Edinburgh Scotland 6 Day Itinerary

Edinburgh, Scotland 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Explore the Royal Mile

  • Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), grab a cab or take an Airlink bus (#100) to the city center (approximately £4.50 one way).
  • Check-in at your accommodation, for budget travelers consider StayCity Aparthotels or Hostel World Hostel 51; luxury options include The Balmoral Hotel or Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian.
  • Lunch at Mary’s Milk Bar for delicious artisan ice cream and chocolates.
  • Explore the historic Royal Mile, take in the sights of St Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House, and Gladstone’s Land (timed-entry tickets recommended).
  • In the evening, enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner at The Witchery or Ambassador restaurant.

Day 2: Edinburgh Castle & Grassmarket

  • Breakfast at The Scran and Scallie or Timberyard.
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle, book tickets online in advance to skip the line (adult tickets £19.50).
  • Explore the surrounding Old Town, stop by St Margaret’s Chapel, the Scottish National War Memorial, and the Crown Square.
  • Head to the Grassmarket for lunch, try The Grassmarket Bistro or The Last Fling.
  • Spend the afternoon at Scott Monument (adult tickets £9) or Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
  • Have dinner at Ondine, a seafood restaurant with great views over Edinburgh Castle.

Day 3: New Town & Arthur’s Seat

  • Breakfast at Café Harmonium or Artisan Roast.
  • Discover the Georgian architecture of New Town, visit the Scott Monument (for a panoramic city view) and the National Museum of Scotland.
  • Grab lunch at Henderson’s of Edinburgh, a vegetarian restaurant with vegan options.
  • In the afternoon, hike up to Arthur’s Seat for stunning views over the city.
  • Return to your accommodation, have dinner at The Dining Room at No 1 or Angel’s with Bagpipes.

Day 4: Outlander Tour

  • Book a Lallybroch - Outlander Tour to visit filming locations from the TV series. Tours run daily and can be booked online in advance.
  • Have lunch at The Witchery by the Castle, featured in the show.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring Holyrood Park and the Queen’s Gallery.
  • Head back to your accommodation, have dinner at a local pub such as The Scotch Hop or The Sheep Heid Inn.

Day 5: Scottish Highlands Day Trip

  • Book a day trip to the Scottish Highlands with companies like Rabbie’s or Haggis Adventures. Tours include Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Return to Edinburgh in the evening, have dinner at Oloroso, a tapas bar serving Spanish dishes.

Day 6: Departure

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Check out and store luggage at your hotel or left-luggage facility at Waverley Station (£5 for up to 24 hours).
  • Spend the morning visiting any remaining attractions, shopping on Princes Street, or strolling through Dean Village.
  • Have lunch at Aizle, a small plates restaurant.
  • Head to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in time for your flight home, or consider an extension of your trip to explore other parts of Scotland!