Edinburgh in 3 days - 72-hour itinerary

Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry.

At the bottom of the Royal Mile you'll find the Canongate and Holyrood area of the Old Town which dates back over 800 years. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an elegant royal residence with links to monarchs from throughout the centuries situated at the foot of the Royal Mile. Today it is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King.

Take a tour and see Mary Queen of Scots' bedchamber and the room where her confidante, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered. If you've got time afterwards, pop into the Scottish Parliament opposite for a tour.

Another great way to get a feel for this exciting city is to take an open-top Edinburgh Bus Tour. Departing from Waverley Bridge, the tour is an hour in total. It's a hop-on, hop-off service which gives you the freedom to do a bit of exploring along the route. You'll pass some awesome parts of the city such as the New Town, Old Town and Grassmarket, and see Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and much more.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is named by many as one of the UK's best attractions. Step on board the late Queen Elizabeth II's former floating Royal residence, where you'll see the engine room, a Rolls Royce and state apartments across five decks. After the tour, take some time to explore the Shore in Leith, one of the most fashionable areas to live in Edinburgh.

Spend a few hours touring the Royal Botanic Garden with its wonderful glasshouses, exhibitions and a world of colourful plants and shrubs. It's located in the Inverleith part of the city and is just a mile from the city centre.

Head to Princes Street and George Street, the ideal destinations for some retail therapy. There's a huge range of top high street brands, or if you like designer stores, head to Multrees Walk and the new St James Quarter which also has an amazing selection of eateries.

If shopping isn't your thing, then why not head to Calton Hill to the east of Princes Street? It's home to the National Monument and offers some superb city skyline views. Or, if you're in the mood for a bit of culture, head to the Scottish National Gallery to see some masterpieces for free.

Stroll up the Royal Mile and pay a visit to the fascinating Camera Obscura and World of Illusions which has captivated visitors with its amazing optical illusions and panoramic views of Edinburgh for over 150 years. Step inside a darkened room and watch incredible live moving images of the city and its inhabitants projected onto a table by a giant periscope while listening to colourful tales from the past.

Head toward the top of the Royal Mile and join a tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience, where you can enjoy a barrel ride to learn all about the whisky-making process and identify which whiskies suit your palate. 

Located just a short walk from the Royal Mile on Chamber’s Street, the National Museum of Scotland is full of intriguing objects and brilliant stories.

This world-class museum is the most visited attraction outside of London and is filled with incredible displays covering history, natural heritage, world cultures, design, innovation, technology and more. Best of all? It's completely free.