Edinburgh 5-day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
    20 minutes (1.6 miles) from Edinburgh Waverley Station

    Stroll down the famous Royal Mile, a historic street that leads up to the Edinburgh Castle, the city's most famous landmark. Explore the castle's museums and exhibits, including the Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, and the Scottish National War Memorial.

  2. Day 2: Arthur's Seat and National Museum of Scotland
    27 minutes (1.8 miles) from Edinburgh Castle

    Start your day by hiking up Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that offers stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where you can learn about Scottish history, culture, and natural science.

  3. Day 3: Holyrood Palace and Scottish Parliament
    16 minutes (1.3 miles) from National Museum of Scotland

    Explore Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. Check out the Throne Room and the State Apartments. Next, take a guided tour of the Scottish Parliament, a modern building with innovative design and interactive exhibits.

  4. Day 4: Edinburgh Old Town and The Real Mary King's Close
    11 minutes (0.5 miles) from Scottish Parliament

    Walk through the Edinburgh Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow streets and historic buildings, such as St Giles' Cathedral and the Grassmarket. Then, experience a guided tour of The Real Mary King's Close, an underground network of streets and buildings that tell the story of the plague and the city's past.

  5. Day 5: Royal Botanic Garden and Dean Village
    13 minutes (1.2 miles) from The Real Mary King's Close

    Visit the Royal Botanic Garden, a beautiful park with a wide variety of plants and trees. Explore the Victorian Palm House and the Queen Mother Memorial Garden. End your trip with a walk through Dean Village, a picturesque neighborhood with charming houses, a waterway, and a hidden street called "The Lane of Light".

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Edinburgh Castle (2-3 hours, £18.50/adult)
  • National Museum of Scotland (2-3 hours, free admission)
  • Holyrood Palace (1-2 hours, £16/adult)
  • Scottish Parliament tour (1 hour, free admission)
  • The Real Mary King's Close tour (1 hour, £19/adult)
  • Royal Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, free admission)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £53.50-£70.50 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby attractions such as Stirling Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, or Loch Lomond. If you have less time, you can combine some of the itineraries or skip some of the attractions. Keep in mind that some places may be closed on holidays and weekends, so check their websites in advance.

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