Edinburgh, Scotland-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh

  • Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) or take a train from London
  • Check into your accommodation:
    • The Balmoral Hotel: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh
    • The Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre: A comfortable and affordable option close to the city centre
  • Head to the Royal Mile for lunch at:
    • The Royal McGregor: Try some traditional Scottish cuisine like haggis or Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup)
  • Visit the Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress that sits atop Castle Rock. Explore the castle’s grand halls, see the Crown Jewels, and enjoy stunning views of the city.
  • End your day with a visit to the Royal Mile: browse shops, galleries, and street performers.

Day 2: Edinburgh’s History

  • Start your day at:
    • The National Museum of Scotland: Discover Scotland’s rich history, art, and culture. Explore the museum’s vast collections, including a T-Rex skeleton.
  • Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served as Queen Elizabeth II’s official yacht from 1954 to 1997. Learn about its fascinating history and see some impressive artifacts.
  • For lunch, try:
    • The Pantry: A cozy café serving delicious sandwiches, salads, and baked goods
  • Explore the charming Old Town area: wander through narrow alleys, visit historic pubs like The Royal McGregor (yes, another one!), and browse local shops.

Day 3: Culture and Arts

  • Visit the National Gallery of Scotland: Home to an impressive collection of art from around the world, including works by Monet, Constable, and Scottish artists.
  • Head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: Explore a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art in two beautiful buildings: The Modern and The Dean Orphan’s School.
  • For lunch, try:
    • The Elephant House: A popular spot where J.K. Rowling is said to have written some of the early Harry Potter books
  • Visit the Camera Obscura: This quirky museum showcases optical illusions, virtual reality experiences, and a unique camera obscura – an ancient device that projects images.
  • End your day with a stroll along the Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful green space with gardens, fountains, and street performers.

Day 4: Food and Drink

  • Start your day at:
    • The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market: Browse stalls selling local produce, baked goods, and artisanal foods
  • Visit the Whisky Shop: Sample some of Scotland’s famous whisky and learn about its production process.
  • For lunch, try:
    • The Three Sisters: A lively pub serving traditional Scottish cuisine with a twist (e.g., haggis tacos!)
  • Explore the trendy Stockbridge area: visit local shops, cafes, and bars. Don’t miss the beautiful Water of Leith Walkway, a scenic path that follows the river.
  • Visit the Edinburgh Food Tour: Sample local delicacies like shortbread, scones, and tablet (a sweet treat made from sugar and cream).

Day 5: Parks and Gardens

  • Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Explore over 70 acres of beautiful gardens, glasshouses, and a fascinating botanical collection.
  • Head to the Princes Street Gardens: A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Relax on a bench, enjoy street performers, or visit the beautiful Scottish National Gallery’s sculpture garden.
  • For lunch, try:
    • The Gardener’s Bar: A charming spot serving fresh salads, sandwiches, and drinks
  • Visit the Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, explore the park’s gardens, or take a leisurely walk.

Day 6: Shopping

  • Start your day at:
    • The Royal Exchange: A historic building turned shopping mall with a unique atmosphere and local boutiques.
  • Visit the Multrees Walk, a stylish shopping street lined with high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
  • For lunch, try:
    • The Pantry (yes, another great spot!)
  • Explore the charming Thistle Street: browse local shops, galleries, and antique stores.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your last day in Edinburgh at leisure. Visit any attractions or areas you missed earlier.
  • For lunch, try:
    • The Royal McGregor (one more time – it’s delicious!)
  • Head back to the airport or train station for your departure.

Tips:

  • Buy a Royal Edinburgh Ticket, which grants access to several top attractions and saves money.
  • Use public transportation: buses, trams, and trains are efficient and affordable.
  • Be prepared for unpredictable Scottish weather!
  • Don’t forget to try some delicious Scottish cuisine (haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink…).

Accommodation:

  • The Balmoral Hotel: luxurious
  • The Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre: comfortable and affordable

Food and Drink:

  • The Royal McGregor: traditional Scottish cuisine
  • The Three Sisters: lively pub with a twist
  • The Pantry: cozy café with delicious sandwiches and salads