Photo walks
The Balmoral clock tower and Scott Monument at golden hour
Explore Edinburgh

Plan a trip in Edinburgh

Itineraries and practical tips. Local guides, honest tips and the best times to go.

By Updated

Photo: Adam Wilson / Unsplash

In short

Two to three days is enough for a first visit to Edinburgh: one day for the Old Town and Castle, one for the hills and the New Town, and one for neighbourhoods like Stockbridge and Leith. Spring and early autumn are the best balance of weather, light and crowds.

The Balmoral clock tower and Scott Monument at golden hourPlanning

Cover story

The best time to visit Edinburgh: a month-by-month guide

When to visit Edinburgh, month by month, with the weather, daylight, crowds and the festivals and events worth planning around, from a local.

Read the guide
A cobbled Old Town street lined with colourful buildings at duskItinerary
Three days in Edinburgh, done properlyA local's three-day Edinburgh itinerary covering the Castle and Old Town, Arthur's Seat and the New Town, then Stockbridge and Leith, without the queues.6 min readUpdated 4 November 2026

Where to go

Places worth the trip

All photo spots
The Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill overlooking the Edinburgh skyline at golden hour01Calton HillEast EndBest: sunriseDean Village and the Water of Leith at sunrise02Dean VillageWest EndBest: early morningHouses and greenery on Circus Lane, Stockbridge03Circus LaneStockbridgeBest: grey daysColourful shopfronts on Victoria Street in the Old Town04Victoria StreetOld TownBest: before 8amLooking out over Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat05Arthur's SeatHolyrood ParkBest: golden hourA carved dog on a gravestone in Greyfriars Kirkyard06Greyfriars KirkyardOld TownBest: misty daysStone buildings beside the Water of Leith07The Shore, LeithLeithBest: blue hour

Good to know

Plan a trip questions

How many days do you need in Edinburgh?

Three days lets you see the main sights and get out to neighbourhoods like Stockbridge and Leith. Two days covers the essentials; add a fourth for a day trip.

What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

May, June and September usually offer the best mix of long days and manageable crowds. August is busiest because of the festivals; December is atmospheric but dark early.

How do you get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?

The tram and the Airlink bus both run between the airport and the city centre. Check current times and fares before you travel.

More guides

All guides
Edinburgh Castle above Old Town buildings and a stone staircaseEssentials
The best things to do in Edinburgh: 30 picks from a localThe best things to do in Edinburgh, from the Castle and Arthur's Seat to Dean Village, Leith and Portobello, with a local's tips on when to go and what to skip.6 min readUpdated 4 November 2026
The red Forth Bridge under a clear blue skyDay trips
The best day trips from EdinburghEasy day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus, including the Forth Bridges, North Berwick, Stirling, Linlithgow and Glasgow.3 min readUpdated 4 November 2026
People crossing Princes Street by the Scott Monument and the Christmas big wheelChristmas
Edinburgh at Christmas: the 2026 guideEdinburgh's Christmas 2026 runs 14 November to 3 January. Market dates, where everything is, Hogmanay and local tips on beating the crowds.4 min readUpdated 4 November 2026

Explore

More of the city

Edinburgh Castle above Old Town buildings and a stone staircaseThings to doThe essentials and the hidden onesThe Greyfriars Bobby pub in the Old Town, with outdoor seatingFood & drinkBrunch to whiskyA piper in Highland dress playing the bagpipes below Edinburgh CastleWhat’s onFestivals, markets and eventsThe red Forth Bridge under a clear blue skyDay tripsBy train and busVisitors inside a museum gallery in EdinburghRainy daysWhich you’ll getLooking out over Edinburgh from Arthur’s SeatFree thingsNo ticket needed
A walker on Circus Lane in Stockbridge

Only Edinburgh Photo Walks

Get photographed in Edinburgh

Small, relaxed photo walks with a local photographer, at the spots in this guide. Holiday portraits, couples and proposals, or learn to shoot the city yourself.

See photo walks