3 PERFECT DAYS IN EDINBURGH/ must-sees, things to do, guide, where to eat & hidden gems

If you're looking for the best of Edinburgh, then you've come to the right place. In this 72 hours in Edinburgh itinerary, we'll take you through the top highlights you can't miss, as well as hidden gems, and some of our favourite restaurant recommendations.
Places featured in the video:
- Leith
- The Royal Mile
- Edinburgh Castle
- St Giles' Cathedral
- Greyfriars Bobby
- Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Grassmarket
- Vault City
- Topping and Company
- Fringe Festival
- The Vennel
- Princes Street Gardens
- The Balmoral Hotel
- Harry Potter filming locations
- Victoria Street
- Calton Hill
- The Writers' Museum
- Cafe Royal
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[@SophieNadeau]

I hope you enjoyed watching this video as much as we loved filming it! If you're looking for even more Edinburgh inspiration, check out our suggested one day in Edinburgh written guide (which includes many of the places mentioned in this video!): www.solosophie.com/one-day-in-edinburgh-itinerary/

[@andrewmorton9327]

Do NOT rub Bobbie's nose! This 'tradition' was invented by tourist guides in the 1990s. Local people hate this. The best way to get around isn't the tram, there is only one line. The best way to get around is by bus, Edinburgh has a fantastic bus system and you can use your credit card or phone to pay on the bus. You can also buy a day ticket quite cheaply. There are also hop on/hop off tourist buses.

[@rubisanchez4108]

Why do local people hate that? 😮

[@andrewmorton9327]

@@rubisanchez4108 Because Bobby is a much loved statue and we view all this nose rubbing as a desecration.

[@rubisanchez4108]

@@andrewmorton9327 omg thanks for the info, i didnt knew that, greetings from Mexico! 🌠

[@rubisanchez4108]

@@andrewmorton9327 omg thanks for the info, i didnt knew that, greetings from Mexico! 🌠

[@HibeeMcbee]

@@rubisanchez4108nobody in Edinburgh actually cares, I certainly don’t. Only silly old hearts fuds like this guy see it as ‘desecration’.

[@yarija4791]

I went last October before Halloween. I got up early and left the hotel at 7am. I was able to get clear shots of Victoria St, the closes, Vennel Viewpoint and more without anyone in them. It was so nice to walk about the city with a cool breeze in the air, not many people out and about. I have many places I want to visit and only so much time off of work to do so, and I keep wanting to make plans to go back. The old city is so beautiful, it makes you feel this sense of aching melancholy. If I could move anywhere in the world, it would be to Edinburgh.

[@davidwalker9998]

l

[@claires1177]

Edinburgh is in my heart forever. We visited it for the first time last August during the Fringe and walked up and down endlessly! What glorious views! The food was delicious, and there were options for everyone. We can't wait to go back and explore more about one of the most beautiful places in the world. Scotland forever ❤.

[@jackiemorrison2706]

Well, I worked in Edinburgh for many years (& live within sight of Edinburgh) and have to say this is the best video guide to the city I have seen. By far. Very well done. Loved all the areas (not all of them obvious) that you featured and the wonderful photography too. Even though Edinburgh is only a bus ride away for me, there are some areas on your guide that I've only ever passed through and not spent time in but I will rectify that now! It was a lovely calming, informative video - beautifully done. New subscriber here!

[@Annie4Always]

Outstanding! Absolutely amazing footage of the historic, beautiful & magical City of Edinburgh. As well as, the surrounding areas. Your filming & Commentary of this enchanting City is excellent! You also showed many interesting & fascinating places that I have never seen before. Thank you for sharing this delightful experience in this extraordinary & charming City!!

[@iangascoyne3228]

Best short guide to the city I've seen for a while,top effort young lady👍

[@user-om8gw4gn3v]

The best Edinburgh video I´ve seen. Much more detailed than the others on You Tube. It really make me want to visit the city again. thanks for sharing, Sophie Nadeau!!!😉😉❤ 😍😍

[@MicroTravelAdventures]

Watched lots of videos on this and you convinced me to officially add Edinburgh to my bucket list!

