How to See Edinburgh in 24 Hours: Our Family-Friendly Walking Route Through Scotland's Capital
Wondering how to spend 1 day in Edinburgh, Scotland? Here is our family friendly Edinburgh itinerary with historic stops, must see spots, Harry Potter spots, and travel tips
FAMILY TRAVEL
Jordan Ashley
6/15/20267 min read
Scotland was one of the destinations I was most excited about on our 26-day Europe adventure.
Maybe it was the castles. Maybe it was the history. Maybe it was years of seeing photos of Edinburgh and wondering if it could possibly be as beautiful in real life as it looked online. It set the tone for the rest of our UK portion of our family adventure.
The day before, we had said goodbye to Disneyland Paris and landed in Edinburgh. We woke up in a new country, a new city, and for the first time on this trip we were stepping into real medieval castles. Not the fairy-tale kind. The kind that shaped history.
And we were doing it with a six year old, a three year old, a baby on the way, and a stroller. Because that's how we chose to experience Europe this month (and I am SO glad we brought the stroller).
If you're looking for how to see Edinburgh in 24 hours, this is the exact route we used to hit many of the city's highlights in a single day. We technically spent longer than 24 hours in Edinburgh because of flights and overnight accommodations, but this walking route can easily be done as a one-day itinerary.
It includes Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Calton Hill, and several of our favorite views of the city.
More importantly, it's realistic. Not a "see 37 attractions before lunch" kind of itinerary. One that worked for our family, gave us time to enjoy the city, and still let us experience the places that make Edinburgh so special.
Our Edinburgh Walking Route at a Glance
If you're short on time, this was the route we followed:
Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile
Victoria Street
The Elephant House
Calton Hill
Edinburgh City Centre
If you'd like the exact walking path, including some of our favorite photo locations and practical planning tips, you can download it from our free Travel Resource Library.
Where We Stayed in Edinburgh
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Edinburgh City Centre using IHG points.
For families, location matters almost as much as the attractions themselves.
One thing that often surprises Americans traveling through Europe is how much smaller hotel rooms can be compared to what we're used to at home. Finding accommodations that comfortably fit a family of four takes a little planning, especially while pregnant.
This hotel worked well for us because we could walk to most of the places we wanted to visit.
Breakfast was included, which is always a huge win when traveling with kids. Nothing fancy, but it was filling and easy before a big day of walking. We had eggs, sausage, toast, yogurt, cereal, and of course, baked beans.
If you would like help finding the right fit for your family, I can help you find a personalized best fit for you. You can fill out a guest interest form here
Stop #1: Edinburgh Castle
The first glimpse of Edinburgh Castle was one of those moments where the kids forgot they were tired and immediately started pointing.
As we walked through the city, the castle slowly appeared above us, sitting on top of Castle Rock, an extinct volcano that dominates the Edinburgh skyline.
If you're only spending one day in Edinburgh, this should absolutely be your first stop.
We intentionally started our day here because crowds build quickly, especially during peak season, and it was the one attraction we absolutely did not want to miss.
Inside, we used the family-friendly audio guides. Honestly, they were one of the best decisions we made all day.
Giving the girls their own headsets transformed the experience. Instead of being dragged through history, they became active participants in it. They searched for details, listened to stories, and explored with purpose.
Our oldest daughter was especially excited when she got to hold a sword and an arrow during one of the interactive exhibits. That moment alone made the castle worth it for her.
For the adults, the views were incredible. On a clear day, you can see across the city, out toward the sea, and over the rolling hills beyond Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle Tips
Book tickets in advance.
Arrive early if possible.
Use the audio guides.
Kids under seven are free but still need reservations.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore.
Don't Miss at Edinburgh Castle
The Great Hall
The Royal Palace
The Half Moon Battery
The One O'Clock Gun
Prisoner of War exhibits
Castle viewpoints
Stop #2 Walking the Royal Mile
After leaving the castle, we made our way down the Royal Mile.
This historic street connects Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace and serves as the heart of Old Town Edinburgh. It feels like stepping into a storybook.
