5 Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Itinerary (With 2 Incredible Day Trips)

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick look at how to spend 5 days in Edinburgh:

• Day 1: Arrive + Old Town + walking tour + ghost tour
• Day 2: Princes Street Gardens + Calton Hill (sunset views)
• Day 3: Edinburgh Castle + Royal Mile + Holyroodhouse + Arthur’s Seat
• Day 4: Scottish Highlands day trip (Glencoe + Loch Ness)
• Day 5: St Andrews day trip + departure

This itinerary is designed to give you a mix of city highlights and unforgettable day trips—without feeling rushed.

A quick note before we dive in:

This itinerary is a slightly optimized version of our trip to make planning easier and group things by location.

We actually did things a little out of order (including our day trips earlier in the week), which you can totally do too, but this version is what we’d recommend if you want the smoothest experience.

If you’re curious, I’ll share our exact 5-day itinerary at the end of this post too!

This itinerary is perfect if you:

✔️ Want to base yourself in one city (no hotel hopping)
✔️ Love a mix of history, scenery, and iconic landmarks
✔️ Prefer guided day trips instead of renting a car
✔️ Want to see both Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands

It might not be the best fit if you:

✖️ Prefer slow travel with lots of downtime
✖️ Want to explore more remote parts of Scotland independently
✖️ Only have 2–3 days (in that case, I’d focus just on Edinburgh)

Overall, this itinerary is designed to give you a well-rounded first trip to Scotland—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve mapped out all of the major stops in this 5-day Edinburgh itinerary, including:

• Top attractions in Old Town and New Town
• Key viewpoints like Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat
• Day trip routes to the Scottish Highlands and St Andrews

You can use this map to:

• Visualize where everything is located
• Plan your walking routes
• See how day trips fit into your itinerary

👉 You can also save this map to your phone for easy access while exploring Edinburgh.

If you’re flying into Edinburgh from the U.S. like we did, you’ll likely land in the morning, which gives you plenty of time to start exploring right away.

We arrived around 10:30 am, dropped our luggage at Great Scot, which we found through Bounce Luggage Storage (super easy and affordable), and headed straight out to make the most of our first day.

A Broad Recommendation: If you arrive before check-in like we did, storing your luggage is a quick and easy way to make the most of your first day. You can check nearby luggage storage locations here.

After a long travel day, a casual lunch is the perfect way to ease into your trip.

We grabbed food at Scran Bistro, which is right in the heart of Old Town, and sat down to recharge before diving into sightseeing.

This is a great first stop thanks to its quick service, cozy atmosphere, and solid menu of wraps, fries, and drinks.

The chipotle chicken wrap and Cajun fries were perfect after a long flight!

One of the best things you can do on your first day in Edinburgh is a free walking tour.

It’s an easy, low-pressure way to:

• Get your bearings
• Learn about the city’s history
• See major landmarks like the Royal Mile
• Maybe even ward off any remaining jet lag!

We did a 2.5-hour Free Tour of Edinburgh, and it was the perfect introduction to the city.

👉 We did a free walking tour and loved it, but if you prefer smaller groups or a more in-depth experience, you can browse other top-rated Edinburgh walking tours here.

We wrapped up the night with dinner at Mariachi Restaurant (this one came highly recommended by Kelsey’s stepmom), and it ended up being one of our favorite meals of the entire trip!

It’s a family-owned Mexican spot just off Victoria Street with amazing food, strong margaritas, and a really fun vibe.

Based on our experience, we highly recommend the fish tacos, chips and guac, and enchiladas.

👉 Looking for more places to eat in Edinburgh? Check out my guide to the best bars and restaurants in Edinburgh.

After a full first day, this is the perfect time to slow things down a bit and enjoy some of Edinburgh’s best viewpoints and green spaces.

Located right in the heart of Edinburgh, Princes Street Gardens is a great place to ease into your day.

Set between Old Town and New Town, this park offers:

• Beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle
• A relaxing place to walk or sit
• Easy access to shops, cafés, and restaurants nearby

It’s also a great way to get a different perspective of the city after exploring the Royal Mile (during your free walking tours) the day before.

