Edinburgh 5 Day Itinerary

Edinburgh 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Explore the City Centre

  • Accommodation: Stay in the city centre for easy access to attractions. Recommended options include The Balmoral Hotel, ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, or Airbnb apartments.

  • Breakfast: Start your day with Scottish breakfast at Mimi’s Bakehouse or The Dome Edinburgh.

  • Activities: Visit Edinburgh Castle, explore the Royal Mile, and discover St Giles’ Cathedral. Don’t forget to peek inside Gladstone’s Land and John Knox’s House!

  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Mary’s Milk Bar for some artisan ice cream or Dean’s Cafe for traditional Scottish food.

  • Afternoon: Take a tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience or walk up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city (weather permitting).

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, Timberyard, or Aizle.

  • Evening: Stroll along the Grassmarket, Victoria Street, and George Street for shopping and nightlife.

Day 2: Old Town & New Town

  • Breakfast: Head to Brewhemia for breakfast and coffee in the New Town area.

  • Activities: Explore the Georgian architecture of the New Town, visit the National Museum of Scotland, and walk through Princes Street Gardens. Head back to the Old Town to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

  • Lunch: Lunch at Oink! for the best hog roast in town or The Dish Deli for a variety of sandwiches.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Royal Yacht Britannia, or Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.

  • Dinner: Dine at Angels with Bagpipes (traditional Scottish music and dinner), Oloroso (Spanish tapas), or The Kitchin (modern Scottish cuisine).

Day 3: Day Trip to the Highlands

  • Transportation: Rent a car or book a tour to visit the Scottish Highlands. Recommended destinations include Loch Ness, Inverness, and Glencoe.

  • Lunch: Pack a picnic or stop at a local café along the way.

  • Dinner: Depending on your location, enjoy dinner at a pub or restaurant in Inverness, Fort William, or Fort Augustus.

Day 4: Royal Botanic Garden & Leith

  • Breakfast: Start with breakfast at The Flying Scotsman Café in the Royal Botanic Garden.

  • Activities: Spend the morning exploring the beautiful gardens and greenhouses. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Flight or take a boat tour on the Forth estuary.

  • Lunch: Lunch at the café inside the Botanic Garden or head to Leith for a variety of food options such as The Shore, Fishers in the City, or The Scran & Scallie.

  • Dinner: Dine at Ondine (seafood) or The Kilted Chef (traditional Scottish cuisine) in Leith.

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast: Have a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or explore local cafés before departure.

  • Transportation: Make your way to the airport, keeping in mind that traffic can be heavy during peak hours. If you have time, consider visiting Dean Village for a peaceful walk and some last-minute shopping.