Two capitals, two personalities, one unforgettable week. Edinburgh is a city of volcanic hills, medieval closes, and literary legends; London is a living tapestry of royal palaces, world-class museums, and neighborhoods that each feel like their own village. Together, they distill the essence of the United Kingdom: ancient stories, modern cool, and sterling pints.

Edinburgh’s Old Town grew around a ridge linking colossal Edinburgh Castle to the royal Palace of Holyroodhouse, with the Royal Mile as its spine. London stitched itself along the Thames, from the Tower’s fortress walls to Westminster’s Gothic splendor. Expect hearty Scottish fare (think Cullen skink and haggis with “neeps and tatties”) and London’s global food scene from curry houses to bustling markets.

Practical notes: weather changes quickly—pack layers and a light rain shell. Tipping is appreciated (10–12% in restaurants if service isn’t included). Contactless cards work everywhere, and booking trains early can save a bundle. Rail strikes are occasional; keep an eye on schedules and consider flexible tickets when possible.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh wears its history on basalt: a castle perched atop an ancient volcano, closes that slip into shadow, and Arthur’s Seat rising wild above it all. Yet it’s also a caffeinated, creative city with indie roasters, cozy pubs, and a thriving craft-beer scene.

• Top sights: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, National Museum of Scotland, Dean Village.
• Coffee to try: The Milkman (Old Town), Fortitude Coffee (Stockbridge & New Town), Union Brew Lab (Southside).
• Breweries and pubs: Campervan Brewery taproom (Leith), Cold Town House (Grassmarket brewpub with castle views), The Bow Bar for whisky purists.
• Fun fact: J.K. Rowling outlined early Potter chapters in local cafes; look up to see gargoyles and tombstones that inspired character names.

Where to stay (Edinburgh): Browse apartments and townhouses on VRBO Edinburgh or compare hotels on Hotels.com Edinburgh. Specific picks: The Balmoral Hotel (railway-adjacent icon with refined service), Novotel Edinburgh Centre (great value near the Old Town), The Grassmarket Hotel (steps from castle views), and Castle Rock Hostel (budget, characterful, and social).

Getting to Edinburgh: If you’re flying from within Europe, compare fares on Omio (flights). From outside Europe, check Trip.com (flights). Trains within the UK can be searched on Omio (trains).

Day 1 — Arrival and Old Town Mysteries

Afternoon: Arrive and settle in. Stretch your legs along the Royal Mile from St Giles’ Cathedral to Canongate Kirk, ducking into closes like Lady Stair’s or Advocate’s for atmospheric photos. Coffee and a sweet treat at The Milkman (two tiny, photogenic locations carved into old shopfronts).

Evening: Classic Scottish dinner at Howies (Old Town) or the cozy, locally-loved Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (hearty mains with creative mash). Then descend beneath the city on a spine-tingling tour:

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

Guides weave folklore and true crime as you explore the infamous South Bridge vaults—an unforgettable, uniquely Edinburgh start.

Day 2 — Arthur’s Seat Hike and the Castle

Morning: Fuel up at Fortitude Coffee (precision brews, great pastries), then hike Arthur’s Seat via the gentler Salisbury Crags approach. It’s a moderate, wind-swept climb (allow 1.5–2 hours round trip) rewarding you with a 360-degree city panorama.

Afternoon: Quick bite at Oink (pulled pork rolls, choose your crackling and sauce), then ascend the Esplanade for a guided castle visit:

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Hear tales of sieges, the Stone of Destiny, and regalia while navigating the complex with context that brings each courtyard to life.

Evening: Burgers and Scottish ales at Holyrood 9A, then sample cask ales at The Bow Bar (old-school whisky list that reads like a novel). If you’d rather a rooftop pint with castle views, Cold Town House in the Grassmarket is a fun brewpub choice.

Day 3 — Highlands Scenery and a Hint of Myth (Full-Day)

Leave the city for a grand loop of lochs, glens, and legends on a small-group tour:

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

Expect dramatic Glencoe vistas, Rannoch Moor, and time on Loch Ness (optional boat). Pack a day bag, water, and a rain jacket. Pre-tour coffee and pastry at Union Brew Lab; on return, grab a relaxed supper near your stay—Mussel Inn (simple, fresh seafood) or Makar’s (if you missed it on Day 1).

London

London is a city of layers: Roman foundations, medieval lanes, Georgian squares, Victorian grandeur, and glassy modern skylines. Its best days pair big-hitter sights with neighborhood wandering and something delicious along the way.

