The Real Mary King’s Close

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.

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.

A military band and thundering cannon spectacular, set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

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.

Disneyland-style mock distillery tour, with a glimpse of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection.

Edinburgh’s impressive hilltop castle, with bags of history and a bird’s-eye view over the capital.

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.

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.

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.

This micro-chocolate factory in the city centre offers 90-minute introduction tours to all aspects of chocolate-making, and you get you create your own bar to take away. There are also truffle-making masterclasses, and a unique chocolate and Scottish whisky experience that pairs artisan chocolates with single malts.