Spend 4 Days in Edinburgh • ULTIMATE Expert Itinerary + Maps
Have a magical long weekend in Edinburgh with our incredible itinerary from a travel pro, including weird & wonderful museums, off-the-beaten-track experiences, and where to stay in Edinburgh for the ultimate local experience in Scotland’s gorgeous capital city.
Going on a trip for 4 days in Edinburgh? If you’re looking for an AWESOME itinerary from a travel expert, you’re in the right place!
I recently came back from Edinburgh and did so many incredible things while I was there. So I’ve got all the top things to do in this gorgeous city, tried and tested by yours truly!
I’ve separated this helpful itinerary out by day, so use the links below to jump to the day or find a hotel in your budget!
Day 1: Edinburgh Castle & central city
Coffee @ New Town Deli
Edinburgh Castle
Free walking tour
Dinner @ Indigo Yard
Edinburgh Vaults tour
1.1 Go for coffee at New Town Deli
The reason New Town Deli (map) is my first recommendation is that the coffee is AMAZING!
I came here while I was waiting for my husband one morning, and I was blown away. The vibes on Broughton Street are my fav, and it’s also the perfect spot for people-watching.
PRO TIP: Their mashed avo sourdough was spot on, so definitely try it!
1.2 Head to Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh castle is STUNNING. If you arrived at Edinburgh Waverley Station, you most likely spotted it high up on the hill above Princes Street Gardens!
Edinburgh Castle was a royal residence of British Monarchs for centuries, and is now home to The Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Britain. It’s also still an active military base!
The best way to make the most out of Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish National War Memorial is this guided tour. As it’s one of the most important places to see in the city with almost 3,000 years of history, this guided tour will let you in on all the secrets.
You’ll have plenty of time after the tour to explore by yourself if you wish!
PRO TIP: There’s a Christmas Market between November and December on Princes Street Gardens which is super cute!
1.3 Have lunch at The Edinburgh Larder
My husband and I went to The Edinburgh Larder for lunch and we’re now OBSESSED!
The menu at The Larder (map) is classic Scottish fare (with locally-sourced ingredients) and the vibes are super homey.
I highly recommend getting the smoked trout – it’s to die for!
PRO TIP: Book in advance! It’s a small place and they get really busy, so make sure you get yourself a spot before you go. We booked the day before and got lucky, there was only one table left at the time we wanted it! They do take £5 deposit but they’ll take this off your bill at the end.
1.4 Go on a free walking tour of central Edinburgh
If you’re heading to Edinburgh for the first time, getting a walking tour is a fab way to get to grips with the city on your first day.
The amazing thing about GuruWalk tours is that the tours are completely FREE! The expectation is that you tip the tour guide at the end of your journey – but trust me, you’ll want to.
You’ll get to see iconic structures like St Giles Cathedral off Real Mary King’s Close, Sir Walter Scott Monument, the Floral Clock, and other beautiful streets of Edinburgh.
All the local tour guides for GuruWalk are experts on their city, so they can also give you local recommendations for your trip!
1.5 Have dinner at Indigo Yard
Indigo Yard (map) was one of the highlights of my trip to Edinburgh.
It’s SUCH a cool place, and luckily for me, it was all lit up with gorgeous Christmas lights when I was there. It’s a local favorite, and the tourists don’t know about it!
The food here is classic Scottish pub fare, and their burgers are fabulous. It’s a super down-to-earth spot!
I highly recommend doing what I did – sit outside on their terrace, even if it’s cold! The terrace is fully covered from the elements and there are heaters and blankets on every table. It makes for an incredibly cozy first night in Edinburgh.
1.6 Have a late-night Edinburgh Vaults tour
On your first night in Edinburgh, what’s better than a tour of the haunted vaults under South Bridge?
The Edinburgh Vaults were once occupied by criminals, the downcast, and the poor people of the city. Homelessness was once outlawed in Scotland, so it was often easier to end up here than in prison, which had an awful reputation a few centuries ago.
