Experience Edinburgh's Vibrant Culture in 5 Days

Discover the historic charm of Edinburgh, where culture meets modernity.

22 April 2023

As a tourist visiting Edinburgh, you will be enchanted by the charming medieval architecture and magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched atop a hill. Stroll along the elegant streets of the Old Town and New Town, taking in the city's history and culture. Enjoy sampling the delicious Scottish cuisine and experiencing lively pubs with friendly locals.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Edinburgh for Beginners

  • Check in at The Balmoral Hotel, a grand Victorian landmark.
  • Stroll through the Royal Mile, the heart of the old town, and admire the medieval architecture.
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle to learn about Scottish history and enjoy stunning views of the city.
  • Stop for lunch at The Witchery, a gothic-style restaurant with decadent Scottish cuisine.
  • Take a ghost tour in the evening to learn about Edinburgh's dark and spooky past.
Day 2

Green Edinburgh

  • Have breakfast at The Elephant House, where JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book.
  • Walk through Princes Street Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, and see the famous floral clock.
  • Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens to see rare plants and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Take a hike up Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano with panoramic views of Edinburgh.
  • Enjoy dinner at The Gardener's Cottage, a farm-to-table restaurant with a communal dining experience.
Day 3

Whisky and Culture

  • Start with a hearty Scottish breakfast at Urban Angel.
  • Head to the Scottish National Gallery to see iconic works of art by Scottish and international artists.
  • Take a whisky tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience and learn about the history and process of Scotland's national drink.
  • Visit the National Museum of Scotland to gain insight into Scottish culture and heritage.
  • Head to the Whiski Rooms for dinner and a whisky tasting session.
Day 4

Exploring Beyond the City

  • Have breakfast at Lovecrumbs, a stylish café with artisanal cakes and pastries.
  • Take a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel, a 15th-century chapel with intricate carvings and mysterious legends.
  • Visit the coastal village of North Berwick and take a walk to the ruins of Tantallon Castle.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at The Lobster Shack, a cozy seafood restaurant in the picturesque village of Crail.
  • Return to Edinburgh and have a nightcap at the secretive Panda & Sons bar.
Day 5

Farewell, Edinburgh

  • Have a leisurely breakfast at Hula Juice Bar.
  • Shop for souvenirs at the quirky independent stores on Victoria Street.
  • Take a scenic walk along the Water of Leith, a river that cuts through Edinburgh.
  • Visit the Edinburgh Dungeon to learn about Edinburgh's gruesome and hilarious history.
  • End the day with a traditional Scottish meal at The Outsider, a restaurant with stunning views of the city skyline.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Edinburgh by plane is to fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is located approximately 8 miles from the city center, with many major airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair offering direct flights from a range of cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Edinburgh is a great option for those who prefer to travel at their own pace or are traveling with a lot of luggage. You can reach Edinburgh by taking the M8 motorway, which connects the city to Glasgow and other major cities in the region.

Train

The most convenient way to travel to Edinburgh by train is to catch a train to Edinburgh Waverley station, which is located in the heart of the city center and is well connected to the rest of the UK. Trains are available from a range of cities including London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Boat

If you're traveling from Europe, taking a ferry to Rosyth in Fife is a great option. From there, you can easily reach Edinburgh by car, bus, or train. DFDS Seaways operates a direct ferry service from Zeebrugge, Belgium to Rosyth.

Bus

The best way to get to Edinburgh by bus is to take a coach from Edinburgh Bus Station, which is located just a short walk from the city center. A variety of coach companies, including National Express and Scottish Citylink, provide direct services from various cities across the UK.

Destination

Edinburgh

Looking for a place where history, culture, and whiskey mix? Look no further than this city, where the streets are so steep, you might just stumble down them after a few too many drams.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Edinburgh on a Budget: 2 Days of Fun & Culture

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, offers a rich cultural experience even for those on a limited budget. Start with a free guided walking tour of the city that covers famous landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Accommodation costs can be kept low by opting for budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, and affordable local eateries are plentiful, offering traditional Scottish dishes like haggis and fish and chips.

Romantic Edinburgh Getaway: 3-Day Love Affair

. Edinburgh is a perfect destination for a romantic trip, where couples can experience the rich history, culture, and scenic beauty of Scotland. Stroll along the Royal Mile and explore the majestic Edinburgh Castle, or visit the charming streets of Old Town for an unforgettable experience. Savor some of the delicious Scottish cuisine and wash it down with a glass of whisky to add a touch of romance to your excursion.

The Ultimate 5-Day Budget Adventure in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a great place to visit on a limited budget. You can enjoy free activities like hiking up Arthur's Seat or exploring the Royal Botanical Gardens. Additionally, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options and budget-friendly food choices throughout the city.

Discover Edinburgh's Best in 2 Days

Edinburgh is a stunningly beautiful and historic city that offers travelers a wealth of opportunities to explore its architecture, culture, and natural beauty. With world-renowned museums, galleries, and landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, visitors can immerse themselves in centuries of Scottish history and heritage. Whether it's hiking in the stunning Scottish highlands or sampling local cuisine and whiskey, a trip to Edinburgh is sure to be unforgettable for tourists of all ages and interests.