7 Days in Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile & More

Explore Scotland's most famous castle, a historic fortress dominating the Edinburgh skyline. Discover the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the One O'Clock Gun, and various regimental museums within the castle grounds.

"A beautiful and unforgettable place to experience the rich and elegant history of Scotland. Edinburgh Castle offers stunning views over the city, but be sure to check the weather, as clear skies make the experience truly special. It can get quite busy on weekends, so arriving early helps. Even for children, it’s a fascinating visit, and I’d say it’s a must see for anyone coming to Edinburgh."— Shanka Samarathunge

Stroll down the historic Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Absorb the medieval atmosphere, browse unique shops, and admire the historic architecture.

"Edinburgh castle to Holyrood a Scottish mile (1.2 actual miles. Tourist shops, but lovely nooks and crannies to walk down. Try every alleyway as you will find lots of interesting happen away spots"— Mark Hovell

Descend beneath the Royal Mile into the hidden streets of The Real Mary King's Close. A guided tour unveils the stories of Edinburgh's past residents, their lives, and the mysteries of this preserved 17th-century underground close.

"A Hauntingly Beautiful Step Back in Time" After a lovely lunch at Luckenbooths, we decided to try our luck and walk in to see if any tickets were available. We were fortunate to secure a slot for the 6:20 PM tour (£25 each). We were running exactly one minute late after our shopping and whisky tour, but the staff was incredibly kind and still allowed us to join! The Experience: The tour is a mysterious journey into the underground. Walking through the dark, narrow alleys and rooms that have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years is surreal. It’s a chilling but fascinating look at the 'Close'—the hidden streets frozen beneath the modern city. The History: Our guide did a wonderful job explaining the grim reality of the 17th century. Learning about the Black Plague, the devastating loss of life, and the terrible hygiene conditions of the time was eye-opening. It’s a visceral reminder of the hardships people faced in the Old Town. My Reflection: Leaving the tour, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Seeing how majority of people lived in such poverty makes you realize how lucky we are today. It’s a powerful experience that makes you appreciate modern technology and our current quality of life, while still treasuring the cultural history that shaped this city. Verdict: If you want to understand the 'soul' of Old Edinburgh beyond the beautiful facades, this tour is essential."— Loom Loop

Embark on a captivating journey through the world of Scotch whisky. Enjoy a barrel ride, learn about the whisky-making process, and experience a guided tasting of Scotland's national drink.

"Visted the Scotch Whiskey Experience yesterday and had such a wonderful time! I had no idea how cool and immersive the experience would be. I was so impressed. Alex was our tour guide and he was so amazing. I had so much fun and felt like a learned a good bit about Scottish culture and history. Great location too!"— Maggie Emmendorfer

Embark on a rewarding hike up Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, for panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning natural landscape.

"What a beautiful hike with a rewarding view in the end. It’s easily accessible from Edinburgh city and it’s not too tough of a hike. Many families have been going up and down."— Fabian V

Explore the historic St Giles' Cathedral, known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh. Admire its intricate Gothic architecture, stained glass, and rich history, including its connection to John Knox and the Scottish Reformation.

"Visited St Giles Cathedral the day before I returned home from an enjoyable break in Scotland. Admission was free, but on entering I was invited to make a voluntary donation (minimum £6). Reasonable I thought, given both the importance of this church and the beauty of its architecture. It dates from the 12th century, and there's a wealth of fine stone carving both inside and out. The interior is very impressive, with massive pillars, majestic arches, beautiful stained glass windows, and many interesting memorials, including one to Queen Elizabeth II, who lay in state here after her death at Balmoral in 2022. The Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, who was born in Edinburgh, is also commemorated here. I found the cathedral staff both friendly and welcoming, and I was surprised to find that dogs are also welcome inside if they're on a lead. There are free guided tours, rooftop tours, or you can download an audio guide for £5.50, but I was happy to look around at my own pace. The highlight for me was undoubtedly the ornate Thistle Chapel, with its magnificent carved ceiling and intricate oak stalls decorated with heraldic figures. It can get very crowded however, and you have to go down 4 steps to enter it, so it's not wheelchair accessible ( but the rest of the cathedral is). There's also a lovely gift shop near the cathedral entrance where I bought a couple of books. It's well worth spending an hour or two in this lovely cathedral when visiting Edinburgh."— Valerie Hinchliffe

Delve into Scotland's rich history, natural world, and diverse cultures at the expansive National Museum of Scotland. Discover everything from dinosaur fossils to Scottish inventions and world art.

