4 Day Edinburgh Itinerary (Planned By a Local, With a Map)

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It can be hard to know what to prioritise in Edinburgh – there’s so much on offer!

As someone who lived in the city for several years and visits frequently, I love directing people to the best things to do in Edinburgh. I’ve created the perfect itinerary for someone who has never visited Edinburgh before, covering four days.

This itinerary has the top attractions and some local hidden gems. You can adjust this plan to suit your trip and make it the best holiday for you!

Where to Stay for 4 Days in Edinburgh

For a 4-day visit to Edinburgh, these are my top picks for where to stay: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – The Scotsman Hotel
• 🛏️ Budget – The Scholar
• 💵 Mid-Range – No32 Hotel
• 💎 Luxury – The Balmoral Hotel
• 🏨 Best Novelty Hotel – Ocean Mist Leith
• 🏰 Best Near Edinburgh Castle – The Witchery by the Castle
• 🏠 Apartments – Browse rentals in the Old Town 

For more, check out my full guide to where to stay in Edinburgh.

4 Day Edinburgh Itinerary

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Day 1 – Explore Edinburgh’s Historic Heart

Morning

Start the morning of your first day in Edinburgh with a hearty breakfast at Scran New Town, which is a short stroll from my top overall hotel pick, The Scotsman Hotel. You’ll need to fuel up ahead of all the steps you’ll be doing today – Edinburgh is a very hilly city. 

After some coffee and food, walk around the corner and you’re on the Royal Mile. 

The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s most noteworthy street, and you’ll climb it to the top. Look out for St Giles’ Cathedral on your left and Edinburgh City Chambers on your right. 

At the Esplanade, take some time to admire the views of the city before entering Edinburgh Castle. 

I recommend booking tickets in advance so you don’t miss out on incredible features such as St Margaret’s Chapel, the Royal Palace, and the Honours of Scotland crown jewels. You can also book this highly-rated guided tour of Edinburgh Castle if you’d prefer a local to walk you through the castle’s history. Spend the morning exploring here. 

Afternoon

Once you’ve exhausted the wonders of Edinburgh Castle, it’s time for some lunch. 

Head back down the Royal Mile and duck into Lady Stair’s Close for a more scenic route to your restaurant. You can stop here to admire Makars’ Court before emerging on the other side at Makars Mash Bar. This restaurant specialises in mashed potatoes and always provides a comforting meal. 

Afterwards, it’s time for a short walk to Camera Obscura. This attraction has over 100 incredible optical illusions to explore over six floors. At the very top, you’ll find the Camera Obscura, a periscope which has views of Edinburgh projected by mirrors and lenses. 

👉 Pro Tip: As Camera Obscura is in a historic building, it is not wheelchair accessible. For a fully accessible attraction, head to the impressive National Museum of Scotland, which is a short journey downhill from the Royal Mile. 

Evening

For your final activity of the day, walk down the Royal Mile until you reach the Chocolatarium. This is a chocolate micro-factory which offers tours including the classic Tour of Chocolate, a truffle-making experience, and whisky or wine pairings. Book this experience in advance.

Afterwards, walk down to Civerinos in Hunter Square for some classic pizza. To cap off the night, have a drink at the City Cafe or in nearby Banshee Labyrinth, a haunted maze of a bar. 

Day 2 – Get Your Heart Racing by Climbing a Volcano and Exploring Vaults

Morning

For breakfast on day 2, you’re going to head to Rocksalt Cafe and pick up something on the go. The coffee here is particularly excellent. From here, walk to the summit of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano which is an iconic landmark on the Edinburgh skyline. On the way, you can detour to St Anthony’s Chapel ruins, time permitting.

👉 Pro Tip: Arthur’s Seat is manageable for most fitness levels, but pay close attention to the weather and wear hiking shoes. 

After eating breakfast at the summit, carefully descend to the bottom of Holyrood Park. Make sure to bring all your breakfast wrappers with you to leave no trace in the park. 

Next, it’s time to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These are the official residences of King Charles, and so access is restricted when he is in residence. 

While at the palace, make sure to visit the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, the throne room, and the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey. 

