24 hours in Edinburgh – Holyrood to Royal Mile 

Before we dive into the top things to do in Edinburgh in 24 hours, let’s uncover some fascinating fun facts about this historic city:

• Incredible Architecture: Edinburgh boasts stunning architecture, but did you know that it’s often referred to as the “Athens of the North” due to its neoclassical buildings and rich intellectual history?
• The Royal City: Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and the seat of the Scottish monarchy. It’s steeped in royal history and traditions.
• Underground Mysteries: Beneath the bustling streets, there’s a hidden city known as the “Edinburgh Vaults.” These underground chambers were used for various purposes, including as taverns and storage spaces.
• World’s First Fire Brigade: The world’s first municipal fire brigade was established in Edinburgh in 1824, and its legacy lives on in the city’s firefighting history.
• A Festival Extravaganza: Edinburgh hosts the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, attracting artists and performers from around the globe.

When in Edinburgh, whether for one day or two, I recommend beginning at Holyrood and end up on the other end of the Royal Mile! The Royal Mile is a popular tourist attraction in Scotland. It’s a cobbled street with lots of shops, cafes and pubs. There are also places of historical interest such as St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle.

Holyrood: A Royal Beginning

Our 24 hours in Edinburgh adventure begins at Holyrood, nestled near the Scottish Parliament. This regal district, owned by the Royal Family, boasts two prominent landmarks: the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey. If you have the time and favorable weather, don’t miss a stroll through Holyrood Park.

Arthur’s Seat

Here, you’ll encounter dramatic cliffs, tranquil lakes, and even Arthur’s Seat, an inactive volcano offering panoramic views of Scotland. Although I couldn’t visit it personally, many describe it as a stunning and peaceful experience.  Arthur’s seat is about 251 m above the sea level (823 ft), and it’s the highest point in the park.

According to the Historic Environment, the geological formation of Arthur’s Seat dates back around 350 million years, making it a significant landmark in terms of both natural history and geological study. The surrounding park features remnants of human activity dating back to as early as 5000 BC, with archaeological finds including stone and flint tools, Iron Age forts, and Bronze Age agricultural terraces.

Scottish Parliament: A modern Twist on History

Edinburgh’s Scottish Parliament, established in 1999, plays a pivotal role in governing Scotland’s devolved matters. While its modern architecture stands out, it’s intriguing to note that the new building was constructed around the old one. The Parliament welcomes visitors with free tours, though the building itself has sparked controversy due to its contrast with the city’s historic architecture.

If you’re visiting just for 24 hours, one may argue, you could skip its visit, however, I personally really liked it. Just a little bit of history, the Parliament building, designed by architect Enric Miralles, was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 9, 2004, after construction began in 1999. It was built following a 1997 referendum that established a devolved Scottish Parliament, allowing Scotland to legislate independently from Westminster for the first time since the Union of the Crowns in 1603 and the Treaty of Union in 1707.

Royal Mile

The Royal Mile, aptly named, is Edinburgh’s most iconic street, stretching approximately one mile (about 1.8 km) from the Scottish Parliament to Edinburgh Castle. Even if you don’t have full 24 hours in Edinburgh, you will not miss it, it is simply not possible. Comprising several smaller streets like Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand, the Royal Mile is teeming with captivating places to explore. Museums, taverns, and St. Giles Cathedral are just a few highlights.

Tron Kirk & Royal Mile Market 

Be sure to visit the Tron Kirk & Royal Mile Market for a unique experience, I really enjoyed this market as it felt very local and helps you understand the culture better. With its great architecture and occasional concerts, it’s open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, offering everything from art to jewelry. Be sure to check the opening times before visiting though!

West Bow: A step Back in Time

West Bow is known for its distinctive curve, and it forms a natural entrance to the Grassmarket, which is a historic market square in Edinburgh. The street is characterised by its colourful buildings with crow-stepped gables, and it is often featured in photographs and postcards showcasing the city’s historic charm. If you ever googled for the Scottish capital, chances are you got a picture of West Bow. So no matter how little time you have, whether it’s 24 hours in Edinburgh or less, you better not miss West Bow!

Calton Hill 

Calton Hill, located in the centre of Edinburgh, is renowned for its spectacular attractions like the National Monument of Scotland, the Nelson Memorial and the Observatory. From its peak, visitors can admire stunning views of Edinburgh cityscape and its lake. I would say that if you’re spending two days in Edinburgh, you should definitely put aside more time to visit it properly and maybe even book a dedicated tour as this place is very intriguing.

Let’s break it down by its important monuments and sightseeing points:

• National Monument: Designed as a tribute to Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars, the National Monument is modeled after the Parthenon in Athens. Construction began in 1822 but was left unfinished due to a lack of funds, resulting in its current state of only twelve columns, which has led to it being referred to as “Edinburgh’s Disgrace
• Nelson Monument: Erected between 1807 and 1815 to honor Admiral Lord Nelson after his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, this tower features a time ball that drops at 1 PM, allowing ships to set their clocks accurately before departure. Visitors can climb 170 steps for a view of the city.
• Dugald Stewart Monument: A memorial to the Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart, this monument is a prominent feature on the hill and reflects classical architectural styles.
• City Observatory: Established in 1776, the observatory played a significant role in Edinburgh’s astronomical research and remains an important site for public engagement with science

National Scottish Museum (Roof terrace): Dive into Scotland’s Heritage

Immerse yourself in Scottish history and culture at the National Scottish Museum. With galleries showcasing paintings, a design department, a fashion section, and even a T. rex exhibit, there’s something for everyone. I understand that if you only have 24 hours in Edinburgh, you probably don’t want to waste hours in a museum. So if time is limited, be sure to explore the Grand Gallery’s roof terrace, accessible by lift, offering stunning views at no cost. It’s definitely the most underrated spot in Edinburgh.

Exhibits in the national museum in Edinburgh

• • Scottish Antiquities: Artifacts that reflect Scotland’s rich history.
  • Natural History: Displays featuring wildlife, geology, and paleontology, including the famous exhibit of Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal.
  • World Cultures: Items representing various global cultures.
  • Science and Technology: Exhibits that showcase innovations and historical advancements.

Princess Street 

Princess Street, Edinburgh’s premier shopping street, offers a fantastic view of the Old Town Castle. Explore the Princess Street Gardens and don’t miss the monument to Walter Scott. Popular stores like Primark, Debenhams, M & S, and Boots are also at your fingertips.

Rose Street 

Stumble upon Rose Street, a tiny lane bursting with charming pubs. If you love unexpected discoveries and having a pint or two, this spot is for you.

3 oldest pubs in Edinburgh

The oldest pub in Edinburgh is The Sheep Heid Inn, which has been in operation since 1360. Located in the Duddingston area, near Arthur’s Seat, this historic establishment is renowned for its long-standing tradition as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike

The White Hart Inn: Established in 1516, this pub is located in the Grassmarket area and is known for its haunted reputation and historical connections to famous figures like Robert Burns.

Ye Olde Golf Tavern: Dating back to 1456, it is associated with the game of golf and is situated near the historic Bruntsfield Links.

24 hours in Edinburgh summary

If you’re looking for a city with a charming atmosphere and beautiful architecture, Edinburgh is worth visiting. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular cities in the UK. It is often said that Edinburgh is a better London – it is the capital city, but still retains its own face and is not too busy. 🙂 Whether you have 24 hours in Edinburgh or a whole week, you will definitely not get bored!