Exploring Edinburgh in 11 days

  • Day 1: Edinburgh Castle
    15 minutes (2 miles) from Waverley Station

    The Edinburgh Castle is an iconic fortress situated on Castle Rock in the center of Edinburgh's Old Town. The castle is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

  • Day 2: Royal Botanic Garden
    20 minutes (2.5 miles) from Edinburgh Castle

    The Royal Botanic Garden is a gorgeous green space located in the heart of the city. It's a peaceful spot where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature in the middle of the city. The garden features a wide range of plants and flowers from all around the world.

  • Day 3: National Museum of Scotland
    10 minutes (1.2 miles) from Royal Botanic Garden

    The National Museum of Scotland is a world-renowned museum located in the heart of Edinburgh. It features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the history of Scotland and the wider world.

  • Day 4: Arthur's Seat
    25 minutes (3 miles) from National Museum of Scotland

    Arthur's Seat is an extinct volcano that sits at the heart of Holyrood Park. It offers stunning views of Edinburgh and the surrounding area. Visitors can hike to the top and enjoy a picnic or just sit and enjoy the view.

  • Day 5: St Giles' Cathedral
    20 minutes (2 miles) from Arthur's Seat

    St Giles' Cathedral is a beautiful church located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. The cathedral has been a place of Christian worship for over 900 years and is renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

  • Day 6: Royal Yacht Britannia
    25 minutes (3 miles) from St Giles' Cathedral

    The Royal Yacht Britannia is a former royal yacht that was used by the Queen and her family for over 40 years. Visitors can explore the yacht and see how the Royal Family lived while on board.

  • Day 7: Scott Monument
    30 minutes (2.2 miles) from Royal Yacht Britannia

    The Scott Monument is a stunning tribute to the famous Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world and offers fantastic views of Edinburgh.

  • Day 8: Palace of Holyroodhouse
    20 minutes (2 miles) from Scott Monument

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Queen in Scotland. Visitors can take a tour of the palace and see how the Royals live when they are in Scotland.

  • Day 9: The Real Mary King's Close
    25 minutes (2.7 miles) from Palace of Holyroodhouse

    The Real Mary King's Close is a fascinating underground tour that takes visitors back in time to see what life was like in Edinburgh in the 17th century. The tour is guided by costumed actors who bring the history of the city to life.

  • Day 10: The Scotch Whisky Experience
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from The Real Mary King's Close

    The Scotch Whisky Experience is an interactive tour that takes visitors through the history of Scotland's national drink. Visitors can learn about the various types of whisky and even sample some of the best whiskies in the world.

  • Day 11: Princes Street Gardens
    20 minutes (1.3 miles) from The Scotch Whisky Experience

    Princes Street Gardens is a beautiful green space located in the center of Edinburgh. It offers fantastic views of Edinburgh Castle and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Edinburgh Castle (2 hours, £18)
  • Royal Botanic Garden (2 hours, free)
  • National Museum of Scotland (3 hours, free)
  • Arthur's Seat (2 hours, free)
  • St Giles' Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Royal Yacht Britannia (2 hours, £17)
  • Scott Monument (1 hour, £8)
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse (2 hours, £15.50)
  • The Real Mary King's Close (1.5 hours, £17)
  • The Scotch Whisky Experience (2 hours, £18)
  • Princes Street Gardens (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £93.50

Transportation

Edinburgh is a very walkable city, and most of the locations on this itinerary are within walking distance of each other. It may be worth investing in a day ticket for the bus or tram system if you need to travel further afield. Taxis are also plentiful but can be expensive.

Estimated travel costs:

  • Bus or tram day ticket = £4
  • Taxi from airport to city center = £20-25

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of St. Andrews, which is famous for its golf courses and stunning coastline. If you have less time, cut out one or two of the locations on this itinerary, depending on your interests.

Airports

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the main airport serving the city. It's located approximately 8 miles west of the city center and can be reached by public transport, taxi or car hire.

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