5-day itinerary
The Perfect 5 Days in Edinburgh
A balanced 5-day plan for Edinburgh, built around its top-rated sights and ordered so each day flows without backtracking — with a bite to eat and travel times between every stop. Like it? Make it your own in a couple of taps.
Make this Edinburgh itinerary yours
Customize it →The Big Highlights
Morning
The Scottish Parliament
Scotland's striking parliament building blends bold modernist design with the drama of ancient Holyrood Park.
3 min walk · 0.2 km to the next stop
Afternoon
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King's official Scottish residence, steeped in centuries of dramatic royal history and Highland grandeur.
1 min walk · 0.1 km to the next stop
Evening
Holyrood Abbey
Hauntingly beautiful abbey ruins beside a royal palace, steeped in centuries of Scottish royal history.
Where to eat: The Witchery — A well-loved local spot.
Culture & Icons
Morning
Nelson Monument
Climb this Napoleonic Wars monument on Calton Hill for sweeping panoramic views over Edinburgh's iconic skyline.
1 min walk · 0.1 km to the next stop
Afternoon
Calton Hill
Climb this iconic hill for sweeping Edinburgh skyline views and fascinating neoclassical monuments at every turn.
10 min walk · 0.7 km to the next stop
Evening
Scott Monument
Soar up a 61-metre Victorian spire honouring Sir Walter Scott with sweeping Edinburgh views.
Where to eat: The Dome Bar and Grill — A well-loved local spot.
Culture & Icons
Morning
National Gallery
Scotland's finest art collection, from Raphael to Rembrandt, completely free on Edinburgh's grand Mound.
3 min walk · 0.2 km to the next stop
Afternoon
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Mind-bending illusions and a rooftop camera with sweeping panoramic views over historic Edinburgh.
4 min walk · 0.3 km to the next stop
Evening
Mons Meg
Marvel at this colossal 15th-century siege cannon, one of the largest ever built, perched atop Edinburgh Castle.
Where to eat: £2 Pizza Slice — Pizza — a well-loved local spot.
Culture & Icons
Morning
Edinburgh Castle
A dramatic hilltop fortress commanding sweeping views over Edinburgh, packed with Scottish royal history.
6 min walk · 0.4 km to the next stop
Afternoon
Filmhouse
Edinburgh's beloved independent cinema screening cult classics, world cinema, and thought-provoking films in a welcoming setting.
9 min walk · 0.7 km to the next stop
Evening
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
A soaring Victorian Gothic masterpiece with stunning spires that dominate Edinburgh's skyline.
Where to eat: 10 To 10 In Delhi — Indian — a well-loved local spot.
Culture & Icons
Morning
St Giles' Cathedral
A medieval masterpiece on the Royal Mile, steeped in Scottish history and stunning Gothic architecture.
4 min walk · 0.3 km to the next stop
Afternoon
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's greatest museum spans five centuries of history, science, and culture—and admission is free.
16 min drive · 4 km to the next stop
Evening
HMY Britannia
Step aboard the Queen's legendary floating palace and uncover royal secrets on the open seas.
Where to eat: Abduls — Indian — a well-loved local spot.
Make it your own
Set your own dates and pace, swap any stop, and let the AI build a plan around your real flights and hotels.
Customize it →Built from Edinburgh's top-rated attractions. Opening hours, prices, and whether a spot still delivers can change — double-check anything time-sensitive before you go.