What to do in Edinburgh in a Day?

Princes Street Gardens: Budding With Possibilities

Princes Street Gardens

Wondering what to do in Edinburgh? There is only one way to start a day in our beautiful city. And that is with a cup of coffee and morning stroll through Princes Street Gardens. Set in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, dividing Edinburgh’s famous Old Town from its striking New Town. These gardens offer a beautiful view of historic contrasts. Once a part of Edinburgh’s medieval defences, they have become guardians of Edinburgh’s ancient secrets.

With shops, statues, monuments and historic figures lining one side and formidable Gothic architecture towering over the other. There is no better way to experience the rich and vibrant history of Scotland’s most famous city.

The Royal Mile: Historic Hooks And Hidden Crannies

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh

From the beautiful Princes Street Gardens it is only a short walk to the ancient cobbled streets of the Royal Mile. Connecting Edinburgh Castle on one end to Holyrood Palace on the other. The Royal Mile offers a plethora of shops, eateries, historic nooks and hidden crannies. With underground tours, whisky tasting, witcheries and more, this mile-long thoroughfare through Edinburgh’s Old Town will uncover a darker side of Edinburgh’s history. While a never-ending supply of souvenir shops and novelty stores will keep you entertained for hours.

Old Town: Markets And Mysteries

But since time is of the essence, the sound of the 1 o’clock gun signals it is time to move on. Grab a quick bite to eat at one of the many historic pubs in the Grassmarket area. Then it is time to explore the many mysteries that surround the city. From the famous faithful companion, Greyfriars Bobby, to the final resting place of the MacKenzie Poltergeist, it is easy to see why Edinburgh is one of the most haunted (not to mention fantastical) cities in the world.

New Town: A City Within A City

What to do in Edinburgh infographic

After a tour of Edinburgh’s past, it is time to look to the city’s future. Which means it is time to head on down to New Town. Running parallel to the Royal Mile is the unofficial heart of the city – Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street. Awash with beautiful buildings, fabulous shops and endless attractions, uncovering what to do in Edinburgh couldn’t be easier.

Shop the high street, climb to the top of Scott Monument and explore the bustling city centre as the sound of bagpipes follow you through the city. From Princes Street, it is a quick 10-minute walk to the top of Calton Hill where the most beautiful panoramic views of the city await. From here, perched atop this World Heritage Site, watch a beautiful sunset upon a beautiful city. Then make your way down to  Parliament House Hotel for a taste of traditional Scottish hospitality with dinner a nightcap in our lounge.