Edinburgh—Scotland’s storied capital—rises from ancient volcanic rock, crowned by a medieval castle and stitched together by wynds, closes, and elegant Georgian crescents. It’s a city where history is lived-in, not tucked behind glass: you’ll feel it in the echo of bagpipes along the Royal Mile and in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat at sunset.

For families, Edinburgh shines: most big museums are free, the city is compact and walkable, and there’s always a park, bakery, or coffee stop within reach. Beyond the headline sights, you’ll find local neighborhoods brimming with indie shops, markets, and playgrounds—perfect for slow travel moments between blockbuster attractions.

Expect hearty Scottish fare (think seafood, venison, and oatcakes), modern cafes pulling top-notch espresso, and plenty of cozy spots to duck into when the weather turns. Pack layers, comfortable shoes, and tap-to-pay cards; trams and buses are frequent and easy. Book major attractions in advance during school holidays.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is split between the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town, both UNESCO-listed and easy to explore on foot. The Royal Mile links Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with camera-ready closes, street performers, and family-friendly stops along the way.

Top hits include Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland (free, huge, and hands-on), Dynamic Earth’s time-travel science experience, and leafy detours to Dean Village and the Royal Botanic Garden. For seaside vibes, Leith’s waterfront and the Royal Yacht Britannia deliver maritime history with excellent cake stops.

Food-wise, this is a city of quality and comfort: casual spots with kids’ menus, modern takes on Scottish classics, and standout bakeries. Coffee is a bona fide scene—perfect for refueling between museums and playgrounds.

Where to stay (family-friendly picks):

• Old Town: Aparthotels and flats put you close to the Royal Mile—great for stroller-age kids and quick breaks.
• New Town/West End: Elegant streets, calmer evenings, and easy tram/bus links; many hotels offer family rooms.
• Stockbridge: A village-in-the-city with markets, parks, and good brunch spots—ideal for living like a local.

Browse family-friendly apartments on VRBO or compare hotel deals on Hotels.com.

Getting to Edinburgh:

• Flights: Fly into Edinburgh (EDI). Search options across European carriers on Omio; trams run from the airport to the city center in ~35 minutes (about £7–£10 adult single/return).
• Train (from London): LNER from King’s Cross to Waverley in ~4h20–4h45; advance fares can be ~£35–£120 one-way. Check schedules and prices on Omio Trains.
• Coach: Overnight buses (Megabus/National Express) ~9h, often the cheapest option. Compare on Omio Buses.

Getting around: Lothian Buses and trams cover the city; contactless tap-in is easy. A Family DAYticket (for up to 2 adults + kids) is roughly £10.50–£11.50, and a single adult day ticket is around £5.50. Most headline sights are walkable if you’re central.

Day 1: Arrival, Royal Mile Stroll, and Old Town Comforts

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Take the tram or taxi into town, drop bags, and stretch your legs along the Royal Mile. Pop into The Milkman (Cockburn St) for specialty coffee and hot chocolate in a photogenic, stone-fronted nook—great for a first warm-up and a snack.

Evening: For a relaxed, Scottish-first dinner, try Howies Victoria Street (seasonal game, fish, and a kids’ menu) or Makars Mash Bar (crowd-pleasing sausages, haggis, and silky mash variations). Finish with gelato at Mary’s Milk Bar on the Grassmarket; sunset views of the Castle here are a memory-maker.

Day 2: Castle, Museums, and Victoria Street Shopping

Morning: Head up to Edinburgh Castle when it opens to beat queues. Highlights for families: the One O’Clock Gun, the Crown Jewels, and the Great Hall. For breakfast nearby, go earlier to The Edinburgh Larder (local eggs, porridge, pastries) or grab rolls at Mimi’s Bakehouse (City Art Centre branch).

Afternoon: Walk down to the National Museum of Scotland—free, interactive, and huge. Don’t miss Dolly the sheep and the animal galleries; the rooftop terrace has skyline views. Refuel with a hog roast roll at Oink (choose crackling and apple sauce) or go sweet-savory at Lovecrumbs (legendary cakes; good coffee).

Evening: Browse Victoria Street for indie shops (kids love the color and the Harry Potter vibes; try Museum Context for curios). Then pick between Camera Obscura & World of Illusions (hands-on tricks, mirror mazes) or sunset on Calton Hill for city views. Dinner at The Outsider (Castle-facing windows; seasonal Scottish dishes) or family-friendly Mamma’s American Pizza Co. on Grassmarket.