You’ll also get to see the spot where public hangings used to take place.
My husband and I went on a Vaults tour at 10 PM with Auld Reekie tours, and it was incredible! We loved every second, and the tour guide was hilarious – which was helpful since it was quite spooky down there. I recommend doing the same tour we did, it was epic!
Day 2: Arthur’s Seat & Surgeons’ Hall
Scottish breakfast @ Quinn’s Cafe
Guided hike to Arthur’s Seat
Lunch @ Bobby’s Sandwich Bar
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Dinner @ Makars Mash Bar
Comedy night @ The Stand
2.1 Enjoy a full Scottish Breakfast at Quinn’s Cafe
You’ll be going on a hike today, so I strongly suggest you have a proper breakfast on day 2 of your Edinburgh trip!
There are a few notable differences between a Full Scottish Breakfast and a Full English. The Scottish version features flat potato scones (and sometimes haggis), and often has a signature Lorne sausage, which is a flat, square sausage.
Quinn’s Cafe is unassuming but decidedly wonderful. Located on the south side of Edinburgh Castle, their haggis and black pudding combo will fill you right up.
The portion sizes are hefty at this place, especially for such good prices – but fear not! You’ll be burning it all off on your next activity!
2.2 Take a guided hike to Arthur’s seat from Holyrood Palace
Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, sits high above the city, and the panoramic views of this beautiful city are so worth the effort, trust me.
I recommend taking this guided hike because these experts know all the best routes. It’s quicker to do this than try to manage on your own so you can pack much more into your short trip!
The route is relatively steep since it’s the quicker route – but it’s a quieter trail and all the tourists will be on the other path. Plus, it’s so worth it when you get to the top, it’s honestly an unimaginable view that you won’t get anywhere else in the city.
PRO TIP: Use the toilets in the Palace of Holyroodhouse before you go! The hike there and and back is only 2 hours but just in case, you don’t want to have to go in nature 💧
2.3 Head to Bobby’s Sandwich Bar for a haunted lunch
After all that exercise, I bet you’re starving.
Honestly, same – so your next stop is Bobby’s for a fat sandwich!
Bobby’s Sandwich Bar claims to be haunted, which might sound a bit scary, but their sandwiches and friendly service will fully make up for it.
If I were you, I’d get the pastrami bagel (to die for) and a cardamom coffee for a boost of energy. YUM!
This place gets really crowded, so why not take your sandwich to go and sit in Greyfriars Cemetery right next door? Adds to the creepy vibe (and you’ll get to see the Greyfriars Bobby statue), but really the cemetery is very beautiful and quiet, so a great place to rest your laurels for lunch.
2.4 Spend the afternoon at Surgeons’ Hall Museums
There’s a reason I think you should go to Surgeons’ Hall before you hit up The National Museum. It’s so much better, and a place I could have spent all day at!
My husband and I went to Surgeons’ Hall (map) not really knowing what to expect – but we were totally blown away. With 4 different collections, the specimens on display here are so interesting (and occasionally a bit macabre), and I learned so much!
“The specimens in the Museums are displayed acknowledging the debt to those whose suffering has advanced our knowledge of disease” ~RCSED
I often get bored quickly at museums, but Surgeons’ Hall was a totally new experience for me.
My husband is a doctor, so of course he found it equally fascinating – the preserved specimens and the exhibit of the future of AI in surgery were a highlight for us!
PRO TIP: If you want a preview, download their app here!
NOTE: You aren’t allowed to take pictures inside the Museums. A big thank you to Keshena Goldie, their Social Media & Marketing Officer, for allowing me to use the images above for this post!
2.5 Eat delicious haggis at Makars Mash Bar
It’s time for dinner, and of course we’re having haggis!
Haggis is Scotland’s national dish. It may sound strange – a savory pudding made from sheep’s offal, suet, and oats, and most often cooked in a sheep’s stomach – but it’s delicious. A must-try!
