7 Days in Edinburgh: What to Do and See in Edinburgh

Day 1 | Morning

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Opening Hours: From March 31st to October 9:30-18:00 (last admission 16:30), November - March 29th 9:30-16:30 (final admission 15:15). March 30, 2018, May 15 - May 26, June 26 - July 7, December 25 - December 26 will be completely closed

Ticket Price: 15 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX

Palace of Holyroodhouse Standing at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official home of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland, and is used by Her Majesty for State ceremonies and official entertaining. The Palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is closely associated with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the Palace includes the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, which were the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short and turbulent reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary, David Rizzio, by her husband, Lord Darnley. Her Bedchamber has been described as 'the most famous room in Scotland'. In the Palace's State Apartments, visitors can see the magnificent Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held lavish balls when he set up his Jacobite Court at the Palace in September 1745. The State Apartments today reflect the changing tastes of successive monarchs, and are renowned for their fine plasterwork ceilings and unrivalled collection of Brussels tapestries. They are furnished with numerous works of art from the Royal Collection, many of which have long associations with Holyroodhouse and Scotland.

Day 1 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle

Opening Hours: Open from 4/1-9/30,9:30am-6:00pm;Open from 10/1-3/31,9:30am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 19.5 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.5-2.5 Hours

Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

Standing on an extinct volcano in the heart of the city, Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 6th century and served as a royal residence, military fortress and prison, a testimony to Scottish history. This is the commanding heights in the city of Edinburgh, overlooking the panoramic view of Edinburgh from the castle. Visit GuideThe castle on the cliff is a majestic sight, accessible only by a single slope. There are ancient cannons, clock towers, prisons, halls, war museums, royal palaces, etc. in the castle, and you can use an audio guide to learn the history behind them. Although the castle is not very big, the buildings are distributed a bit around, and it may be a little dizzy. During the visit, I will also meet people who wear Scottish skirts and bagpipes, which are very friendly. There are also many cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in the castle. The main attraction of the castle is to walk up the hill from the Castle Square, cross a bridge and enter the gate of the castle, and see a small square. There are several rows of cannons along the city walls, showing the once supreme kingship of the castle. Standing next to the fort, you can overlook the scenery below the castle. Different cannons have different functions. At 1 pm every day, an empty cannon will be fired here to announce the time. This is the famous OneO'clockGun. The War Museum in the Castle (NationalWarMuseum) displays simulated cannons, officers' clothing and ranks of various eras and other items, reproducing the glorious history of Edinburgh. There is a lookout here with a nice view. St. Margaret's Chapel (StMargaret'sChapel) This is the oldest existing building in Edinburgh. The interior is simple and simple, but it has very beautiful glass windows. The pattern is Queen Margaret, the wife of Malcolm III. In the Royal Palace, you can see items such as the Scottish crown, swords, scepters and royal family trees, as well as the authentic "Stone of Destiny", which is the cornerstone of the king's enthronement. There is a Queen Mary's room in the palace. It is not very conspicuous, but it has a tragic fate. You might as well listen to the guide carefully. The other side of the palace is the Great Hall, and the walls around the hall are covered with swords. There are also murals and fireplaces, with red walls, full of extravagance. Opposite the hall is the War Memorial Hall (ScottishNationalWarMemorial), guarded by two mythical beasts at the door, the hall is solemn and solemn, and many rosters are placed, recording the names of ordinary soldiers who died for Scotland. There is also the Prisons of War next to the Memorial Hall, which is eerie and restores the prison scene, and the smell is not very good. Festival Performance During the Edinburgh International Arts Festival in August every year, a military band will be held in front of the castle. You can see the performances of military bands in Scotland and around the world. After the show, there are also fireworks and light shows.

Reviews from Real Guests:

길범진: It's full of historical artifacts, like the Scottish throne, and you can buy souvenirs and tea in the castle. Especially the view of downtown Edinburgh from the rooftop is amazing (>_

James88888888: Edinburgh Castle is the most important symbol of Scotland's spirit. It is located on the Castle Hill, which is the junction of the old and new town of Edinburgh

Day 1 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Edinburgh Castle, Six Brunton Place nearby is the best place to stay.

Six Brunton Place

Offering a terrace and views of the garden, Six Brunton Place is situated in Edinburgh in the Lothian Region, 600 metres from Edinburgh Playhouse. Each room has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and DVD player. Some units have a seating area for your convenience. You will find a coffee machine in the room. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Six Brunton Place features free WiFi . You will find a shared lounge at the property. Omni Centre is 700 metres from Six Brunton Place, while Edinburgh Festival Theatre is 1.5 km away. The nearest airport is Edinburgh Airport, 12 km from the property.

