Edinburgh had been on my list ever since my partner mentioned the city to me when we were travelling around Munich and Nuremberg in Germany. I had been gushing over the city the first time I landed in the city via Finnair Airlines from Delhi, with a short layover in Helsinki. So when I finally came back from my first trip to the UK, I put together my own Edinburgh itinerary for Indians travelling solo, carving out time to wander the Old Town’s cobbled closes and climb up to Arthur’s Seat for sunset, and it more than lived up to the wait. Scotland’s capital has this rare mix of medieval grit and elegant Georgian charm, and honestly, a few days here barely feel like enough.
If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, here’s everything I’d want to know before I went — a full itinerary, the best places to visit, where to stay, and a few tips specifically for Indian travellers travelling to the UK for the first time.
Quick Tid bits –
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (May–September) for milder weather and longer daylight; visit in December for the Christmas markets if you don’t mind the cold. I would recommend avoiding weekends and July-Aug, summer vacations in the UK, meaning it will be crowded everywhere.
- Ideal trip length: 3–4 days is enough to cover the city well; add a few days for day trips (details below). Scotland is mind-numbingly gorgeous; you will be overwhelmed by the beautiful landscape here.
- Currency: Pound Sterling (£). Euro and USD are also accepted, but currency conversion rates hit hard. Some banks print their localised currency notes, so you might get different currency from some stores. Be sure to spend it in Scotland only as those are not valid in the rest of the UK.
- Visa for Indians: UK Standard Visitor Visa required — I’ve covered the full process here
- Getting there from Delhi: No direct flights as of June 2026; Finnair via Helsinki is one of the most comfortable connecting options — read my Finnair review here. A couple of flights via London, Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar, and Frankfurt as well. I have travelled via Qatar Airways, Lufthansa Airlines, and I find Finnair the best.
- Getting around: Edinburgh is very walkable; Old Town and New Town are both compact, with buses covering the rest. Old town can be covered via trams as well, in case that is part of your bucket list. Walking around and exploring the charm of the city is actually one of my favourite memories of my trips.
How Many Days Do You Need in Edinburgh?
Three to four days is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to properly explore the Old Town and New Town, climb Arthur’s Seat, and still fit in a day trip — without feeling like you’re racing the clock. Edinburgh is a city enjoyed slowly, unlike some bigger cities like Paris and London, which can be done in 2-3 days.
Edinburgh Itinerary for Indians: Where to Go in 3 Days
Day 1: The Royal Mile and Old Town
Start at Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically above the city — I’d suggest going early to beat the crowds or on weekdays. Allow at least two hours to see the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The castle closes at 5 PM sharp. Buy your tickets well in advance, as they sell out weeks in advance. I had made the mistake once and so I highly recommend planning for Castle early in your trip.
No Edinburgh itinerary for Indians can be complete without exploring Royal Mile. So after visiting the Edinburgh Castle, walk down the Royal Mile, the spine of the Old Town connecting the castle to the Palace of Holyrood house. Duck into the closes (the narrow alleyways branching off the main street – very easy to spot) — this is where Edinburgh’s medieval character really shows.
While you are exploring the Royal Mile, make sure to make a pit stop to Alandas Gelato, one of the best gelatos in town.
Stop at St Giles’ Cathedral for its striking crown spire; there is no entry fee, although a recommended donation of £5 is expected for general upkeep of the structure.
Then continue to Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, if you have time for the interior.
End the day at Greyfriars Kirkyard — a graveyard with deep ties to Scottish history. The dog Greyfriars Bobby guarded his master’s grave for 14 years until he died. Slightly eerie to visit, but mostly a place in Edinburgh you would not to miss.
The resting place is also said to have inspired several Harry Potter character names. There are a couple of pubs here if you would like to enjoy the vibe of the place. End day 1 of Edinburgh itinerary for Indians here, and have dinner at any good restaurants from here in the walking distance.
Day 2: Arthur’s Seat and New Town
For second day of my Edinburgh itinerary for Indians, I have kept the very well deserved Arthur’s Seat hike. Lace up proper shoes for this one. Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano that towers over the city, is a moderate hike (about 2-3 hours round trip) with one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh you’ll get anywhere. If you’re not in good shape, you might find the short hike a bit difficult, just like I did. Go in the morning for clearer skies and fewer crowds. I am not a morning person, and rather more of a sunset person, so I went in the evening. This comes with the disadvantage of crowds. Choose what suits you best. The return route is extremely scenic.
