How many days do you need in Edinburgh?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Edinburgh, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Edinburgh?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Edinburgh. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Enchanted Edinburgh Exploration

Day 1: Historic Wonders

Edinburgh, Scotland on July 29, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Milk Cafe

Start your day with a hearty Scottish breakfast at Milk Cafe, enjoying their delicious pancakes and coffee.

GBP 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views of the city.

GBP 20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Scotch Whisky Experience

Indulge in a delicious lunch at The Scotch Whisky Experience, along with a whisky tasting session for an authentic Scottish experience.

GBP 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk the Royal Mile

Stroll along the historic Royal Mile, lined with charming shops, cafes, and historic sites like St. Giles' Cathedral.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Grassmarket

Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the cozy restaurants in the vibrant Grassmarket area, known for its buzzing atmosphere and varied cuisine.

GBP 30, 1.5 hours

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Day 2: Royal Mile Delights

Edinburgh, Scotland on July 30, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Urban Angel

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Urban Angel, known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

GBP 12, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Royal Mile

Immerse yourself in the enchanting history of the Royal Mile, visiting iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles' Cathedral.

GBP 18, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Deacon's House Cafe

Relish a traditional Scottish lunch at Deacon's House Cafe, known for its comforting dishes and warm ambiance.

GBP 20, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Experience Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Explore the fascinating world of illusions and optical wonders at Camera Obscura, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh from its rooftop.

GBP 50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kitchin

Indulge in an exceptional dining experience at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Kitchin, known for its innovative Scottish cuisine.

GBP 70, 1.5 hours

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Day 3: Natural Escapades

Edinburgh, Scotland on July 31, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at City Cafe

Fuel up for the day with a delicious and energizing breakfast at City Cafe, known for its cozy ambiance and tasty offerings.

GBP 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike up Arthur's Seat

Embark on a scenic hike up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, to marvel at breathtaking views of Edinburgh and beyond.

GBP 22, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Sheep Heid Inn

Enjoy a traditional Scottish lunch at the historic Sheep Heid Inn, Scotland's oldest pub, dating back to 1360.

GBP 25, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Holyrood Palace

Discover the regal history of Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, with its splendid State Apartments and beautiful gardens.

GBP 40, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Timberyard

Savor a refined dining experience at Timberyard, a renowned restaurant offering a seasonal menu of locally sourced ingredients in a rustic setting.

GBP 60, 1.5 hours

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Day 4: Historical Mysteries

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 1, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hula Juice Bar

Start your day with a healthy breakfast at Hula Juice Bar, offering a range of fresh juices, smoothie bowls, and nutritious bites.

GBP 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore The Real Mary King's Close

Delve into the hidden history of Edinburgh at The Real Mary King's Close, an underground warren of streets frozen in time from the 17th century.

GBP 12, 1.5 hours

11:00PM

Lunch at Oink

Feast on a delicious hog roast sandwich at Oink, a popular spot known for its fresh and flavorful pork-filled buns.

GBP 20, 2 hours

1:30PM

Visit National Museum of Scotland

Immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland, home to fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

GBP 18, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Civerinos Slice

Enjoy a casual and delicious dinner at Civerinos Slice, known for its mouthwatering slices of New York-style pizza in a vibrant setting.

GBP 25, 1 hour

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Day 5: Cultural Delights

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 2, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Loudons Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Loudons Cafe, known for its wide selection of brunch and pastry options.

GBP 15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore National Museum of Scotland

Immerse yourself in Scottish history and culture as you explore the diverse collections at the National Museum of Scotland.

GBP 20, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at MUMS Great Comfort Food

Indulge in hearty comfort food at MUMS Great Comfort Food, a cozy eatery offering a range of classic dishes and desserts.

GBP 25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Princes Street Shopping

Stroll along the bustling Princes Street and explore its array of shops, from high-street brands to designer boutiques, with the iconic Edinburgh Castle as your backdrop.

GBP 40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Timberyard

Savor a farm-to-table dining experience at Timberyard, indulging in creative dishes made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

GBP 60, 1.5 hours

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Day 6: Whisky Discovery

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 3, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Leo's Beanery

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Leo's Beanery, a cozy cafe known for its excellent coffee and delicious pastries.

GBP 12, 1 hour

10:30AM

The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour

Embark on a fascinating tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience to learn about Scotland's national drink and enjoy a whisky tasting session.

GBP 18, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Whiski Rooms

Indulge in a sumptuous lunch at Whiski Rooms, a renowned restaurant offering a wide selection of whiskies and delicious Scottish cuisine.

GBP 15, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Writers' Museum

Discover the literary legacies of Scotland's renowned writers at the Writers' Museum, showcasing the lives and works of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

GBP 50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Indulge in a luxurious dining experience at The Witchery by the Castle, set in a historic building near Edinburgh Castle, known for its exquisite Scottish cuisine.

GBP 70, 1.5 hours

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Day 7: Gardens Retreat

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 4, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Huxley

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at The Huxley, a stylish restaurant offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes.

GBP 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Princes Street Gardens

Spend your morning exploring the picturesque Princes Street Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.

GBP 18, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Scotts Kitchen

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Scotts Kitchen, a charming eatery known for its seasonal and locally sourced dishes.

GBP 12, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Scottish National Gallery

Immerse yourself in Scotland's art and culture at the Scottish National Gallery, featuring a diverse collection of artworks from different periods.

GBP 40, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Angels with Bagpipes

Indulge in a gourmet dining experience at Angels with Bagpipes, a top-rated restaurant offering modern Scottish cuisine with a creative twist.

GBP 60, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Edinburgh

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Enchanted Edinburgh Exploration

Day 1: Historic Wonders

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Royal Mile Delights

8:30AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Natural Escapades

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:30PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Historical Mysteries

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

Day 5: Cultural Delights

8:30AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Whisky Discovery

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Gardens Retreat

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

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