Edinburgh is a city of volcanic hills and vaulted secrets. Two historic centers—medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town—sit side by side, stitched together by wynds and bridges that hide unexpected views. From the clifftop cannon of Edinburgh Castle to the basalt crags of Arthur’s Seat, every corner holds a story.

Once the seat of Scotland’s monarchy and the heart of Enlightenment thought, Edinburgh today is equally celebrated for its festivals, world-class museums, and a food scene that ranges from humble hog roasts to Michelin-starred kitchens. Harry Potter lore, Enlightenment philosophers, whisky bars, and coastal walks all have a home here.

Pack layers for the changeable weather, comfortable shoes for cobbles and hills, and book key attractions ahead in peak seasons (August for the Fringe and Hogmanay at New Year). Tap water is excellent, contactless payments are standard, and Lothian Buses and the tram make getting around simple.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh rewards slow travel. Wander the Royal Mile’s closes, browse indie shops on Victoria Street, sip artisan coffee in New Town lanes, then trace the Water of Leith to the harbor in Leith for seafood. Hike Arthur’s Seat for sunrise, then end the day with a whisky in a snug Old Town bar.

• Top sights: Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, Calton Hill, Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat, Dean Village, Royal Yacht Britannia (Leith).
• Food & drink: From haggis and cullen skink to modern Scottish tasting menus, plus vibrant Asian, Mediterranean, and seafood in Stockbridge and Leith.
• Unique experiences: Underground vaults and ghost tales, Harry Potter inspirations, independent boutiques, and a day tour to the Scottish Highlands.

Getting there & around

• Flights (within Europe): Many direct flights into EDI. Compare on Omio. From London, flight time is ~1h30 (typical fares $45–$140).
• Flights (from outside Europe): Check long-haul options and connections on Trip.com.
• Train (scenic and city-center to city-center): London King’s Cross → Edinburgh Waverley in ~4h20; advance fares ~£40–£120 via Omio.
• Coach (budget): Overnight buses from London in 8–10h, often £15–£35 via Omio.
• Airport to city: Tram to Princes Street in ~30 min (about £7–8), Airlink bus ~30 min (about £5–6), or taxi/ride-hail ~£25–£35.

Where to stay (mid-range budget, great locations)

• Novotel Edinburgh Centre (pool, family-friendly, easy walk to Old Town): Book on Hotels.com.
• The Grassmarket Hotel (fun design, steps from Victoria Street): Book on Expedia/Hotels.com.
• Castle Rock Hostel (budget, castle views, social): Book on Hotels.com.
• The Balmoral Hotel (iconic splurge at Waverley): Book on Hotels.com.
• Self-catering apartments/VRBOs (ideal for longer stays): browse Edinburgh on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

Featured tours we’ll use in this itinerary

• Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included: See details

  

• Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town: See details

  

• Edinburgh Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, a Secret Dish & More: See details

  

• Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise: See details

  

Day 1: Arrival, Royal Mile ramble, and a golden-hour viewpoint

Afternoon: Arrive and drop bags. Shake off the journey with a gentle walk along the Royal Mile from St Giles’ Cathedral toward the Canongate. Duck into tiny alleys like Fleshmarket Close and Advocate’s Close for dramatic city views. Coffee stop: The Milkman (old tobacconist-turned-cafe) for a flat white and a cinnamon bun.

Evening: Dinner near Grassmarket. Try Howies (Victoria Street) for comforting Scottish fare (cullen skink, venison pie) or The Devil’s Advocate for a seasonal grill and an excellent whisky list. Finish at Calton Hill for sunset—classical monuments, sea views, and the city at your feet.

Day 2: Old Town icons and Edinburgh Castle with a guide

Morning: Breakfast at Twelve Triangles (viennoiserie, filled donuts) or Southern Cross Cafe on Cockburn Street for hearty plates. Meet your guide for the Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included (about 3 hours; typically £40–£65). Skip lines, learn siege stories, and see the Honours of Scotland.

Book the combined Royal Mile & Castle tour

Afternoon: Quick, tasty lunch: Oink (hog roast rolls—choose your crackling level) or The Royal McGregor for haggis, neeps, and tatties. Continue to the National Museum of Scotland—free, interactive, with the Lewis Chessmen and a rooftop terrace.

Evening: Classic Scottish-Indian at Mother India’s Cafe (small plates to share) or Dishoom (Irani-style cafe; order the black daal). Nightcap at The Bow Bar (cask ales, single malts) or Sandy Bell’s if you like live traditional music.