"I had an absolutely fantastic experience at the National Museum of Scotland. From the moment you walk in, the building itself is breathtaking the stunning architecture perfectly blends historic grandeur with modern design. The variety of exhibits is truly impressive. Whether you’re interested in Scottish history, science and technology, world cultures, fashion, or natural history, there’s something here for everyone. The Scottish history galleries are especially well curated, offering a rich and immersive journey through the nation’s past. The interactive science sections are engaging and fun, making it a great visit for families as well as adults. One of the highlights is the rooftop terrace, which offers beautiful panoramic views across Edinburgh definitely worth a visit on a clear day. The museum is well laid out, easy to navigate, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Best of all, general admission is free, making it an incredible value for such a high-quality experience. I would highly recommend the National Museum of Scotland to anyone visiting Edinburgh. It’s the kind of place you could return to multiple times and still discover something new."— Mohammad Mohsin Phalgaroo

Descend into Edinburgh's past with a guided tour of the Blair Street Underground Vaults. Uncover the hidden history and dark tales of the city's forgotten underground chambers.

"We did the afternoon ghost tour with Mercat Tours and it was honestly one of the most fun experiences we had in Edinburgh. Our guide Michael was absolutely brilliant. The way he told the stories, the energy, the timing, he completely transported us back to old Edinburgh. It was engaging, dramatic and genuinely fascinating without ever feeling over the top. Now here is the thing. I am not one for the paranormal. I am the sceptic. The logical one. The “there’s definitely a reasonable explanation” guy. But I ended up at the back of the group as we moved from room to room in the vaults. Last in line. Pitch black corners. Old stone walls. Silence behind me. And I am telling you, it genuinely felt like there were a couple of others walking behind me. There was nobody there. At least I do not think there was. Whether it was the atmosphere, the power of the storytelling or just Edinburgh doing what Edinburgh does, there is something about that place that gets under your skin in the best way. It was the perfect balance of history, humour and just enough spookiness to make you question yourself on the walk home. If you are in Edinburgh, do this tour. Just maybe do not volunteer to be last in line."— James Matthews

Experience a lively evening of traditional Scottish folk music and contemporary acts at Stramash, a popular venue known for its energetic atmosphere and live performances.

"Check the calendar online — they host Scottish dancing traditional ceilidh every Wednesday 9:30 pm and every Saturday at 4:30 pm. It’s well worth coming to see. It’s live music, a bar, and free entry. The venue is a historic church building converted into a large live entertainment space with a capacity of over 700 people. They also have a big screen for sports."— ahm albed

Enjoy an invigorating morning walk up Calton Hill for panoramic views of Edinburgh's skyline, including the Old Town, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth. Explore the National Monument and other historical structures.

"Calton Hill offers arguably one of the best views across Edinburgh’s city centre. From here, you can see most of the city, Arthurs Seat, and of course the castle. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and you’ll be treated to awesome views of the castle in the distance. Calton Hill was formed over 340 million years ago. It has a huge history from the prehistoric era to today. It was originally a hill fort in ancient times, then King James II of Scotland granted the lands to Edinburgh in 1456. Calton Hill sits just off Leith Street near Edinburgh’s popular commercial area. Like many of the parks in the area, it’s free to enter so you won’t need to reach into your wallet for this one. If you’re looking for some of the best views in Edinburgh then make sure you spend some time here. There’s also an art gallery up on Calton Hill and an unfinished national monument so there’s plenty to see! If you only have time to visit one viewpoint in the city, let this be it. It’s a fantastic place to watch the sunset or see the breathtaking views."— Sanjay Gupta

Delve into the fascinating and sometimes macabre history of medicine and surgery at the Surgeons' Hall Museum, home to a unique collection of anatomical and pathological specimens, surgical instruments, and artifacts.

