Things to do in Edinburgh for a solo October day?

[ToffeePennie]

Asking for recommendations of things to do in Edinburgh.
I am lucky enough to be visiting the last week in October for 3 days. Day 1 will probably be travelling, then we have a meal out booked somewhere, but day 2 I have to keep myself occupied most of the day. That evening I’d love to go out somewhere special.
Im really into Harry Potter, so something connecting with that would be awesome, but I’ve never been to Scotland and I’ll have a whole day to myself to do something, so please, of there’s something special (or spooky, I love Halloween/true crime!!) that I shouldn’t miss, let me know!!

If you like spooky and Halloween then Edinburgh was built for this.

I would have lunch in The Sheep’s Heid pub, one of the oldest pubs in Scotland. Can combine with Arthur’s Seat and Dr. Neil’s garden.

Depending on your budget, you may try to book a table at The Witchery for dinner.

Some other good suggestions but just walking about Edinburgh in autumn is beautiful in itself.

Enjoy your trip.

There are two Elephant House cafes, the one on George IV Bridge is where J K Rowling wrote the books (though she wrote in several different cafes) I haven't been in since it re-opened but the back room used to have a fine view to the Castle.

There are loads of nice things to do - more than enough for a day!
Agree that a tour under the city (e.g. Mary Kings Close) is very worthwhile.
And in that area

• a walk down the Royal Mile is nice in itself
• https://www.discoveringbritain.org/activities/scotland/walks/edinburgh-royal-mile.html
• and you can visit any or all of the the Castle, Camera Obscura, Scottish Parliament and/or Holyrood Palace along the way. Plus there's the very nice (and free!) little Museum of Edinburgh along there as well. https://cultureedinburgh.com/our-venues/museum-of-edinburgh
• and some of these little closes and gardens are off the Royal Mile https://hiddenscotland.com/journal/secret-gardens-in-edinburghs-city-centre
• Calton Hill makes for a nice walk with great views, not as challenging as Arthur's Seat, starts near the east of Princes Street. https://edinburghwithkids.com/a-family-walk-up-calton-hill/

There are also loads of museums and galleries (and cafes) to visit if the weather's not so good.

Have a lovely time!

I had 1 and a half days in Edinburgh two weeks ago! Would totally recommend Surgeons Hall Museum ( £10 entry - no photos).
National Museum of Scotland is in a stunning building. Lots to see.Free
National Gallery - v interesting. Has a Van Gogh that you can really get close to. Free
Look in the National library - free. Nice cafe and building is nice. Some good short exhibits too.
Topping and Company bookshop is fab.
Just wander around looking at the fabulous buildings is great fun too
Writers Museum was disappointing.

Totally agree about sensible footwear. Lots of steep slopes and steep stone steps.

Stout walking boots and some decent trainers are about all I own these days (if you don’t count my theatre shoes) so I have the walking bit sorted. Just might take a foot bath to soak my feet in after a day of walking!

A wander up Calton Hill would be great (only during the day!).