Edinburgh, Scotland 5 Day Itinerary

Edinburgh, Scotland 5-Day Itinerary (Markdown format)

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Exploration

  1. Check-in at your accommodation: The Witchery by the Castle or Waverley Hotel for luxury stays, or budget options like Ambassador Edinburgh City Centre and Purple Edinburgh - Hostel.

  2. Edinburgh Castle: Start your day with a visit to this iconic fortress for an insight into Scotland’s rich history. (Website)

  3. Royal Mile: Stroll down this historic street filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions like St. Giles’ Cathedral and The Real Mary King’s Close.

  4. Lunch at The Witchery Restaurant: Enjoy a gourmet meal in a unique, atmospheric setting. (Website)

  5. Scott Monument & Princes Street Garden: Climb the Scott Monument for panoramic views of the city, then relax at Princes Street Gardens.

  6. Dinner at The Dome: Dine in a stunning Victorian glass dome, offering Scottish and international dishes. (Website)

Day 2: New Town & Royal Yacht Britannia

  1. Breakfast at The Scran & Scallie: A popular spot for brunch in the city. (Website)

  2. Stockbridge & Dean Village: Explore these charming neighborhoods with their independent shops, cafes, and walkways along the Water of Leith.

  3. Lunch at The Kitchin: Award-winning Scottish cuisine in a contemporary setting. (Website)

  4. Royal Yacht Britannia: Tour the royal yacht that served the Queen for 44 years. (Website)

  5. Dinner at Oloroso Tapas Bar & Restaurant: Enjoy a Spanish-inspired meal in this vibrant tapas bar. (Website)

Day 3: Day trip to The Highlands (Loch Ness, Inverness)

  1. Early Breakfast at Baked: A local favorite for baked goods and coffee. (Website)

  2. Take a guided tour to The Highlands: Explore the Scottish highlands with tours like Rabbies Tours or City Sightseeing Edinburgh.

  3. Lunch at The Loch Ness Centre & Fort Augustus Clansman Hotel: Enjoy a meal with stunning views of Loch Ness. (Website)

  4. Return to Edinburgh in the evening.

  5. Dinner at Angels with Bagpipes: A traditional Scottish pub offering hearty meals and live music. (Website)

Day 4: Arthur’s Seat & Grassmarket

  1. Breakfast at Union of Genius: Artisanal cheese toasties, soups, and sandwiches for breakfast. (Website)

  2. Arthur’s Seat hike: Climb this iconic hill for breathtaking views over the city.

  3. Lunch at The Dining Room at Botanic Gardens: Fresh, seasonal dishes in a beautiful setting. (Website)

  4. Grassmarket & Victoria Street: Explore the vibrant Grassmarket area and shop for souvenirs on Victoria Street, also known as “Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.”

  5. Dinner at Timberyard: Innovative Scottish cuisine in a modern setting. (Website)

Day 5: Palace of Holyroodhouse & Departure

  1. Breakfast at Mary’s Milk Bar: Artisanal ice cream and hot chocolate to start your day. (Website)

  2. Palace of Holyroodhouse: Visit the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. (Website)

  3. Departure

Transportation: Edinburgh has a comprehensive bus and tram network, with the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams being the primary operators. Taxis are also readily available.

Things to know: Scotland uses pound sterling (£), and the local time zone is British Summer Time (BST) from March to October, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) the rest of the year.

Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring, and don’t forget your camera! Be prepared for changing weather conditions.