In the afternoon, cross into New Town for a complete change of pace — wide Georgian streets, Princes Street Gardens, and the Scott Monument. If you’re in the mood to shop, George Street and Princes Street cover most of it. If you are in the UK and would like to get some drugstore cosmetics, I highly recommend going to the Boots store on Princess Street – one of the biggest stores of Boots in Edinburgh city.
Round off the evening with a walk up Calton Hill — this was one of my favourite places in Edinburgh. Much quieter than Arthur’s Seat, much easier climb, and arguably just as good for sunset views over the city. Great place to have picnics here. If you are a fan of Northern lights (Aurora Borealis), Calton Hill is one of the best place in the city to spot them on a clear night when there’s no moon.
Day 3: Stories, Whisky, and the Streets That Inspired Harry Potter
Edinburgh has a strong literary pull, so dedicate a slower day to it. On day 3 of my Edinburgh itinerary for Indians I recommend visiting The Elephant House (or its current incarnation post-fire) and Victoria Street, the curved, colourful row of shops often cited as inspiration for Diagon Alley. You would love closewalking (alleys walk) here, it truly is a walk to remember.
Spend an hour or two at the Scottish Whisky Experience near the castle — even if you’re not a whisky drinker, the tasting and the history of Scotch production are worth it.
When in Scotland, do not miss on enjoying the Scottish playing the authentic bagpipes music. If you have seen Ross in FRIENDS playing Bagpipes for Monica’s wedding, you would definitely love the original bagpipes music here 😉
For beach lovers, Portobello Beach is one of best beaches in the city of Edinburgh. Although it might not be open for swimming, but plenty of cafes if you’d like to enjoy the view.
In the evening, head into Dean Village — a small, almost hidden pocket of the city along the Water of Leith that feels nothing like the rest of Edinburgh, with old stone mills and a postcard-worthy bridge. The village have some nice places for coffee and local Scottish food. Here is my vlog on Dean Village if you would like to have an insight.
Day Trips to include in Edinburgh Itinerary for Indians
For extra few days of my Edinburgh itinerary for Indians, I have some recommendations:
Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument — about an hour from Edinburgh, good for history lovers. I recommend booking some tours from GetYourGuide.
The Scottish Highlands (day tour) — Loch Lomond or Glencoe day tours are widely available and let you see the Highlands without renting a car
St Andrews — golf history, a ruined cathedral, and a proper seaside town feel, with many pleasing architectural buildings all around.
Aberdeen – Scotland’s largest city, known as Europe’s Oil capital, with many things to do. Visit the Dunnotar Castle, ruins at the clifftop with regal family history and the city centre – all of this is easily doable in a day
North Berwick – Just half an hour out of Edinburgh, the town has an interesting Scottish Seabird Centre, which I highly recommend doing. The coastal town is charming. If you like to visit castles, the town won’t disappoint you.
If you are feeling adventurous, try dipping your feet in the chilly waters at the sea water here. I absolutely loved it, felt numb for a few seconds but it was a thrilling experience 😀
Off-beaten places to visit in Edinburgh
If you are in Edinburgh for a work trip or someone who loves to travel slow. I highly recommend the below places which will make you feel you belong in Edinburgh like a local.
Water of Leith
The Water of Leith is a 24-mile river walkway that cuts through Edinburgh almost unnoticed, running from the Pentland Hills all the way to Leith and the sea. Most visitors don’t even realise it’s there — but locals use it daily to walk, run, and cycle away from the tourist crush. I strongly believe no Edinburgh itinerary for Indians should be complete without a walk & a snack break here.
Granton Beach
Granton isn’t a “beach” in the postcard sense — think working harbour, sea-worn concrete, and a long promenade rather than golden sand. But that’s exactly its appeal. It’s raw, unpolished, and completely removed from anything resembling a tourist trail.
Pilton Beach
Tucked between Granton and Silverknowes, Pilton Beach is the kind of place you’d only find if you were specifically looking for it — which is precisely why it’s worth including here. It’s a narrow stretch of shoreline, part shingle and part sand, backed by grassy dunes and largely used by locals from the surrounding neighbourhoods rather than visitors. An amazing place for your evening walks if you are there on work trip and want to relax by cool breeze and quiet of the sea.
