Edinburgh 4 Day Itinerary

Edinburgh 4-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Explore the Old Town

Morning:

  • Check-in at your accommodation. Recommended hotels: The Balmoral Hotel, Hotel Indigo® - Edinburgh - Royal Mile, or the Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh Park.
  • Grab breakfast at Cafe Harmonium, a local favorite for its delicious brunch options.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Edinburgh Castle and learn about the city’s rich history.
  • Stroll down the Royal Mile, taking in the historic buildings, souvenir shops, and street performers.
  • Explore St. Giles’ Cathedral and John Knox House.

Evening:

  • Dine at The Witchery by the Castle, a romantic restaurant offering Scottish cuisine with a twist.
  • Take a ghost tour of the Old Town in the evening for some spooky fun! (e.g., Auld Reekie Tours or Mercat Tours)

Day 2: Explore the New Town and Calton Hill

Morning:

  • Enjoy breakfast at Baker Street, a quaint bakery with a variety of breads, pastries, and sandwiches.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Scott Monument, the National Museum of Scotland, and walk through Princes Street Gardens.
  • Explore George Street, known for its upscale shops, bars, and restaurants.
  • Climb Calton Hill to see the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the City Observatory.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern Scottish cuisine.
  • Relax with a drink at Panda & Sons or Brass Monkey.

Day 3: Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands

Morning:

  • Book a tour with Rabbies, Haggis Adventures, or Lochness By Jacobite for a day trip to the Scottish Highlands. (Note: These tours depart from Edinburgh city center.)

Afternoon & Evening:

  • Spend the day exploring glens, lochs, and castles in the Scottish Highlands.
  • Return to Edinburgh in the evening.

Day 4: Visit Arthur’s Seat and Grassmarket

Morning:

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or try a local café.

Afternoon:

  • Hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. (Allow about 2 hours round trip.)
  • Explore the Grassmarket area, with its charming cobblestone streets, unique shops, and outdoor cafes.

Evening:

  • Have a farewell dinner at Oloroso Tapas, serving delicious Spanish tapas in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Visit a traditional Scottish pub for some live music and a dram of whisky (e.g., The Bow Bar or The Devil’s Advocate).

Transportation: Edinburgh has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains operated by Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams, and ScotRail respectively. A Ridacard (day, short-week, or long-week tickets) offers unlimited travel on buses and trams for a fixed price. Taxis are also widely available.

Tips:

  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring Edinburgh.
  • Don’t forget to try traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps (turnip) and tatties (potatoes), and fish & chips!
  • Check the latest opening hours for attractions before you go.
  • Edinburgh can be quite windy and rainy, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting historic sites and interacting with locals.