Visiting Edinburgh: what are the best things to do in 5 days?
- Destination Explorer
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Edinburgh should be on everyone's bucket list. The city captivates you immediately with its rich history, dark stone facades, stately streetscapes, and the sounds of a bagpiper on the street corner. There is an atmosphere here that feels simultaneously royal, mysterious, and vibrant. Whether you come for the castles, the whisky, the Harry Potter magic, or the Scottish grandeur: visiting Edinburgh is always a good idea.
After a short flight of just over an hour, we land in Scotland under a surprisingly blue sky. That alone feels special, because the weather in Edinburgh can be all over the place, even in spring. But that is precisely part of the charm of the city, which was built on an old volcano and is known as the city of seven hills . During this five-day city trip, we discover two of them, along with royal residences, an extinct volcano, impressive history, and a few very good places to eat and stay.
In this blog:
First impression of Edinburgh: the Royal Mile, closes and old stories
Our base is the Murrayfield Hotel , a charming Scottish-style hotel from where various buses take us to the city centre in about twenty minutes. We get off at Princes Street , the city's main shopping street. On one side you find shops, cafes, and restaurants; on the other, the Princes Street Gardens open up. It is immediately striking how many green spaces Edinburgh possesses, something that gives the city a surprisingly soft appearance, despite its rugged historical architecture.
From there, we head up towards the Royal Mile , Edinburgh's most famous street, which connects Edinburgh Castle with Holyroodhouse Palace . As always, we like to start with a free tour, and that proves to be a smart choice once again. Near St Giles' Cathedral, our guide Gavin is waiting for us and enthusiastically leads us through the historic heart of the city.
We stop at the Mercat Cross , for centuries the ceremonial centre of Edinburgh and still a place of official announcements today. The accession of King Charles III to the throne was also proclaimed here in 2022. Afterwards, we walk to the Writers' Museum on Lawnmarket, a free museum that offers not only a glimpse into life in a 17th-century home but also the work of Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Strolling through the Lady Stair's Close, we learn one of Edinburgh's most charming terms: the close . These narrow streets and passageways lie everywhere on either side of the Royal Mile and were formerly closed off at night by heavy gates. The city is full of them, and every close seems to have its own story.
Victoria Street, Greyfriars and the magic of Harry Potter
No visit to Edinburgh is complete without pausing to reflect on the places that inspired J.K. Rowling . From Victoria Terrace , we look down on Victoria Street , undoubtedly the most colorful street in the city. The curved street, with its brightly colored facades and unique shops, immediately brings to mind Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. Rowling lived in Edinburgh for many years and drew inspiration for her books from various places in the city.
A little later, we arrive at Greyfriars Kirkyard , perhaps the city's most famous cemetery. Near the old 'Flodden Wall', we see several graves that capture the imagination, such as McGonagall (Professor McGonagall) or Daniel Scrymgeour (Rufus Scrimgeour, Minister of Magic). But the most famous is, of course, that of Thomas Riddle (alias Lord Voldemort). You can also admire the monument to Greyfriars Bobby here. This funny dog guarded his owner's grave in this cemetery for no less than 14 years.
The recently reopened Elephant House , where Rowling worked on the first books, is also part of a Harry Potter route through the city. With a cup of tea and scones by the window, you look out over Greyfriars and completely understand how the city fuels the imagination. And for those who want to take the magic all the way down, you can descend into the Magic Potions Tavern on Blair Street . We immediately imagine ourselves in a pub: "The Leaky Cauldron." The menu features various potions to choose from. Fun fact: you make these cocktails yourself using a magical recipe. A fun way to wrap up the Harry Potter chapter.
The Scotch Whisky Experience: Tasting Scotland at Castlehill
After so much walking, it is time to literally taste Scotland. At Castlehill , we visit The Scotch Whisky Experience , a paradise for whisky lovers. The shop stocks more than 550 different whiskies . Of the various tours they offer, we opt for the Taste of Scotland Tour . It is a fun and accessible way to get acquainted with the whisky production process, the differences between single malt and blended whisky, and especially the typical flavour profiles of the five Scottish whisky regions.
Thanks to aroma palettes and flavour cards, whisky tasting here is presented in a very visual and playful way. Afterwards, we admire the impressive collection of the Brazilian Claive Vidiz, who has collected no fewer than 3,500 bottles of whisky . Following this, we enjoy a three-course menu at the Amber Restaurant featuring typical Scottish dishes, including, of course, haggis ; the delicious dessert is once again paired with whisky. Even if you are not a whisky drinker, this is one of the most enjoyable and typically Scottish experiences in the city.
Climbing Arthur's Seat: hiking on an extinct volcano
Anyone who really wants to feel Edinburgh needs to head up high. Arthur's Seat was high on our list, and on a clear morning, we set off early towards Holyrood Park . Behind the Holyroodhouse Palace car park, the climb begins to this 251-meter-high hill, an old volcano that towers over the city. In spring, the path is especially beautiful, as the gorse bushes are in full bloom, coloring the slopes yellow.
There are various walking routes, but we decide to just follow the signpost.
The climb takes about 45 minutes and becomes rockier and steeper towards the top, so good footwear is definitely not a luxury. But once at the top, the view is spectacular. You see not only the city lying at your feet, but also the sea shimmering in the distance. It is one of those moments when Edinburgh feels both grand and intimate.