[@jessiesprinkleberries]

Your channel is so underrated! I wish more people watch your videos. I love how you explain things you visit or try And not just showing the face with some random talk. Not many travel channel do this thing anymore. They turned into documenting their lives only and not the place they visit.

[@abodeissaalsabag5775]

This video is marvellous , thank you for the amazing experience

[@klaramathilda9929]

Thanks for taking us along!! I dont know if i will ever see this magical area so i rely on travel vlogs like yours :)

[@SophieNadeau]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@heidimeyermath8087]

Edinburgh is my favorite city. I've been there 6 times (am currently there!), yet I still also frequently watch videos on it. Your video is the best overview of the city that I've seen! I've never seen so much ground covered in one video - from city center to Dean Village to Stockbridge to Leith to Newhaven, etc. And your cinematography is excellent! Great video, fantastic advice!

[@SophieNadeau]

Thank you for your kind comment! I hope that you have a great time in Edinburgh :)

[@lydiawidyawatichandra9984]

Is december a good month to visit ? How' s the weather ?

[@lorddaver5729]

​@@SophieNadeauWhy go to Edinburgh? It's a dump. Miserable weather. Cold and wet. Awful food, Dour residents, unfriendly and depressive. Violence just under the surface. Many drug addicts. Nothing to do, little worth seeing.No nightlife to speak of.

[@Ichigocraftco]

im going to london in March and my boyfriend chose to take a train to Paris. I really wanted to go to Scotland so now I get to plan another trip^^ Im thinking Ireland and Scotland and hoping a week is enough time for both

[@65tanmaya]

Excellent video Sophie. Thank you so much for all the info !

[@SophieNadeau]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@Dr.MonideepaDas]

Been to Edinburgh five times and yet rating to go back… Have covered most ot the touristy places mentioned, except Calton Hill which we plan to visit during our next trip scheduled next month… It was a pleasure watching the video… Very well compiled…

[@samuelleask1132]

Subscribed straightaway. Great video, thanks for sharing this!!!

[@SophieNadeau]

Thank you so much!

[@KUMARUJJWALSINGH]

Thanks for the video guide Sophie! I'm a student at Durham Uni and wanting to travel to Edinburgh for NYE tomorrow. Let's see how it all plays but thanks!

[@dariaalekseeva7252]

This is probably the most charming and mysterious city, hope I'll be able to visit it one day)

[@AshleyNewellDotMe]

Wow! It's so beautiful and your video captures it so well!

[@SophieNadeau]

Thank you so much 😀

[@HeadsAndTales]

I've been watching some videos in preparation for my trip to Edinburgh, and yours is the best one out there. It's very well put together.

[@SophieNadeau]

Thank you for your lovely comment!

[@taniaceredi6411]

Amazing video!!!👏👏

[@timonrose5054]

Very well put together video!

[@SophieNadeau]

Thank you so much!

[@user-mr9gc8ku4u]

Sounds wonderful. Going late Sept early October ❤

[@munthermohammed9047]

I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THE VIDEO The shooting the music the details

[@SophieNadeau]

Thank you so much! :)

[@Murcatto-hu1ym]

Tip for people planning to go to Edinburgh in August. Only go if your main goal is the Fringe Festival. Edinburgh is really crowded in August and accommodation prices are double or even triple what you might spend in other months. Best to go in June, July or September. Though I can heartily recommend going to the Fringe. It's the most fun you can have and not break the law.

[@ABC_DEF]

Agreed. Go before or after the festival, not during it. Then you will actually see the city, rather than tens of thousands of tourists blocking the streets.

[@munthermohammed9047]

Very good report for visiting Edinburgh

[@shelaghjackson9577]

The river leith is actually called The Water of Leith!

[@mattkeyes9153]

Visiting in October, can't wait, ty for posting looks brilliant!

[@davidlauder-qi5zv]

Don't bother. Edinburgh's a dump.

[@Harpreet06]

How did you find it? Any tips?

