3-Day Edinburgh Itinerary for City Experiences in July 2023

1. Day 1: Edinburgh Castle
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Waverley Station

   In the morning, explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle that sits on top of an extinct volcano. Witness the One O'Clock Gun, the Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny. Take a break at the Redcoat Café for lunch, which offers stunning views of the city. Afternoon, walk down the Royal Mile and visit St. Giles' Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. In the evening, explore the Scottish Parliament and watch the sunset at Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano hill in the city.

2. Day 2: The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
   20 minutes (2.6 miles) from Edinburgh Castle

   Spend the morning at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a 70-acre garden that houses over 13,000 plant species. Take a guided tour, stroll through the Victorian Palm House, and enjoy the Queen Mother Memorial Garden. Afternoon, visit the National Museum of Scotland, which showcases the country's social, scientific, and natural history. In the evening, enjoy a ghost tour in the Old Town, and hear about Edinburgh's haunted past.

3. Day 3: The Royal Yacht Britannia
   30 minutes (3.5 miles) from The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

   Start your morning at the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was the Queen's floating palace for over 40 years. Walk through the State Apartments, Crew's Quarters, and the Royal Deck Tea Room. Afternoon, visit the Scottish National Gallery, which houses over 95,000 artworks from the Renaissance to the 20th century. In the evening, take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, and enjoy the views of Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument.

Recommendations

Be sure to check out the Edinburgh Dungeon to learn about some of the city's darker history. The Scottish Whisky Experience offers whisky tastings and tours. Take a day trip to the nearby Rosslyn Chapel, which is said to be linked to the Knights Templar. To maximize your fun, consider purchasing an Edinburgh City Pass for discounted entry to various attractions. Don't forget to try some traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink, and cranachan. Finally, take a stroll through the charming Dean Village and Stockbridge area for a quieter experience of Edinburgh.