What’s not to love about Edinburgh? Scotland’s capital will charm you as soon as you set foot on its cobblestone streets, complete with iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine and fascinating neighbourhoods that are waiting for you to explore. Join us to discover Edinburgh on an Independence by Globus holiday.
Day 1
Welcome to Edinburgh! A Globus Local Host will be waiting to welcome you to Scotland’s capital city.
As you have today at leisure, your Globus Local Host is the go-to person for advice on things to do, see and eat on this Independence by Globus holiday in Edinburgh. You may like to whet your appetite for Scottish adventure by exploring the shops, restaurants and bars. From savoury steak pies to the perfect shortbread biscuit, hearty haggis to fresh fish and chips, you’ll find temptation on every corner. Your GlobusGO app is also a great source of information when out and about!
Day 2
Photo by scotland.in.my.heart on Instagram
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, all the better to prepare yourself for a morning walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town with a Local Guide. Along the way, you’ll be entertained with history and stories about the Mercat Cross, St Giles’ Cathedral and Gladstone’s Land, before finishing on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. You’ll then have the rest of the day to choose your own path.
If the timing is right, there is a weekly Saturday market, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile in Grassmarket. Historically a market space, Grassmarket has redeveloped into a bustling neighbourhood and still holds a weekly market.
The flagship Johnnie Walker is found on Princes Street – perfect for a visit if you’re a whisky lover or just want to learn more! Head to the 1820 rooftop bar for a meal and/or a personalised whisky experience, complete with epic views across Edinburgh’s skyline.
Are you a Harry Potter fan? It comes as no wonder that Edinburgh was the setting for some filming locations for the magical movie franchise. There’s no better to discover all these locations than on a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide.
This evening, time your ascent to the top of Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for sunset. It only takes five minutes and is an iconic spot. To snap the perfect photo, find the right vantage point so you can capture Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and the Dugald Stewart Monument (the National Monument of Scotland) all in one.
Edinburgh has the highest density of restaurants in the UK, with an abundance of cheap and cheerful eats to Michelin Star and Michelin Guide restaurants. We recommend a classic pub along Victoria Street or the Royal Mile.
Day 3
The day is yours to explore as you please after another delicious, included breakfast. Your Globus Local Host will be on hand for any questions that you may have, too.
If you want to walk in the footsteps of royalty, head early to Edinburgh Castle to beat the queues. See the Great Hall and St Margaret’s Chapel, and feast your eyes on the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown jewels in Britain.
For the museum buffs, the National Museum of Scotland features over 20,000 artefacts so you could easily spend half a day here! From the catacombs of Egypt to the wonders of modern-day technology, top off your visit by a drink at the museum’s restaurant rooftop terrace for another panoramic viewpoint.
Since you ticked off the Old Town yesterday, it wouldn’t be a trip to Edinburgh without also discovering the New Town. ‘New’ is a slight misnomer however, as construction began in the 18th century! Full of charm, you can’t miss the iconic Circus Lane. Depending on the season you’re visiting in, the creeping greenery that becomes one with the beautiful homes is lovely, complete with the antique lamp posts.
You may choose to carry on with a short walk to Dean Village. This Instagram-worthy place sits alongside the Water of Leith, Edinburgh’s main river. Historically a bustling trade spot for items that required milling, so you can still see old mills dotted around. Combined with colourful houses juxtaposed against the quintessential brown stone buildings, Dean Village is swoon-worthy.
If you prefer a greener outlook, you could head for the hills to the top of the Salisbury Crags or take a leisurely stroll through Princes Street Gardens. The walk to the top of the crags is great if you want to burn off some of the hearty Scottish treats you’ve been indulging in, and you can witness basalt column cliffs that rise 45 metres above Edinburgh as well as one of the best views across Edinburgh; while Princes Street Gardens offer a peaceful hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
To round off your last night in Edinburgh, you may like to settle in at a beer garden for a tipple and dinner.
Day 4
Today, you’ll board a train to London to continue your Independence by Globus holiday. If we’ve piqued your interest, take a look at the full Independence by Globus Edinburgh & London city stay itinerary.