• Top sights: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey/Big Ben, St Paul’s & Millennium Bridge, the British Museum (free), South Bank walk, Sky Garden (book free tickets), markets from Borough to Portobello.
• Coffee to try: Monmouth (Covent Garden/Borough), WatchHouse (multiple), Kaffeine (Fitzrovia), Flat White (Soho).
• Breweries and taprooms: The Kernel Taproom (Bermondsey), Anspach & Hobday – The Arch House, Bianca Road—perfect for a DIY “Bermondsey Beer Mile.”
• Fun fact: More than 8 million trees make London technically a forest by some definitions.

Where to stay (London): Compare apartments on VRBO London or hotels on Hotels.com London. Specific picks: The Savoy (historic riverfront icon), Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (pool, steps to Big Ben), Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras (smart-value, transport hub), and YHA London St Pancras (budget-friendly private rooms and dorms).

Edinburgh → London (Morning of Day 4): Take the high-speed LNER train from Waverley to King’s Cross (about 4h 20m–4h 45m). Advance fares often £40–£120; search and book on Omio (trains). Budget option: coach 9–10 hours (~£20–£40) via Omio (buses). Flying is ~1h 20m airborne but usually slower door-to-door; compare on Omio (flights) if you prefer.

Day 4 — Arrival by Train and First Look at London

Morning: Early LNER to King’s Cross; quick coffee at Notes or Redemption Roasters (in-station options), then drop bags.

Afternoon: Get oriented with an open-top loop past the big sights:

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Ride past Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and St Paul’s; hop off at Covent Garden for Monmouth Coffee and market nibbles.

Evening: Cozy dinner at a classic pub—The Harp (real ale gem) near Covent Garden—or book Dishoom Covent Garden for smoky grills and that famous black daal. If you still have energy, stroll the South Bank from the London Eye to the Millennium Bridge for skyline views.

Day 5 — Towers, Markets, and the Bermondsey Beer Mile

Morning: Enter one of London’s most storied fortresses with timed tickets:

Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Arrive for opening to see the Crown Jewels before queues, then join a Yeoman Warder talk for vivid tales of intrigue.

Afternoon: Walk the Thames Path to Borough Market for lunch (try Kappacasein’s toasted cheese or fish tacos at Padre), then coffee at WatchHouse (Borough). Continue to the Bermondsey arches for tastings at The Kernel Taproom and Anspach & Hobday—sip small pours and ask about seasonal specials.

Evening: Dress-casual for an atmospheric glide down the Thames:

London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River

Glide past lit-up landmarks—Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge—while savoring a multi-course meal. It’s a romantic, uniquely-London night.

Day 6 — Day Trip to Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath (Full-Day)

Trade city streets for royal castles, Roman baths, and a prehistoric mystery on this comprehensive day out:

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Early departure; bring a coffee and pastry. Marvel at the sarsen stones on Salisbury Plain, see State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel at Windsor (when open), and wander honey-stone Georgian crescents in Bath. Back in London, opt for late, easy dinner—Flat Iron (value steak) or Bao.

Alternative (for Potter fans): Swap today for Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport if you prefer film magic over megaliths.

Day 7 — Hampstead Heath Hike and Farewell

Morning: Take the Tube to Hampstead for an urban “hike” across meadows and woods to Parliament Hill—one of London’s best skyline views. Coffee at Kaffeine (Fitzrovia) on your way back or grab a pastry in Hampstead Village. If time allows, pop into the free British Museum to see the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.

Afternoon: Departure. Pick up a final snack from Borough Market or a Mince Pie/sausage roll en route. If you’re train-bound, King’s Cross and St Pancras have excellent takeaway options.

Practical Budget Tips (50/100 budget)

• Book Edinburgh–London trains early on Omio for the best fares; off-peak can save a lot.
• Use contactless pay-as-you-go on the Tube and buses; daily caps keep costs predictable.
• Free museums (London’s biggies, National Museum of Scotland) make great rainy-day backups.
• Lunch markets and pub pies are tasty, affordable fuel; reserve pricier dinners strategically.

Transport Booking Links (Handy)

• Omio: Trains in Europe (incl. UK)
• Omio: Buses in Europe
• Omio: Flights to/from/in Europe | Trip.com: Global Flights

Hotel Booking Links (Quick Access)

• Edinburgh: VRBO | Hotels.com
• London: VRBO | Hotels.com

In a week you’ll scale a volcano, enter a royal fortress, cruise the Thames, and chase myths across moor and meadow—while sipping excellent coffee and sampling UK craft beer. Edinburgh and London complement each other beautifully; together, they’re a compact masterclass in British history, landscapes, and flavor.