3 Must-Visit Places In Edinburgh, Scotland, In 1 Day

What to see in Edinburgh. Princes Street, Calton Hill, The Royal Mile. These three locations cover many of Edinburgh’s most viewed and historic monuments. Don’t forget to read TIPS at the bottom.

What To See In Edinburgh

1. Princes Street
2. Calton Hill
3. The Royal Mile

1. Princes Street

The “Golden Mile” as it is fondly called, is 1 mile/1.6 kms long and a refreshing walk. The iconic Waldorf Astoria is on the south side of Lothian road at the beginning of the ‘mile’. Formerly “The Caledonian” Hotel and was once-upon-a-time, the entrance to the “Princes railway station”, non-existent anymore.

St. John’s Episcopal church is across from the Waldorf and then begins the Princes street gardens.

You have an uninterrupted beautiful view of the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle over the treetops of the gardens. On the left side of the street, shopping.

A little further is the Royal Scots Grey Monument. A tribute to The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons) cavalry regiment.

The immaculately kept Princes Street Gardens are a pleasure to walk in.

Just past half of Princes street gardens, you come upon the Royal Scottish Academy and the Scottish National Gallery.

The artworks on display in the gallery are breathtaking. The pictures above and below are part of the ground floor, main galleries.

Past the museum, is the Scott Monument. A tribute to one of the best writers of the time, Sir Walter Scott.

A little further is another historical landmark, The Balmoral Hotel. It sits on top of Waverley train station named after Sir Scotts’ Waverley novels.

Continue walking and you will come to Calton Hill,

2. Calton Hill

The headquarters of the Scottish Government is based at St Andrew’s House on the steep southern slope of the hill. On the hill you will find several iconic monuments that are a must see.

The Dugald Stewart Monument above, and below, the never completed National Monument with just twelve columns.

The Nelson Monument is a commemorative tower in honor of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. It is based on the shape of a naval spyglass. For a fee, climb to the top of the monument for a 360° view of Edinburgh.

You can see in all directions from up here and the view of the Firth of Forth is exceptional as well.

The climb up Calton hill is steep and tiring but well worth it. The Old Observatory House is still very impressive.

The Playfair Monument and the Monument to Scottish Parliament are also located here. Walk south past Parliament House and over the bridge across the railway tracks, you come to “The Royal Mile”.

This picture above is from Jeffrey street. You can see most of the monuments on Calton Hill from here. The Thomas Hamilton Obelisk (Scottish Political Martyrs’ Monument), Old Observatory House, Dugald Stewart Monument, St. Andrew’s House (Scottish Parliament) and the Nelson Monument.

3. The Royal Mile

At the east end of the mile, you will find the magnificent, impressive Holyrood Palace. The Queen spends a week here every summer and when in residence, the Scottish version of the Royal Standard is flown.

Former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School built in the 1840’s, are now the Queen’s Gallery. Works of art from the Royal Collection are displayed here.

Arthur’s Seat is 0.6 miles/1 km from here. The hill rises above the city to a height of 822 ft/250 mts. and is relatively easy to climb. From the top, you have a panoramic view of Edinburgh.

West of Holyrood is St. Giles’ Cathedral, its distinctive crown steeple is a prominent feature of the city skyline.

The nest part of the Royal Mile turns into a busker and entertainer venue past noon. There are a mix of shops, restaurants, pubs and visitor attractions like the Royal Mile Whiskies and Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. The next BIG attraction is Edinburgh Castle itself.

This is the view of the Castle from the Esplanade. It looks just as impressive from all around town.

When leaving the Castle, walk back down the Royal Mile till you come to Upper Bow street. Walk down the little staircase and you will come to West Bow street.

There is a little café called OINK that serves the most delicious Scottish Hog roast sandwiches.

Walk further downhill and you are in Grassmarket, my favorite part of Edinburgh!

To see more pictures, click here.

TIPS

• There are a lot of budget hotels and also Airbnb’s that are centrally located.
• Waverley Train station is right in the middle of the Historic centre but Haymarket station isn’t too far away. I would say a 25 minute scenic walk through the historic centre anyways.
• The whole of the historic centre of Edinburgh can be walked. Princes street could be done in a day but a couple days would be better if you want to take in detail.
• The same goes with the Royal Mile. Two days if you want to take in detail.
• I found the city exceptionally safe. Never felt threatened or afraid at any time.
• Eat food in local “diners, pool halls, pubs”. Very tasty, traditional and inexpensive. My personal favorite, Diane’s Pool Hall, N/W corner of Morrison street and Morrison Link.
• Traveling inter-city, the train is exceptional. Going sightseeing out of the city, I would recommend hiring a car as you can stop wherever and take some phenomenal pictures of this beautiful country. There are castles everywhere.
• If you’ve forgotten any essential item, buy it from a “Pound stretcher”, a low budget store.