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7-Day Edinburgh Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Edinburgh Castle
    10 minutes (0.6 miles) from Waverley Station

    Explore the historic castle in the morning and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the highest point in Edinburgh. In the afternoon, take a stroll down the Royal Mile and check out the local shops and restaurants. In the evening, catch a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

  2. Day 2: National Museum of Scotland
    15 minutes (1.2 miles) from Edinburgh Castle

    Discover Scotland's rich history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland. In the afternoon, take a walk through the Princes Street Gardens and visit the Scott Monument. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at The Witchery by the Castle.

  3. Day 3: Arthur's Seat
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from National Museum of Scotland

    Take a hike up to the top of Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park, for stunning views of Edinburgh and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. In the evening, catch a performance of the Scottish National Orchestra at Usher Hall.

  4. Day 4: The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
    25 minutes (2.7 miles) from Arthur's Seat

    Explore the beautiful gardens and glasshouses of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. In the afternoon, take a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former yacht of the British monarch. In the evening, enjoy a drink at The Dome, a stunning bar and restaurant located in a former bank building.

  5. Day 5: Edinburgh Zoo
    25 minutes (3.3 miles) from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    Visit the animals at Edinburgh Zoo, including the famous pandas. In the afternoon, take a trip to the seaside town of Portobello and enjoy the beach and local cafes. In the evening, catch a movie at the Dominion Cinema, a historic cinema that has been operating since 1938.

  6. Day 6: The Scotch Whisky Experience
    15 minutes (0.9 miles) from Edinburgh Zoo

    Learn about Scotland's national drink at The Scotch Whisky Experience. In the afternoon, take a walk through the Grassmarket, a historic market square with local shops and restaurants. In the evening, catch a performance at The Edinburgh Playhouse or The Festival Theatre.

  7. Day 7: Calton Hill
    20 minutes (1.1 miles) from The Scotch Whisky Experience

    Take a walk up Calton Hill for panoramic views of Edinburgh and visit the historic monuments and buildings, including the National Monument of Scotland and the Nelson Monument. In the afternoon, explore the galleries and shops of the New Town. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner at The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Scottish cuisine.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the opportunity to see a show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, the largest arts festival in the world. If you have time, consider taking a day trip to the Scottish Highlands or the Isle of Skye. For a unique experience, take a ghost tour of the city at night.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Edinburgh Castle (2-3 hours, £18.50)
  • National Museum of Scotland (2-3 hours, free)
  • Arthur's Seat (2-3 hours, free)
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (2-3 hours, free)
  • Edinburgh Zoo (2-3 hours, £19.95)
  • The Scotch Whisky Experience (1-2 hours, £18)
  • Calton Hill (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £56.45-£96.45
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