Victoria Street’s curved shopfronts down to the Grassmarket. Browse the shops, then continue along the square for a café or pub stop beneath the castle. This is the afternoon walk after the Royal Mile.

Spend the morning in the Scottish history galleries, then go up to the roof terrace for the view over the Old Town. Have lunch nearby before walking down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse for the afternoon.

Visit the state apartments and rooms associated with Mary, Queen of Scots at the foot of the Royal Mile. Outside the summer daily-opening period, the palace normally closes Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On those days, spend longer at the museum before Calton Hill.

Climb Calton Hill for views across the Old Town, Arthur’s Seat and the Firth of Forth. This is the outdoor finish to the museum-and-palace day, with dinner back in the city centre.

Begin beside the Water of Leith in Dean Village, among former mill buildings and stone houses. Follow the riverside paths towards Stockbridge for the next part of the walk.

Cross the bridge into Stockbridge and follow Raeburn Place for independent shops and cafés. Stop for lunch here, then walk north towards Inverleith and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Walk the outdoor gardens, from the lawns and rock garden to the wooded paths. Return through Stockbridge for dinner afterwards. This is the trip’s quieter afternoon, following the Water of Leith walk from Dean Village.