🏰 Exploring Edinburgh: 9 Days of Adventure

Judith Bass

16 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling journey through the historic streets of Edinburgh, discovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks. From majestic castles to picturesque gardens, this itinerary will immerse you in the rich culture and captivating beauty of the Scottish capital.

Trip to Edinburgh

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Riverside Charm and Iconic Bridges

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One

Modern art collection from Miro to Hockney, alongside new exhibitions, sculpture park and cafe.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

31 - 38 min

Directions

1.5-mile-long red railway bridge, opened in 1890 & crossing the Forth estuary.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Wildlife Encounters and Serene Gardens

$45

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$45

16 - 20 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Artistic Masterpieces and Architectural Wonders

$38

National Galleries of Scotland: National

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

Spirelike Victorian memorial in honour of the writer Sir Walter Scott, with 287 steps to the top.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

9 - 14 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

$25

Day 4Unveiling Secrets Underground and Majestic Hilltop Views

$38

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$38

12 - 17 min

Directions

Prominent hill with neoclassical monuments & sweeping views of the city skyline & Edinburgh Castle.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Royal Residences and Fascinating Exhibits

$50

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Strolling the Historic Mile and Conquering a Volcanic Peak

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

Mountain offering hikes from moderate to advanced, plus panoramic city & Firth of Forth views.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Medical Marvels and Royal Maritime Heritage

$38

$ 5

Classical 1832 building housing 18th-century anatomy specimens & visiting medical exhibitions.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

20 - 24 min

Directions

Large oceanic liner used by Britain's royal family on official state visits for more than 40 years.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$38

Day 8Unleashing Your Imagination and Exploring Nature's Oasis

$58

$ 10

Reproductions of the city's social and industrial history in a cluster of fine historic buildings.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

5 - 6 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$38

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$20

Day 9Conquer the Mighty Edinburgh Castle

$63

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$63

Budget breakdown: $360 In total

Activities & Food:$328

Transport:$32