"Hands down the most fascinating museum in Edinburgh. I cannot express enough how amazing and interesting this museum is to the curious mind. One of the best parts was the Blood and Guts walking tour with Jerry (that’s Jerry with a J). He was an incredible guide, was funny, and showed a lot of areas and history of Edinburgh that breathed life into the museum’s subject matter. Well worth a visit and don’t miss the tour!"— Mark Eberhart

After arriving in Inverness, visit the Inverness Castle Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views over the River Ness and the city. Although the castle itself is not open to the public, the viewpoint offers excellent photo opportunities.

"A must visit when your in Inverness. This venue is a great experience buy tickets online or on the door and allow 2-3 hours to complete it all. Lots of interesting rooms using a multi lingual audio guide. If your a Runrig fan there's a history of the Highland band within. Great restaurant for meals & snacks etc post or Pre your visit. The views of Inverness and surrounding area from the Tower are stunning."— Mike Rawding

Explore the legendary 14th-century castle, its historical interiors, and three distinct gardens: the Walled Garden, Flower Garden, and Wild Garden. Learn about its long history and connection to Shakespeare's Macbeth.

"Lovely Castle to walk around with lots of interesting history. We spent around 2 hours there and also had some lunch at the cafe which had delicious apple juice made from the apples in their orchard and a selection of vegan cakes. Super friendly staff who were happy to answer all questions. Gardens were beautiful!"— poppy groombridge

Embark on a scenic cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, taking in the breathtaking Highland scenery and keeping an eye out for Nessie, the legendary monster. This provides a soft adventure experience on the water.

"It’s a must do in Inverness to experience a fairy tale like serene beauty. We did The Temptation tour which was an amazing experience Kieran was our bus guide and the boat guide both gave us an excellent insight. Booking it during winter we were bit skeptical about the weather but were blessed with an excellent weather. The cruise gave us a view of Enchanted forests and spectacular sights. The castle was amazing however would recommend not to be hypnotised by just one place and try and cove the castle as much as possible. We also met William the famous Cow which made my kids day 🤩"— Surajkumari Pujare

Walk the historic grounds where the last Jacobite Rising battle took place. Visit the immersive visitor center to understand the fateful day in 1746 and its profound impact on Highland culture.

"Me and my husband went for a guided tour and I can recommend this to everyone. We learned so much. Our guide was such a good story teller. She told us everything of importance to give us a very good understanding of the tragedy that happened here 280 years ago. The museum is worth every penny too. Everyone here, whether it was the guide, the people working in the cafe, shop or the reception was ever so nice. We highly recommend this place."— Bianca Evers

Embark on an iconic hike to the Old Man of Storr, a towering rock pinnacle part of the Trotternish Ridge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the sea. This challenging walk is a highlight of Skye's dramatic geological landscapes.

"Storr can be seen for miles around, but to get the full impression you need to walk for about 45 minutes up a fairly steep hill. There’s a huge parking lot at the base with toilets, and the walk isn’t too strenuous, except when the winds are so strong they literally knock you off your feet. We had to surrender just near the top, when the pictures are terrible as the rock hides against the mountain behind it, you really need to do the full walk to get behind it for the impact to be there. Otherwise, just to the south of the carpark, on the road back to Portree, pull over by the side of the road and look back and you will still get a decent view."— Stephen Spencer

Stop at the Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls Viewpoint to admire the impressive cliff formations resembling a kilt and the waterfall plunging directly into the sea below. It's a quick, scenic stop along the Trotternish coast.

"It is an easy roadside stop with one of the most open coastal views on Skye. From the viewing platform, the waterfall drops directly from the cliffs into the sea below. The surrounding Kilt Rock cliffs are tall and layered, creating a dramatic backdrop against the wide horizon. The space feels exposed and expansive, with constant wind and uninterrupted ocean views. It is a brief stop, but the scale of the landscape makes it memorable."— pps from land of smiles

Embark on a spectacular circular walk through the Quiraing, a dramatic landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the highest point of the Trotternish Ridge. Discover unique rock formations like 'The Prison' and 'The Needle' with incredible views.

