Edinburgh 4-Day Itinerary: December City Experience

Day 1: City Welcome

Edinburgh, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Baked Potato Shop

Kick off your Edinburgh adventure with a hearty breakfast of baked potatoes and local fillings at The Baked Potato Shop, popular for its cozy atmosphere and tasty options.
It is located in the Old Town, about a 10-minute walk from most central hotels.
£7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Wander through Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, and enjoy incredible views of the city.
The castle is approximately a 15-minute walk from breakfast. Follow the Royal Mile to get there.
£17.50, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Witchery by the Castle

Savor a sumptuous lunch at The Witchery by the Castle, an exquisite restaurant famous for its opulent décor and locally sourced dishes.
The Witchery is located near the castle, just a 5-minute walk away.
£25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit St Giles' Cathedral

Discover the magnificent St Giles' Cathedral with its stunning stained-glass windows and beautiful architecture, a true gem of Edinburgh.
St Giles' Cathedral is a 10-minute walk from The Witchery through the Royal Mile.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll the Royal Mile

Stroll down the Royal Mile, taking in the vibrant shops and street performances that embody the spirit of Edinburgh.
The Royal Mile itself is your path; you can wander freely while stopping at various shops.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Early Dinner at Howies Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner at Howies Restaurant, known for its home-cooked meals in a warm setting with seasonal ingredients.
Howies is about a 10-minute walk from the Royal Mile. Take a leisurely stroll.
£20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at Edinburgh Christmas Market

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at the Edinburgh Christmas Market, where you can browse local crafts and enjoy seasonal treats.
The Christmas Market is located in East Princes Street Gardens, a 15-minute walk from Howies.
Free (cost of shopping varies), 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Edinburgh, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Kitchin

Start your day with a fine breakfast at The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant that focuses on fresh, seasonal produce.
The Kitchin is located in Leith, just a 15-minute taxi ride from central Edinburgh.
£15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the National Museum of Scotland

Explore the National Museum of Scotland, home to a diverse range of exhibits showcasing Scottish history and culture.
Take a taxi back to the city center. The museum is about a 20-minute taxi ride from The Kitchin.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Café at the Museum

Enjoy a light lunch at the museum's café, where you can sample Scottish culinary delights in a friendly atmosphere.
The café is located inside the National Museum of Scotland.
£12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Royal Yacht Britannia

Take a short bus ride to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating palace of the Queen, now a fascinating museum.
Catch a number 11 bus from the museum to Ocean Terminal; it takes around 30 minutes.
£16, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to the City & Coffee at Edinburgh Dungeons Café

Stop by the Edinburgh Dungeons Café for a cozy cup of coffee and enjoy some light pastries in a spooky setting.
Return by bus to the city center, about a 30-minute ride. The café is near The Royal Mile.
£8, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fiddlers Arms

Dine at The Fiddlers Arms, where you can enjoy classic pub fare and perhaps catch some live music in the evening.
It's a 10-minute walk from the café. Head towards the Grassmarket area.
£15, 2 hours

8:00PM

Ghost Tour of Edinburgh

End your day with an exciting Ghost Tour of Edinburgh, discovering the city’s spooky history and legends.
The ghost tour usually departs near the Royal Mile, about 10 minutes walk from The Fiddlers Arms.
£15, 2 hours
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Day 3: Highlands Adventure

Scottish Highlands

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Scottish Café & Restaurant

Fuel up for your Highlands adventure with breakfast at The Scottish Café, offering fantastic views of the city as you dine.
Located at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, it’s a quick 10-minute walk.
£10, 1 hour

8:30AM

Day Trip to the Highlands

Join a guided day trip to the Scottish Highlands, exploring stunning landscapes, Loch Ness, and charming villages.
Most tour operators pick up in the city center; a short walk from your hotel should do.
£50, 10 hours (including travel time, around 8 hours of exploring)

6:30PM

Dinner at The Last Drop

After a long day, enjoy dinner at The Last Drop, a historic pub offering traditional Scottish dishes and a cozy ambience.
The Last Drop is located in Grassmarket, about a 15-minute walk from your day trip drop-off point.
£20, 2 hours
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Day 4: Festive Farewell

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Breakfast at the One Square Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at One Square, known for its fresh ingredients and lovely hotel views.
About a 10-minute walk from most centrally located hotels.
£12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Holyrood Palace

Explore the residence of the monarch in Scotland, Holyrood Palace, and walk through its beautiful gardens.
Holyrood Palace is a 15-minute walk from One Square.
£15, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Clarinda's Tea Room

Have a charming lunch at Clarinda's Tea Room, renowned for its homemade cakes and delightful ambiance.
Clarinda's is located about a 10-minute walk from Holyrood Palace.
£10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll through Princes Street Gardens

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Princes Street Gardens, taking in the Christmas decorations and views of the castle.
The gardens are a quick 10-minute walk from Clarinda's.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Last Chance for Shopping

Take advantage of your last day to shop for souvenirs and unique gifts in the city center.
You can walk back to the shops along Princes Street, around a 10-minute walk.
Variable, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at The Tower Restaurant

Conclude your Edinburgh experience with a fine dining farewell at The Tower Restaurant, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
The Tower Restaurant is about a 10-minute walk from the shops. Head back towards the Old Town.
£40, 2 hours
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