6-Day Edinburgh Walking and Culture Itinerary — Old Town, New Town, Holyrood, Leith & Stirling Day Trip

Day 1: Historic Old Town

Edinburgh, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — The Milkman

Start with a quick, excellent coffee and a hearty Scottish breakfast roll; great for fueling a morning of sightseeing near the Royal Mile.
GBP8, 0h30m.

9:30am

Edinburgh Castle

Iconic hilltop fortress with sweeping city views and the Crown Jewels; highly recommended early to avoid crowds (castle typically open 9:30am–5:00pm — check seasonal times).
GBP25, 1h45m.

11:30am

Royal Mile walking tour

Stroll down the historic spine of the Old Town, popping into closes, souvenir shops and historic sites — a compact, atmospheric way to see medieval Edinburgh.
GBP0, 1h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch — Deacon Brodie's Tavern

Classic pub on the Royal Mile serving hearty Scottish mains and ales; good spot for a relaxed midday meal.
GBP18, 1h0m.

1:45pm

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Hands-on optical exhibits and a Victorian camera obscura with city views — fun and close to the Castle (usually open 10:00am–5:00pm).
GBP18, 1h15m.

3:15pm

Grassmarket & Victoria Street

Explore the lively Grassmarket area and photogenic Victoria Street for independent shops, cafés and atmospheric lanes.
GBP0, 1h0m.

5:00pm

Early dinner — The Witchery by the Castle

Indulgent, historic restaurant perfect for a special first-night meal — book ahead as it fills quickly (dinner service from early evening).
GBP60, 1h30m.

7:00pm

Evening: Short ghost walk or stroll

After dinner, choose a 90-minute ghost tour of underground vaults or a relaxed twilight walk to soak up Old Town atmosphere; tours run most evenings (9:00pm options also common).
GBP16, 1h30m.
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Day 2: New Town & Views

Edinburgh, United Kingdom on August 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Urban Angel

Fresh pastries, excellent coffee and healthy options in a popular New Town café to set you up for a museum-filled day.
GBP12, 0h45m.

9:30am

Scott Monument climb

Climb the Gothic spire for dramatic city panoramas; access limited by narrow stairs and usually open around 10:00am (check seasonal hours).
GBP6, 0h45m.

10:30am

National Gallery of Scotland

A compact national collection with works from Scottish and European masters — great for art lovers (usually open 10:00am–5:00pm).
GBP0, 1h15m.

12:00pm

Lunch — Dishoom (New Town)

Popular Bombay-style café offering flavorful small plates and excellent service; arrive early or book to avoid queues.
GBP20, 1h0m.

1:30pm

Princes Street Gardens & shopping

Relax in the gardens beneath the castle, then stroll Princes Street for shops and local designers — good for souvenirs and people-watching.
GBP0, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Calton Hill

Short uphill walk to monuments and one of the best panoramic viewpoints over the city — free and accessible any time (great at golden hour).
GBP0, 0h45m.

5:30pm

Dinner — The Scran & Scallie (Stockbridge)

A warm gastro-pub offering modern Scottish dishes in a relaxed setting — excellent local-ingredient cuisine; reservations recommended.
GBP35, 1h30m.

8:00pm

Optional evening — Scottish National Portrait Gallery (late events)

Check for late openings or exhibitions; otherwise enjoy a relaxed evening walk back through George Street or along the Water of Leith.
GBP0, 1h0m.
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Day 3: Holyrood & Hills

Edinburgh, United Kingdom on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Clarinda's Tearoom

A cozy, traditional café near the palace for comforting porridge or smoked salmon — perfect before a walk up Arthur's Seat.
GBP10, 0h45m.

9:00am

Arthur's Seat hike

Moderate 1–2 hour climb for outstanding city and Firth of Forth views; route open year-round — wear good shoes and bring water.
GBP0, 2h0m.

12:00pm

Holyrood Palace

Official royal residence in Scotland with historic rooms and the Queen's Gallery; open roughly 9:30am–5:00pm (seasonal changes possible).
GBP17, 1h15m.

1:45pm

Lunch — The Grain Store

Near the palace, this contemporary spot focuses on seasonal Scottish produce with inventive small plates.
GBP22, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Dynamic Earth

Interactive science attraction that tells the story of planet Earth; family-friendly and usually open 10:00am–5:00pm.
GBP14, 1h15m.