Day 3: New Town elegance, Dean Village, and the underground vaults

Morning: Espresso at Lowdown Coffee (laneway gem off George Street) or Fortitude Coffee (roastery cafe). Browse Georgian crescents and shop along Multrees Walk and George Street. Pop into the Scottish National Gallery for old masters, then walk down to photogenic Dean Village.

Afternoon: Stroll the Water of Leith walkway to Stockbridge. Lunch at The Pantry (seasonal Scottish plates) or Smith & Gertrude (cheese boards and natural wine). If it’s Sunday, don’t miss Stockbridge Market for local crafts and street food.

Evening: Early dinner at Noto (modern small plates; miso-glazed dishes are standouts) or Mussel Inn for affordable seafood pots. After dark, descend beneath the city on the Underground Vaults Walking Tour (~1–1.5 hours; often £17–£25) for eerie tales and 18th-century smugglers’ haunts.

Book the Underground Vaults tour

Day 4: Arthur’s Seat hike, Holyrood, and a guided food tour

Morning: Grab pastries at Söderberg Pavilion on the Meadows, then hike Arthur’s Seat (allow 2–2.5 hours round-trip from Holyrood Park). The summit’s 360-degree view takes in the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills. On the way back, consider Holyrood Palace and the Queen’s Gallery if you’re keen on royal history.

Afternoon–Evening (single activity): Join the Edinburgh Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, a Secret Dish & More (roughly 3 hours; commonly £75–£95). You’ll sample regional cheeses, shortbread, haggis, and a warming dram while learning the city’s culinary backstory—perfect for a mid-range foodie.

Book the Edinburgh Food Tour

Late night (optional): Whisky flight at The Devil’s Advocate or The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Kaleidoscope Bar (open to non-members) to compare regions and cask finishes.

Day 5: Full-day Highlands and Loch Ness

Trade cobbles for glens on the Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise (12–13 hours; typically £70–£95 plus optional cruise). You’ll roll through Rannoch Moor to dramatic Glencoe, skirt Ben Nevis, and reach Fort Augustus for a Loch Ness boat option. The narrative blends geology, clan history, and tall tales—plus photo stops at some of Scotland’s most iconic viewpoints.

Reserve the Highlands & Loch Ness tour

Dinner on return: Ting Thai Caravan (casual, big flavors, open late) or Maki & Ramen (comforting bowls) to refuel after a long, beautiful day.

Day 6: Leith or Pentland Hills, last tastes, and souvenirs

Morning: Coffee at Fortitude (Leith Walk branch) or The Bearded Baker. Option A: Head to the Pentland Hills for an easy-moderate loop from Harlaw Reservoir (bus to Balerno; pack layers), with rolling moorland views. Option B: Stay coastal—tram or bus to Leith and tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, then stroll the Shore.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Fishmarket at Newhaven (fresh haddock, harbor views) or Alby’s for inventive sandwich slabs. Souvenirs: cashmere on the Royal Mile, indie gifts on Victoria Street, or cheese/chutneys at I.J. Mellis in Stockbridge. Coffee break at The Milkman or Artisan Roast before packing.

Evening: Farewell dinner. For modern Scottish, try Fhior (fermentation-forward tasting) or Aizle (seasonal set menu). For gastropub comfort, The Scran & Scallie in Stockbridge is superb. End with a last look from the North Bridge or a gentle wander through Princes Street Gardens.

Budget tips for a mid-range spend (~50/100): Mix free museums with paid highlights; buy advance train tickets on Omio; use Lothian day tickets for buses; picnic from bakeries (Twelve Triangles) and markets (Stockbridge on Sundays); choose one premium dinner and balance with casual gems like Oink or Ting Thai.

Departure: Tram or Airlink back to EDI (30 minutes). For onward travel in Europe, compare trains and flights on Omio Trains and Omio Flights; for long-haul flights, check Trip.com.

Reserve or compare stays: Hotels.com: Edinburgh | VRBO: Edinburgh

Six days in Edinburgh gives you time to savor both the city’s layers and Scotland’s landscapes. With castle ramparts, volcanic hikes, vaults and galleries, and a Highland escape, you’ll leave with a camera full of vistas and a palate tuned to Scotland’s flavors. Slàinte mhath—and haste ye back.