Edinburgh 4-Day Trip Itinerary

Flight to Edinburgh

Depart from Dublin Airport (DUB) and fly directly to Edinburgh (EDI).

Relax during the short flight, anticipating your Scottish adventure.

Ensure you have all necessary travel documents. Consider booking airport transfers in advance or use local public transport into the city.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel, settle in, and refresh after your journey.

Prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Explore Edinburgh Old Town & Royal Mile

Begin your Edinburgh adventure with a leisurely stroll down the Royal Mile, the historic spine of the Old Town connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Admire the medieval architecture, narrow closes, and vibrant atmosphere.

Wear comfortable shoes as the Royal Mile is cobbled and can be steep in places. Perfect for photography!

The Real Mary King's Close Tour

Delve into Edinburgh's hidden history beneath the Royal Mile.

Explore the underground streets and learn about the city's dark past, legends, and real-life stories.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for evening slots. The tours can be quite eerie but are fascinating!

Dinner in Old Town

Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner at one of the many atmospheric pubs or restaurants in Edinburgh's Old Town, reflecting on your first day's discoveries.

Edinburgh Castle Exploration

Visit Scotland's most famous castle, perched atop an extinct volcano.

Explore its historic buildings, including the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, Mons Meg, and the National War Museum of Scotland. Enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Book tickets online in advance to secure your entry time and avoid long queues. Wear layers as it can be windy at the top.

Lunch Near Castlehill

Grab a quick and tasty lunch at one of the eateries on or around Castlehill, offering traditional Scottish fare or lighter bites.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Embark on a barrel ride through the production of Scotch whisky, learn about the different regions, and enjoy a dram. A fantastic sensory introduction to Scotland's national drink.

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for specific tour times. They offer various tour levels from basic to connoisseur.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Escape the city bustle with a peaceful visit to the Royal Botanic Garden.

Enjoy the diverse plant collections, glasshouses (check for winter hours), and tranquil walking paths.

Entry to the garden is free, but there's a charge for the glasshouses. A great spot for photography and a relaxing walk.

The Music of the Lord of the Rings

Experience 'Our precious concert' – a breathtaking musical tribute to Howard Shore's iconic scores from The Lord of the Rings films at the gorgeous Queen's Hall.

A must for fans of the saga!

Arrive early to find your seats and soak in the atmosphere. The Queen's Hall is a beautiful venue.

Harry Potter Magical Walk

Embark on a self-guided or guided tour to discover the inspirations for J.

K. Rowling's wizarding world. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street (Diagon Alley inspiration), and George Heriot's School (Hogwarts inspiration).

Many free walking tours focus on Harry Potter, or you can explore on your own. Don't forget your camera for all the magical photo opportunities!

Lunch in Grassmarket

Enjoy lunch in the lively Grassmarket area, known for its historic pubs and diverse eateries, offering a wide range of cuisines.

Tynecastle Stadium Tour & Museum

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Tynecastle Park, home of Heart of Midlothian FC.

Explore areas usually off-limits and dive into the club's rich history through its museum experience.

A great experience for sports fans, offering insight into Scottish football heritage. Check booking link for specific tour times as they can vary.

National Museum of Scotland

Immerse yourselves in Scottish history, culture, and natural history.

From prehistoric periods to modern times, this museum offers vast and diverse collections.

Entry is free, but some special exhibitions may have a charge. Plan your visit as it's a large museum with many floors.

Dinner in New Town

Explore the elegant New Town for dinner, offering a contrasting experience to the Old Town with its Georgian architecture and a wide selection of upscale restaurants and trendy bars.

National Museum of Scotland

Explore Scotland's national collections, covering natural history, Scottish history, and world cultures.

From dinosaur bones to Scottish history and fashion, there's something for everyone. Allow plenty of time to explore the diverse exhibits.

Admission is free, though donations are welcome. Check for any special exhibitions that might require booking.

Lunch near the Museum

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many cafes or eateries around the National Museum of Scotland in the Old Town.

Lind and Lime Gin Distillery Tour

Discover the story behind Lind and Lime Gin, forged from Edinburgh's heritage.

Enjoy a guided tour and tasting experience, learning about the distilling process and the balance of flavors.

Book in advance as tours can fill up quickly. This is a unique, hands-on experience.

Picturesque Dean Village Walk

Take a leisurely walk through the charming and historic Dean Village, a tranquil oasis nestled along the Water of Leith.

It's a fantastic spot for photography with its quaint buildings and serene atmosphere.

Easily accessible from the city centre, offering a peaceful escape. Wear comfortable shoes.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local Edinburgh restaurant, savoring Scottish cuisine or international flavors.

Consider booking in advance, especially for a Sunday evening.

Chris Ramsey: Here Man Live

Catch a hilarious stand-up comedy performance by Chris Ramsey at the Festival Theatre, a perfect way to conclude your Edinburgh adventure with laughter.

Book tickets in advance. The show starts at 7:30 PM.