3 nights, 4 days
Edinburgh 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)
A 4-day route through Edinburgh grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.
Distances are straight-line, so actual transit times will differ. Feel free to reorder the stops. · Updated August 15, 2026
The whole route at a glance
Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors Lines are straight connections, not actual routes.
DAY 1
Around Edinburgh Castle · Museums & galleries·Nature
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningEdinburgh Castle
Museums & galleries
A historic castle perched on Castle Rock in Edinburgh, Scotland, once a royal residence before becoming a military fortress. It stands as one of Scotland's foremost historic landmarks.
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After lunchCastle Rock
Nature · 0 km from the previous stop
A volcanic rock hill topped by Edinburgh Castle. Formed by volcanic activity around 350 million years ago and shaped by glacial erosion, it offers sweeping views of the city below its walls.
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AfternoonPrinces Street Gardens
Parks & gardens · 0.2 km from the previous stop
Two parks in the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland, lying below Edinburgh Castle. Created in the 1820s by draining the Nor Loch as the New Town was built, they're a pleasant place to walk while looking up at the castle.
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EveningUsher Hall
Culture & venues · 0.3 km from the previous stop
A concert hall in Edinburgh's West End that has hosted a wide range of concerts and events since opening in 1914. With around 2,200 seats, it's a great place to enjoy classical performances and more.
DAY 2
Around Holyrood Palace · Castles & palaces·Temples & religious sites
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningHolyrood Palace
Castles & palaces
A historic palace in Edinburgh that has served as a residence of the Scottish royal family since the 15th century. It's also known as the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II, making it a great place to explore traces of royal history.
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After lunchHolyrood Abbey
Temples & religious sites · 0.1 km from the previous stop
Holyrood Abbey was a monastery in Edinburgh founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland. Only ruins remain today, standing beside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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AfternoonNational Monument of Scotland
Heritage & monuments · 0.7 km from the previous stop
The National Monument of Scotland stands on Calton Hill, built to honor the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It bears an inscription meaning 'to commemorate the past and inspire the courage of the future.'
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EveningHolyrood
Shopping & districts · 0.4 km from the previous stop
An area at the eastern end of Edinburgh's city centre, where the Royal Mile comes to an end. It's a lovely place to stroll along the historic streets of Scotland's capital and soak up its old-world charm.
DAY 3
Around Scottish National Gallery · Museums & galleries·Heritage & monuments
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningScottish National Gallery
Museums & galleries
The Scottish National Gallery is a neoclassical art museum near Princes Street in Edinburgh, first opened to the public in 1859. It houses a collection representing the best of Scottish art.
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After lunchScott Monument
Heritage & monuments · 0.2 km from the previous stop
A Victorian Gothic monument in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, built to honor novelist Sir Walter Scott. It is the world's second-largest monument to a writer, after the José Martí Memorial in Havana, and makes a great stop on a walk through the city center.
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AfternoonSt Giles' Cathedral
Temples & religious sites · 0.4 km from the previous stop
One of Edinburgh's leading cathedrals, it took its present form over several centuries starting in the 14th century. It's also well known for its ties to Reformation leader John Knox, making it a rewarding stop for tracing the city's history.
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EveningScottish National Portrait Gallery
Museums & galleries · 0.7 km from the previous stop
An art gallery in Edinburgh, Scotland. Here you can see a wide range of portraits depicting historical figures.
DAY 4
Around National Museum of Scotland · Museums & galleries·Temples & religious sites
Directions in Google Maps-
MorningNational Museum of Scotland
Museums & galleries
A museum located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It offers a broad look at Scotland's history and culture.
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After lunchEdinburgh Central Mosque
Temples & religious sites · 0.3 km from the previous stop
A mosque located near the University of Edinburgh and the National Museum of Scotland, with an impressive interior featuring grand chandeliers and expansive carpets. Its great hall, which can hold over a thousand worshippers, makes it a good place to observe Islamic architecture.
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AfternoonCalton Hill
Nature · 1.2 km from the previous stop
A hill in the heart of Edinburgh, known for its beautiful city views that often appear on postcards. It pairs well with a visit to Holyrood Palace at its foot.
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EveningNew Town
Shopping & districts · 1 km from the previous stop
The New Town sits at the heart of Edinburgh and retains many Georgian-era buildings. Walking along Princes Street, you can enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town together.
Where to stay for this itinerary
Around Edinburgh Castle, the anchor of day one. Staying here keeps your first day's travel shortest.
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Wilde Aparthotel - Edinburgh Grassmarket
0.2 km · Edinburgh
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Premier Inn
0.3 km · Edinburgh
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100 Princes Street
0.3 km
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Apex Edinburgh International
0.3 km · Edinburgh
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EasyHotel Prince Street West
0.3 km · Edinburgh
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Apex Edinburgh City
0.4 km · Edinburgh
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Tours & tickets for this itinerary
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