If I had only 24 Hours in Edinburgh...

As part of a longer trip to Italy, I recently had 24 hours to spend in Bologna.  I spent lots of time researching the best things to do, places to eat, and areas to shop in, and it made me wonder – if I had only 24 hours in Edinburgh, what would I do, where would I visit and where would I eat? So, I have narrowed down a list of all my favourite things in Edinburgh, selected my must-see spots, and put together the perfect 24-hour itinerary for anyone looking to make the most of a day in Edinburgh.

Morning:

My absolute favourite morning activity is to have breakfast at the top of Calton Hill. One of my favourite coffee shops in Edinburgh, Fortitude Coffee, is right at the bottom of Calton Hill and they offer not only great coffee and hot chocolate, but also great pastries! So, I would recommend a trip to Fortitude Coffee to get a quick take-away breakfast before heading up Calton Hill to enjoy breakfast with a breathtaking view. And, if you’re an early riser, you might even catch the beautiful sunrise over Edinburgh, though I am rarely awake in time for that.

Of course, there is also now a new restaurant/café, Café Calton, on Calton Hill, though I haven’t been there myself so I can’t vouch for it – but the reviews are amazing!

Following this, I would make my way down into the Old Town and spend some time exploring some of Edinburgh's most charming streets. One of my favourite places to wander is Victoria Street, with its colourful buildings, independent shops and lively atmosphere. Even if you're not planning on buying anything, it's a lovely street to stroll along and soak up the character of the city. From here, depending on time, you could take a walk round to Princes Street Gardens, or Grassmarket, which is a particularly nice area on market day.

Lunch:

One of my favourite lunch spots in central Edinburgh is Scran Bistro on North Bridge. Their menu features everything from burgers and loaded fries to brunch favourites and sweet treats, so there's something for everyone. It's also conveniently located just a short walk from many of Edinburgh's most popular attractions, making it an easy addition to any 24-hour itinerary.

I would also recommend Café Andaluz. With locations on both George IV Bridge in Old Town and George Street in New Town, it's a great option no matter where your adventures have taken you. Serving a wide variety of tapas dishes, it's perfect for sharing and offers something for everyone. Whenever friends or family come to visit Edinburgh, Café Andaluz is always one of my go-to recommendations.

Afternoon:

After lunch, I would recommend heading over to Dean Village. Despite being just a short walk from the city centre, it feels like a completely different world. With its picturesque stone buildings, peaceful riverside paths and charming atmosphere, it's one of Edinburgh's most beautiful areas and a favourite spot among both visitors and locals.

Of course, Edinburgh's weather can be unpredictable, so if the rain decides to make an appearance, I'd swap Dean Village for a visit to the Scottish National Gallery. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, it's home to an impressive collection of artworks from some of the world's most famous artists, as well as Scottish masterpieces. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a way to escape the rain for a few hours, it's well worth a visit. And, it’s free!

Dinner:

If you’re looking for something fancy, I would without a doubt recommend The Dome. Housed within one of Edinburgh's most iconic buildings, it's renowned for its stunning interior, elegant atmosphere and excellent food. Dining there always feels like a special occasion, making it the perfect place to round off a day in the city. It's particularly magical during the festive season when the building is decorated with spectacular Christmas decorations, but it's worth visiting at any time of year.

A cheaper but equally delicious option would be Chez Jules, a cosy but lively French restaurant located on Hanover Street. The menu offers a fantastic selection of classic French dishes, from steak frites to French onion soup, all at surprisingly reasonable prices.

I would recommend booking ahead for both of these restaurants, especially during busier times such as Christmas and the Fringe, as they are popular with both locals and tourists alike!

What I would avoid:

1. The Royal Mile. This might be a controversial choice, but if you only have 24 hours in Edinburgh, I wouldn't spend too much time on the Royal Mile. I walk up and down it every day on my way to and from university, and while the historic buildings are beautiful, the street itself is largely filled with expensive tourist shops selling the same souvenirs. And aside from the shops, there's not actually that much to see, and it can often be very crowded. If you're short on time, I'd recommend taking a quick stroll through to admire the architecture before heading off to explore some of Edinburgh's more unique neighbourhoods and hidden gems.

2. Princes Street Shopping. If you're visiting Edinburgh for just 24 hours, I wouldn't recommend spending too much time shopping on Princes Street. While it may be one of the city's most famous streets, it's largely made up of chain stores that you can find in almost any UK city. Of course, it's worth walking along for the fantastic views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town skyline, but if you're hoping for a unique shopping experience, I'd suggest heading to areas such as Victoria Street or Cockburn Street instead.

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24 hours in Edinburgh...

Of course, there's far more to Edinburgh than can be squeezed into just 24 hours, but if I only had one day in the city, this is exactly how I'd spend it. From breathtaking views to fantastic food and cosy lunch spots, Edinburgh has something for everyone. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in Scotland's capital and perhaps even discover a few of my favourite spots along the way!