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.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
National Museum of Scotland
Credit Shutterstock.com/Anton_Ivanov
Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Up until recently, many large-scale museums were dull, dusty and stuck in the past. Now, though, they strive for the wow factor, and the state-of-the-art National Museum of Scotland, which reopened in 2011 after a £47 million revamp, is a prime example.
The Grand Gallery is an airy atrium housing the four-story Window on the World installation, while 16 other spellbinding galleries explore Scotland’s history, culture, art and design, fashion, science and technology. There are also galleries devoted to Ancient Egypt, East Asia and Pacific Islanders.
Don’t miss
The story of Mary Queen of Scots – Scotland’s most infamous and controversial monarch executed by Queen Elizabeth – is told in the ‘Kingdom of the Scots’ gallery.
Dolly the sheep – the first-ever cloned mammal and the most famous sheep in the world – is on display in the ‘Explore’ gallery.
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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley and the museum is a 15-minute walk away. Prebooking tickets is not required – you can just turn up.
The museum can seem overwhelming, but thankfully they offer a number of themed trails on the website.
Including a family trail, and a staff picks trail of the key highlights. Worth checking out before you go (and keeping with you on your mobile device). You can also download a museum map, or again, keep it with you on your mobile.
When to do it
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Cheval Old Town Chambers
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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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The Witchery by the Castle
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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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Market Street Hotel
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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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The Balmoral Hotel
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
The grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, this luxurious landmark hotel is still the epitome of elegance.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Edinburgh
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.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Scotch Whisky Experience
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Disneyland-style mock distillery tour, with a glimpse of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
A military band and thundering cannon spectacular, set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Best for ages: 6+ | £25 | 90 minutes
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Edinburgh’s impressive hilltop castle, with bags of history and a bird’s-eye view over the capital.
Best for ages: 4+ | £1,750
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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..
The Real Mary King’s Close
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Deep beneath the Royal Mile, a cast of characters weaves gritty tales of medieval life around a perfectly preserved 17th-century street.
Best for ages: 5+ | £19 | 1 hour
Experience
Writers’ Museum
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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
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Experience
Camera Obscura
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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
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Experience
Edinburgh Dungeon
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
An underground yomp through the darkest episodes in the city’s history, including the story of body-snatchers Burke & Hare, a torture chamber and the Grassmarket Gallows – a re-creation of when Edinburgh’s central square was famous for its hangings.
Best for ages: 10+ | £18
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