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4 Days in Edinburgh: Castle, Illusions, and Royal Delights

Jessica Strickland

20 Nov 2023

0

Embark on a thrilling 4-day adventure in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Discover the iconic Edinburgh Castle, immerse yourself in the wonders of the National Museum of Scotland, and indulge in delectable cuisine at Tang's and Che. Uncover the secrets of The Real Mary King's Close, be mesmerized by the illusions at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, and savor gourmet mash at Makars Gourmet Mash Bar. Immerse yourself in art at the National Galleries of Scotland, unwind in the picturesque Princes Street Gardens, and relish fresh seafood at Mussel Inn. Explore the natural beauty of Holyrood Park, visit the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, and dine at the charming Angels with Bagpipes. Marvel at the architectural splendor of St Giles' Cathedral, wander through the enchanting Dean Village, and savor French cuisine at L'escargot Blanc. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Royal Mile, stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and enjoy a cozy meal at The Bothy - Murrayfield Hotel. Get up close with fascinating animals at Edinburgh Zoo and savor the flavors of Indian cuisine at Spice Lounge Kitchen.

Trip to Edinburgh

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Castle, Museum, and Culinary Delights

+

$207

Haystack Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

19 - 28 min

~

Directions

Edinburgh Castle

An 11th-century castle and barracks housing the Crown Jewels and National War Museum of Scotland.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$63

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

National Museum of Scotland

Bright, modern museum housing Scottish industrial history relics, natural history displays & a cafe.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Tang's

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$72

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Che

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$72

Day 2Secrets, Illusions, and Artistic Wonders

+

$221

Haystack Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

8 - 12 min

~

Directions

The Real Mary King's Close

Walking tours through the maze of hidden streets below the city, with tales by costumed guides.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$38

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Long-standing tower with 5 floors showcasing hands-on exhibits of whimsical optical illusions.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$38

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

A beautiful mash of great food, drink and atmosphere

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$74

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

National Galleries of Scotland: National

National collection including European masterpieces & Scottish works, with seasonal exhibitions.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Princes Street Gardens

Green Flag park of geological/botanical interest, home to several public monuments and memorials.

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

~

Directions

Mussel Inn

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$72

Day 3Natural Beauty, Historic Charm, and French Cuisine

+

$215

·

$ 23

Haystack Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Holyrood Park

Parkland around the slopes & crags of Arthur's Seat, with walking & cycling paths & a loch.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The 16th-century palace of the Stuarts, with tours of royal reception rooms, antiques & relics.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$50

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Angels with Bagpipes

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$68

3 - 4 min

~

Directions

St Giles' Cathedral

Grand, Gothic medieval building & Presbyterian place of worship where John Knox used to preach.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$25

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Dean Village

Bucolic village abutting a tranquil stream, with gardens, 19th-century buildings & a museum.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

~

Directions

L'escargot Blanc

Fusing classic French technique with Scottish ingredients creates a unique dining experience in Edinburgh.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$72

Day 4Royal Mile, Botanic Garden, and Exotic Flavors

+

$207

·

$ 23

Haystack Hostel

Depart from your stay 🏨

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Royal Mile

Buzzing street linking Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, lined with quaint eateries & shops.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Manicured 70-acre gardens with palm house and temporary exhibitions, kids' events, tours and cafes.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$20

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

The Bothy - Murrayfield Hotel

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$74

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Edinburgh Zoo

Large parkland zoo offering keeper talks, hands-on animal encounters and free hilltop safari rides.

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

$45

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Spice Lounge Kitchen

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$68

Budget breakdown: $895 In total

Activities & Food:$850

Transport:$46