Day 2 | Morning

Scott Monument

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 8 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Hours

Location: E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, UK

This eye-catching black tower was built to commemorate the Scottish historical writer Sir Walter Scott. The building is more than 60 meters high and has 287 narrow steps. It is a typical Gothic building. There are arches on all sides at the bottom of the tower, which makes it look more agile. The building materials of the memorial hall are sand and gravel quarried near Edinburgh. Due to the looseness of the stone, it has turned dark brown in less than 200 years, adding to the ancient charm. On the tower stands the statue of Scott in white marble, which can be seen from all sides. The statue shows Scott in a robe with his dog lying beside him.

Day 2 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Scott Monument, you can head to The Scotch Whisky Experience, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Opening Hours: Open from 11:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 16 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: The Royal Mile, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, UK

The Scotch Whisky Experience Centre opened to visitors in 1988. The center's goal is to "promote the sale of whisky in a way that imparts knowledge and entertainment", and introduces visitors to the history of Scotch whisky development and whisky production in a theme-led manner, and teaches basic whisky identification knowledge. Tourists ride around in an electric car shaped like a whisky barrel, with a guide explaining at any time. A tour lasts about an hour, and each person will get a card with the smell of 4 different types of whisky. Of course, you can also taste pure Scotch whisky for free, and you can see up to 270 kinds of whisky in the bar. Upon entering the museum, staff will serve guests a glass of whisky in a beautiful glass, which can be taken away as a souvenir. In the small shop behind the Whisky Experience Center, you can also buy a variety of whisky introduced by the Heritage Center. At present, there are more than 100 distilleries in Scotland, and the whisky produced is very popular in the international market, especially in Europe and the United States.

Day 2 | Evening

After visiting the glorious The Scotch Whisky Experience, Escape to Edinburgh @ Albyn Place nearby is the best place to stay.

Escape to Edinburgh @ Albyn Place

Property Location Located in Edinburgh (New Town), this apartment is minutes from Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Assembly Rooms. This casino apartment is close to Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. Rooms Make yourself comfortable in your apartment. Amenities Enjoy the recreation opportunities such as a casino or make use of other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access. Business, Other Amenities Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

Day 3 | Morning

Edinburgh Zoo

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 19.95 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, UK

Edinburgh Zoo was built in 1912. It is the only zoo in the UK that raises Chinese giant pandas and Australian koalas. It is also the world's first artificial incubation base for emperor penguins. Walking in the zoo also has the opportunity to see the staff take emperor penguins for a walk in the park. If you travel with children, Edinburgh Zoo will be a good place for children to learn and play.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: The Real Mary King's Close.

The Real Mary King's Close

Opening Hours: Open from 9:00am-9:00pm

Ticket Price: 17.95 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: 2, Warriston's Close, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, UK

Mary King's Lane is located in the old city of Edinburgh. It was an underground street in a slum settlement in the 16th century. It was closed in 1645 due to the outbreak of the Black Death. After that, countless haunted legends have been left behind. It is the most "ghost" in Edinburgh. one of the places. The street has remained the same for more than 200 years, little has changed.

Day 3 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at The Real Mary King's Close? Prestonfield House is one of your top choices.

Prestonfield House

This luxurious 5-star retreat has a fine-dining restaurant and romantic bedrooms about 1.9 mi from the Royal Mile. Prestonfield is surrounded by gardens and a golf course. Busses to the city center are a 5-minute walk away. Parking is free. Each stylish room at Prestonfield House has antique furnishings, free Wi-Fi, plasma TV, a stocked mini-bar and views of the gardens and parkland. Rhubarb Restaurant serves excellent Scottish cuisine and traditional afternoon teas. The terraces, drawing room and gardens are relaxed, beautiful places to unwind. Newington is a great choice for travelers interested in scenery, old-town exploration and friendly locals.

Day 4 | Morning

Nelson Monument

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 5 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: 32 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK

Nelson's Monument is located on the top of Calton Hill, 171 meters above sea level in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is 32 meters high. It was built from 1807 to 1815 to commemorate the defeat of the French and Spanish fleets in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson was shot and killed. In 1853, a timekeeping ball was added to the top of the tower. Usually, when the Edinburgh cannon is fired at 1 pm every day, the small ball on the top of the Nelson Monument will drop. It is very interesting and you can take a good look.

