Exploring Edinburgh in 4 Days - A City Experience Itinerary

  • Day 1: Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
    15 minutes (0.7 miles) from Waverley Station

    Start your exploration of Edinburgh with a walk along the Royal Mile, the historic street that connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Stop by the grand St Giles' Cathedral and marvel at the stunning architecture. Continue onto the Edinburgh Castle, an iconic landmark of the city that has stood for centuries. Take a guided tour to learn about the castle's history and enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh.

  • Day 2: Arthur's Seat and National Museum of Scotland
    25 minutes (2.1 miles) from Edinburgh Castle

    Start the day with a hike up Arthur's Seat, the highest peak in Edinburgh. Enjoy sweeping views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Next, head to the National Museum of Scotland, where you can learn about the country's rich history and culture. From ancient artefacts to modern exhibits, there is something for everyone here.

  • Day 3: Dean Village and Scottish National Gallery
    20 minutes (1.2 miles) from National Museum of Scotland

    Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Dean Village, a charming neighbourhood full of quaint cottages and tranquil waterways. Stop by the Scottish National Gallery, which boasts an impressive collection of art, including works by world-renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Botticelli.

  • Day 4: Royal Botanic Garden and Old Town
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Dean Village

    Spend the morning exploring the Royal Botanic Garden, a stunning oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city. Admire the vast collection of exotic plants and flowers from around the world. In the afternoon, wander around the Old Town, another UNESCO-listed historic district of Edinburgh. Visit the iconic Greyfriars Kirkyard, where J.K. Rowling found inspiration for some of her Harry Potter characters.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Edinburgh Castle (2-3 hours, £18.50)
  • National Museum of Scotland (2-3 hours, Free admission)
  • Scottish National Gallery (2 hours, Free admission)
  • Royal Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, Free admission)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £18.50

Transportation

Edinburgh is a walkable city, and most of the attractions are within a reasonable walking distance of each other. However, if you prefer to use public transport, there are plenty of options, including buses and trams. A single ticket on the bus or tram costs around £1.80, and an all-day ticket costs around £4.50.

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Edinburgh, consider taking a day trip to nearby places like Glasgow or Stirling. If you have less time, you may want to skip some of the museums and focus on the outdoors instead.

Airports

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the main airport in Edinburgh, located about 8 miles west of the city centre. It is well-connected to the city by bus, tram, and taxi. The airport serves over 130 destinations worldwide with several airlines.

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