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Hey Reader,

Let me guess — you’ve got twelve browser tabs open right now. One’s a blog post with “must-sees,” another is a map you can’t make sense of, and there’s probably a Pinterest board full of cobblestone streets and castles.

Totally normal. Planning a trip to Edinburgh (especially a first-time visit) can be... a lot.

There’s this feeling that you have to see everything. Hit every historic site. Walk every hill. Taste every whisky. And if you’re anything like me, that pressure turns trip planning into a full-time job.

So let me give you a little relief.

Here’s what I tell every friend who messages me, wide-eyed, asking where to start:

Just plan your first full day. One day. That’s it.

If you’re flying in from overseas, your first day probably starts a bit foggy. You’re jetlagged. You’re excited. You’re not quite ready for a packed itinerary. So don’t overdo it.

Here’s what I’d plan if I were showing you around myself — and I promise, it’s one of the best introductions to the city:

⛅ Morning: Edinburgh Castle & views​
Start your day at the top — literally. Book tickets to Edinburgh Castle and go early. The light is better for photos, the crowds are thinner, and standing at the Half Moon Battery overlooking Princes Street gives you an instant “this is Edinburgh” moment.

You don’t have to see everything inside. Give yourself about 90 minutes, and don’t miss the Crown Jewels or the dog cemetery (yep. A dog cemetery).

☕ Mid-morning: A scenic wander down the Royal Mile​
From the Castle, head downhill — slowly. The Royal Mile is full of side closes (alleyways), quirky shops, and street performers.

If you fancy a quiet moment, stop in at the Writers’ Museum. It’s tiny and tucked away, but it’s a favourite. (Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson all under one timbered roof.)

🍴 Lunch: Cosy, classic, and close by​
Around this point, you’ll be ready for food. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is one of my go-to recommendations — hearty Scottish mains with views of the Mound. Or if you prefer something light, Deacon’s House Café is built into an old stone close and still feels like a secret (fun fact: I applied for a job here when I first moved to Edinburgh!)

🎒 Afternoon: A museum locals actually visit​
You could pay for more attractions, but here’s a secret: the National Museum of Scotland is free — and genuinely worth it.

You’ll find fashion, Scottish history, dinosaurs, space exhibits, and one of the best rooftop viewpoints in the city. Bonus: it’s warm, quiet, and a great way to slow the pace.

🌄 Evening: Calton Hill for sunset​
Skip Arthur’s Seat today (your legs will thank you). Instead, climb Calton Hill — it’s a short walk and gives you those iconic skyline views with way less effort. Bring a takeaway coffee or drink, sit on the steps of the unfinished National Monument, and just take it all in.

If that sounds like your kind of day, you can stop right there. You’ve officially begun planning your Edinburgh adventure.

But if you want help filling out the rest of your trip — I’ve got detailed itineraries ready:

• ​24 hours in Edinburgh — tight schedule? This one’s for you
• ​2-day itinerary — perfect for a weekend getaway
• ​3-day itinerary — ideal if you want a balanced, deeper dive
• Keep your eyes pealed - I am currently working on a 7 day itinerary

I’d love to know — what kind of trip are you planning? Are you more of a wander-and-see-what-happens type, or do you want every detail sorted in advance? Hit reply and let me know.

Fiona