Friday, November 17: Discover the Historic Royal Mile
In the morning, immerse yourself in the rich history of Edinburgh by starting your journey at the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Explore its grand halls and learn about the city's royal heritage. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from Castlehill. Afterward, wander down the lively Royal Mile, visiting landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament. In the afternoon, delve into the spooky side of Edinburgh by joining a guided ghost tour of the underground vaults. As the evening approaches, experience traditional Scottish culture by watching a vibrant performance of bagpipes and Highland dancing at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Edinburgh Castle: Estimated cost £18, Time spent: 2-3 hours
St. Giles' Cathedral: Free admission, Time spent: 30-60 minutes
Scottish Parliament: Free admission, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Estimated cost £15, Time spent: 1.5-2 hours
Scottish Storytelling Centre: Estimated cost £10, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Elephant House, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pastries and excellent coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Devil's Advocate, an eclectic gastropub offering a wide range of dishes from burgers to seafood. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, dine at The Witchery by the Castle, a historic restaurant located in a 16th-century building, serving gourmet Scottish cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Saturday, November 18: Exploring Old Town and Dynamic Earth
Start your day in the atmospheric Old Town. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, and stroll through the beautifully landscaped Holyrood Park. Hike up to Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a hearty Scottish lunch at a traditional pub. Afterward, head to Dynamic Earth, an interactive museum that takes you on a journey through the history of our planet. In the evening, indulge in a delicious Scottish dinner at one of the charming restaurants on the Royal Mile.
Palace of Holyroodhouse: Estimated cost £16.50, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Holyrood Park/Arthur's Seat: Free admission, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Dynamic Earth: Estimated cost £14.50, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Scottish Dinner: Estimated cost £25-£40, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, start your day at The Pantry, a charming cafe specializing in delicious Scottish breakfast options, such as homemade scones and smoked salmon. The average cost for a meal is about £8 per person.
For lunch, head to The Devil's Advocate, a hidden gem located on Advocates Close. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of Scottish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in their mouthwatering haggis bonbons or try their flavorful seafood chowder. The average cost for a meal is about £12 per person.
For dinner, dine at Angels with Bagpipes, a highly recommended restaurant on the Royal Mile. Enjoy their innovative and beautifully presented Scottish cuisine, such as seared venison or pan-roasted cod. The average cost for a meal is about £25 per person.
Sunday, November 19: Discovering New Town and the Royal Botanic Garden
Start your day exploring the elegant New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the beautiful Georgian streets, lined with stunning neoclassical architecture. Visit the National Gallery of Scotland and marvel at its vast collection of European paintings. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the charming cafes in the area. In the afternoon, escape the bustle of the city by visiting the peaceful Royal Botanic Garden. Explore its diverse plant collections and enjoy a relaxing walk through the beautiful gardens. As the evening approaches, savor a delightful dinner at a restaurant offering panoramic views of the city.
National Gallery of Scotland: Free admission, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Royal Botanic Garden: Free admission, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Dinner with panoramic view: Estimated cost £30-£50, Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Pantry, a cozy cafe known for its freshly baked pastries and hearty breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to The Walnut, a local favorite serving up a variety of gourmet sandwiches and salads using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at The Tower, a restaurant located in the heart of the city offering stunning panoramic views and a menu featuring Scottish dishes with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Edinburgh, be sure to visit the hidden gems and local favorites. Dean Village, a picturesque neighborhood with charming cottages and a tranquil river, offers a peaceful retreat from the city. The Elephant House, known as the birthplace of Harry Potter, is a must-visit for fans of the series. For stunning views, hike up Calton Hill to enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city. Lastly, don't miss out on trying traditional Scottish delicacies, such as haggis and Scotch whisky, at local pubs and restaurants.