Afternoon

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, go for a delicious lunch at The Pakora Bar. The selection of pakora here is unparalleled. Your next stop is only a few minutes walk away – Dynamic Earth. 

This science museum is packed with incredible exhibitions, ranging from the Big Bang to the Northern Lights and everything in between. Don’t miss the sky shows in the planetarium. 

Evening

Once you’ve seen the universe, it’s time for dinner. Walk for around 20 minutes or take the 35 bus to Mum’s Great Comfort Food – one of my top restaurant recommendations in Edinburgh. The atmosphere is so homely here that you can’t help but feel comfortable. 

After some of Mum’s best food, walk over to South Bridge. The next attraction is not for the faint of heart – you’ll be exploring Edinburgh’s creepy abandoned vaults. Auld Reekie Tours offers tours of the vaults, where you’ll hear tales of witchcraft, hauntings, and torture in these former slums. This is a proper introduction to Edinburgh’s dark history.

Finally, if you have any courage left, head to Stramash for some energetic live music and a great atmosphere. 

Day 3 – Soak in Some Culture in Stockbridge

Morning

The vibe for today is fancy. You’re going to spend your morning in Stockbridge, a charming neighbourhood in the north of Edinburgh with heaps of independent shops and restaurants. 

To get there from your hotel, either walk for around 30 minutes through Edinburgh’s New Town, or take the 29 bus. Make sure to drop in at the pretty Circus Lane on the way. 

For breakfast, you’re going to hit up one of Stockbridge’s many fine bakeries. Twelve Triangles is a cult classic, and so it often gets very crowded. You can get takeaway and eat your breakfast overlooking nearby Inverleith Pond, or you can try one of the other cafes in the area. Grow Urban doubles up as a plant and coffee shop, and The Pantry is legendary for its brunches. 

If you’re in Stockbridge on Sunday, it’s time to visit the Stockbridge Market. Every week, local artisans sell a range of crafts, cheeses, meats, hot food and anything else they can create. If you’re visiting any other day of the week, don’t worry. There are plenty of independent shops open all week, including Galerie Mirages, An Independent Zebra, Caoba, and Rare Birds. 

Afternoon

Once you’ve done your fair share of shopping, it’s time for a stroll. You’re going to head to the Water of Leith walkway and take the path going west. This walkway is a tranquil route, popular among locals for dog walking and jogging. Make sure to look out for St Bernard’s Well along the way. 

After a short walk, you’ll find yourself in Dean Village, a former mill village with some gorgeous scenery. Pause here to have a wander around and some photo opportunities. Next, take a short detour to The Painted Rooster for a quick lunch. 

When you’ve finished eating, head back to the walkway and continue until the turn off to the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern. Above the Water of Leith are two sister modern art museums, which are free to visit and have extensive indoor and outdoor exhibitions. You can even climb the dramatic landscape art on the lawn of Modern One. 

Evening

For your last meal of the day, you’re going to head back to the New Town. Catch the number 13 bus to Hanover Street and dine at Chez Jules, a French restaurant which is a huge hit with locals. The steak frites is a particular favourite. 

For a colourful liquid dessert, head to the Boozy Cow one street over. I can especially recommend the alcoholic milkshakes. 

Finally, if you have time for one more activity today, walk for around 15 minutes to Edinburgh Central Library. This is where Edinburgh’s Ghost Bus Tour departs from. This tour takes you around many of Edinburgh’s most well-known attractions and tells their haunted history, with a few spooky surprises along the way. 

Day 4 – Explore Cultural and Cool Leith

Morning

It’s time for a trip to the beach. From your base at The Scotsman Hotel, catch the 19 or 26 bus to Portobello High Street. Your first stop this morning will be at Printworks Coffee for a delicious breakfast. You’re only one street away from Portobello Beach, which is your next destination. 

Stroll along the front here and take in the stunning views across the Firth of Forth. People can and do swim at Portobello Beach year-round, and you can join them in style. Relax at Soul Water Sauna, a mobile sauna on the promenade which fits up to 8 people. Booking in advance is required. 

The walk along the promenade is beautiful whatever the weather, but if it is particularly harsh Scottish rain, you can shelter in some brilliant local shops. I never visit Portobello without spending time and money in The Portobello Bookshop. Tills & Company is another cute independent bookshop, and Cove is a delightful gift shop.  