Bagpipes echoed through the streets. Street performers entertained crowds. Historic buildings lined both sides of the road, and narrow alleyways seemed to disappear into hidden courtyards.
There is so much to see here that even if you don't stop at every attraction, simply walking the Royal Mile is an experience in itself. I will say it is a little touristy for sure, but in a way that is part of the fun and I would definitely say it still needs to be experienced. There are some beautiful buildings along the route, and that alone is worth it to me.
Victoria Street and Harry Potter Stops
As huge Harry Potter fans, Victoria Street was one of our favorite stops. Many people believe this colorful curved street helped inspire Diagon Alley, and whether that's true or not, it's easy to understand why.
The colorful storefronts, winding road, and historic atmosphere make it one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh.
We also stopped by The Elephant House, which is famous for its connection to J.K. Rowling and the early days of Harry Potter. It is sadly closed but it is still such a fun thing to see in person.
It's one of those places that Harry Potter fans naturally want to see while visiting Edinburgh. We definitely did! I have a running list of places in the UK that every Harry Potter fan needs to see, and this street is definitely on it!
Family Travel Tip: Food Doesn't Have to Be Fancy
One lesson we've learned after years of traveling with kids is that not every meal needs to be an authentic cultural experience. Sometimes pizza is exactly what your family needs.
We grabbed pizza at Edinburgh Castle and later stopped at Oink. Could we have sought out more traditional Scottish food?
Sure.
But keeping everyone happy, fed, and moving was a higher priority for us on this trip. And honestly, there's no shame in that. We chose to pick our battles and food wasn't one of them.
Was Calton Hill Worth the Climb?
Absolutely.
At this point in the day, everyone was getting tired. We were still adjusting to the time difference. We had already walked quite a bit. The kids were starting to feel it. And we still had one more climb ahead of us.
But the views from Carlton Hill made every step worth it. We originally considered climbing Arthur's Seat but I am so glad we thought better of it and stuck with Carlton Hill (much more stroller friendly).
At the top sits the National Monument of Scotland, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.
The climb wasn't terrible, but there was definitely some grumbling along the way. Once we reached the top though, the girls were so proud of themselves. And honestly, those moments are a huge part of why we travel.
Not just for the views. Not just for the history.
But for the opportunity to face challenges together, build confidence, and create memories that will last far longer than any souvenir.
What We Learned About Visiting Edinburgh With Kids
Edinburgh with kids is absolutely doable. But it helps to have realistic expectations.
The city is hilly.
There are stairs.
There are cobblestones.
And little legs get tired.
We took breaks. We carried snacks. We adjusted our pace. We let the girls stop and explore things that interested them.
Could we have seen more without kids?
Absolutely.
Would we have enjoyed it more?
Honestly, probably not.
Traveling together may not always be the most efficient way to see a destination, but for us it's almost always the most meaningful. Do you agree?
Our Biggest Edinburgh Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes.
Expect hills and stairs.
Book Edinburgh Castle ahead of time.
Start your day early.
Carry plenty of snacks.
Leave room for flexibility.
Don't try to see absolutely everything.
Download a walking route before you go.
Can You Really See Edinburgh in 24 Hours?
Yes.
But you'll need to prioritize. We originally planned to visit Dean Village before leaving Edinburgh, but after several busy days of travel we chose sleep instead.
And honestly, I don't regret it.
One of the biggest lessons we've learned through family travel is that not every plan has to be executed. Sometimes rest is the better investment. Now does that mean that I don't spend hours planning and prepping 100 things to do in each location, no. I love the feeling of being prepared, knowing more things to do in each area than I will actually need, just in case a plan doesn't work out or we have more time... that's just my preference. I have to be ok knowing I will not get to every. single. thing.
If you focus on Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, and Carlton Hill, you'll experience many of the highlights that make Edinburgh so special.
Download Our Free Edinburgh Walking Route
Want to follow the exact route we used?
I've included our family-friendly Edinburgh walking route, ensuring we passed several major photo locations, major attractions, and practical planning tips inside our free Travel Resource Library.
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See how we spent 1 full day in Edinburgh, Scotland with 2 kids