Edinburgh in a Day: Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss

9:00 AM – Rich Scottish Breakfast Energy

First things first: fuel. A full Scottish breakfast is basically a rite of passage here. Think: smoked bacon, haggis sausages, black pudding, eggs, roasted tomatoes, beans, toast... It's basically a food hug.

You can taste this magnificent menu at one of my favourite cafes, Deacon House Cafe on the Royal Mile. This cosy cafe offers more than just a meal; situated in the historic Close, it's a journey into Edinburgh's past. Dining here is an experience that will leave you intrigued and excited.

Bonus: You're dining in the former home of William Brodie—a respectable city official by day and a criminal mastermind by night. Yes, really.

🌟 While waiting for your breakfast to be ready, check out the artwork on the walls while you wait for your food and meet the man who inspired Jekyll and Hyde.

10:00 AM – Claim the Castle

A visit to the castle is a must, as a day in Edinburgh without seeing this beauty would be like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower. The castle is on top of an extinct volcano, towering over the city. It's no wonder why Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's most famous landmark and a world-renowned building.

It's also undoubtedly the most photographed spot in Edinburgh (I'm sure you'll get a few eye-catching shots of it too).

Enjoy the views, see the Crown Jewels and imagine yourself repelling invaders from days gone by.

Don't miss the 1 o'clock gunshot—an Edinburgh tradition since 1861 (except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day). And yes, it's loud enough to make you spill your coffee. 

🚩Book a guided tour to skip the queues and learn the entire, juicy backstory of this fortress in the sky.

11:45 AM - Camera Obscura - Optical Illusions & Epic Views

From the castle, pop into Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Yes, you only have one day—but trust me, this place is totally worth it. Head straight to the rooftop for *chef's kiss* panoramic views of the city.

Camera Obscura is a fantastic place to get an initial city picture. The building has six floors, and I recommend starting from the highest—the sixth floor—where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire city—the Old Town and the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, even the Leith district and the sea—everything seems to be at a party.

But that's not all. This floor also houses the historical Camera Obscura or Dark Room. A local guide will take you on an exciting and humorous tour of Edinburgh using a periscope and explain the place's history. By the way, this was the first tourist-oriented attraction in Edinburgh. PS! Don't miss this show!

After this 10-minute show, you will look at the city with a completely different eye, and I'm sure you will return to the observation deck to take more pictures.

After that, laugh your way down through the illusion-filled floors. Several floors of illusions and interactive phenomena await you, wandering in a labyrinth, going through the Vortex tunnel or not, and realising that your eye is not always king.

Before diving into serious historical topics, it's good to laugh heartily; this place offers that. Plus, you will receive an overview of the city right at the beginning of the visit, and you will be ready to conquer Edinburgh! It's a place that will entertain you and fill you with joy.

💣💥 BOOM! Don't sleep through the cannon shot!

End your visit a little before 1:00 PM or go back to the observation deck on the sixth floor. That's when a powerful boom will sound across the whole city. You might also see a cloud of sneakers following it.

If you haven't finished your tour by then… don't worry. Your ticket is valid for the whole day, and you can return later.

🔗 Check the prices and opening times >>

1:00 PM - The famous Royal Mile

1.30 PM - Underground Time Travel

Things are about to get spooky (in the best way). Head into the Real Mary King's Close, where you'll explore hidden streets "under" the Royal Mile. This underground world hasn't changed much since the 1600s—plague stories, ghost sightings, and all.

The Mary King's Close tour is a gateway to a unique experience—the only way to access these underground streets that once teemed with life but were later closed and forgotten. Thanks to this, they have been preserved authentically, offering an unparalleled experience of travelling back in time and feeling like a part of life 500 years ago.


Here, you will get a real picture of the life of ordinary people in medieval Edinburgh, the chaos that accompanied the plague epidemic, and fascinating stories about the souls of those who lived within the walls, who still haunt them.
And why you must be careful when you hear the cry "Gardy loo!"

You can read more about this tour in my blog "Step Into the Past: Is Mary King's Close worth visiting?"

🎟️ Hot tip: Book in advance👇
This tour sells out fast and is not something you want to miss on a one-day blitz.

3:00 PM – Scottish Flavors Degustation

It's time to eat like a local. For refreshment, I chose a charming Scottish pub with a 200-year history. At one time, this house separated the city of Edinburgh from the Canongate area, and it was where customs and road tolls were paid. It has also been a prison and a courthouse; today, it is a pub with great waiters—another historical moment.

For a food experience, I recommend pre-ordering the Scottish a tasting platter, so you can taste the classic delicacies of the local cuisine (but that's what you're here for) - MacSween's haggis croquettes with whiskey and cream sauce, smoked salmon with Scottish oatcakes, mushrooms in garlic and cream sauce with toasted bread, homemade mini Fish & Chips, for dessert a traditional Scottish dessert Cranachan (local raspberries, whiskey, cream and oats). Yummy!

It's food with a side of history and a pint of local flavour. You've earned this.

🍽️🍷🧀 You can book the tasting menu here👇

4:00 PM – One Last History Hit

The Museum of Edinburgh is next door—a perfect place to tie your day together and the visit is FREE. Wander through the exhibits to learn about the city's architecture, famous faces, and history.

This is the place where you can summarise today's day and learn more about the history of the city of Edinburgh, its architectural achievements, and notable people. Here, you can find additional information about Edinburgh Castle and Mary King's Close, explore a model of the medieval city, and learn about new topics that, unfortunately, we could not visit today.

Not a long stop, but a solid one to round out your crash course in Edinburgh 101.

5:00 PM – A Wee Dram with a View

Time to unwind. Pop into Whiski Rooms or Bow Bar for a proper Scotch whisky or a local craft brew if that's more your vibe. Chat with the locals, soak in the pub atmosphere, and toast to the wild day you've had.

7:00 PM – Sunset Magic at Calton Hill

You've walked a lot today, but trust me—Calton Hill is the perfect sunset spot to end your adventure. Bring a snack or just sit and take it all in: sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the sea beyond.

🌅 Snap those golden hour shots and soak up the city from one of its most iconic spots.

Calton Hill is also home to several iconic buildings, including the National Monument inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. It was intended to memorialise Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars but was never fully completed due to funding issues. However, even today, tourists and locals love to sit on its steps and enjoy the moment.

9:00 PM – Dinner & Live Tunes

Finish strong with a delicious dinner at Howies (book ahead!), then head over to Sandy Bell's or Stramash for live Scottish folk music that'll get your foot tapping—even if your legs are about to fall off.

11:30 PM – Collapse (Happily)

You did it. One day, one city, a hundred memories. Edinburgh's got a way of sneaking into your heart, even in just 24 hours.

Next time? Stay a little longer—you know you want to.

Quick Tips:

• Book your accommodation early, especially if travelling during the high season. See accommodation recommendations in Edinburgh's Old Town 🏰

• Wear comfortable, well-worn shoes; you'll be moving around a lot.

• Pack for all weather, even in July.

• Try the local cuisine - haggis, "neeps & tatties".

• Edinburgh is a pedestrian-friendly city. If necessary, you can get everywhere by public transport. Renting a car is not needed.

• Morning time is the best time to visit museums and galleries, then there are fewer people.