I have only 3 hours to spend in Edinburgh -- how should I spend them?

Question

My plane lands at 1pm, and I have at least 3 hours before I need to be back at the airport. I don't want to pass up what may be my only visit to Edinburgh -- what's the best way for me to spend my time?

Answer 1

in the dungens it fun we went the day before halloween

Answer 2

in the gardens and just walk around that area there is loads to see

Answer 3

As it takes a half hour to get from the airport to the centre of the city, you're really only left with 2 hours for sightseeing.  I'd go straight to the Royal Mile if you really want to go into Edinburgh proper - at the top of the hill, you can see the castle, and at the bottom, you can see Holyrood Palace with Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat as a backdrop.  You can stop in a tourist shop or two if you wish, but these revolve mostly around Scotland in general rather than being specific to Edinburgh.  As it is, 2 hours really isn't enough.

If you're carrying loads of luggage, the price to get into the city and back out isn't worth it, but if it's you and a carry-on, take the airport shuttle for 5 quid round trip.  It should leave about every 10 minutes.

Answer 4

Sorry, but 3 hours not enough to enjoy even a fleeting visit.Treat yourself to a longer stop off in future if at all possible.

Welcome anyway whatever you decide.

Answer 5

Firstly, by the time you get into the centre of the city from the airport (and then allow time to get back) your only left with 2 hours.

You could spend that time in the castle, learning a little about the history - but at £12+ entry fee, i'd skip that!

You could go to the zoo and see the new chimpanzee enclosure, and if you're there at the right time (1:30 I think) you could see the penguin parade, where they take a walk outside their enclosure.  Again, this isn't a cheap trip tho - about £12 for the pleasure of a few hours walk.

You could wander through the gardens on Princess Street, feed the squirrels and people watch, but I think you'd get bored of that quickly.

You could go shopping - lots of shops on offer with Jenners taking about an hour to get around alone.

But I have to say, if it was me, I'd head to either Rose Street, or the Royal Mile, and just work my way through the pubs on offer.  If you are going to be there in August, I'd say go the Mile, as you'll find street performers out for the fringe festival, and even some of the pubs have free shows on to celebrate.

Then again, if you're going to spend the 2 hours drinking, you'd be as well staying in the airport and hitting one of the bars there - would cost the same for the drink and you'd get the extra hour as you're not travelling!

Answer 6

Not enough time to see much. I'd go to a pub and chat to folks.