[@mattkeyes9153]

Was awesome, stairs everywhere !!!, great food,music, and people. Sandy Bells pub, Arthur's seat , The Castle. Walked from Dean's Village to Arthur's seat , rain or shine.

[@mattkeyes9153]

@Harpreet06 find a "gig sheet" for bands, live session pubs,. Busses and train are easy to use. Pack portable phone charger ear buds and G map will guide you w ease , small umbrella, rain jacket. Learn to tap pay, I hadn't prior to going

[@Harpreet06]

@@mattkeyes9153 how many days did you go for? Do you think you could see everything in 2 or 3 days?

[@Jane-yq6yq]

Christmas time is a great time to visit too

[@SophieNadeau]

Yes, hoping to make it back this winter :)

[@davidhallinan6696]

I’m planning a trip for January 2025 and planning on staying In Edinburgh for 6 days. Thank you so much for the ideas and your opinions on these places! It has really helped me fill up my itinerary! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@SophieNadeau]

You are so welcome! I hope you have a great trip!

[@matthenderson4552]

Very useful and interesting video. And the best part is you’re not sticking your face in the middle of the picture while supposedly showing the scenery. Well done.

[@user-tr7sk4hl3c]

Thank you for sharing this beauty, I would love to be teleported.🤔🇬🇧🤲

[@robynsnest22]

Don't tell people to touch the nose of Bobby! There are tons of signs around asking people to NOT do that because it is ruining the statue.

[@Throneproperty_th]

I like your video. I hope to go there one day.

[@himikathakur4896]

I very much like your videos.. ❤❤

[@georges1031]

Don't rub Greyfriars Bobby's nose! It's wearing away. You're damaging the Statue!!!

[@cindybathalter3102]

Came to the comments to say the same! So disappointed to hear the encouragement in the video.

[@davidwolfe9722]

Yes, next time rub his arse.

[@danieldoctorio]

Watching your vdo makes me miss my trip to EDB last year. Hopefully the saying about rubbing Bobby's nose comes true. LOL.

[@SophieNadeau]

I hope you get to return one day!

[@claudiave3854]

This is amazing, thank you!

[@brn6246]

Nice vid

[@beifeiteCampingtentfactory]

I'm afraid I like this kind of trip

[@NicoleLee14147]

I have to say that EDINBURGH is a place that everyone must visit in their lifetime. The rich cultural heritage, diverse society and scenic views are all worth knowing about! but the travel fee is really insane.. I have been there like 5 years and I found app that has discount on every journey! tell me if u need it, I'll share!

[@PriyankaKumari-kp2id]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ouime7337]

Very informative and you included Leith. Well done. But anyone watching this wee film - please DON’T RUB POOR BOBBIE’S NOSE. the locals hate to see it being done, and every year we have to pay to get it painted black again.

[@ABC_DEF]

The statue isn't painted. The damage is being left and it gets worse every year.

[@Jock-jb3sy]

The grass market?

[@EnergeticMan]

Lovely and informative post: the only thing that put me off was the Vegetarian Haggis, that my dear girl is an anathema.

[@steephaniieeeee]

what do you film on?

[@SophieNadeau]

The Sony Zv-E1 with the 16-35 mm f/2.8 G Master lens :)

[@roirenaud2695]

Ich war 2006 in Edinburgh. Dort ist mir etwas Seltsames passiert. Als ich nachts auf die Toilette ging, sah ich ein großes blaues Licht vor mir und darin sozusagen den Kopf einer Leiche mit großen Zähnen. Ich schrie heftig, und als mein Mädchen aufwachte, fand sie mich mit gefletschten Zähnen und zuckenden Bewegungen auf dem Boden liegend. Sie übergoss mich mit Wasser aus dem Schneeeimer und ich wachte auf. Der Schädel hat mich in die Hände gebissen und er hätte fast eine Arterie in meinem Hals getroffen. Diese Offenbarung war real, weil sie Narben hinterließ, die ich noch heute trage. Das Mädchen trennte sich dann von mir und heiratete einen Australier, der in der Armee diente und einen guten Geruch hatte.

[@johnhamilton7762]

Great content. All that and you never visited Holyrood Palace or the castle. Wow.