Afternoon

Once you’ve finished shopping and walking, head to ShrimpWreck on the beach for some of the nicest fish and chips you can find anywhere in Edinburgh. The only thing more Scottish than eating fish and chips on the beach is eating fish and chips on the beach in the rain. 

After lunch, catch the number 21 bus to Ferry Road. No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to a distillery, and you’re going to take the tour of The Port of Leith Distillery. The tours take 90 minutes and show you the highlights of the world’s tallest distillery. You’ll gain incredible insight into the whisky-making process, and most importantly, get to try some samples. 

Evening

You’re going to have dinner tonight in the area of The Shore in Leith. This is a charming area with plenty of top-quality restaurants. 

For an extravagant tasting menu, visit The Kitchin. This Michelin-starred restaurant combines seasonal Scottish produce with French cooking techniques for an unbelievable meal. The nearby restaurant Tapa is lighter on the wallet while still being delicious. 

Take an after-dinner stroll to Leith Walk, a bustling street with plenty of pubs. Head to Leith Depot, a gastropub where you’ll have the last drink of your time in Edinburgh. That is, unless a pub crawl is calling your name…

Edinburgh Itinerary Map

Here’s a handy Google Map featuring all the attractions, eateries, and hotels in this guide: 

How to Get Around in Edinburgh

I don’t recommend driving in Edinburgh – the traffic system is difficult to learn, parking is expensive and having a car is unnecessary. 

Instead, there’s an extensive bus network and a tram line. You can pay on both with a contactless debit card, and your daily charge will be capped. Uber is available along with local taxis. 

Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Make Dinner Reservations

In busy summer months, it can be difficult to dine at popular restaurants without waiting. If you have any particular place you want to visit, book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Tip #2 – Adjust to the Weather

Scottish weather is notoriously unpredictable, and you really will see four seasons in one day. Prepare for this by using my Scotland packing list, so you bring all the right gear. 

Try not to let the rain stop you from seeing Edinburgh’s attractions, but do rearrange if the weather makes any activities unsafe. Definitely don’t try to climb Arthur’s Seat during a weather warning, as I once did!

Tip #3 – Consider Which Month to Visit

Edinburgh is incredibly busy in August, and accommodation prices are significantly higher too. Unless you’re visiting for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, try to pick another time of year. You should also take into account daylight hours – there are 7 hours of daylight each day in December compared to 17 in June!

Tip #4 – Don’t Trust Maps (Kinda…)

Edinburgh has a unique make-up with streets built on top of bridges over other streets. Two roads which seem to intersect on the map can actually be inaccessible because they’re on top of each other. 

Navigation apps tend to be able to figure out the best way to get around, so don’t try to take a shortcut and find yourself several storeys above your destination!

Tip #5 – Feel Free to Mix Up This Plan

Edinburgh has so much to offer for everyone: there are numerous incredible museums, art galleries, historic sites and more. If you see an attraction which looks perfect for you, add it in! You can’t go wrong in this exciting city. See my complete list of what to do in Edinburgh for more inspiration!

FAQ About Itinerary Planning for Edinburgh

How many days is enough for Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has enough to see and do for tourists that you could spend weeks here and not run out of attractions. However, three or four days is enough to see most of the main highlights and get a feel for the city. 

How can I plan a 6-day itinerary for Edinburgh?

You can create an itinerary for 6 days in Edinburgh by taking this plan and adding a day in Newington, visiting the Surgeon’s Hall Museum, the University of Edinburgh, and the Meadows. On your last day, visit Calton Hill, the National Portrait Gallery and Mary King’s Close. Alternatively, you could take a day trip to North Berwick or Culross. 

What is the best time of year to visit Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has charm and plenty to offer year-round, but it does become extremely busy in August when it hosts the Fringe. This is the biggest arts festival in the world, so if you want to see this, you have to visit in August. Otherwise, April to July are a great time to visit, with longer days and fewer tourists.

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I hope this itinerary sparks lots of ideas for your own trip and you can hit up all the best attractions. Leave me a comment with any questions you have, and check out my guide to doing Edinburgh on a budget if you’re looking for some affordable activities to add to your itinerary.