Day 4 | Afternoon

Royal Yacht Britannia nearby is the top choice before you leave Nelson Monument and hit the road.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Opening Hours: Open from 9:30am-4:00pm

Ticket Price: 16.5 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Ocean Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, UK

Britannia was built by John Brown & Co. Ltd in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It was launched on April 16, 1953 by Queen Elizabeth II, and the maiden voyage was on January 11, 1954. It was designed to be converted into a hospital ship during wartime, but was never actually converted. Britannia has been used by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family on 696 foreign visits and 272 visits within British waters. In 1981, Prince Charles and Princess Diana used the Britannia for their honeymoon. In 1986, he also rescued 1,000 refugees from the civil war in Aden. In 1997, due to operating costs, the Labour government announced the retirement of the Britannia after it came to power. The Britannia has traveled more than 1 million miles. After decommissioning, it was permanently moored at the Marine Terminal at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, and became a tourist attraction. The decoration of the ship is not ostentatious, but it does not lose its elegant temperament. Visitors can buy tickets to board the ship to visit the elegant suites, crew quarters and the eye-catching Royal Deck Tea Room, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sea, or enjoy traditional British style on the deck. Afternoon tea and cakes, feel the life of the royal family when they sailed to sea on a yacht.

Day 4 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Royal Yacht Britannia? The Balmoral Hotel is one of your top choices.

The Balmoral Hotel

Property Location
With a stay at The Balmoral Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Edinburgh, steps from Princes Mall and Waterloo Place. This 5-star hotel is close to St. Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre.

Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 188 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. High-speed (wired) Internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have deep soaking bathtubs and designer toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.

Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You can take advantage of recreational amenities such as a health club, an indoor pool, and a sauna. Additional amenities at this Victorian hotel include wireless Internet access (surcharge), babysitting/childcare (surcharge), and wedding services.

Dining
Grab a bite at one of the hotel's 3 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of 24-hour room service. Relax with a refreshing drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. Full breakfasts are available daily for a fee.

Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a computer station, and express check-out. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and meeting rooms. A roundtrip airport shuttle is available for a surcharge.

You must present a photo ID when checking in. Your credit card is charged at the time you book. Bed type and smoking preferences are not guaranteed.Your reservation is prepaid and is guaranteed for late arrival. The total charge includes all room charges and taxes, as well as fees for access and booking. Any incidental charges such as parking, phone calls, and room service will be handled directly between you and the property.

Day 5 | Morning

Dynamic Earth

Opening Hours: Open from 12/1-3/31,Wed-Fri,10:00am-4:00pm;Open from 12/1-3/31,Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 4/1-6/30,Mon-Fri,10:00am-4:00pm;Open from 4/1-6/30,Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 7/1-8/31,10:00am-5:30pm

Ticket Price: 11.5 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS, UK

Dynamic Earth is a science and technology museum located in the center of Edinburgh. In this science and technology museum that combines interactive science installations and cinemas, you can use your hearing, smell and touch to experience the earth from the origin of ancient times to the infinite future. The stories, animals and plants closely related to the earth, landforms with different shapes and other knowledge will also be displayed one by one in this highly interactive form, not only curious children, even adults will find it fun to come here . Powered by Earth, sponsored by the UK's Millennium Council, was built in an empty white tent-like structure in Edinburgh. The pavilion focuses on providing visitors with a rich and diverse dynamic experience to learn about the awesome cosmic forces. Volcanoes, oceans, glaciers, rainforests and other landforms and climates will give you an immersive sense of reality. Maybe we'll never be space tourists, but this is the place closer to touching the cosmic charm.

Day 5 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Dynamic Earth, Craigmillar Castle next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Craigmillar Castle

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-4:00pm

Ticket Price: 6 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Craigmillar Castle Rd, Edinburgh EH16 4SY, UK

Craigmiller Castle is a castle built in the late 14th century, located in the south of Edinburgh city, on a hill behind the hospital. The castle was remodeled and expanded in the 16th century. In 1660, the castle was sold to Sir John Gilmore, who rebuilt it further. Because of the different construction periods, there are many interesting gaps and small spaces, and it is very interesting to walk through them.

