Scotland has fascinated me since I was a child, not least because of the legendary Highlander films. A few years ago, I managed to get to know the country and its people for the first time. At the time, I only had a little time for a short flying visit to Edinburgh, the impressive capital of Scotland. So I was all the more looking forward to my five-day city trip. I like to have a little more time at my disposal, to be able to relax and not have to rush from sight to sight. Of course, you can also plan much more time, especially if you are planning excursions to the surrounding area – the Highlands, for example, or to Glasgow or Stirling. So let me give you some ideas for Edinburgh in 5 days!
Packing, Arrival, Hotel & an Evening Stroll
First of all: If you are packing for Edinburgh, you should be prepared for all weathers. It often rains in the city. In October it was also cool and sometimes there was a strong wind. So an onion look is definitely the order of the day, as well as a fleece jacket and rain jacket. It rained so much on our first two days that rain trousers wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Our adventure began with an uncomplicated arrival at Edinburgh Airport. To get into the city quickly and comfortably, I recommend a ride with Uber, which can be easily booked via the app. I recently tried Uber for the first time on a trip to the USA (yes, I know: late to the party) and was amazed at how convenient it is: book a ride via the app, pay directly, and you’re done! Uber is also available throughout Edinburgh and is cheaper than a cab.
Of course, you can also opt for the public buses, which will get you to your destination quickly. You can buy tickets for these directly on the bus using your debit card. Practical!
Our hotel: The stylish Moxy Fountainbridge
We chose the stylish and elegant Moxy Fountainbridge hotel for our five-day stay. It not only offered a modern design, but also a first-class starting point for exploring the city on foot. In the morning, you could start the day with a hearty breakfast. In the evening, relax at the bar with freshly tapped Scottish ale or delicious cocktails. The crowd was very mixed, with everyone from young to old represented.
Exploring the neighborhood
After checking in, we set off on our first evening walk to explore the area. First of all: Edinburgh is really not for those with walking difficulties or limited mobility. The Scottish capital is built on seven hills and there are cobblestones everywhere. So sturdy shoes are a must.
During our first exploratory tour, we got to know our neighborhood, where we at once felt comfortable and safe. Fountainbridge, incidentally the birthplace of Sean Connery, has been transformed from a once industrial district into an attractive business district with lots of leisure facilities and restaurants. So it wasn’t long before we discovered our “regular pub”, the Fountainbridge Fox, and fortified ourselves with a Scottish beer and typical pub food. This pub is part of Edinburgh’s ancient history and was founded back in 1850. It offers a great atmosphere and an impressive selection of Scottish beers and whiskies.
Day 1: Old Town, Castle Hill, Royal Mile
The next morning, freshly fortified, we headed up Castle Hill. It was still early, but the first tourist buses had already arrived, and the castle tours were fully booked for the day. But that didn’t matter at all, as we wanted to take a tour of the historic old town first anyway.
We strolled down the Royal Mile, past dozens of souvenir stores, pubs and the famous Closes, until we finally arrived at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British King in Scotland. The palace is surrounded by the beautiful, expansive Holyrood Park, which is certainly wonderful when the weather is nice. In between, we warmed up with tea in a pub and for dinner we visited Viva Mexico Old Town, a cozy restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
Personally, I really like the vibrant flair of the Royal Mile, but I have to admit that the locals’ criticism that it is becoming increasingly touristy is justified. All the stores there sell goods with the typical tartan pattern, and you can buy all kinds of souvenirs and tourist junk.
Day 2: New Town
We spent the second day in the new town. We explored Princess Street, one of the most famous shopping streets in the city and enjoyed the beauty of the Princess Gardens. It’s hard to imagine what a dark past they hide: In the Middle Ages, there was a lake here in which people – and probably witches – were drowned.
If you are in New Town, you should definitely take a stroll along the famous George Street, the main street where you will find numerous hotels, restaurants and pubs. The newly opened St. James Quarter, which offers a variety of shopping opportunities, is also in the immediate vicinity. For lunch, we recommend Itsu, a sushi restaurant with a wide selection of fresh and healthy dishes that you can choose and pay for quickly and easily from a vending machine. Diagonally opposite is the Hotel Chocolat, a chocolate store and café that you should definitely check out. There are lots of great chocolate specialties and pralines here. Unfortunately, not cheap, but very tasty and a great souvenir for those at home. You should definitely treat yourself to the hot chocolate offered in the café.
