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:
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Dog-walkers do it daily while tourists tramp up for the view and to say they’ve ‘done it’. The mysteriously named Arthur’s Seat is a 250m-high craggy hill – one part of an extinct volcano, which rises right out of the city centre.
The enjoyable one-hour walk to the top (relatively easy on the legs) rewards with panoramic views over the city and out over the Firth of Forth to Fife.
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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.
Arthur’s Seat is in Holyrood Park, in the centre of the city; there are car parks at three good starting points: near Dunsapie Loch, near the Scottish Parliament, and near St Margaret’s Loch.
The easiest ascent is via the grassy slopes rising above Dunsapie Loch, but wherever you start from, it’s easy to pick out the well-defined paths that snake to the top. The hike up to the top is relatively easy, and takes an hour (two if you’re very slow).
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]
History-steeped aparthotel with contemporary designer interiors, perfectly located for sightseeing at the bottom of the Royal Mile.
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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.9 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)[1.9 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)[2 miles]
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 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)[1.1 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
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.8 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)[2 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)[2.2 miles]
Disneyland-style mock distillery tour, with a glimpse of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collection.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]
Part of the Holyroodhouse complex, this art gallery exhibits a rotating collection of works from the Royal Collection. It’s one of 13 venues that showcase the largest private art collection in the world. Open daily.
Best for ages: 18+ | £9
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.6 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
Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[1.9 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)[2 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