If you’re wandering through, keep an eye out for a few highlights:

• Ross Fountain, originally showcased at the Great Exhibition of 1862
• The flower clock, the world’s oldest floral clock (dating back to 1903)
• The Scott Monument, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks
• The Mortonhall Baby Ashes Memorial, marked by a bronze elephant statue

Use the rest of the afternoon to explore anything you didn’t get to on Day 1 or revisit areas you loved.

This is a good time to:

• Browse shops in New Town
• Grab a long lunch or coffee
• Take a break before a busier Day 3

If you’re exploring around the Grassmarket or Old Town again, check out The Last Drop.

It’s one of the most historic pubs in Edinburgh and sits in an area that was once used for public executions—so yes, it has a very interesting backstory.

Even if you just stop in for a quick drink, it’s worth it for the atmosphere alone.

In the evening, make your way up to Calton Hill—one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh.

From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of:

• The city skyline
• Arthur’s Seat
• The Firth of Forth

We went up around sunset, and it ended up being one of our favorite moments in Edinburgh.

It’s a short, easy walk to the top, and the views are absolutely worth it.

Often referred to as “Edinburgh’s Acropolis,” the hill is home to several historic monuments, including the National Monument, which was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.

👉 Having visited the real Acropolis in Athens, it was fun to spot the resemblance here—even if this version was never fully completed.

If you’re not too tired, head to Cold Town House after sunset.

It has one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle, plus a rooftop terrace and a great selection of drinks.

Considering that Cold Town House was rated the “Best Beer Bar” at The Scottish Beer Awards 2021 and was a finalist at the National Pizza Awards 2021, I think it’s safe to say that pizza and beer are probably a safe bet here!

Pro tip: If you want rooftop seating, try to book ahead. It wasn’t available when we walked in.

Day 3 is your “big” Edinburgh day—packed with history, landmarks, and some of the most iconic sights in the city.

This ended up being one of our favorite days of the trip, especially because our friend Sara and her son joined us, which made the whole experience even more fun and memorable!

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without visiting Edinburgh Castle.

Perched on Castle Rock, it’s one of the most famous landmarks in Scotland—and for good reason.

Plan to spend a few hours here exploring highlights like:

• St. Margaret’s Chapel
• The Crown Jewels
• The Great Hall

👉 Tickets for Edinburgh Castle do sell out (especially in summer), so I highly recommend booking in advance to lock in your time slot—check availability and prices here.

After the castle, make your way back down the Royal Mile toward the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

This historic stretch is one of the most atmospheric parts of the city, lined with:

• Shops and local vendors
• Hidden closes and alleyways
• Street performers and historic landmarks

Take your time wandering—this isn’t a place to rush.

About halfway down the Royal Mile, you’ll come across St Giles’ Cathedral, one of Edinburgh’s most important historic landmarks.

The cathedral predates most of the Edinburgh Old Town and was built on top of an ancient 9th century sanctuary, in the shape of a cross.

It’s free to enter (donations encouraged), and it’s worth stepping inside for a quick visit.

Don’t miss:

• The beautiful stained glass windows
• The Thistle Chapel, known for its intricate Gothic details
• The statue of John Knox, the Protestant Reformation leader and first minister of St Giles’

You only need about 15–20 minutes here, but it’s a great way to break up your walk and experience a quieter, more reflective side of the city.

At the end of the Royal Mile, you’ll reach the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Edinburgh.

Holyrood began as an abbey in 1128, founded by King David I, and you can still visit the abbey ruins on the palace grounds today.

One of the most fascinating figures tied to Holyroodhouse is Mary, Queen of Scots. Her private chambers have been preserved to reflect what they would have looked like during her time here.

A darker piece of history: Mary’s secretary, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered inside the palace by her husband, Lord Darnley, in a jealous rage.

It’s said that Rizzio’s spirit still roams the palace, and despite palace staff’s claims that the floorboards have been replaced several times over the years, his blood stain remains—just another one of many eerie stories tied to Edinburgh.

Beyond the history, highlights of the visit include:

• The State Apartments
• The Great Gallery
• The palace gardens (with views of Arthur’s Seat)

A Broad Recommendation: The audio tour here is absolutely worth doing, as it brings the history (and drama) of the palace to life.