5:00pm

Relax at Royal Mile cafés

Unwind with coffee or a light snack, or visit small museums and independent shops along the Mile before dinner.
GBP6, 0h45m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Amber at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Exceptional whisky collection with a menu designed to pair; perfect for a tasting-style Scottish dinner (book ahead).
GBP55, 1h45m.

9:30pm

Night — Royal Mile ghost or vault tour

If you skipped an earlier ghost walk, take a 60–90 minute evening tour of the city's darker history (most run around 9:00–10:30pm).
GBP16, 1h30m.
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Day 4: Leith & Waterfront

Edinburgh, United Kingdom on August 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Hula Juice Bar (Leith)

Light, healthy start with smoothies and bowls before a relaxed day exploring the docks and yacht.
GBP9, 0h30m.

10:00am

Royal Yacht Britannia

Step aboard the Queen's former yacht at Ocean Terminal to see state rooms and crew quarters; usually open 10:00am–5:00pm.
GBP17, 1h15m.

11:45am

Walk Leith Shore & Docklands

Stroll the waterfront, browse galleries and independent shops — a pleasant maritime neighborhood with great seafood options.
GBP0, 1h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Fishers in Leith

Highly regarded seafood restaurant on the Shore serving fresh local catches — reservations recommended at lunchtime on weekends.
GBP30, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Port of Leith & Trinity Chain Pier photo stop

Walk north along the coast for seaside views and photo ops; relaxed pace and free to explore.
GBP0, 1h0m.

4:00pm

Return — Dean Village & Water of Leith Walkway

Follow the peaceful Water of Leith back into the city through scenic Dean Village — a photogenic contrast to the busy centre.
GBP0, 1h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner — The Kitchin (Leith)

Michelin-starred dining focusing on seasonal Scottish ingredients; ideal for a memorable final-night dinner in Leith (book well ahead).
GBP120, 2h0m.
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Day 5: Stirling Day Trip

Stirling, United Kingdom (day trip from Edinburgh) on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Train to Stirling

Catch an early ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley to Stirling (approximately 50–60 minutes); trains run frequently, check schedule for times.
GBP12, 1h0m.

9:30am

Stirling Castle

One of Scotland's great castles with royal chambers and panoramic views; usually open around 9:30am–5:00pm (confirm seasonal hours).
GBP17, 1h30m.

11:30am

Wallace Monument

Short bus or walk to the National Wallace Monument for views and history of William Wallace — monument typically open 10:00am–4:00pm (seasonal).
GBP10, 1h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — The Smithy

Comfortable local pub in Stirling serving traditional fare — good mid-day stop before exploring the town more.
GBP15, 1h0m.

2:30pm

Wander Stirling Old Town & Church of the Holy Rude

Explore cobbled lanes, historic sites and the medieval church close to the castle; relaxed afternoon sightseeing before return.
GBP0, 1h0m.

4:00pm

Return train to Edinburgh

Catch an evening train back to Edinburgh; arriving around 5:00–5:30pm gives you time for a final city meal.
GBP12, 1h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Timberyard (Edinburgh)

Return to the city for a contemporary tasting menu in a converted warehouse — excellent seasonal cooking (reserve ahead).
GBP50, 1h45m.
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Day 6: Museums & Departure

Edinburgh, United Kingdom on August 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — The Balmoral Palm Court (optional treat)

If you have time, enjoy a leisurely hotel-style breakfast or morning coffee in this elegant space; otherwise choose a nearby café.
GBP20, 0h45m.

9:30am

National Museum of Scotland

Broad collections from Scottish history to natural sciences; free entry and excellent for 2–3 hours — typically open 10:00am–5:00pm but check for early openings on some days.
GBP0, 2h0m.

12:00pm

Lunch — Ondine

Well-regarded seafood restaurant near the High Street for a final taste of local shellfish and fish — book if possible.
GBP28, 1h0m.

1:30pm

Dean Village & Water of Leith stroll

Quiet, picturesque area ideal for last-minute photos and a peaceful break before packing up; always open and free to visit.
GBP0, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Final shopping on George Street / Princes Street

Last chance for souvenirs, Scottish knitwear or whisky to take home; many shops open until early evening.
GBP0, 1h0m.

5:00pm

Departure / airport transfer

Allow 45–60 minutes to reach Edinburgh Airport from the city centre (tram ~30 minutes, taxi ~25–35 minutes depending on traffic).
GBP6, 0h45m.
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed