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

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Discover Edinburgh's Rich Heritage in One Day

Edinburgh offers a unique blend of history and modernity, making it a popular destination for tourists. With iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, visitors can immerse themselves in the city's rich cultural heritage. From exploring the Old Town's cobbled streets to enjoying the vibrant nightlife, Edinburgh is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Weekend Escape: Romantic Edinburgh Getaway

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a top destination for a romantic getaway. This charming city offers stunning historic landmarks, breathtaking views, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Visitors can stroll along the picturesque streets, marvel at Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy a cozy night in a traditional Scottish pub.

Romantic Long Weekend in Edinburgh, UK

Edinburgh offers the perfect romantic getaway, boasting stunning architecture, rich history, and scenic views. Couples can explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, dine in intimate restaurants, enjoy a whiskey tasting, and take in breathtaking views atop the city's many hills. With its fairytale-like charm, Edinburgh is the ideal destination for a special romantic trip.

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.