Edinburgh, Scotland-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Monday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a traditional Scottish breakfast at The Pantry (34 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AP) - try their famous haggis and eggs!
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Edinburgh Castle (Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh EH1 2NG), a historic fortress that sits atop Castle Rock. Be sure to explore the Scottish National War Memorial and the Royal Palace.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Royal McGregor (17 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD) - try their Scottish pub grub like fish and chips or burgers.
  • 2:30 PM: Take a stroll through the Royal Mile (Edinburgh EH1), the main street of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Be sure to explore the shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Kitchin (78 Commercial St, Leith, Edinburgh EH3 9PT) - try their seasonal small plates or tasting menu.
  • 8:00 PM: Catch a show or performance at the Festival Theatre (12-14 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1BJ), one of Edinburgh’s premier arts venues.

Day 2: Tuesday

Morning

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the National Museum of Scotland ( Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF), a world-class museum that showcases Scottish history and culture.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Café Royal (19 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1HP) - try their sandwiches or salads.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR), a beautiful green space with over 3,000 plant species.
  • 4:30 PM: Visit the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh EH1 2NG), a unique attraction that showcases optical illusions and other curiosities.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Witchery (22-26 Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1DF) - try their contemporary Scottish cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Water of Leith, a scenic river that runs through the heart of Edinburgh.

Day 3: Wednesday

Morning

  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Scottish National Gallery (The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL), one of Scotland’s premier art galleries.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Stockbridge Tap (178-182 Hamilton Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5BU) - try their burgers or salads.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Stockbridge neighborhood, a charming and historic area with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • 4:30 PM: Visit the Georgian House (7 Charlotte Sq, Edinburgh EH2 4BJ), a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Honours (75-77 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AP) - try their modern Scottish cuisine.
  • 8:00 PM: Catch a live music or comedy performance at the Assembly Rooms (54 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ), one of Edinburgh’s premier entertainment venues.

Day 4: Thursday

Morning

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Holyrood Park, a beautiful royal park with scenic walks and stunning views.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Scottish Parliament Building (Holyrood, Edinburgh EH99 1SP), a modern and iconic building that serves as the seat of Scottish government.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Holyrood Café (Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BZ) - try their sandwiches or salads.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the National Library of Scotland (George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW), a world-class library with an impressive collection of Scottish and international books.

Evening

  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Devil’s Advocate (9 Advocates Close, Edinburgh EH1 1JA) - try their seasonal small plates.
  • 7:00 PM: Take a stroll along the South Bridge, one of Edinburgh’s oldest and most historic streets.

Day 5: Friday

Morning

  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Edinburgh Vaults, a network of underground tunnels and chambers that date back to the 18th century.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Elephant House (21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BJ) - try their sandwiches or salads.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 PM: Explore the West End neighborhood, a charming and historic area with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • 4:30 PM: Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Glasshouses, a beautiful and tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Aubergine (29-31 Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1DD) - try their modern Scottish cuisine.
  • 8:00 PM: Catch a live music or comedy performance at the Liquid Room (33 Hamilton Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5BU), one of Edinburgh’s premier entertainment venues.

Day 6: Saturday

Morning

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia (Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ), a historic yacht that served as the royal family’s floating residence.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Seafood Restaurant (82-86 Shore Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1HH) - try their fresh seafood.

Afternoon

  • 2:30 PM: Explore the Leith neighborhood, a vibrant and historic area with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre (43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG), a unique attraction that showcases Scottish culture and heritage.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Gamba (12 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD) - try their modern Scottish cuisine.
  • 8:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Water of Leith, enjoying the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere.

Where to Stay

There are many great places to stay in Edinburgh, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some recommendations:

  • The Principal Edinburgh George Street (19-21 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4LA) - a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the city.
  • Hotel du Vin Edinburgh (11 Bristo Pl, Edinburgh EH1 1EZ) - a stylish and intimate hotel with a cozy atmosphere.
  • The Balmoral Hotel (1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ) - a iconic and luxurious hotel that offers stunning views of the city.

Getting Around

Edinburgh is a walkable city, but there are also many transportation options available:

  • Walking: walking is a great way to explore the city and get some exercise.
  • Public Transportation: Edinburgh has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and trams.
  • Taxi: taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

Tips

  • Book restaurants and attractions in advance: Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination, so it’s best to book restaurants and attractions in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Be prepared for the weather: Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack accordingly.
  • Try some traditional Scottish cuisine: Scotland has a rich culinary heritage, so be sure to try some traditional dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties, or Cullen skink.

Other Things to Know

  • Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Edinburgh’s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most culturally significant cities in the world.
  • The city has a rich cultural scene: Edinburgh is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Storytelling Festival, and the Hogmanay celebrations.
  • The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside: Edinburgh is nestled in the heart of Scotland’s stunning countryside, making it easy to explore the surrounding hills, lochs, and forests.