5-Day Scotland City Break in Edinburgh

Your exciting city break begins as soon as you arrive in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 4 nights.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Calton Hill. This mountain is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,517 visitors.

When the afternoon arrives, make your way to the hotel of your choice in downtown Edinburgh. Check-in at hotels in Scotland normally starts around 2 to 3 PM. Each accommodation option in Edinburgh offers a unique blend of comfort and style in addition to prime access to the city’s top attractions.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Heron, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Condita, known for its delicious modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Edinburgh is The Kitchin, a renowned restaurant with a 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious modern menu.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Panda & Sons, a top-rated bar in the area.

Celebrate the start of your 5-day city break in Edinburgh with a toast!

Wake up to day 2 of your exciting city break in Edinburgh. You still have 3 nights left in Edinburgh, and we recommend that you spend this day relaxing, sightseeing, and dining at the most wonderful places the city has to offer. Here's how you can make the most of today!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at National Museum of Scotland. This national museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors.

When you’re finished at National Museum of Scotland, head to Heart of Midlothian Mosaic. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 189 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit St Giles' Cathedral. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,293 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to The Real Mary King's Close. This point of interest is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,638 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Royal Mile. This famous sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,405 travelers.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. Scotland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

Make sure to book a table at Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Edinburgh. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Cafe Royal after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city.

Reflect on the adventures of the day as you unwind in the comfort of your hotel in Edinburgh. Tomorrow holds new possibilities and discoveries!

On day 3 of your city break, you will set out to discover Edinburgh, including some of the most amazing things to see and do in the city. You’ll stay 2 nights in Edinburgh and enjoy plenty of time for exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like The Royal Yacht Britannia. This extraordinary royal yacht has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,023 visitors.

Next, make your way to Leith Links. This sports venue is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,225 reviews.

While in Edinburgh, we also recommend a visit to Palace of Holyroodhouse. This official residence has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,746 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Holyrood Park. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,119 travelers, this archaeological site is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Edinburgh.

Make your way to Arthur's Seat, perhaps the most famous mountain in Edinburgh. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,238 reviews.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Scotland that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Edinburgh has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. Scroll down and select tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

You have plenty of options for restaurants and bars in Edinburgh. So when you’re hungry or need a break from exploring, all you have to do is take your pick.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Newsroom Bar & Eatery, a highly-rated dining destination in Edinburgh.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Ensign Ewart, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

As the day draws to a close, bask in the tranquility of Edinburgh by night. With memories made and adventures ahead, rest well and embrace the journey anew tomorrow.

Wake up to day 4 of your vacation in Edinburgh. With 1 night left, you'll have ample time to explore and savor all Edinburgh has to offer.

Make Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this botanical garden an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,765 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at National Galleries of Scotland: National. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,079 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this art museum every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 660,741 annual visitors.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This visitor centre has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,536 visitors.

When you’re finished at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, the perfect next stop is The Scotch Whisky Experience. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,926 reviews. The Scotch Whisky Experience attracts approximately 238,542 visitors annually.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This castle is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 90,949 reviews.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

When you’re ready to eat, treat yourself to a nice meal at a top-rated restaurant in the city.

Don’t miss out on dining at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Hoot The Redeemer, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting.

Raise your glass and relax after another amazing day in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Your city break in Edinburgh is coming to an end, and it's soon time to say goodbye to the city. Before you leave, make sure to capture a few last moments to cherish your rejuvenating vacation in Scotland.

Depending on how much time you have to spare on your departure day, you may want to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Downtown Edinburgh offers excellent shopping opportunities and is the perfect place to browse for souvenirs and gifts to bring home. Take a walk and discover unique items you can purchase to remind you of your city break in Edinburgh.

If you would rather go for some last-minute sightseeing, the remarkable Dean Village is an attraction you could visit today. This village has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,727 visitors.

Before you conclude your city break in Edinburgh, drop by a top-rated restaurant for your last chance at a memorable dining experience in the city. Savor the destination's vibrant atmosphere over a delicious meal.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Cafe Andaluz, highly recommended for tonight's dining.

As your city break in Edinburgh draws to a close, cherish the memories you've made. With your travel plans in place, you're all set for a safe journey home. Until next time, take care and safe travels!