Edinburgh-vo

Got three days in Scotland? Here's a 3-day itinerary for a short laid-back family holiday.

Day 1: Edinburgh-vo

View from the back of the Castle

We booked a return flight with EasyJet via Gatwick Airport, which was the closest airport to Haywards Heath where we're from. We had a morning flight, and so we were already at Edinburgh Airport at around 10, boarded Bus 35 to alight at Hutchison Crossway, which is the bus stop just across our accommodation, Badjao B&B.

The first day was dedicated to exploring Edinburgh town center. So after setting the luggage down, with Buses 4, 34 or 44, we were able to reach the city center where we decided to grab lunch at Pizza Hut in Hanover Street which was about 3 minutes worth of walk from Stop PL (South St David Street).

Budget Tip: It is much cheaper to buy the bus DAYticket (4 pounds per adult and 2 pounds per child) to have unlimited travel on the buses and city trams rather than pay for a SINGLEticket (1.60 pounds per adult and 80p per child) if you're planning to explore the city.

During the bus ride, I couldn't help but be blown away by the quaintness of Edinburgh, especially when we arrived at Princes Street which gave a stunning view of the Edinburgh Castle perfectly perched on top of a volcanic rock cliff, followed by a row of equally beautiful quaint buildings. And furthermore, below such buildings are the Princes Street Gardens. You will also be able to pass by the famous Scott Monument before the bus stop.

After lunch, we walked back to Princes Street, and took photos at the Scott Monument. This Victorian monument was dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is considered the world's largest monument dedicated to a writer. You can climb the 287 steps to the monument's tower for 5 pounds to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Recommended length of stay: ~15-30 minutes.

Scott Monument

We then crossed the North Bridge and turned right at the High Street going straight to the Lawnmarket and eventually, the famous Royal Mile which leads to Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Mile consists of a series of streets that run through the Old Town of Edinburgh, which is considered the heart of the city. End to end, it essentially connects the Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. I recommend that you savor this walk along the Royal Mile as there are already lots of tourist spots that you may visit. We wanted to walk in a relaxed pace as it was an uphill walk, and also because we wanted to take in the beauty of Edinburgh. Recommended length of walking time from the junction of North Bridge and High Street to Edinburgh Castle: ~30 minutes (but it actually depends on whether you stop to explore the tourist spots along the way).

For a more in depth walking tour, check out the free guided tours by SANDEMANs neweurope tours which is rated 4.5 in TripAdvisor.

Before going up the Royal Mile, you might as well check out the Elephant House, a gourmet tea and coffee shop where JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter book series.

North Bridge Panorama

Along the aforementioned route, we explored Parliament Square and St. Giles' Cathedral. Entrance is free, but only after paying a small fee will you be allowed to take photos inside; although lots of tourists take stolen shots inside ala-ninja moves. St. Giles' Cathedral is the principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. It is also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh. It has a very striking and distinctive crown steeple that contributes greatly as a prominent feature in the city's skyline. Recommended length of stay: ~15 minutes.

St. Giles' Cathedral

Around St. Giles' Cathedral are 3 other tourist spots: Real Mary King's Close which is part of the Underground City Tour, the Advocates Close, and the Mercat Cross in Parliament Square.

Further up the Royal Mile is the Statue of David Hume, who is known as the giant of enligh-toe-nment. Before, many believed that in touching this statue's toe, the philosopher's wisdom would rub off on them.

View from the Castle

Then comes the Lawnmarket which is the oldest part of the Old Town. And further up are other tourist activities such as the Camera Obscura, and the Scottish Whiskey Experience, both of which charge an admission fee. And then at the top was the Edinburgh Castle. The most famous of the Scottish castles, Edinburgh Castle houses the Honours (Scotland's Crown Jewels), the 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O'clock canon, and St. Margaret's Chapel, which is the oldest part of the castle and also the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, among many others. Admission fee is 16.50 pounds per adult, with additional 3.50 pounds for an audio guide. It is open 930 AM to 6 PM, and last admission is at 5 PM. Recommended length of stay: ~1-2 hours. There are lots to see not just inside the castle, but more so, the majestic panoramic views of Edinburgh at different points in the castle.

Edinburgh Castle Panorama

 After the tour, you can grab dinner at any of the restaurants along Grassmarket before heading back to your accommodation and calling it a day. Try out Oink, which is a simple joint serving Scottish hog roasts, or any of these Top 5 Grassmarket Restaurants by TripAdvisor.