Edinburgh, Scotland 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Edinburgh Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival and Orientation

• Accommodation: Consider staying at The Balmoral Hotel or Waverley Suites for a comfortable base.
• Arrival: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the city’s main airport. You can reach the city center by tram, bus, or taxi.
• Orientation: Familiarize yourself with the city by taking a leisurely walk around the Old Town and New Town areas. Visit the Scott Monument for a panoramic view of the city.

Day 2 - Explore Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile

• Morning: Start your day at Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most historic sites, which offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past.
• Lunch: Grab a bite at The Witchery by the Castle, known for its Scottish cuisine and Gothic-inspired decor.
• Afternoon: Explore the Royal Mile, which stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Browse the many shops, visit St. Giles’ Cathedral, and check out the Museum of Childhood.

Day 3 - National Museum of Scotland & Grassmarket

• Morning: Visit the National Museum of Scotland, offering insight into Scottish history, art, and culture.
• Lunch: Head to Bia Bistrot for modern Scottish cuisine in a cozy setting.
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Grassmarket, a vibrant square filled with cafes, pubs, and historic buildings. Visit the nearby Scottish National War Memorial and St Cuthbert’s Church.

Day 4 - Day trip to Rosslyn Chapel & The Scottish Borders

• Morning: Take a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel (approx. 30 min drive from Edinburgh), made famous by the “Da Vinci Code.”
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch in Melrose, a charming town in the Scottish Borders, known for its historic abbey. Try The Town House Melrose.
• Afternoon: Continue exploring The Scottish Borders, with picturesque villages like St. Boswells and Lauder.

Day 5 - Holyrood Palace & Arthur’s Seat

• Morning: Visit Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland.
• Lunch: Head to The Dome Restaurant & Bar for a stylish lunch, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks.
• Afternoon: Hike Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano offering stunning views over Edinburgh. The walk takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your pace.

Day 6 - Royal Yacht Britannia & Princes Street Gardens

• Morning: Spend the morning exploring Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II’s former royal yacht.
• Lunch: Grab a quick bite at The Dish Edinburgh on Victoria Street, known for its quirky and colorful setting.
• Afternoon: Relax in Princes Street Gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll or people-watching.

Day 7 - Departure

• Departure: Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to revisit favorite spots or do some last-minute shopping. Head back to the airport and bid farewell to this historic city!