Day 5 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Cheval Old Town Chambers is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Cheval Old Town Chambers

Old Town Chambers is an award- winning collection of 50 luxury five star serviced apartments in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The apartments are within walking distance of Waverley train station, Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street. All our luxury serviced apartments combine our passion for design, originality and authenticity. These award-winning apartments have an individuality all their own – think period features, contemporary furnishings and thoughtful extras. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, indulgent living and dining spaces, and is furnished with bespoke items from Scottish suppliers, Charlotte James and Bute fabric. Alongside our Studios, Family Apartments, Townhouse and Penthouses, we offer two apartment types – Signature and Capital. Signature gets the views across the city, Capital wins the warm and cosy vote. The added beauty is they’re all uniquely versatile, coming in a range of shapes and sizes and sleep from one to six guests. The property benefits from 24/7 concierge and a Gym on site with high spec Rogue Fitness strengthening and conditioning equipment available to our guests all day.

Day 6 | Morning

John Knox House

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Fri,Sun,10:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 5 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Scottish Storytelling Centre, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR, UK

John Knox House is a historic building in Edinburgh, rumored to be the former home of the Scottish Reformer John Knox. Founded earlier in the early 15th century, it is now administered by the Church of Scotland. And used by the Scottish Living Story Museum, which can be visited.

Day 6 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at John Knox House, you can head to Gladstone's Land, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Gladstone's Land

Opening Hours: Open from 9:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 7 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: 477B Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT, UK

This is a 6-storey cottage in Edinburgh's Old Town, a typical Edinburgh 17th century building. Its owner, a former local wealthy, is today a charming historic building with Edwardian décor and furniture.

Day 6 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Cheval The Edinburgh Grand in advance, because all the tourists head to Gladstone's Land love staying at it.

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand

Located within a 5-minute walk of Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, The Edinburgh Grand features accommodation with seating area. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.

All units are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. An oven and microwave are also available, as well as a coffee machine.

Omni Centre is 500 metres from the apartment, while Royal Mile is a 6-minute walk from the property. Edinburgh Airport is 11 km away.

Day 7 | Morning

Calton Hill

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-2 Hours

Location: Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK

Calton Hill is located in the east of Edinburgh, and there are many historic and elegant buildings scattered on the hill. This is also the commanding heights of Edinburgh, walk along the top of the mountain, you can have a panoramic view of Edinburgh. Every sunrise and sunset, many tourists come here to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and they can often take beautiful photos. Walk east along Princes Street to Calton Hill. The mountain is not high, and you can walk up slowly, with lush scenery along the way. When the weather is nice, many locals come here to sunbathe on the lawn or have a picnic. Standing on the top of the mountain and looking westward, you can see the beauty of the whole city in front of you, and in the distance stands the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. Looking to the east, is the azure Firth of Forth. To the south are the Scottish Parliament Building and Holyrood Palace. On the top of the mountain is the National Monument, which was built to commemorate the soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars. But it's not finished, and now you can only see a row of huge pillars supporting the beams, which you can climb, but with some difficulty. Next to it is Nelson's Monument, where the small ball at the top of the tower descends every day at 1 pm Edinburgh Castle fires. Nearby you can see the Dugald Stewart Memorial Pavilion (Dugald Stewart's Monument), which is beautifully shaped by several stone pillars with a dome.

Reviews from Real Guests:

salvalasilvia : It’s “just a hill” but it’s so much more than that. Calton Hill watches over Edinburgh and offers you an amazing view of the town in every season. I highly recommend to go and watch the sun set and if you’re early birds even the sun rise over the town. If you get a chance, come for the 30th of April for the Beltrane Festival. An amazing Scottish pagan festivity celebratate for centuries. The death of the green man and the winter and the arrival of the spring and the summer. Not a hard walk but recommended for people with disabilities.

kinjai116: Calton Hill Calton Hill Calton Hill can be a mix of bustling business districts and quiet residential streets. It is the location of the contemporary art gallery and the unfinished national monument. Calton Hill you can visit the entire Edinburgh city. Calton Hill It's only about 6-7 minutes from the city center. There is a big shopping mall along the way, which is very suitable for shopping. It's not difficult to climb Calton Hill (it's much easier than Arthurs seat). Just follow a few stairs and climb slowly.

Day 7 | Afternoon

Hopetoun House nearby is the top choice before you leave Calton Hill and hit the road.

Hopetoun House

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Wed,Sun,11:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 9.2 GBP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-3.0 Hours

Location: South Queensferry, Edinburgh EH30 9SL, Scotland

Hopetoun House is located near Queensferry and is a typical Scottish manor. It used to be the mansion of a marquis, built in the 18th century. During the summer months, parts of the castle and gardens are open to visitors, with some hosting weddings, conferences, photo sessions, and the occasional piece of classical music.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.