How to Spend a Day in Edinburgh

Welcome to Edinburgh, a city that effortlessly blends ancient charm with vibrant modernity. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, this Scottish gem has something to offer everyone.

Our boutique hotel lists how to spend a day in Edinburgh, keep reading to learn more.

Enjoy breakfast at our hotel

Begin your day by indulging in a hearty breakfast at our luxury hotel. Savour a traditional Scottish breakfast with haggis, black pudding, and tattie scones, or opt for lighter options like freshly baked pastries and a steaming cup of coffee. Afterwards, you’ll be energised and ready to explore. Step outside and let the adventure begin!

Explore our breakfast menu: Hotel Indigo Edinburgh Menus

Take a stroll along the Royal Mile

Head towards the city’s historic heart and take a leisurely stroll along the renowned Royal Mile. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Edinburgh as you pass by iconic landmarks, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle, the picturesque St. Giles’ Cathedral, and the captivating Palace of Holyrood House. 

Plan your visit by clicking here: Royal Mile Edinburgh Visitor Guide

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Discover Hidden Gems at Victoria Street

Take a slight detour from the Royal Mile and venture onto the charming Victoria Street. This whimsical, colourful street is often regarded as one of the most picturesque in Edinburgh. Lined with boutique shops, eclectic cafés, and bookstores, it’s the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and indulge in some retail therapy. 

Discover what’s there by visiting: Victoria Street, Old Town 

Explore Edinburgh’s Museums

Dive into Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage by visiting one of its renowned museums. The National Museum of Scotland offers a fascinating journey through the country’s history, while the Scottish National Gallery showcases a stunning collection of artwork. The dynamic exhibits at the Museum of Edinburgh are a must-see for those interested in science and innovation.

Explore the museums and plan your visit by clicking here: Edinburgh Museums 

An Edinburgh museum

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Botanical Garden

Escape the bustling city streets and retreat to the tranquility of Edinburgh’s beautiful Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at their cafe, nestled between lush greenery. Afterwards, take a stroll around the rest of the gardens to view the beautiful plants and flowers that live there. 

Book your afternoon tea by visiting: Botanical Afternoon Tea 

Settle into one of our boutique hotel rooms

As the day winds down, return to our boutique hotel, where warm hospitality and relaxation await. Unwind in the cosy comfort of your room, reflecting on the day’s adventures and relishing the memories created. 

Book a room today: Hotel Indigo Edinburgh 

Our Edinburgh hotel lies within the Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage site and occupies five original Georgian townhouses just moments from both Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle.

Our hotel in Edinburgh has preserved many of the original features including decorative stairwells and a unique cupola. The chic and contemporary interior reflects the life and vibrancy of Edinburgh today.

There are 60 individual Edinburgh hotel bedrooms and junior suites to choose from and our regular guests have their firm favourites. Each guestroom in our Edinburgh city centre hotel is individually decorated reflecting the neighbourhood story with details of Edinburgh’s rich history and Summer Festival traditions.

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Welcome to Hotel Indigo Edinburgh on York Place

Our 4-star boutique hotel in Edinburgh offers everything you’ll need during your stay in the historic city of Edinburgh. Whether you’re staying for business or leisure, our luxury hotel in Edinburgh is the perfect base to start your exploration of the city rated ‘second top UK destination by TripAdvisor’ along with being ranked ‘second in the world for quality of life’.

If you are looking for the best boutique hotels in Edinburgh, look no further than us right here at Hotel Indigo Edinburgh on York Place, ideally located in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, just moments from St. James Quarter, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Relax at our modern hotel set in 5 traditional Georgian townhouses decorated with chic and contemporary interiors which reflect the vibrancy of Edinburgh today. Admire the hotel’s beautifully preserved features such as the original stairwells and unique cupola. Each guestroom in our Edinburgh city centre hotel is individually designed to reflect the neighbourhood story, with details of Edinburgh’s rich history and Summer Festival traditions, and feature supremely comfortable beds, rainfall showers and friendly service so you’ll feel at home from the moment you arrive. Our Edinburgh hotel staff are here to help you have a great stay and offer in-depth local knowledge about what’s on and where to go in the world-famous city of Edinburgh. Enjoy our hotel’s cosy, atmospheric, bar & lounge which offers a superb range of local beers, speciality whiskies and gins.

Our Hotel

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh’s Latest Special Offers

Giraffe themed Room

Ultimate Giraffe Package

Celebrate the return of the Edinburgh Zoo giraffes with our exclusive package. Paying homage to these majestic creatures with subtle yet stylish touches, the suite features elegant decor and a teepee bed for any little ones. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and zoo tickets, then unwind in your spa-inspired rainfall shower. T&Cs apply.

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Couple sitting on bench

City Plus

Upgrade your Edinburgh city break with our ultimate hotel bundle. Treat yourself with a free bottle of Prosecco, wine or beers on arrival, then start your day right with a delicious Scottish breakfast on us. With no deposit and free cancellation until the day before you visit, you’ll be able to kick back and relax. T&Cs apply.

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Our Boutique City Centre Edinburgh Hotel

We’re a hotel in Edinburgh city centre, minutes away from Waverley Train Station, Princes Street and St Andrews Square.

Boutique City Centre Streed, colourful shops

Food & Drink

Join us for breakfast, and fuel up for the day ahead with our selection of continental items and a-la carte dishes which are cooked to order using local produce where possible. You can’t stay at our Edinburgh hotel without trying a ‘Wee Dram’. We have a selection of fine whisky to take you around the most famous Scottish distilleries, with the occasional stop off in places such as Wales and Japan. Alternatively, try one of our craft beers or ‘softies’.

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