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:
Far beneath the medieval streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town is one of its grittiest and most atmospheric, labyrinthine attractions.
As the capital’s elegant New Town was being built, many of the cramped, plague-ridden streets and tenements in the Old Town were simply bricked over. This is a real glimpse of 17th-century life rather than a Disneyesque experience.
Actors in character along the way include Mary King herself (an independent woman and successful merchant), a maid, a doctor, a poet – all weaving tales of daily life. It’s dark, it’s damp, it’s Les Miserables Scottish-style – with a touch of gallows humour.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
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 standard entry includes a one-hour tour (all visits are on guided tours). You can also book private tours. This is a very popular attraction and only limited numbers can go down at any one time so book ahead. Wear sensible footwear. It’s dimly lit and uneven underfoot.
It’s open all year round, seven days a week.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0 miles]
Chic, contemporary design and a family and pet-friendly ethos come as standard in these luxury apartments in Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town.
Official star rating:
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.
Official star rating:
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.
Official star rating:
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
The grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, this luxurious landmark hotel is still the epitome of elegance.
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)[0.1 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)[0.3 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)[0.4 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]
Edinburgh’s impressive hilltop castle, with bags of history and a bird’s-eye view over the capital.
Best for ages: 4+ | £1,750
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 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)[0.2 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)[0.3 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 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.
Best for ages: 6+ | £20