5 Days of Culture and Adventure in Edinburgh Itinerary

Begin your day with a hike up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano that offers panoramic views of Edinburgh. It's a moderate hike that takes about 2 hours round trip.

After descending from Arthur's Seat, head to Calton Hill for more breathtaking views and iconic monuments like the National Monument and Nelson Monument. Have lunch at The Gardener's Cottage, which offers farm-to-table dining in a charming setting.

Spend your evening exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Leith. Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia (HMY Britannia), once the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II. For dinner, try seafood at Ondine, known for its fresh catch and elegant atmosphere.

Start your cultural exploration with a visit to the National Museum of Scotland. This museum offers fascinating exhibits on Scottish history, culture, and science. Plan to spend around 2-3 hours here.

Walk over to the nearby Scottish National Gallery to admire classical artworks from both Scottish and international artists. For lunch, head to Dishoom Edinburgh for some delightful Indian cuisine in an atmospheric setting.

In the evening, enjoy some live entertainment at an authentic Scottish venue by attending an Edinburgh Live Scottish Stand Up Comedy Show. For dinner afterward, dine at Fhior, which offers innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Discover one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems by visiting the intriguing underground streets of Mary King's Close on an Real Mary King's Close. This tour reveals secrets about life in Edinburgh centuries ago.

Afterward, take a short walk to explore more local history at the charmingly preserved house museum of John Knox House (John Knox House). Enjoy lunch nearby at Timberyard, known for its rustic charm and seasonal menu.

Conclude your day with some relaxation by visiting one of Edinburgh’s unique distilleries: enjoy an informative tour followed by tastings during an evening session at the renowned Lind & Lime Gin Distillery (Edinburgh Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting). For dinner afterward try out delicious tapas-style dishes at 21212 (21212).

Embark on an adventurous day trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands. Start early with a From Edinburgh Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip. This tour will take you through some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes, including the mysterious Loch Ness and the dramatic Glencoe.

Continue your exploration of the Highlands with stops at picturesque villages and scenic viewpoints. The tour includes a lunch break where you can enjoy local Scottish fare at a charming countryside restaurant.

Return to Edinburgh in the evening and reflect on your adventure over dinner at The Kitchin, renowned for its innovative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. End your trip with a nightcap at one of Edinburgh's cozy pubs, reminiscing about your unforgettable journey.