The best place to get haggis is Makars Mash Bar (map) near Victoria Street. It’s also an excellent spot for incredible scotch eggs! Everyone always says this is the best food they had on their trip to Edinburgh.
2.6 Go for a comedy night at The Stand
On your second evening in Edinburgh, I just HAD to recommend The Stand. It’s the best comedy club I’ve ever been to – and I’ve been to a lot!
When my husband and I went, we ended up getting picked on by the host, which was hilarious! Serves us right for sitting at the front 🤪
It’s an amazing venue and they often have comedy nights for charities. When we went, it was in aid of Amnesty International. So it’s funny for a good cause!
PRO TIP: Arrive early! They always say to arrive when the doors open (about an hour before the show starts) because there’s limited seating in the venue. Plus, if you get there early, you have more time to buy snacks and drinks!
Have a look at their schedule here.
Day 3: Royal Botanic Garden, Dean Village & National Museum
Breakfast @ Deacon’s House Café
Royal Botanic Garden and Dean Village
Lunch @ The Original Mosque Kitchen
National Museum of Scotland
Dinner @ Piccolino Edinburgh
Whisky tasting
3.1 Start your day with scones at Deacon’s House Café
What’s a trip to Scotland without a classic Scottish scone?
Deacon’s (map) is THE spot for a posh, homemade scone. And a huge selection of organic teas to start your day off right!
If you need more sustenance for breakfast than a scone (although they’re huge) then I highly recommend the pancakes. Trust me – we died and went to breakfast heaven!
3.2 Walk from the Royal Botanic Garden to Dean Village
The Botanic Garden is a real gem near the center of Edinburgh. It has one of the largest botanical collections on earth, and it’s also STUNNING!
A peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds, I recommend walking around the gardens – even in winter it’s beautiful, so wrap up warm!
We did a little jaunt from the Botanic Garden through Stockbridge and ended up at the quaint Dean Village, a gorgeous, historic neighborhood with some incredible instagrammable scenery. It only took 30 minutes!
The walk through Stockbridge was so pretty, and there are some cute boutique shops around there, too.
You’ll be walking along part of the Water of Leith, the prettiest river running through the city all the way to the coastline and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Check out my suggested route here.
3.3 Have a cheap & hearty lunch at The Original Mosque Kitchen
The Original Mosque Kitchen (map) may not look like much, but it’s fantastic, homemade goodness that will brighten up a cold day.
Great for those looking for lunch on a budget, students have been raving about this place for years – and the tourists don’t know about it yet, so shhh!
My favorite thing about this place is its authenticity. It’s no frills, fancy-free, just-damn-good food in a totally unassuming place. Plus, it’s halal!
3.4 Explore the National Museum of Scotland
The afternoon of your 3rd day in Edinburgh will be characterized by cultural banter at the National Museum.
Just a short walk from your lunch spot, you’ll find an incredible variety of exhibitions for all ages and interests here. Plus, it’s totally free to enter!
Most people say this is one of the best museums they’ve ever been to, and I agree. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here like I did, so keep your afternoon completely free for this!
HACK: There’s a secret rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the city! It’s kind of hard to find, so just ask a member of staff if you’re unsure. So worth it!
3.5 Eat mussels & risotto at Piccolino Edinburgh
Even if you’re not a fan of mussels, Piccolino Edinburgh is a total gem for your dinner plans and a really romantic spot to visit. Looking for more romantic spots? Check out our post on all the top romantic places to go in Edinburgh!
It’s a pretty casual place but with authentic Italian vibes. And the linguine and risotto are both to die for, so make sure you arrive really hungry and order both like we did!!
The locals in Edinburgh absolutely rave over this place, so take advantage of the hype!
3.6 Taste some of the finest Scotch whisky
After dinner, I highly recommend booking this Scotch Whisky experience. Even if you’re not a whisky person, their collection is one of the largest in the world – and I guarantee you’ve never had whisky like it!
