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:
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Cannons thundering, military bands marching, drums rolling, pipers playing, fireworks blazing across the night sky: the Tattoo, set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, has amazed audiences for more than 60 years.
The 90-minute show, which also includes state-of-the-art light displays and 1,000 musicians, singers and dancers from all over the world, is brought to an end by the soulful lament of a lone piper. It’s a spectacular, emotional rollercoaster.
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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.
The Tattoo Office is on Market Street next to Waverley Station, but you can buy tickets online or over the phone. Saturday performances book out quickly. On the night, weave your way at dusk up the Royal Mile to the castle. Gates open 45 minutes before the start. The spectacle lasts for 90 minutes.
Edinburgh nights can be chilly – huddle together and take warm clothes, a waterproof and a cushion. No performance has ever been cancelled because of the weather.
The Tattoo is held nightly during the first three weeks of August.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 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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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 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)[0.3 miles]
The grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, this luxurious landmark hotel is still the epitome of elegance.
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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
A neoclassical Royal Bank of Scotland building that’s now a high-end aparthotel. One for design-conscious night-owls who like everything on their doorstep.
Official star rating:
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)[0.4 miles]
Disneyland-style mock distillery tour, with a glimpse of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection.
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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 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)[0.6 miles]
Edinburgh’s impressive hilltop castle, with bags of history and a bird’s-eye view over the capital.
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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 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
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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0 miles]
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
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
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
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 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
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 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