In the evening, we were in the mood for Indian food and visited the Chaskaa Indian Restaurant, which served us delicious curries with fresh naan.
Day 3: Royal Yacht Britannia, Stockbridge, Water of Leith, Dean’s Village
The third day took us by Lothian Bus directly to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is anchored in Leith harbor. We had easily booked our tickets for the tour online, so we were able to board the ship without having to wait. Fortunately, the weather gods were kind to us, and the sun was shining brightly. It was great fun to stroll around the Britannia and imagine the Royal Family sailing the world’s oceans.
Our next stop was Stockbridge, a trendy district where many independent artists live. It is known for its special little stores, quaint cafés and specialty stores. Tip: Stop off at one of the small cafés and watch the world go by while enjoying a slice of cake and a cappuccino.
After a short break, we walked along the Water of Leith and visited the picturesque Dean’s Village, where time seems to stand still. We rounded off this eventful day with a sumptuous portion of Fish and Chips at Fox Fountainbridge. So yummy!
Day 4: Blackfriars Bobby, Blackfriars Kirkyard, Mary’s King Close
Today we delved a little deeper into Edinburgh’s history. First, we went to Blackfriars Bobby, a bronze statue of a faithful dog, and Blackfriars Kirkyard, an old cemetery.
We then took part in a guided tour of Mary’s King Close, an underground street beneath the Royal Mile dating back to the 17th century. Parts of subterranean Edinburgh have been reconstructed here and brought back to life through actors and storytelling. A very interesting experience! But beware: it is said to be haunted.
On our way back, we strolled through the colorful Victoria Street – a quite magical experience.
For dinner this time, we wanted to try the Japanese restaurant Maki & Ramen, which was very close to our hotel and always very busy. Ramen and sushi fans will get their money’s worth here. The walls are covered with little notes and drawings from previous guests. Cool idea!
Day 5: National Museum of Scotland, Castle, & Souvenir Hunting
On our last full day in Edinburgh, we wanted to visit a museum and were spoiled for choice. Should we check out the Scottish National Gallery or the National Museum of Scotland? We finally decided on the latter and spent a few relaxing hours in the extensive museum: natural history, science, art and design, technology, world cultures – there was an interesting exhibition on seemingly every subject. As it was a rainy Sunday morning and admission was free, we were far from alone in the museum, but the crowds lost themselves in the large, spacious building.
At lunchtime, we stopped off at the Theater Café and tried the scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam – a must when in Edinburgh!
Freshly fortified, we then finally toured the castle. Plan at least two hours for your visit, as there is a lot to see. Once you step through the entrance to the castle area, you get an idea of how gigantic this area is!
Then it was time for souvenir hunting. Hot tip: Be sure to visit the House of Fudge at the bottom of the Royal Mile. It offers a variety of handmade fudges and there is also the opportunity to sample them. You can have different types of fudge put together for your loved ones at home, which are then packaged in a pretty box.
On the last evening, we wanted to treat ourselves to something special and so we went to L’Artigiano, a cozy Italian restaurant with a large selection of delicious dishes. One of the best Pizza Diavola I’ve ever had!
Take-Aways and Conclusion
- Layer up! The weather can be unpredictable .Onion look and sturdy shoes are definitely recommended.
- Edinburgh is a mecca for foodies: You rarely find as many international cuisines as here in one place. So be sure to try as much as possible.
- Eat classic pub food in the pub. You really can’t go wrong with fish & chips and a local ale.
- Don’t shop in the first best souvenir store on the Royal Mile. It’s usually cheaper further down.
- Walk, walk, walk: The city is easy to explore on foot. This is a better way to soak up the flair and see more than by public transport.
- Want some unsusual and cute souvenirs? Try Stockbridge.
- Book tickets for all sights (e.g. Castle, Mary’s King Close) online. This saves time and nerves. The only drawback: you have to commit to a time slot and most tickets cannot be canceled.
- Try the fudge. There are delicious and very unusual varieties that also make great souvenirs. I went to the House of Fudge, but the Fudge Kitchen Shop is also very good!
- Take deliberate breaks! Visit one of the sweet cafés in Stockbridge, the Hotel Chocolat or a cool pub on the Royal Mile. Sit by the window and watch the hustle and bustle outside.
- If the weather is good, climb Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill and simply enjoy the view. If the weather is bad, head to the National Museum of Scotland or the Scottish National Gallery. All free of charge!
In conclusion, Edinburgh is a city full of fascinating culture, exciting history and breathtaking beauty that you should definitely visit.