Edinburgh 5-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in Edinburgh to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Lucy Gillmore.
Bucket list experience:
The brooding castle looming over the city is the iconic image of the Scottish capital and notches up more than a million visitors each year. Tick it off for the views alone: to the north the Firth of Forth and the Kingdom of Fife, to the south the Pentland Hills. The fortress and royal palace, with dungeons and a 12th-century chapel, forms a sprawling complex that also includes the National War Museum.
If you can, time your visit to coincide with the one o’clock gun, which has been fired almost every day since 1861 – apart from Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in Edinburgh to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Lucy Gillmore.
Buy tickets online to avoid the queues at the ticket office, and to guarantee entry.
The website has a helpful section on the castle’s history and another one on its historical characters – both worth a read before you go. They also have several suggested itineraries, varying from 1-3 hours–again, worth having a look before you come and deciding what you want to see.
You can also download a castle map. If you’d rather wander around the warren of buildings at your own pace, you can plug into an audio guide for an extra fee, available on arrival.
It offers the same all-year round.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Edinburgh
£33 | Rating 4.90 / 5 [999 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
A flamboyant, historic bijoux bolthole in the shadow of the castle, its sumptuous suites the most romantic in Edinburgh. For lovers and history lovers who want to step back in time.
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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
A hip aparthotel in Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, with shops and restaurants on the doorstep.
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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
Chic, contemporary design and a family and pet-friendly ethos come as standard in these luxury apartments in Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town.
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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
A cool, central upside-down design hotel with a rooftop terrace and champagne lounge. Perfect for those who love cool design and champagne sundowners.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Edinburgh Region, United Kingdom (UK)
Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
Disneyland-style mock distillery tour, with a glimpse of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
A military band and thundering cannon spectacular, set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Best for ages: 6+ | £25 | 90 minutes
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
Scotland’s history, culture, art and design, science and technology – under one state-of-the-art roof. Special exhibits include the story of Mary Queen of Scots and Dolly the sheep.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.8 miles]
Peek into the life of the monarchy, past and present, at this ancient royal residence – once the home of Mary Queen of Scots.
Best for ages: 8+ | £17
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
Housed inside Edinburgh Castle, this free museum gives an insight into the Scots’ warring relationship with the English, the difference between Highland and Lowland soldiers and an overview of 300 years of military history.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
In the shadow of the castle, the original farmer’s market has jauntily striped stalls stocked with sauerkraut, smoked salmon and Arbroath Smokies. Held every Saturday from 9am-2pm, 3 mins walk from Edinburgh Castle.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
The city’s oldest purpose-built tourist attraction, at the top of the Royal Mile, is topped with a periscope that transfers images of Edinburgh’s skyline onto a table-top.
Best for ages: 4+ | £16 | Around 1 hour 45 min
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
This hidden gem in the medieval Old Town is a treasure trove of artifacts and manuscripts belonging to three of Scotland’s most famous writers; Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free