Did you know that Scotland has 6 whisky-producing regions? You’ll get to have a taste from 5 of them!
We had an amazing time on this tour, and it’s so cheap for what you get. It’s a storytelling masterpiece, and you’ll even be gifted a crystal tasting glass to take home with you!
NOTE: Book in advance to avoid disappointment!
Day 4: Go on an unforgettable day trip from Edinburgh
On your final day in Edinburgh, I recommend getting out of the city for the day. The countryside around the city is stunning, so you can’t go home without taking one of these incredible trips out to the Scottish countryside
I chose these because they each represent a different interest. Pick your favorite, and have the best time!!
1. Loch Ness, Glencoe, & Scottish Highlands – for nature lovers
Price p/person: £52
Length of time: 12.5 hrs
Highlight: A cruise across Loch Ness
This eco-certified tour is my favorite day trip from Edinburgh. Notwithstanding the fact that Glencoe is hauntingly beautiful, the rest of the trip is pretty magical, too.
They’ll pick you up from Lawnmarket in the city center and drop you back there at the end of the day. So you’re actually getting so much for your money – including a relaxing journey, meeting cute Highland Cows, an introduction to kilts, AND an opportunity to spot the Loch Ness Monster.
Whoever finds Nessie wins!
NOTE: I’d book this tour in advance as it’s one of the most popular day trips out there.
2. St Andrews & Fife fishing villages – for culture enthusiasts
Price p/person: £52
Length of time: 8 hrs 30 minutes
Highlight: Opportunity to discover 1,000 years of cultural Scottish history
This is the perfect day trip for those who want to immerse themselves in the intricate day-to-day lives and incredible history of the Scottish people.
You’ll be picked up from Edinburgh and have a comfortable journey across the Firth of Forth to an old fishing village with cobblestone streets (literally one of my favorite places) and experience the blustery weather of the true Scottish seafront.
Sounds idyllic? It gets better!
You’ll also see St Andrews AND Falkland Palace, both incredibly beautiful places amid the rolling hills of northern countryside.
3. Rosslyn Chapel & Hadrian’s Wall – for history buffs
Price p/person: £89
Length of time: 10 hrs 30 minutes
Highlight: Chance to see some of Scotland’s most incredible architectural wonders
The main reason I would do this day trip from Edinburgh is to see Rosslyn Chapel – it’s absolutely superb, and its association with the Knights Templar remains largely a mystery to this day.
You’ll be discovering the wild lands of the Scottish Borders on this journey, with the opportunity to explore the best preserved parts of the ancient Hadrian’s Wall.
A stunning final visit to the town of Jedburgh is not to be sniffed at! It’s famous for its huge red sandstone abbey and known as “The Jewel of the Scottish Borders.”
4. Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands – for Harry Potter lovers
Price p/person: £44
Length of time: 12 hrs
Highlight: A budget exploration of the staggering scenery of the Scottish Highlands
If you’re a Harry Potter fan like me, this day trip is the perfect way to end your 3 or 4 day trip to Edinburgh.
For such an incredible price, you’ll get to witness the famous Harry Potter-styled Steam Train across Glenfinnan Viaduct!
You’ll also hear all about local folklore during your journey, with the most incredible scenery around and many stopping points ideal for your instagram page. It’s so cheap for such an incredible experience!
Practical information about Edinburgh
Plan your hotel stay: Booking.com
Affordable car rental: Rentalcars
Edinburgh Airport pickups: Welcome Pickups
Connect during your trip: Airalo eSIM
Best tours: GetYourGuide, Viator
Best free walking tours: Guruwalk
Affordable travel insurance: Safetywing
Here are a few brief tips for your stay in Edinburgh that I learned during my stay:
- Book in advance – Edinburgh is a ridiculously popular city!
