5 day itinerary for Edinburgh
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Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
Start your family-friendly adventure in Edinburgh by exploring the iconic Royal Mile. This historic street is filled with charming shops, cafes, and landmarks. Begin at the top of the Royal Mile, near Edinburgh Castle. Take a guided tour of the castle to learn about its fascinating history and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Afterward, head down the Royal Mile, stopping at various attractions along the way. Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience, where adults can learn about Scotland's national drink, while kids can enjoy the interactive displays. Continue to the Museum of Edinburgh, which offers a glimpse into the city's past through its diverse exhibits.
For lunch, try some traditional Scottish cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Haggis, neeps, and tatties are a must-try for those feeling adventurous!
In the afternoon, take a ghost tour of the underground vaults beneath the Royal Mile. These spooky tunnels are sure to captivate the whole family with their eerie atmosphere and tales of Edinburgh's haunted past.
Day 2: Discovering Arthur's Seat and Dynamic Earth
Start your day with a visit to Holyrood Park, where you'll find the majestic Arthur's Seat. This ancient volcano offers stunning panoramic views of the city and is a great place for a family hike. Pack a picnic and enjoy the fresh air while exploring the park's trails and taking in the natural beauty.
Afterward, head to Dynamic Earth, an interactive science museum that takes you on a journey through the Earth's history. From the Big Bang to the present day, this museum offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and immersive displays.
In the evening, catch a show at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre or the Edinburgh Playhouse. Both venues offer a variety of family-friendly performances, from musicals to plays, ensuring an entertaining end to your day.
Day 3: Exploring the Royal Botanic Garden and the National Museum of Scotland
Start your day with a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, explore the glasshouses filled with exotic plants, and let the kids run around in the play areas. Don't forget to stop by the John Hope Gateway Visitor Centre, where you can learn more about the garden's history and conservation efforts.
Afterward, head to the National Museum of Scotland, located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. This museum offers a wide range of exhibits, from natural history to Scottish history and culture. Kids will love the interactive displays, including the chance to see a real Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
In the evening, take a family-friendly ghost tour through the city's haunted closes and graveyards. These tours are not only entertaining but also provide a unique perspective on Edinburgh's dark and mysterious past.
Day 4: Visiting Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Yacht Britannia
Spend the day exploring two family-friendly attractions outside the city center. Start with a visit to Edinburgh Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals, including pandas, penguins, and lions. Enjoy watching the daily animal feedings and catch one of the informative talks or demonstrations.
In the afternoon, head to the historic port of Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. Explore the former royal yacht, which served the British royal family for over 40 years. Kids will love the interactive audio tour, where they can learn about life on board the yacht and even try on some royal attire.
Afterward, take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront of Leith and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in the area.
Day 5: Exploring the Edinburgh Zoo and Calton Hill
On your final day in Edinburgh, start with a return visit to Edinburgh Zoo. This time, take part in one of the zoo's special experiences, such as feeding the penguins or meeting the meerkats. These interactive encounters will create lasting memories for the whole family.
In the afternoon, head to Calton Hill, located just a short walk from the city center. Climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city, including iconic landmarks such as the Scott Monument and the Edinburgh skyline. Take some family photos against the stunning backdrop and soak in the beauty of Edinburgh.
End your day with a traditional Scottish dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor dishes like salmon, venison, or cranachan for dessert. Raise a toast to your unforgettable family adventure in Edinburgh!
Places of interest
Museum of Edinburgh
The Museum of Edinburgh is a fascinating museum located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It showcases the rich history and culture of the city through its extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and interactive exhibits. From ancient archaeological finds to medieval relics and modern-day memorabilia, visitors can explore the diverse heritage of Edinburgh. With its informative displays and engaging presentations, the museum offers an immersive experience for all ages.
Underground vaults beneath the Royal Mile
The Underground Vaults beneath the Royal Mile in Edinburgh are a fascinating network of hidden chambers and passageways that date back to the 17th century. These vaults were originally used as storage spaces for merchants, but later became home to various businesses and even housed impoverished residents. Today, they serve as a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours that provide insight into the city's history and eerie tales of its past inhabitants.
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth Edinburgh is a unique and interactive science center that takes visitors on a journey through the history of our planet. With stunning exhibits, immersive experiences, and engaging activities, it offers a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Edinburgh Festival Theatre
The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is a renowned performing arts venue located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It hosts a wide range of theatrical productions, including plays, musicals, dance performances, and opera. With its stunning architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, the theatre offers an unforgettable experience for both performers and audiences.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is a fascinating museum that showcases the country's rich history, culture, and natural wonders. It features a wide range of exhibits, from ancient artifacts to modern technology, and offers interactive displays and activities for visitors of all ages.
Ghost tour through the city's haunted closes and graveyards
Embark on a spine-chilling ghost tour through the eerie haunted closes and graveyards of Edinburgh. Uncover the city's dark history as you walk through dimly lit streets, listening to bone-chilling tales of paranormal activity and supernatural encounters. This immersive experience is not for the faint-hearted, promising an unforgettable journey into the unknown.
Port of Leith
The Port of Leith Edinburgh is a bustling and historic port located on the Firth of Forth in Edinburgh, Scotland. It has been a vital hub for trade and maritime activities for centuries, with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. Today, it serves as a major commercial port, handling various types of cargo including containers, bulk goods, and cruise ships. The port area also features a vibrant waterfront with restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Waterfront of Leith
Waterfront of Leith is a picturesque area located in the port district of Leith, Edinburgh. It offers stunning views of the waterfront and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, charming cafes, and historic buildings. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the promenade, explore the nearby attractions such as the Royal Yacht Britannia, or indulge in delicious seafood at the local restaurants.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a historic landmark located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and is home to several iconic monuments and structures, including the National Monument, Nelson Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument. The hill is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city below.