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Edinburgh in four chapters
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Curated by Aura · Edinburgh · 4 days

Edinburgh in four chapters

Example itinerary
Example itinerary written by Aura for this preview from the Edinburgh pack. Not a travelled trip.

The castle and the Royal Mile, then the hills, then the water. Evenings indoors, where the city is warm.

Best in May, September, October, November · City break · No car · Autumn

Day 1 · Arrive, one warm room

Café Royal
Victorian tiled bar, oysters at the counter.

Keep the arrival day light.

Day 2 · Castle and the Royal Mile

Edinburgh Castle
Go at opening and end on the Half Moon Battery before the crowds.
St Giles' Cathedral
The crown spire over the Royal Mile; the Thistle Chapel inside.
Victoria Street
The curving street down to the Grassmarket.

Day 3 · Closes and hills

Arthur's Seat
The whole city from an extinct volcano; the climb is steep in places.
Palace of HolyroodhousePhoto coming
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The royal palace at the foot of the Royal Mile.
Calton Hill
The classic view back over the castle at dusk.

Arthur's Seat is steep in places; go early.

Day 4 · Water and villages

Dean Village
Mills and the Water of Leith, ten minutes from Princes Street.
Good to know
  • Book the castle online; the gate price is higher.
  • St Giles opens only in the afternoon on Sundays.