"Absolutely stunning, and 100% worth it, but definitely come prepared for a challenging hike. The top of the mountain, after climbing stairs, does not have a clear trail, but finding the way was still easy. Be careful of the ice in the winter."— Marit

Explore the whimsical and ethereal landscape of the Fairy Glen near Uig. This miniature valley features peculiar conical hills, small lochs, and a 'fairy castle' (a basalt rock formation), creating a truly magical experience.

"A beautiful and magical place. A must stop. The road to get there is both ways but only one straight road. There’s some passing places. We went with our motorhome, and it was no problem. The parking has a fixed hour/pay, it was 3£ for 4h."— Bia Pires

Embark on an invigorating hike to the enchanting Fairy Pools near Carbost. Wander along the series of clear, cold pools and waterfalls, fed by the River Brittle, known for their mystical atmosphere and natural beauty. This is a Tier 1 must-have experience.

"Fairy Pools Car Park was £8 at the time (2026) and honestly, it was worth every penny. The walk itself is lots of fun — a refreshing, energising hike through wild, dramatic landscape. The trail winds through rugged terrain with the towering Cuillin mountains rising in the background, creating a truly breathtaking setting. The waterfalls are absolutely mesmerising. Crystal-clear pools shimmer in the light, and every turn reveals another picturesque cascade tumbling over dark rock. It feels adventurous yet peaceful at the same time — a perfect mix of excitement and calm. It’s a bit of a workout in places, but completely worth the effort. The views are spectacular, especially near the waterfalls where the scenery looks almost unreal. Fresh air, rushing water, vast open skies — it’s a stunning, unforgettable experience."— Guardian Devil

Visit Skye's oldest operating whisky distillery in Carbost for a fascinating tour and tasting session. Learn about the unique production process and the island's maritime influence on its distinctive single malt Scotch whisky. This is a Tier 2 experience.

"Did the whiskey distillery tour recently with a group of friends. Wonderful place. Grant the leader was excellent. Opened my eyes to whole whiskey production process and enhanced my knowledge about it. It helps me appreciate and understand the intricacies of this famous drink. The place is spotlessly clean. We had the opportunity to try 3 type of different whiskeys and were given a 10% discount on the products in the showroom."— James Tan

Explore Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Discover its historic rooms, impressive artifacts, and wander through the beautiful formal gardens, including the Walled Garden and Water Garden. This is a Tier 2 experience.

"All the staff we encountered were friendly and polite. The castle itself is great - a few surprises on the way round. The exhibits are interesting and varied. I was with my father who needs a wheelchair for walking long distances. The staff at the payment counter and at the entrance to the castle were courteous and thoughtful. The website is also open and honest about its accessibility. An excellent visit."— Ian Child

Embark on an early morning hike to the beautiful Fairy Pools, enjoying the serene landscape of clear, cold pools and waterfalls before the crowds arrive. This final iconic Skye experience fulfills both nature and adventure interests.

"Fairy Pools Car Park was £8 at the time (2026) and honestly, it was worth every penny. The walk itself is lots of fun — a refreshing, energising hike through wild, dramatic landscape. The trail winds through rugged terrain with the towering Cuillin mountains rising in the background, creating a truly breathtaking setting. The waterfalls are absolutely mesmerising. Crystal-clear pools shimmer in the light, and every turn reveals another picturesque cascade tumbling over dark rock. It feels adventurous yet peaceful at the same time — a perfect mix of excitement and calm. It’s a bit of a workout in places, but completely worth the effort. The views are spectacular, especially near the waterfalls where the scenery looks almost unreal. Fresh air, rushing water, vast open skies — it’s a stunning, unforgettable experience."— Guardian Devil

Explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Monarch in Scotland. Discover its historic state apartments, the picturesque ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the beautiful palace gardens.

"Absolutely beautiful, and well worth a visit. Going early in the day could mean smaller crowds. The included audioguide is excellent and guests are given access to lots of rooms. No photos allowed inside. Toilets available."— Sue S.