A royal visit to Holyroodhouse Palace
Downstairs awaits a totally different, but equally impressive world: Holyroodhouse Palace , the official residence of the King in Scotland. During our visit, made possible thanks to the Royal Collection Trust , we are guided through the richly decorated halls by an audio guide. The throne room and the apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, in particular, make a deep impression. It was in that tower, exactly 460 years ago, that her secretary Rizzio was murdered. Suddenly, history feels remarkably tangible here.
The ruins of the old Augustinian abbey , built by King David I, and the flourishing palace gardens are also part of the visit. Holyroodhouse is not just a palace visit, but a journey through eight centuries of Scottish history.
Edinburgh Castle, the castle on the rock
The second hill we climb is Castle Rock , the rock on which Edinburgh Castle stands. This castle dominates the skyline and has been the mighty symbol of the city for centuries. Thanks to the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass, it is a logical and worthwhile stop during this city trip.
Although many buildings within the walls date from the 17th century, the history of the castle goes back to the 12th century. Today, it feels almost like a small city in itself, with courtyards, viewpoints, St Margaret's Chapel —the oldest building in Edinburgh—and the royal palace section. One of the absolute highlights is seeing the Scottish Crown Jewels , kept behind a heavy vault door. The story that they were once hidden by Oliver Cromwell and later came back into the spotlight thanks to Walter Scott only makes them more fascinating. Nowadays, they are presented to the King or Queen on their first visit to Scotland, as in 2023 when Charles III visited Scotland after his coronation in London.
Edinburgh in 5 days: why you should stay longer than a weekend
Edinburgh is a city you can easily explore in three to four days, but those who also want to see something of the surrounding area, such as the Isle of May , where you can spot puffins and other seabirds between April and October, are better off planning five days. This way, you get to experience not only the city itself but also the surrounding nature. The combination of royal history, literary atmosphere, Scottish gastronomy, and a surprising amount of greenery makes Edinburgh a city trip that feels much richer than the classic checklist of “castle, whisky, Harry Potter.” Also, don't forget to visit the botanical garden; this green oasis of tranquility makes you forget that you are still in the capital of Scotland.
Practical: planning a city trip to Edinburgh
How do you get there?
From Brussels, you can fly directly to Edinburgh in just over an hour, with airlines including Brussels Airlines. Ryanair flies from Charleroi. From the Netherlands, KLM and EasyJet offer flights from Amsterdam and Eindhoven.
Public transport in Edinburgh
Public transport is excellent and cheap.
From the airport to the city center, it is best to take the Airlink 100.
An open return ticket costs £8.50 per person; you can find more information here .
The Lothian Buses are ideal for city travel.
With the TapTapCap , you never pay more than £5.70 per day on the bus.
The tram also uses contactless payment, but you have to check in and out with your card. You can check the fares here .
Explorer Pass
With the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass, you get access to as many as 57 attractions in Scotland, including Edinburgh Castle , Trinity House , and Craigmillar Castle . Highly recommended if you want to visit multiple historical sites.
Where to stay in Edinburgh?
We stayed at the Murrayfield Hotel , ideally located between the airport and the city center. Other nice options are:
The Balmoral : This is where JK Rowling wrote her last Harry Potter book; you can also stay in the JK Rowling Suite here, albeit with a hefty price tag. The hotel is located right in the city center.
Good food in Edinburgh
The Ivy for a stylish high tea; advance reservation is required.
Bonnie & Wild for a food market experience. Fun fact: every last Thursday of the month they also host a Ceilidh where you can join in typical Scottish country dancing. Check out The White Heather Ceilidh Club here; atmosphere guaranteed!
The Dome for an elegant dinner; the roof dome in the center of this restaurant is phenomenal!
Amber Restaurant: This restaurant is part of the Scotch Whisky Experience . If you choose the Taste of Scotland tour, a three-course menu at this restaurant is included, but you can also book it separately.
FAQ – Visiting Edinburgh
How many days do you need for Edinburgh?
3 to 4 days is ideal for the city itself. If you also want to explore the surrounding area, such as the Isle of May, it is best to plan 5 days .
Is Edinburgh manageable without a car?
Yes, absolutely. The city has an excellent network of buses and trams, and the center is perfect to explore on foot. The Airlink 100 and Lothian Buses make a car unnecessary.
What should you absolutely not miss in Edinburgh?
For a first visit, I would definitely recommend:
Edinburgh Castle
Holyroodhouse Palace
Arthur's Seat
the Royal Mile
The Scotch Whisky Experience
and for Harry Potter fans: Victoria Street , Greyfriars Kirkyard and The Elephant House .
Is the Explorer Pass worth it?
Yes, especially if you want to visit multiple historical sites. The pass gives access to 57 places in Scotland and is a smart way to save money during your trip.
What is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
Spring and early autumn are ideal. In spring, the parks are in bloom and the chance of milder weather is greater, although Scotland remains unpredictable. Always count on changeable weather.
Is Edinburgh a good destination for Harry Potter fans?
Certainly. JK Rowling lived here for years and used various places in the city as inspiration for her books. Edinburgh is a true pilgrimage site for many fans.
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