Edinburgh Day Trip | A Classic Walking Route Starting from Edinburgh Waverley
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and it feels very different from big cities like London and Manchester. The whole city has an ancient, mysterious, and story-filled atmosphere. Especially when you step out of the train station, you can see the undulating streets, stone buildings, and distant hills, giving you a feeling of stepping back into history.
This time, I planned a day trip starting from Edinburgh Waverley Station, passing by Calton Hill, Scott's Tower, Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish National Museum, the Barbie statue, the University of Edinburgh, and finally heading to the beautiful, fairytale-like Dean Village. This post will summarize what I consider the most convenient day trip route in Edinburgh, worthwhile attractions, and a recommendation for a unique and relatively affordable restaurant.
First stop: Start your Edinburgh day trip from Edinburgh Waverley
For our day trip to Edinburgh, we took the train to Waverley Station. The station's location is incredibly convenient, practically right in the city center, so we could start exploring immediately after getting off the train without spending too much time transferring. If you're also arriving in Edinburgh from another city in the UK, I highly recommend starting at Waverley Station. From there, you can easily walk to Calton Hill, Princes Street, the Old Town, and Edinburgh Castle.
Second stop: Calton Hill
After exiting Waverley station, you can walk to Calton Hill first, as it's a short walk and offers expansive city views. Standing on Calton Hill, you can see Edinburgh city center, distant buildings, and hills; it's truly beautiful on a clear day. It's also a great spot for taking photos, especially for first-time visitors to Edinburgh, making it easy to form a lasting first impression of the city.
Third stop: Scott Monument and Princes Street
Scott Monument is one of the most prominent landmarks in Edinburgh's city centre. After leaving Calton Hill, you can walk back to the centre and head to Scott Monument. This black Gothic building is very eye-catching and almost impossible to miss when standing near Princes Street. Its appearance has a strong sense of history and adds to the character of Edinburgh's urban atmosphere.
After visiting Scott Tower, you can stroll along Princes Street towards Edinburgh Castle. This street features shops and street scenes on one side, and offers views of the city skyline towards the castle on the other, making it a great place to take photos while walking.
Fourth stop: Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a must-see for first-time visitors to Edinburgh. Walking along Princes Street, you'll gradually approach the castle. Perched high up, it's visible from many angles throughout the city, making it truly impressive. Even without going inside, simply walking around and taking photos from the outside conveys its grandeur as an iconic Edinburgh landmark. If you have ample time, consider purchasing a ticket to enter the castle; if you only have a day trip and a tight schedule, you can simply use it for exterior photography and a stroll before continuing towards the Old Town and museums.
Fifth stop: Scottish National Museum
Next, you can walk to the Scottish National Museum, which is free to visit and has a diverse collection of exhibits. It's a great place to stop during a day trip as a short break and a place to see exhibits. I think the most special thing is that you can see the famous Dolly the Sheep here. If you are interested in science, history, or natural history exhibits, you can actually spend a long time here. However, if you are short on time, you can also pick a few key exhibits to see, making it a more educational stop on your Edinburgh day trip.
Sixth stop: The Barbie statue and the University of Edinburgh
Near the National Museum of Scotland, there are several small attractions worth visiting along the way, such as the famous Greyfriars Bobby statue. This statue has a heartwarming and somewhat touching story behind it and is one of Edinburgh's iconic landmarks. You can also stroll along the road to the University of Edinburgh area, which is full of students, cafes, and historic buildings. This area offers a different feel from the castle and Princes Street, allowing you to experience Edinburgh more as a university city. If you have time, it's a great place to leisurely explore.
Stop 7: Dean Village
After lunch, you can head to Dean Village. It's completely different from the bustling city center; the atmosphere is much quieter, giving it a village-like feel. The riverside, stone houses, and winding paths are picturesque, perfect for a stroll and taking photos. I've placed Dean Village last on the itinerary because its pace is slower, making it a relaxing way to end a day trip to Edinburgh after a long day of sightseeing.
Lunch recommendation: The Caley Picture House
For lunch, we went to Caley Picture House, a restaurant converted from a theater. The space is very unique, with a retro, lively, and slightly theatrical atmosphere. I personally think it's a bit like Golden Sands in Taiwan, a great place to eat and chat with friends.
More importantly, this restaurant offers discounted meals after 2 pm on weekdays, so considering UK prices, I think it's a pretty good deal. If you happen to be near Edinburgh city centre and want a restaurant with a good atmosphere but don't want to spend too much money, this is a place to add to your wishlist.