Day 3: Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat, and Old Town Underground

Morning: Start with a scenic loop in Holyrood Park. If little legs are game, hike partway up Arthur’s Seat (allow 1.5–2 hours round trip); for strollers, opt for the lower loch circuit or Salisbury Crags outlook. Coffee and flaky buns at SÖDERBERG (near the Meadows) make a fine pre- or post-walk treat.

Afternoon: Tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse (royal state apartments and atmospheric abbey ruins) or swap in Dynamic Earth for a science/planet experience that kids adore. Lunch ideas: Hendersons (bright vegetarian plates) or Dishoom (Edinburgh branch; order the house black daal and naan—kids love the mild dishes).

Evening: Go beneath the streets on The Real Mary King’s Close, a guided tour through preserved 17th‑century alleys—educational with just the right amount of spooky. For dinner, try Mother India’s Café (small plates; great for sharing) or classic fish suppers at Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips on Victoria Street. Adults who fancy a treat can book a late slot at One Spa (Sheraton Grand; rooftop hydropool); kids meanwhile can enjoy an early-night film back at your stay.

Day 4: Day Trip to North Berwick — Beach, Seabirds, and Castle Ruins

Morning: Catch a ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick in about 35 minutes (trains at least hourly; check times and fares on Omio Trains). Walk to the sandy beach and the Scottish Seabird Centre for interactive exhibits and live cameras on nearby Bass Rock gannets—ideal for kids.

Afternoon: In good weather, have a casual seafood lunch at the seasonal The Lobster Shack by the harbor (buttered lobster rolls, fish tacos). Off-season, try Zitto for family-friendly Italian or warm up at Steampunk Coffee Roasters (big, sociable space; great bakes). If you’ve time, bus or taxi out to Tantallon Castle, a dramatic clifftop ruin that fires the imagination.

Evening: Return to Edinburgh for dinner near your base. Options: Howies Waterloo Place (New Town, Scottish classics), El Cartel (tacos; lively but casual), or head to Leith’s The Shore for seafood. If the kids have energy, a twilight spin through Princes Street Gardens play area is a lovely cooldown.

Day 5: New Town, Dean Village, Last-Minute Shopping, and Departure

Morning: Stroll the crescents of the New Town before dropping into Dean Village for river views along the Water of Leith. Brunch at Urban Angel (great for poached eggs, smoothies) or The Pantry Stockbridge (pancakes and good coffee). If you love plants and space to roam, the Royal Botanic Garden is a calming finale (free outdoor gardens).

Afternoon: Fit in shopping at the sleek St James Quarter (brands, food hall) or browse Stockbridge Market if it’s Sunday (artisans, street food). For maritime fans with later flights, a 1.5–2 hour visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith is excellent—kids love the uniformed teddy bears and the Engine Room; the onboard tea room is a delight. Grab an early lunch at Hawksmoor (New Town steaks; kids’ menu available) or a quick-and-tasty stop at Wanderers Kneaded (Neapolitan pizza) before heading to the airport or station.

Evening: Departure day—aim for tram or taxi to EDI with a comfortable buffer. If you need to store luggage, Waverley area has multiple options; then it’s a smooth ride out. Check last-minute train or bus options on Omio Trains or Omio Buses, and flights on Omio.

Extra family-friendly ideas (swap in anytime):

• National Galleries of Scotland (on the Mound): compact art break with free entry.
• Royal Commonwealth Pool: lanes, leisure pools, and flumes—great if the weather turns.
• Stockbridge + Inverleith Park: ducks, playgrounds, and space to run.
• Johnnie Walker Princes Street (for adults/teens): multi-sensory whisky experience; mocktails for non-drinkers. Book ahead.

Budget tips: Mix free museums with ticketed highlights; book castles and Mary King’s Close early to snag off-peak times. Choose apartment stays to self-cater breakfasts, use a Family DAYticket on buses, and plan one sit-down meal plus one casual meal daily to stay within a mid-range budget.

For accommodation deals and flexible options, start with VRBO and Hotels.com, and lock in transport with Omio Flights, Omio Trains, and Omio Buses.

This five-day Edinburgh plan balances headline sights with neighborhood life, so your family gets both the famous views and the little local moments. Expect castles and coastlines, science and stories, and plenty of good food and coffee in between—memories you’ll want to revisit long after you’ve headed home.