If you’re up for it, this is the perfect time to hike Arthur’s Seat.

Located right behind Holyroodhouse, it’s one of the best viewpoints in the city—but it does require a bit more effort than Calton Hill.

It’s the highest of a series of hills known as the Salisbury Crags that make up most of Holyrood Park.

The hike takes about 1.5–2 hours round trip and offers incredible panoramic views at the top.

Fun fact: Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano and the highest point in Holyrood Park.

👉 If you’d prefer a slower-paced day, you can also move this to the morning of Day 2 instead.

A Broad Recommendation: Trail routes here can be confusing (we had trouble finding clear signage), so don’t stress too much about picking the “perfect” path—just follow the main trails and you’ll get there. This Arthur’s Seat route map by Geowalks might come in handy if you want to check routes beforehand.

Also, be sure to come prepared:

• Wear sturdy hiking boots or waterproof tennis shoes
• Bring water and snacks
• Pack a light rain jacket (weather changes quickly here)

For dinner, we went to Shamoli Thai & Indian Restaurant, which has a great location right along the Royal Mile.

The service isn’t something I’d write home about, but the butter chicken and garlic naan were definite highlights.

If seeing the Scottish Highlands is on your bucket list, this is the day to do it!

Taking a day trip from Edinburgh is one of the easiest ways to experience some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes without needing to rent a car.

On our tour, we visited places like:

• Glencoe
• Loch Ness
• Cairngorms National Park

It was a long day—but easily one of the most fun parts of our trip.

👉 If you want a full breakdown of what this day looks like (including every stop), you can read my full Scottish highlands tour review here.

👉 If this is on your bucket list, I’d book this exact Highlands day tour as soon as you finalize your dates, since these do sell out, especially in summer.

Evening: keep it flexible

After a full 10–12 hour day, you’ll probably want something low-key.

If you still have energy, head to Festival Village: Waverley for a fun, casual atmosphere with drinks, food vendors, and live music (especially in the summer).

For your final day, head out on another incredible (and completely different) day trip from Edinburgh.

Taking a trip to St Andrews is a great way to experience Scotland’s coastline, charming towns, and historic landmarks—all in one day.

On our tour, we visited places like:

• Anstruther, a picturesque fishing village along the coast
• St Andrews (including the cathedral ruins and famous golf course)
• Falkland Palace and Gardens, one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland
• Scenic viewpoints along the Fife coast

It has a totally different feel from both Edinburgh and the Highlands, which makes it a great addition to your itinerary.

👉 For a full breakdown of what this day looks like, refer to my St Andrews day trip guide.

👉 Or, if you already know you want to go, this is the exact tour we took and recommend.

Depending on your flight time, you may head straight to the airport or have a little time left in Edinburgh.

Either way, this is a perfect way to end your trip with something scenic, relaxing, and memorable.

If you want to follow our trip exactly as we experienced it (including a few spontaneous decisions along the way), here’s what our actual 5-day Edinburgh itinerary looked like:

Day 0: Overnight flight from Washington, D.C. to Edinburgh

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh, lunch, free walking tour, free ghost tour

Day 2: Scottish Highlands day trip + Calton Hill

Day 3: St Andrews day trip + Princes Street Gardens

Day 4: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyroodhouse, Mary King’s Close

Day 5: Arthur’s Seat + departure for Brussels, Belgium

A lot of this came together organically while we were there, and honestly, even though it wasn’t perfectly planned, it worked out really well for us!

Yes—5 days is the perfect amount of time to experience Edinburgh and explore beyond the city.

With 5 days in Edinburgh, you can:

• See Edinburgh’s top attractions without rushing
• Experience both Old Town and New Town
• Take 1 or 2 incredible day trips

If you only have 2–3 days, you can still see the highlights—but adding extra time allows you to explore places like Glencoe or St Andrews, which are absolutely worth it.

The best time to visit Edinburgh depends on your travel style, but for most people, late spring through early fall offers the best overall experience.

