Top 3 Itineraries in Edinburgh

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Edinburgh.

If you only have a few days, Edinburgh weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Edinburgh offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Edinburgh are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Edinburgh offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Scotland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Edinburgh truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Edinburgh belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Edinburgh are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Edinburgh and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Edinburgh itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Edinburgh for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Edinburgh without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Edinburgh!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Stirling is one of the best ways to experience Scotland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Edinburgh can easily be combined with other top destinations in Scotland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Stirling by public transport, renting a car in Scotland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Aberdeen

• Arrival city: Aberdeen
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Aberdeen, e.g., Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel
• Sightseeing: Queens Links Leisure Park

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Aberdeen. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Aberdeen

• Destinations: Aberdeen
• Driving distance: 222.77 km, approx. 3 hours and 15 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Edinburgh, e.g., Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
• Sightseeing: Westburn Park, Duthie Park, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Johnston Gardens, and Hazlehead Park
• Recommended tour: Edinburgh Castle Fast-Track Ticket and Tour

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Westburn Park, Duthie Park, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Johnston Gardens, and Hazlehead Park. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Aberdeen, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Edinburgh.

Day 3: Discover Edinburgh

• Destinations: Edinburgh
• Driving distance: 78.3 km, approx. 1 hour and 35 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Edinburgh, e.g., Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
• Sightseeing: St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Mile, and The Real Mary King's Close
• Recommended tour: Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

Spend the day exploring St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Mile, and The Real Mary King's Close. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Edinburgh.

Day 4: Experience Edinburgh

• Destinations: Edinburgh
• Driving distance: 154.86 km, approx. 2 hours and 50 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Edinburgh, e.g., Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
• Sightseeing: The Scotch Whisky Experience, National Galleries of Scotland: National, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, and Holyrood Park
• Recommended tour: Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

Continue your journey through Edinburgh, where you can explore The Scotch Whisky Experience, National Galleries of Scotland: National, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, and Holyrood Park. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Edinburgh, Skinflats, and Larbert

• Destinations: Edinburgh, Skinflats, and Larbert
• Driving distance: 182.98 km, approx. 3 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Edinburgh, e.g., Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
• Sightseeing: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Britannia, The Kelpies, Dean Village, and The Falkirk Wheel
• Recommended tour: The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour and Experience in Edinburgh

Drive through Edinburgh, Skinflats, and Larbert, stopping to visit Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Britannia, The Kelpies, Dean Village, and The Falkirk Wheel. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Glasgow

• Destinations: Glasgow
• Driving distance: 30.9 km, approx. 1 hour and 35 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Glasgow, e.g., Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
• Sightseeing: Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and Pollok Country Park
• Recommended tour: Standing Stones, Inveraray and Kilchurn Castles & Highland Tour starting Glasgow

Spend time discovering Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and Pollok Country Park, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Glasgow, Stirling, and Cambuskenneth

• Destinations: Glasgow, Stirling, and Cambuskenneth
• Driving distance: 299.94 km, approx. 4 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Glasgow, e.g., Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
• Sightseeing: The National Wallace Monument, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, George Square, Glasgow Green, and Stirling Castle
• Recommended tour: Hampden Park Stadium and Museum Tour

Explore The National Wallace Monument, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, George Square, Glasgow Green, and Stirling Castle at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Glasgow.

Day 8: Explore Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, and Lewiston

• Destinations: Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, and Lewiston
• Driving distance: 254.99 km, approx. 4 hours and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Inverness, e.g., River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
• Sightseeing: Glenfinnan Viewpoint, Commando Memorial, Urquhart Castle, Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland, and Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Recommended tour: Isle of Skye Full Day Private Tour from Inverness

Continue your road trip through Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, and Lewiston, enjoying the flexibility to explore Glenfinnan Viewpoint, Commando Memorial, Urquhart Castle, Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland, and Glenfinnan Viaduct and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Inverness, Stonehaven, Balmedie, and Kirkton of Maryculter

• Destinations: Inverness, Stonehaven, Balmedie, and Kirkton of Maryculter
• Driving distance: 260.73 km, approx. 4 hours and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Aberdeen, e.g., Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel
• Sightseeing: Clava Cairns, Dunnottar Castle, The Den & The Glen, Stonehaven Harbour, and Balmedie Country Park
• Recommended tour: Coastal Villages of Aberdeenshire

Visit Clava Cairns, Dunnottar Castle, The Den & The Glen, Stonehaven Harbour, and Balmedie Country Park as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Aberdeen.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Aberdeen

• Departure city: Aberdeen
• Driving distance: 5.95 km, approx. 16 minutes
• Sightseeing: Seaton Park

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Aberdeen. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1229 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Edinburgh.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Edinburgh for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Edinburgh with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Edinburgh without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Holyrood Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Edinburgh's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Edinburgh by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Calton Hill.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Edinburgh. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Edinburgh in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Edinburgh

Use this day to discover more of Edinburgh’s top sights. We recommend visiting St Giles' Cathedral, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Mile, The Edinburgh Dungeon, and The Real Mary King's Close.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Edinburgh in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Edinburgh's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Edinburgh’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Edinburgh

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. The Scotch Whisky Experience, National Galleries of Scotland: National, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, and Edinburgh Zoo are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Edinburgh.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Edinburgh. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Scotland!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Edinburgh

Spend your last few hours in Edinburgh soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Edinburgh in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Edinburgh, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Edinburgh travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Edinburgh offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Edinburgh itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Edinburgh weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Holyrood Park, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Edinburgh in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Edinburgh by night.

Day 2 - Discover Edinburgh’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Edinburgh with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Edinburgh Castle, stopping by The Royal Yacht Britannia for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Edinburgh and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Edinburgh

No itinerary in Edinburgh is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to St Giles' Cathedral.
• Afternoon: Explore National Museum of Scotland and Royal Mile, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Edinburgh and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Scotland.

Day 5 - Depart from Edinburgh

Make the most of your last few hours in Edinburgh before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Edinburgh in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Edinburgh.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Edinburgh. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Edinburgh itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Edinburgh, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Edinburgh for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Edinburgh. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Edinburgh in a way that feels truly unforgettable!