5 Days in Edinburgh, UK
UK

5 Days in Edinburgh: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

A real plan from a traveler, day by day, with times. Follow it or make it yours.

Free day-by-day itinerary in seconds. No account needed to start.

Here is how a real traveler spent 5 days in Edinburgh. Day 1: Edinburgh Castle, The Real Mary King's Close. Day 2: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur's Seat. Day 3: Museum of Edinburgh, St Giles' Cathedral. The stop most travelers include is Arthur's Seat, in 2 of 2 trips. The full plan below has times, ticket prices and travel time between stops.

Built from 2 real traveler itineraries on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

The itinerary

5 days in Edinburgh, day by day

A real plan from a traveler on Packy AI. Follow it as it is, or copy it and change anything.

Map of the route in Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Day 1: Edinburgh Castle and The Real Mary King's Close

Day 1 starts at Edinburgh Castle at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for exploration. Next, head to The Real Mary King's Close at 11:30 AM (90 mins) by a 10-minute walk. Finally, visit Scott Monument at 1:30 PM (45 mins) - it's a short 5-minute walk from there. Enjoy a balanced day with a mix of history and leisure!

  1. 9:00 AM

    Edinburgh Castle

    Explore this historic fortress dominating the Edinburgh skyline, showcasing Scotland's royal history and breathtaking views of the city.

    120 mins£2020 mins by walk to the next stop
  2. 11:30 AM

    The Real Mary King's Close

    Experience a hidden Edinburgh with guided tours through historical streets preserved from the 17th century and hear fascinating stories of former residents.

    90 mins£19.5020 mins by walk to the next stop
  3. 1:30 PM

    Scott Monument

    Climb this Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott for panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into Victorian architecture.

    45 mins£5

Day 2: Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur's Seat

Day 2 starts at the Palace of Holyroodhouse at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for the visit. Take a 20-minute walk to Arthur's Seat, arriving around 11:30 AM, and spend 1.5 hours hiking. After, head to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh at 1:30 PM via a 15-minute bus ride (~£1.50), allowing 1.5 hours to explore the gardens.

  1. 9:00 AM

    Palace of Holyroodhouse

    Discover the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, rich in history and surrounded by stunning gardens and the dramatic backdrop of Arthur's Seat.

    120 mins£1720 mins by walk to the next stop
  2. 11:30 AM

    Arthur's Seat

    A scenic hike offering incredible views of Edinburgh and the surrounding landscape, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

    90 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
  3. 1:30 PM

    Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    One of the finest botanical gardens in the world, offering a peaceful escape with diverse plant collections and stunning landscapes.

    90 minsFree

Day 3: Museum of Edinburgh and St Giles' Cathedral

Day 3 starts at the Museum of Edinburgh (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore. Walk for 10 minutes to St Giles' Cathedral, arriving by 11 AM for a 60-minute visit.

  1. 9:00 AM

    Museum of Edinburgh

    A treasure trove of Scottish history and culture, featuring exhibits that narrate the story of Edinburgh from its origins to the present day.

    90 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
  2. 11:00 AM

    St Giles' Cathedral

    This iconic medieval church is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows and the beautiful Thistle Chapel, an architectural gem.

    60 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
  3. 12:30 PM

    National Galleries of Scotland: National

    Home to an impressive collection of European art, including works by Titian, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, all set in a stunning neoclassical building.

    120 minsFree

Day 4: Victoria Street and Broughton Street

Day 4 starts at Victoria Street at 9 AM - explore for 1 hour. Take a 15-minute walk to Broughton Street, where you can enjoy local shops and cafes from 10:30 AM to noon. Afterward, head to Dean Village at 12:30 PM, just a 20-minute bus ride (~£2) for stunning views and a peaceful stroll.

  1. 9:00 AM

    Victoria Street

    This picturesque street is lined with colorful shops, perfect for unique souvenirs and an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of Harry Potter.

    60 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
  2. 10:30 AM

    Broughton Street

    A vibrant street known for its independent boutiques, cafes, and artisan shops, offering a more local shopping experience away from tourist traps.

    90 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
  3. 12:30 PM

    Dean Village Edinburgh

    This charming, historic village located just minutes from the city center offers picturesque views and peaceful walks along the Water of Leith.

    60 minsFree

Day 5: The Scotch Whisky Experience and Royal Mile

Start your day at The Scotch Whisky Experience at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes for the tour. Then, take a short 10-minute walk to the Royal Mile by 11 AM - enjoy this area for 2 hours. Afterward, catch a 15-minute bus to Edinburgh Zoo at 1:30 PM - spend the next 3 hours enjoying the wildlife.

  1. 9:00 AM

    The Scotch Whisky Experience

    Immerse yourself in the world of Scotch whisky, from its history to tasting a selection of fine whiskies in a grand setting.

    90 mins£1920 mins by walk to the next stop
  2. 11:00 AM

    Royal Mile

    A historic thoroughfare through Edinburgh’s Old Town, filled with shops, eateries, and a vibrant atmosphere reflecting the city’s rich heritage.

    120 minsFree20 mins by walk to the next stop
  3. 1:30 PM

    Edinburgh Zoo

    Home to the UK’s only giant pandas and offers amazing animal experiences.

    180 mins£20

Like this plan? Copy it, set your dates, and change anything.

Copy this trip

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about spending 5 days in Edinburgh

Yes. The plan on this page fits 15 stops into 5 days, about 3 a day. Travelers on Packy have planned Edinburgh trips from 2 to 14 days.

Ready to plan your Edinburgh trip?

Free day-by-day itinerary in seconds. No account needed to start.

Keep exploring

Find your next trip

More in Edinburgh

Edinburgh itinerariesThings to do in Edinburgh2 days in Edinburgh3 days in Edinburgh4 days in Edinburgh6 days in Edinburgh7 days in Edinburgh

Elsewhere in UK

LondonManchesterEdinburgh, ScotlandDevonAll of UK

Plan a trip

AI trip planner