• June–August (Peak Season): The warmest weather and longest daylight hours make this the most popular time to visit. This is also when major festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe take place, but expect larger crowds and higher prices.
• May & September (Shoulder Season): A great balance of decent weather and fewer tourists. This is one of the best times to visit if you want to avoid peak-season crowds while still enjoying longer days.
• October–April (Off-Season): Fewer crowds and lower prices, but colder weather and shorter daylight hours. Winter can still be a magical time to visit, especially for Christmas markets around the holidays.

No matter when you visit, be prepared for unpredictable weather—layers and a rain jacket are essential year-round in Scotland.

It was unseasonably warm during our visit to Edinburgh in July, and temperatures reached the mid-80s some days!

A Broad Recommendation: If you’re not sure what to pack, check out this full guide on what to wear in Scotland every season.

When visiting Edinburgh, the best areas to stay are Old Town and New Town.

• Old Town (Best for First-Time Visitors): If it’s your first time in Edinburgh, staying in Old Town is hard to beat. You’ll be within walking distance of major attractions like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood Palace.
• New Town (Best for Shopping + Slightly Quieter Stay): New Town offers a more modern, spacious feel with great shopping, restaurants, and easy access to Old Town. It’s a great option if you want something a bit less touristy but still central.

A Broad Recommendation: Edinburgh can be pricey, especially during peak season, so it’s worth booking accommodations early. You can browse hotels and check current prices here.

We personally stayed in an Airbnb just outside the city center, and spent around $1,700 for 4 nights—unfortunately, our exact Airbnb is no longer available!

This worked well for us, as we were just a short bus ride away, but if you prefer a hotel, staying centrally will make this itinerary much easier to follow.

A Broad Recommendation: Traveling solo? This full Edinburgh Solo Travel Guide has hotel and hostel recommendations, safety tips, and things to do on your own.

Edinburgh is a very walkable city, and most of the main attractions in this itinerary are within walking distance of each other.

• Walking: The best way to explore Old Town and New Town
• Buses: Reliable and easy to use (tap-to-pay with credit card)
• Uber & taxis: Convenient for longer distances or early/late travel

If you’re taking day trips like the Scottish Highlands or St Andrews, transportation is typically included if you book a guided tour, making it an easy, stress-free option.

After spending 5 days in Edinburgh, here are a few things that made a big difference for us:

• Book key tours and attractions early: We actually saw tickets sell out while we were there—especially for Edinburgh Castle and day trips.
• Use luggage storage if you arrive early: This made our first day so much better. Instead of waiting around for check-in, we were able to start exploring immediately.
• Don’t overpack your itinerary: Some of our favorite moments (like Calton Hill at sunset) were spontaneous.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Edinburgh is very walkable—but also very hilly and full of cobblestones.
• Be prepared for unpredictable weather: We had sunshine, heat, and clouds—all in the same day. Layers are key.
• Mix city time with day trips: This was the biggest highlight of our trip. Seeing places like Glencoe and St Andrews made the experience feel so much more complete.

👉 For more detailed planning tips and travel resources, check out my full Edinburgh Travel Guide here.

Spending 5 days in Edinburgh is one of the best ways to experience both the city and the incredible landscapes Scotland is known for.

From wandering the Royal Mile and exploring historic landmarks to taking unforgettable day trips through the Highlands and along the coast, this itinerary gives you a little bit of everything—without the stress of constantly moving around.

If you’re planning your trip, here are a few next steps to make things easier:

• Book your Scottish Highlands day trip early (these fill up fast)
• Grab your Edinburgh Castle tickets in advance
• Start mapping out your must-do experiences

And if you want a deeper dive into any part of this itinerary, I’ve linked full guides throughout this post (and again here) to help you plan every detail:

• An Awesome Day Trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands
• A Great Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews
• Two Fun and Free Walking Tours in Edinburgh
• Where We Ate in Edinburgh: Restaurants, Pubs & Bars We’d Recommend
• 5 Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Itinerary (With 2 Incredible Day Trips)

No matter how you structure your trip, Edinburgh is one of those places that completely lives up to the hype—and then some.

If you have any questions while planning, feel free to leave a comment. I’m always more than happy to help!

XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads