Edinburgh

A Day Around Edinburgh’s Old Town

A day on foot.

Written by Graeme Johncock

Edinburgh is a city packed with history, somewhere I was happy to call home for almost 10 years. While this isn’t a sprawling metropolis, it can still be difficult to know exactly where to start, so this itinerary around the Old Town is here to help.

Pick your dates, and who is coming, and every stop will say whether it is open that day, and what it is like with children, a dog or a wheelchair.

How: A day on foot
Distance: About a mile
Starts: Edinburgh Castle
Good for: Castles, History

Book before you go

0 of 2 booked

Accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
Close byMoment George IV BridgeSleeps 2 Close byOld Town ChambersA place to stay Close byWest End MuseSleeps 4 A mile awayThe Scott HotelA hotel
Edinburgh Castle
Weeks ahead in summer: tickets often sell out, and none are sold at the gate once they have. Buy only on the castle's own site, as resellers charge more for the same ticket.
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The day

Edinburgh Castle
An attraction
Edinburgh wouldn’t be here without the ancient fortress perched on Castle Rock. It’s one of the oldest fortified locations in Europe and the scene of many bloody tales. As well as stories from the castle’s many sieges and inhabitants, you’ll have the chance to see the Honours of Scotland – the crown, sword and sceptre of state. It’s such a popular place to visit in Edinburgh, that you should aim to see it first thing in the morning before it gets too busy! Booking tickets in advance with specified entry times is essential.
More about Edinburgh Castle
The rest of this day is for members.
7 more stops, what to do at each, and the drive between them. Members read every one of our days, and the magazine.
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Maggie Dickson’s
An attraction
St Giles’ Cathedral
An attraction
Greyfriars Bobby
An attraction
Greyfriars Kirk
An attraction