Edinburgh 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Edinburgh Itinerary:

Day 1: Royal Edinburgh & Historic Charm

  • Morning: Arrive in Edinburgh, check into your accommodation (see “Where to Stay” section).
    • Where to stay: Consider staying in a centrally located hotel or guesthouse in the Old Town for easy access to attractions. Some popular options include The Balmoral (luxury), The Dunstane Houses (boutique), and Castle Rock Hostel (budget-friendly).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Royal Mile, starting at Edinburgh Castle and making your way down to Holyrood Palace. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Scotch Whisky Experience, or the Real Mary King’s Close for a taste of history.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner at The Sheep Heid Inn (pub grub & ambiance) or Salt Horse (extensive whisky selection and great food).

Day 2: Literary Landmarks & Breathtaking Views

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the world of literature by visiting the Writers’ Museum, dedicated to the lives and works of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
  • Afternoon: Climb up Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into Edinburgh’s rich literary past at the Elephant House.

Day 3: Art & History Immersion

  • Morning: Discover the Scottish National Gallery, home to a diverse collection of artwork from across the centuries.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the historic streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, exploring hidden closes and admiring the architecture.
  • Evening: Experience a captivating performance at the Usher Hall or enjoy a meal with a view at The Outsider (Scottish cuisine) or dine in style at The Witchery by the Castle (fine dining).

Day 4: Deep Dive into Scottish Culture

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Scotland and delve into the history of the country, its innovations and natural wonders.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (if it’s during August) or enjoy a traditional ceilidh (Scottish social dance) at one of the many pubs that host them.

Day 5: Nature & Wildlife Escape

  • Morning: Hike up Arthur’s Seat for stunning views of the city and the surrounding Firth of Forth.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Scottish National Zoo and see diverse animals, including pandas, penguins, and tigers.

Day 6: Exploring Edinburgh’s Past

  • Morning: Discover the history of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (if it’s not August, choose a different museum) at the National Museum of Scotland
  • Afternoon: Wander through the historic streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, exploring hidden closes and visiting the Edinburgh Writers’ Museum.

Day 7: Culture, Crafts & Relaxation

  • Morning: Explore the charming shops and cafes of the Grassmarket or visit the Royal Yacht Britannia (for a unique historical experience).
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful Princes Street Gardens, or take a trip to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for a relaxing stroll through nature.
  • Evening: Enjoy a final meal at The Salt Horse (or another pub) and reflect on your time in Edinburgh.

Tips:

  • Transportation: Edinburgh is a very walkable city.

    • Consider purchasing a Royal Edinburgh Ticket, which gives you access to several attractions with a single ticket.
    • Edinburgh Bus Tours offer hop-on-hop-off services, making it easy to explore the city at your own pace.

  • Budget: The Royal Mile is generally more expensive than other areas.

  • Weather: Pack for all types of weather, as it can be unpredictable in Edinburgh.

  • Food & Drink: For a taste of traditional Scottish cuisine, try:

    • The Sheep Heid Inn: A historic pub with classic Scottish dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
    • Sandy Bell’s: Another legendary spot for folk music and a good pint.

Day Trip Ideas:

  • Explore the Scottish countryside: Visit Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, or the stunning Pentland Hills.

  • Visit the historic city of Glasgow: Experience vibrant nightlife, explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and discover the city’s unique charm.

  • Enjoy a whisky tasting experience: Take a tour of a distillery or join a whisky tasting event to sample the “water of life” in its purest form.

  • Travel:

    • Edinburgh Airport is well-connected to other parts of Scotland and the UK by buses, trams, and trains.

  • Edinburgh Bus Tours (and bus stops): A good way for a tourist to see Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and other attractions.

Other things to consider:

  • Accommodation: Book in advance, especially during peak season.

  • Food & Drink: Explore different types of food: Scottish, international, and pub fare.

  • Weather: Enjoy the unpredictable weather and pack for rain!

  • Activities:

    • Explore the Royal Mile: A must-do for any visitor to Edinburgh, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs offering traditional experiences.

  • Guesthouse: Consider a guesthouse for a cozy and intimate stay.

Budget-Friendly Options:

  • Visit the Scottish National Gallery: Enjoy free entry to this iconic museum (though donations are appreciated).
  • Experience the Fringe Festival: Attend events with a focus on free or “pay what you can” options.

Food & Drink:

  • Try traditional Scottish dishes: Explore the rich culinary heritage of Edinburgh by indulging in delicacies like haggis, neeps and tatties (haggis, mashed turnips, and mashed potatoes), or a hearty bowl of Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup).

  • Enjoy affordable dining: C

  • Visit the Grassmarket: This historic square is full of character and has many cheap and cheerful pubs.**

  • Embrace the pub culture: Grab a pint and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Some popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh:

  • Edinburgh Castle: A majestic fortress perched atop an extinct volcano, offering breathtaking views and historical significance.
  • The Royal Mile: This historic street connects the Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, leading you through the heart of the Old Town.
  • Holyrood Palace: Explore the official residence of the Queen in Scotland, a grand building steeped in history.

Edinburgh: is known for its vibrant pub scene and delicious local pubs.

  • Royal Mile: For a unique experience, explore the historic Grassmarket area for its lively atmosphere and traditional pubs.
  • The Scotch Whisky Experience: Enjoy a whisky tasting session and learn about the history of this iconic drink.

Enjoy your trip to Edinburgh!