- Take an umbrella – and generally just expect unpredictable weather
- Walking is the best way to get around – it’s hilly, but Edinburgh is small!
- Tip in restaurants – no need to tip anywhere else, but it’s common to tip up to 15% for table service
- Wear sturdy shoes – aside from the wet weather, many of Edinburgh’s streets are cobbled and slippery!
- The best time to visit is Spring – Fall is equally beautiful, but Spring has the best weather
- Avoid buying things on the Royal Mile – we discovered this pretty quickly! Most of it is a tourist trap
Where to stay in Edinburgh for 4 days
When we went to Edinburgh, we stayed in East Claremont Guest House near Leith Walk, and we adored it! The owner, Tommy, went above and beyond for us and the daily breakfast was OUTSTANDING.
The beds were comfortable, the service was incredible, and it was such a sweet little guest house, it just felt like home.
Thank you so much Tommy ♥️ I highly recommend it for your stay!
Here are some other options for your stay!
Budget (£25 – £100 p/night)
- Motel One Edinburgh-Royal – It doesn’t seem like a budget hotel since it’s so FANCY, but it’s excellent value for money right in the Old Town!
- Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+) – A gorgeous 4-star hostel where you can make friends!
- No11 Boutique Hotel & Brasserie – 4 poster beds on a budget? YES!
Mid-range (£100 – £250 p/night)
- Destiny Scotland Charlotte Square Apartments – An excellent choice for those who want privacy on a budget next to Dean Village.
- Royal Scots Club – A country house-style stay with cozy rooms and rooftop views!
- Market Street Hotel – Right next to the Royal Mile, this boutique hotel has a free mini bar!
Luxury (£250+ p/night)
- Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – Just WOW! Expect free-standing bathtubs, impressive interiors, and 5-star service.
- The Rutland Hotel & Apartments – The rooms here are huge! Plus, you’ll get views of Edinburgh castle from your window 🤩
- The Scotsman Hotel – Egyptian cotton linen, majestic interiors, and a free newspaper every day, in one of the most incredible buildings in the town center. Great for couples!
FAQs about spending 4 days in Edinburgh
🏴 How many days are enough in Edinburgh?
It’s best to spend at least 3 days in Edinburgh to really make the most out of your stay. I recommend staying 4 days if you want to take an awesome day trip!
🚗 Where are the best places to stay for 4 days in Edinburgh?
In my experience, the top place to stay is the East Claremont Guest House. It’s great if you’re on a budget but the service is incredible, the homemade breakfasts are to die for (full Scottish Breakfast please!) and it feels like you’re at home during your trip.
✈️ Is 4 days in Edinburgh enough?
Yes! We found 4 days to be perfect to fully explore the city.
📒 Is Edinburgh very expensive?
Edinburgh can be expensive depending on what you want to do. However, there are ways to make it cheaper. Try staying away from the Royal Mile and head to local spots like Stockbridge instead like we did!
🛝 What are the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids?
I recommend The National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and Camera Obscura, an incredible illusions museum that will surely keep them busy. If you’re traveling with kids I recommend doing this Harry Potter tour with Camera Obscura tickets, they’ll love it – you’ll see the place that was the inspiration for Diagon Alley!
💰 What budget do I need for 4 days in Edinburgh?
For those on a budget, I recommend between £45 and £90 per day in Edinburgh, alongside your hotel price.
🧳 What should I not miss in Edinburgh?
Don’t miss the Edinburgh Vaults tour! Even if you’re not a tour person, you’ll love it, and you’ll learn so much about the city in the process.
Conclusion
Phew! Now you know exactly how to spend 3 or 4 days in Edinburgh!
We’ve covered so much – your full itinerary, some day trips for your final day, practical information, and where to stay in Edinburgh.
I adored Edinburgh. It’s definitely one of my favorite places in the region and we’ll be going back there soon. Can’t wait!
If you need any more tips, let me know in the comments 😍
Have fun in Auld Reekie!
Lizzie
