Ready-made trips · United Kingdom
Edinburgh in 4 days
Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town, the Royal Mile, Holyrood and the climb up Arthur's Seat.
- Length
- 4 days
- Best time
- May to September, December
- Pace
- Moderate
- Day trips
- None, all in the city
Four days in Edinburgh: The Royal Mile, Holyrood and Arthur’s Seat; The Castle and the Old Town. Each full day is one of our own checked days, planned to be walked in order, with opening hours checked and lunch and dinner suggestions close to the stops.
Day by day
1Dean VillageArrival
- When you arriveDean VillageScenic riverside historic village.Tip: A small, picturesque former mill village within walking distance of the city center — quieter and less crowded than most Edinburgh sightseeing spots.
Lunch nearby: The Scran & Scallie or Hamilton’s Bar and Kitchen
Dinner: The Scran & Scallie or Hamilton’s Bar and Kitchen
2The Royal Mile, Holyrood and Arthur’s Seat
- MorningRoyal MileHistoric street connecting castle and palace.Tip: St Giles’ Cathedral, with its crown spire, is halfway down.
- AfternoonHolyrood PalaceRoyal residence at end of Royal Mile.Tip: The official Scottish residence of the British monarch, genuinely still used for state functions — check current opening status around royal visits.
- EveningArthur’s SeatHilltop viewpoint with trails.Tip: An extinct volcano offering panoramic views over Edinburgh — a genuinely moderate hike, doable in under two hours round trip.
Lunch nearby: Mother India’s Café or Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Dinner: Mother India’s Café or Mums Great Comfort Food
3The Castle and the Old Town
- MorningEdinburgh CastleHistoric fortress on Castle Rock.Tip: Book a timed ticket; the One O’Clock Gun fires every day except Sunday.
- AfternoonVictoria StreetColorful curved shopping street.Tip: A colorful, curved street said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter — genuinely charming, though increasingly touristy given the association.
- EveningGrassmarketHistoric square with pubs and shops.Tip: A historic square with genuinely good pubs and restaurants beneath the castle — a good, atmospheric evening destination.
Lunch nearby: The Last Drop or Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Dinner: Hamilton’s Bar and Kitchen or The Last Drop
4A Last Morning in Princes Street GardensLast morning
- Before you leavePrinces Street GardensGardens below castle with views.Tip: A genuinely central park beneath Edinburgh Castle, offering good views up toward the fortress.
Lunch nearby: The Last Drop or Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Dinner: Mums Great Comfort Food or The Last Drop
Where to stay
Old Town
The medieval town of closes and wynds between the castle and Holyrood.
Waverley station, and the airport tram from Princes Street.
Stockbridge
A village-like quarter by the Water of Leith.
Buses 24, 29 and 36 to the centre.
New Town
Georgian crescents and squares north of Princes Street.
The tram along Princes Street to the airport; Waverley station.
Everything in the plan is ready to book
The full plan has a map of each day, directions between stops, opening hours, restaurant choices, hotels in these areas and tickets, tours and trains linked to book with the provider you choose.
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