Silverknowes Beach
The most “beach-like” of the three coastal spots, Silverknowes has actual sand, a proper promenade, and enough space to make it feel like a genuine seaside outing rather than an urban detour. It sits at the western end of the Edinburgh coastal path and is popular with local families, joggers, and dog walkers rather than tourists.
Got extra days for Edinburgh Itinerary for Indians?
Do not miss Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye is a beautiful island in Northwest Scotland, known for its dramatic landscapes. Some of the must-visit places in Skye include the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, Portree, Kilt Rocks, among many more equally amazing attractions. Portee is the capital of Isle of Skye, most tours have a stop here. I have a vlog on breathtaking views of the Isle of Skye, if you would like to watch, here it is.
Although Skye alone can be done in a day through a tour company, reaching Skye from Edinburgh is a long journey. I suggest staying in Inverness and booking a tour from there. Inverness is also a beautiful city, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, with a Castle to visit, a Victorian market, and a gorgeous city centre to walk around. The River Ness is a prime attraction in the city of Inverness.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Budget: Stay near Haymarket or Leith; both are well-connected by tram/bus, noticeably cheaper than Old Town, and Leith has its own great food scene. Hub Edinburgh City- Rose Street is a highly rated hotel available at decent rates, located in a prime location near the Scott Museum.
Mid-range: New Town puts you walking distance from everything while avoiding the steepest Old Town prices. RÌGH Residences – George Street is a 9.5-rated on Booking.com, bang on location, beautiful exteriors and perfect for couples. Renowned for its exceptional continental breakfast.
Luxury: If money is no concern to you, then I suggest staying right on or just off the Royal Mile for castle views and to be in the thick of it — ideal if you want to walk to everything without relying on transport. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh are some of the highly rated hotels with castle views from their rooms. I have stayed in an Aparthotel hotel chain when I was in Vienna, something I can personally vouch for.
Tips for Indian Travellers Visiting Edinburgh
- You’ll need a UK Standard Visitor Visa — apply well in advance, especially during summer peak season. It can take up to 4 weeks to arrive.
- Pack for unpredictable weather even in summer — layers and a waterproof jacket are non-negotiable. You may be wearing a jacket in the morning and want to switch to shorts by noon. Umbrella is non-negotiable in Scotland.
- Carry a water bottle; most restaurants charge for water. Refill stations are almost everywhere.
- Sundays see shorter opening hours for some attractions; plan accordingly
- Vegetarian and Indian food options are easy to find, especially around Leith Walk and the city centre
FAQs for Edinburgh Itinerary for Indians
How many days do you need in Edinburgh? Three to four days cover the main sights comfortably, with a fourth day free for a day trip to the Highlands or Stirling.
Is Edinburgh expensive to visit? It’s on the pricier side compared to other UK cities, but staying slightly outside Old Town and using public transport keeps costs manageable.
Best time to visit Edinburgh from India? May to September for the best weather; December if you want to experience the Christmas markets and Hogmanay, despite the cold.
Do I need a visa to visit Edinburgh from India? Yes, the UK Standard Visitor Visa is required — see my full guide on the visa process here.
HAVE YOU TRAVELED TO EDINBURGH? HOW MANY DAYS DID YOU SPEND AND WHAT PLACES YOU VISITED? DID YOU LIKE THIS EDINBURGH ITINERARY FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
Also, make sure to follow along on my Instagram account for the latest updates and adventures.
Subscribe to TWC’s monthly newsletter – Promise, no spam! – and get your free download of my personally curated carry-on checklist!
My Favorite Posts –
Here are some of my best travel tips
How to Save Money for Travel even with Debt
How To Choose a Camping Site in a Forest
Tips for the First Trip to Paris
These are my all-time favourite posts
Taj Mahal – The Mausoleum for the iconic love story
Follow me on Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration!
Found this post on Edinburgh Itinerary for Indian Travellers helpful? Pin the post for reading again later!
– Shivani
Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Disclaimer – This article has affiliate links. If you click and buy via one of them, it will not add anything to the price of the item. And I’ll receive a small commission to keep the blog running.
One thought