Day One
Scotland’s capital since 1437, there are lots of historical buildings and monuments to see here (4,500 in fact). So what better way to start your trip than by diving straight in to some of Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions?
10am
As soon as you arrive at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, you’ll instantly be inspired by the gothic buildings that make up the city’s old town. As you leave the station, you’ll be stepping straight into Edinburgh’s history as you pass the Scott Monument (a figure of famous Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott), peer upwards at St Giles’ Cathedral and head down into Real Mary King’s Close.
Here, you can take a guided tour with a local historian, or just wander the streets and soak in some of the atmosphere.
12.30pm
To take a break from your historical tour, head round the edge of Princes Street Gardens and down into Grassmarket, where you can choose from a variety of cafes and restaurants to rest your feet and refuel.
3pm
It’s a must-visit destination for a reason. Having played host to kings, queens and invading armies, Edinburgh Castle is well worth a visit, both for its history and for the fantastic views that the grounds have over the city.
6pm
When it comes to nightlife, the Royal Mile is the place to go for a choice of bars, restaurants and takeaways. Whether you want to treat yourself to some up-market Scottish cuisine, or to try something a bit different, like at Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, you can find exactly what you fancy here before you head out on an evening in the city.
9pm
To round off your historical day, we recommend visiting the Royal Mile Tavern. Not only one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh, it serves a range of drinks (yes, including whisky) and has live music playing every night. So you can dance, or just enjoy the music with a tasty ale.