5 day itinerary for Edinburgh

Itinerary

Edinburgh is a stunning city with a rich history, beautiful sights, and, of course, some magnificent castles. Here’s a delightful 5-day itinerary that will help you soak in the best of what this enchanting city has to offer. Let’s get started!

## Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Royal Mile

Morning:

• Check-in: For your stay, I recommend the Apex Grassmarket Hotel. It’s centrally located, has spacious rooms, and offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Perfect for your group of four!
• Breakfast: Grab a hearty Scottish breakfast at The Baked Potato Shop on the Royal Mile.

Afternoon:

• Royal Mile: Stroll down the Royal Mile, where you can explore charming shops, street performers, and historic sites. Don’t miss St Giles' Cathedral with its beautiful stained glass windows.
• Lunch: Stop for lunch at The Royal McGregor, a cozy pub with traditional Scottish fare.

Evening:

• Edinburgh Castle: Head to Edinburgh Castle for a late afternoon visit. The views from the castle are breathtaking, and you can explore the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, a luxurious spot with a magical atmosphere.

## Day 2: Day Trip to Stirling Castle

Morning:

• Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at the hotel or a nearby café.
• Stirling Castle: Take a short train ride to Stirling (about 1 hour). Explore the impressive Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's grandest castles, with its stunning gardens and rich history.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at The Portcullis near the castle, which offers a lovely view and hearty meals.
• Wallace Monument: After lunch, visit the Wallace Monument for panoramic views of the surrounding area and a bit of history about William Wallace.

Evening:

• Return to Edinburgh: Head back to Edinburgh and relax at your hotel.
• Dinner: Try The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant that focuses on seasonal Scottish produce.

## Day 3: Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Palace

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Hula Juice Bar for something fresh and healthy.
• Arthur’s Seat: Hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that offers stunning views of the city. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views are absolutely worth it!

Afternoon:

• Lunch: After your hike, have a picnic lunch in Holyrood Park or head to The Holyrood 9A for a casual bite.
• Palace of Holyroodhouse: Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. Explore the beautiful gardens and the historic rooms.

Evening:

• Dinner: Dine at The Outsider, which has a fantastic menu and a great view of the castle.
• Ghost Tour: If you’re up for it, consider a ghost tour in the evening to explore Edinburgh’s spooky history!

## Day 4: Day Trip to Rosslyn Chapel and Linlithgow Palace

Morning:

• Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel.
• Rosslyn Chapel: Take a bus or a taxi to Rosslyn Chapel (about 30 minutes away). This stunning chapel is famous for its intricate carvings and connections to the Knights Templar.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Rosslyn Chapel Café.
• Linlithgow Palace: After lunch, head to Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Explore the ruins and the beautiful loch nearby.

Evening:

• Return to Edinburgh: Head back to the city.
• Dinner: Try The Mussel & Steak Bar for a relaxed dinner with delicious seafood and steak options.

## Day 5: Museums and Departure

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder.
• National Museum of Scotland: Spend your morning at the National Museum of Scotland. It’s a fantastic place to learn about Scottish history, culture, and natural history.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at the museum café or nearby at Oink, famous for its pulled pork sandwiches.
• Calton Hill: Take a stroll up Calton Hill for some of the best views of the city and its iconic monuments.

Evening:

• Last-minute shopping: If time allows, do some last-minute shopping on Princes Street or the Grassmarket.
• Departure: Head back to your hotel to collect your bags and make your way to the airport or your next destination.

And there you have it! A delightful 5-day itinerary filled with castles, beautiful sights, and famous locations in Edinburgh. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Safe travels! 🏰✨