The Perfect 3-Day weekend in Edinburgh: Castles, Chapel Secrets & Local Gems (Full Itinerary)

Pauline Lys
Apr 21
4 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

3-Day weekend in Edinburgh: Castles, Chapel Secrets & Local Gems

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a captivating city bursting with history, creativity, and stunning landscapes. If you're heading to Scotland for the first time, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to discover both the classic sights and some local secrets.

Here’s my 3-day Edinburgh itinerary, covering everything from the Old Town and Rosslyn Chapel, to the creative neighborhood of Leith.

Day 1: Mysteries and Legends – Rosslyn Chapel

I drove up from Leeds to Edinburgh, and since I was coming from the south, it made perfect sense to stop at the iconic Rosslyn Chapel along the way. If you're already in Edinburgh, you can get there easily in 30–40 minutes by bus.

Although Rosslyn Chapel isn't technically in Edinburgh, it's nestled in the quiet village of Roslin, just outside the city. It became famous as the final setting in The Da Vinci Code movie.

Built in the 15th century, the chapel is full of symbolism and hidden stories. From the haunting faces of the Green Man to the dramatic tale of the apprentice pillar, it’s worth catching one of the guided talks to truly appreciate the history.

Would I call it a must-do? Not necessarily, but if you have the time, it's a beautiful and unique detour.

Rating: 6/10

Entry: £11.50

Info & Tickets: rosslynchapel.com

Historic stone chapel with arched windows and ornate spires. A wet stone path leads to a wooden door. Overcast sky sets a somber mood.

Stone gargoyle on an ornate medieval building with arched carvings. The structure is weathered, showcasing rich earthy tones. Mood is ancient.

Day 2: Royal Stones and Cobbled Streets – Edinburgh Old Town

On day two, I dove into Edinburgh’s iconic Old Town. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also incredibly charming!

I started at Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically on Castle Rock. Definitely book your ticket in advance and try to be there for the 1PM cannon shot, a daily tradition since 1861. The views from the top are stunning, especially on a clear day.

Rating: 8/10

Entry: £21.50

Info & tickets: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot

Stone lion sculpture holding a shield with a Union Jack design in front of a historic stone building. Sunlit scene with arched windows.

People walking on a cobblestone path by stone buildings atop a hill with a view of a cityscape. Bright blue sky and scattered clouds.

Row of black cannons on a wet, stone terrace with an ancient stone building and a cloudy blue sky in the background. Cityscape visible far off.

From there, I made my way down the Royal Mile, a vibrant stretch full of history, shops, tartan fabrics, and whisky tastings. The Royal Mile historically links Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, following the old processional route of Scottish royalty.

On the way, I stopped inside St Giles’ Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece with incredible stained glass windows. Entry is free, and it’s 100% worth popping in for a moment of calm.

Bagpiper in traditional attire plays on a cobblestone street under a sunlit brick wall. An open case with donation options is on the ground.

Gothic church interior with vaulted ceiling, stained glass window, and music stands. Stone arches create a serene, historic atmosphere.

Later on, I checked out the Tron Kirk Market, an artisan market inside a partially restored church. It’s full of locally made goods and has a real community vibe, but like many UK shops, it closes early, so go before 5PM!

Royal Mile Rating: 10/10

Person leans on a red phone booth on a wet city street with historic buildings and a clock tower under a partly cloudy sky.

Silhouetted people walk along a street at sunset, with lens flare and historic buildings in the background. Warm, serene atmosphere.

And of course, I couldn’t skip Victoria Street, a colourful street said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Fun fact: J.K. Rowling wrote large parts of the books in Edinburgh, in nearby cafés like The Elephant House.

Victoria Street Rating: 9/10

Person walking on a cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings. Overcast sky. Signs read "Cubitts" and "West Bow." Urban vibe.

Ornate elephant sign hangs outside a red cafe, "The Elephant House Magical Cafe," with decorative patterns and playful vibe.

