Edinburgh is a city where cobblestone streets meet volcanic hills, and centuries of history unfold around every corner. From the medieval charm of the Old Town to the Georgian elegance of the New Town, Scotland’s capital is full of character, culture, and dramatic views. Whether you're chasing castles, exploring cozy cafés, or hiking up Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh makes a memorable first stop in any Scotland adventure.

Landing in Edinburgh: A Redeye Start

We took a redeye flight from Boston to Edinburgh, landing early in the morning—tired but excited. With just one day to explore the city, we headed straight into town and were lucky to find a warm welcome at our hotel.

Ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square

Before hitting the cobblestone streets, we stopped at Ibis Styles St Andrew Square, where the staff kindly let us store our bags and even allowed an early check-in. A huge bonus after an overnight flight! With a prime location in New Town, this hotel is modern, affordable, and within walking distance to nearly every major attraction.

Edinburgh Castle

Our first stop was the iconic Edinburgh Castle, dramatically perched on Castle Rock overlooking the city. The fortress is rich with history—home to the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Be sure to catch the One O’Clock Gun, a cannon fired daily (except Sundays).

Tip: Book tickets online to avoid long queues. Arrive early to experience the castle before it gets crowded.

Royal Mile

From the castle, we walked down the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s most historic street. This cobblestone stretch connects the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is packed with shops, street performers, and narrow “closes” (alleyways) that lead to hidden gardens and pubs.

Wander aimlessly—it’s the best way to find Edinburgh’s secrets.

Lunch Stop: Ugarit Café

Tucked slightly off the Royal Mile is Ugarit Café, a cozy and unassuming Syrian spot. We shared a plate of warm falafel, hummus, and fresh pita—simple, quick, and exactly what we needed after a long flight and morning of walking.

Highly recommended if you want a flavorful and affordable meal away from the tourist traps.

Arthur’s Seat (or the Lesser-Known Summit)

As we entered Holyrood Park ready to hike the famous Arthur’s Seat, we struck up a conversation with a friendly local walking his dog. Instead of following the main (and crowded) path to Arthur’s Summit, he pointed us toward a slightly lesser-known summit to the left of the main trailhead.

“It’s quieter,” he said, “but you’ll get the same incredible views without the crowd.” He wasn’t wrong. We hiked up a grassy ridge with only a few other walkers in sight and were rewarded with sweeping views of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the castle skyline—all with room to breathe.

That same local also tipped us off to a hidden gem we would’ve missed entirely: Duddingston Village, tucked behind Holyrood Park. Taking his advice, we followed the path down the back side of the hill into one of the most peaceful, authentic corners of the city. It turned out to be a highlight of our day.

Duddingston Village

At the base of Holyrood Park lies Duddingston, a charming and often-overlooked village. It felt like stepping into a time capsule—stone cottages, flower-lined lanes, and almost no tourists in sight.

A peaceful place to pause and catch your breath before continuing on.

Sheep Heid Inn

In Duddingston, we made a must-visit stop at The Sheep Heid Inn, Scotland’s oldest surviving pub (dating back to 1360). We grabbed a pint and shared a sticky toffee pudding in their cozy dining room. The walls are lined with centuries of history—and a bowling alley in the back gives it quirky charm.

Dinner: Kenilworth Fish & Chips

For dinner, we headed a bit off the beaten path to The Kenilworth, a local gem just outside the city center. We ordered classic fish and chips, haggis, and a pint to round out our Scottish food experience for the day. Authentic, filling, and served with no fuss.

Evening Walk: Princes Street Gardens

Back in town, we took an evening stroll through Princes Street Gardens. With the castle lit above and the sound of a distant bagpipe, the moment felt surreal. A perfect way to wind down our first day in Scotland.

Final Tips:

Start early to maximize daylight, especially in shoulder seasons.
Dress in layers—Edinburgh’s weather can change quickly.
Comfortable shoes are a must for cobblestones and hills.
Don’t over-plan; part of the magic is found in the in-between moments.

Edinburgh - Scotland (Day 1)