Edinburgh Itinerary help

Assuming you love photography and therefore won't be averse to a photo-oriented idea, here's one suggestion. On your first night, you might want to have dinner in the Tower Restaurant above the National Museum. It has a terrific view of the city's skyline and if you time it right you could get sunset shots (weather permitting, of course). There's a rooftop deck where our waiter let me go out to take photos without the window glass reflections. If weather fails on your first try, you could eat there again on your final night in Edinburgh.

During your daytime hours, if you know which end of the Royal Mile your tour will cover, you could go to the other end on your own. It sounds like the tour may begin at Edinburgh Castle and work its way down. If that's the case, you're unlikely to make it all the way to the Palace of Holyrood, so you might want to visit there.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely check that out!

We very much enjoyed the Royal Botanic Garden which should be lovely this time of year.

I got some great photos from the top of Calton Hill later in the afternoon.

Edinburgh has great vistas from all over - like San Francisco, a great view can pop up anywhere, as you're walking around. This is particularly true on Princes Street, looking south over the Gardens toward the Royal Mile. So, on that first jet-lagged day, keep your cameras handy!

A wonderful sight that's not in the center (since it's the UK, make that centre) is the Royal Yacht Britannia, in Leith. I got some pictures that fascinated those back home - wait till you see the formal dining room on board!

I would try and get down to Dean Village, it’s not a long walk from New Town (or even Old Town, the city is so walkable) and then do the Leith water way walk. It’s a photographers dream. Carlton Hill (especially at sunset) also offers great, interesting views.

It’s worth mentioning that in June you get lovely long evenings often with the most gorgeous light.

Sunset is about 10pm. So lots of time for photos.

" Carlton Hill (especially at sunset)"

I'm just correcting this to "Calton Hill", in case the OP is taking notes .
Thanks.
I agree with going to the Dean Village.
Very lovely, and beside the water too.

I too would advise Calton Hill. It will give you great views of the city and help you orient yourself for the rest of the visit. One of my favorite museums is The Georgian House in New Town. It's the Georgian counterpoint to the medieval Royal Mile. If you have an inner geologist, think about visiting Dynamic Earth. I found it fascinating to have basic geologic principles explained with UK/Scottish examples! There are great videos of the northern Glens and the impact of continental glaciation.

If you want to catch some local music sessions check out Sandy Bells.

Pam

Wow! Thanks, Rick Steves community. Lots of great ideas here!