Other must-see spots nearby:

🖋️ The Writers’ Museum – celebrating Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
🕯️ The Real Mary King’s Close – take a spooky tour through Edinburgh’s underground.
🎡 Camera Obscura & World of Illusions – fun and quirky with great rooftop views.
⚰️ Greyfriars Kirkyard – where you'll find “Tom Riddle’s” grave.
🏫 George Heriot’s School – the real-life inspiration for Hogwarts.
👑 Holyrood Palace – the official Scottish residence of the British monarch.

Day 3: Creative Vibes by the Sea – Leith

For day 3, I headed off the tourist trail to explore Leith, Edinburgh’s old port district. It’s raw, creative, and definitely underrated.

I began on Commercial Street and Bernard Street, which are full of indie cafés, boutiques, and artist studios.

Person in a jacket and jeans walks along a waterfront with historic buildings in the background. Blue sky and clouds, cobblestone path.

Blue mural of a robed figure and crescent moon on a building labeled "Portal Leith." Signs advertise crystals and crafts. Urban setting.

Then I headed to Quality Yard, where local artists have turned an old industrial space into a 360° outdoor gallery. The walls are covered in bold murals and tags, pure street art magic. The studios on-site rotate their public works, so there’s always something new.

Street art on brick walls shows colorful faces and a wolf. Text reads "Papa Gabbo." Urban setting with weathered textures.

Person posing by a vibrant mural of a lizard on a stone wall, colorful tie-dye background, and "Leith Festival" sign visible.

Totally by chance, I met a few members of the Scottish Mineral & Lapidary Club in the Quality Yard parking lot. They invited me in for a spontaneous tour... and wow. It’s a passionate, community-run club where people work with crystals, gems, and minerals.

They explained the roots of lapidary, the art of cutting and polishing stones, and how Scotland is rich in mineral resources (except diamonds), just not in commercial quantity. This is the oldest lapidary club in Edinburgh, and they even helped create a gem for the Scottish Royal Sword!

It’s completely free to visit, just consider making a small donation to support them. And if you go? Ask for Peter 😉

Workshop with gem-cutting machines on wooden desks, black chairs, wall clock, and posters. Bright fluorescent lights and a neutral tone.

Two framed agate displays with vibrant patterns on a white brick wall. Below, a shelf holds papers. Labels indicate a 60th anniversary.

I finished the day with a calm walk along the Leith waterfront, passing through the Victoria Swing Bridge and watching boats sway in the late afternoon light.

A statue of a man sitting on a bench faces a docked boat labeled "1502 U JERSEY" beside a waterfront with buildings. The scene is grayscale.

Two people walk on a cobblestone plaza at sunset. A monument aligns with the sun, casting long shadows. Warm, golden colors dominate the scene.

Don’t miss in Leith:

🛳️ The Royal Yacht Britannia – the Queen’s former floating palace.
🥕 Leith Market – every Saturday with fresh produce and crafts.
🎶 The Pitt Market (Fri–Sun) – for street food, drinks, and live music.
🥃 Teuchters Landing – perfect for whisky and waterfront vibes.
🎨 Out of the Blue Drill Hall – arts venue with regular events & exhibitions.

Other Places Worth Exploring (Next Time!)

🏛️ Calton Hill – for iconic skyline views.
🏘️ Dean Village – like a fairy tale in the city.
🌋 Arthur’s Seat – hike an extinct volcano for sunrise.
🛍️ Stockbridge – boho charm, Circus Lane, and a Sunday market.
🏰 Craigmillar Castle – less touristy but full of history.
🌳 Blackford Hill – panoramic views and peace.
🏝️ Cramond Island – accessible at low tide via causeway.
🌿 Duddingston Loch & Dr Neil’s Garden – a tranquil hidden oasis.

Top pub & restaurant picks in Edinburgh:

🍸 Nauticus
🐟 The Ship on the Shore
🦐 Fishers
🌦️ The Barologist
✨ The Dome
🍻 The Last Drop
🥃 Whiski Rooms
🥞 Loudons New Waverley

Edinburgh is a city with soul. From castles and cobbled streets to street art and secret clubs, every corner has something to tell you. You don’t just visit Edinburgh, you feel it. This was great for a 3-day weekend in Edinburgh!

Have you been to Edinburgh? What were your favorite hidden gems? Let me know in the comments!