[@billps34]

It's called the Water of Leith, not the River Leaf.

[@notariannimira]

When is best time to visit Edinburgh? Weather wise?

[@Theodjinn72]

It doesn't rain on the 30th Feb, 31st June and 31st Sep. 😉

[@Theodjinn72]

Probably July. More chance of decent weather. In August we have the Edinburgh Festival. It's very busy and expensive.

[@ThePeteW]

I usually suggest May for the long days, slightly less busy than July/August. July is one of the wettest months.

[@goodmorningandnight4690]

​@@ThePeteWwhat about June? I'm booking a flight to London late June 24, and will be heading to Inverness & am considering if I should I give Edinburg a pit stop before heading back to London

[@ThePeteW]

@@goodmorningandnight4690 Go for it. Long days at that time of year. Around 18 hours of daylight. Edinburgh will be busy. It’s always busy. But not crazy like it is during the festival in August. Weather is unpredictable no matter what month. But definitely more likely to be warm over summer months. Would always recommend booking accommodation early so give best choice of places/prices.

[@Trip-codeis_TRIP777C]

If you buy Railcard with Trip, you will get a discount

[@keithsinclair3409]

One of the many great things about Edinburgh is that it’s not far from Glasgow.

[@lorddaver5729]

So you're saying Edinburgh is a dump?

[@a.humphries8678]

I'll be visiting soon, should I pop over to Glasgow?

[@ABC_DEF]

Not far enough, in my view.

[@teresanapolitano2351]

Hello....Teresa from leeds university...beautiful edinbiburgh...Teresa from leeds university....some day I will call in...ciaooo.teresa...i m italian

[@Dave1507]

If there are too many people in Deans village, maybe during fringe really isn't the best time.

[@ABC_DEF]

The Dean village is never too crowded. What she says is not accurate. But it is much better to avoid August and the festival.

[@Dave1507]

@@ABC_DEF so if it's to be avoided during crowded season, as you say, how is she not accurate?

[@ABC_DEF]

@@Dave1507 I live five minutes'' walk from the Dean village. There are always a few people there taking photos but it is never crowded, even during August. But the centre of Edinburgh IS crowded in August, and I would always advise people to avoid that month unless they want to go specifically to the Festival. The Festival crowds stop at Queen Street. North of Queen Street, everything is normal during August.

[@AndyHullMcPenguin]

Oh No! You missed The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers street and just around the corner, Dovecot Studios textiles on Infirmary Street and... a whole bunch of other good stuff. Go back and do it all again.

[@johnglover1717]

It's not the River Leaf but the Water of Leith. Also, if visiting Edinburgh don't disrespect the locals by rubbing Bobby's nose. WE HATE TOURISTS DOING THIS!!!

[@vincentscott3558]

Great video apart from the statue damage encouragement. Can you please leave our statues alone, come and look at them but stop bloody touching them? You have directly referenced this in your video and you should put something up to say that you were very wrong about it and that your mis-information will cause more damage to a loved Edinburgh statue. Greyfriar's Bobbys nose for most of my life was the same nice patina black of the rest of the statue. This was until some idiot tour guide made up a story about it being good luck to touch his nose around the turn of the millennium . Since then the patina has been destroyed and now the bronze itself is starting to wear away. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE STATUES. They are meant to be looked at not touched, the wee dug lasted from 1873 until about 2000 without people mauling him. Please do not encourage this vandalism.

[@retrospective77]

calm doon son

[@vincentscott3558]

@@retrospective77 Bolt ya radge!

[@KINGFISHOL]

Vegetarian Haggis is just a pile of vegetables. It doesn't even have the sheep's stomach

[@Antonio-sd5yn]

Cairn Gone Coffee, bad reviews... turistic place.

[@PaulNobes-tw2nj]

Please don't rub Bobby's nose! It's damaging him to much.

[@sevenbelow7]

Nothing worse than a tourist coming to Edinburgh and literally talking complete shite about basically everything. (Please come again) 🤔

[@exploreearth6275]

Edinburgh is one of the worth to visit in Europe