Edinburgh in 4 Days: everything you need to know

Edinburgh is a magical city and a unique travel destination. If you want to enjoy a mysterious city, full of ancient legends, the most impressive nature, or if you want to follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter.

Of course, I recommend that you dress warmly with a Scottish woollen scarf and that you don't miss out on tasting the whisky. Read on to discover the best four-day itinerary in the city: in the first three days I suggest you visit the must-see places in Edinburgh, and I'll leave a visit to Nessie in her Highland lake for the last day. Are you looking forward to it yet?

On the first day in the city of Edinburgh , you can't miss its majestic castle. But in the tour I have prepared for you there is much more to see: from Princes Street Garden to the monument to Walter Scott, passing through the National Gallery to finish at the mythical pub "The last drop". Come on! This first day in Edinburgh will leave its mark on you.

Start the day with a stroll through Princes Street Garden

Edinburgh is a green city. Nature is everywhere and is as impressive as the monuments and the historic centre. I suggest you start this itinerary in the city centre, with a walk to take a breath of fresh air in the Princes Street Garden.

In Edinburgh's city centre you can walk as if you were in nature. The Princes Street Garden covers an area of 150,000 square metres, with its fountains and lakes. Given its location, it's the perfect starting point for a first taste of the city.

• Where: The Princes Street Garden is located on Princess Street.
• Price: Admission is free, and it is open all day, every day of the year.
• Do I need to book: No, you can arrive whenever you like and wander around at your leisure.

Climb the steps of the Walter Scott Monument

Don't miss this Gothic monument dedicated to a great of Scottish letters: Walter Scott. This writer collected and wrote down the legends of a country full of stories and myths. Inspired by them, he began the tradition of the historical novel.

You can visit the monument from the outside for free, but I recommend that you go inside and climb the spiral staircase. Do you recognise those figures? They are statues representing characters from his novels.

• Where: The Walter Scott Memorial is on the east side of Princes Street Garden.
• Price and opening times: Approximately 6 euros. The memorial is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, and on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm.
• Do I need to book: Nobooking is necessary.

Don't miss the best paintings at the National Gallery of Scotland

If you're interested in art and history, this museum is well worth a visit. It's very close to the Walter Scott Monument - just walk through Princes Street Park and you'll find it in no time.

In this huge neoclassical building you can visit iconic works: from Tintoretto to van Gogh, from Cezanne to Rubens. Impressive. Inside the museum there is also a café and souvenir shop where you can relax and have a drink.

• Where: The museum is located on the artificial hill The Mound.
• Price and opening hours: If you go in a group, the price is about 5 euros per person. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
• Do I need to make a reservation: Yes, I recommend that you make a reservation before you go.

A view from above: Visit Edinburgh Castle

The unmissable visit you can't miss if you travel to Edinburgh is its famous Castle. It can only be reached via Castle Hill and High Street. It's not far from the National Gallery, so you can walk there, although I warn you, it's quite a climb. On the esplanade in front of the Castle you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city.

To get the most out of it, I recommend you book a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, as you will be accompanied by an expert guide for an hour and a half and you won't miss any of the details of the history of this place of great interest.

As soon as you enter the grounds there is an area where the cannons are, pointing towards the coast. Make the most of it and take a couple of good photos (the views are incredible). On the grounds you can also see St Margaret's Chapel, one of the oldest buildings in the city, the rooms used by the kings of Scotland and various exhibitions on medieval weaponry. A tip: don't miss the cellars where prisoners of war were locked up - it's like something out of a pirate movie.

• Where: The address of Edinburgh Castle is Castlehill.
• Price and opening times: Approximately 21 euros. Please note that opening times vary depending on the time of year: between April and September the castle opens its doors to tourists between 9.30am and 6pm, while between October and March it closes a little earlier at 5pm.
• Do I need to make a reservation: Yes, I recommend that you reserve your ticket.
• More info: Read the post Visit Edinburgh Castle without a hitch.

The Grassmarket

On your way out of the Castle and back into the city, you can walk to the Grassmarket area. It's about time for a break and a bite to eat, don't you think?

The Grassmarket is a bustling rectangular square in the historic centre: there are street markets, shops, caricaturists and, especially at night, a lot of life: you can have lunch or dinner in the best atmosphere in Edinburgh.

And if you like old stories and ghost stories, the Grassmarket is the hub of Edinburgh's best ghost and mystery tours. Be sure to book a ghost tour of Edinburgh- it's a real treat!

• Where: The Grassmarket is in the historic centre of Edinburgh.
• Price: You are free to enter the square.
• Do I need to book: No, it's an open space with shops and bars. You can go whenever you want.

End the day with a whisky at The last drop

The last drop is a legendary Edinburgh pub (they say that prisoners on death row used to go there for their last drink, hence the name).

Here you can have a drink surrounded by Edinburgh's living history, but if you're interested in its unique whiskies I recommend you book a tour of the best distilleries in the area. It's a unique experience.

• Where: The Last Drop is at 74-78 Grassmarket.
• Price and opening hours: Depends on what you order! You can be there every day between noon and midnight, Fridays and Saturdays until 1am.
• Do I need to make a reservation: You don't need to (although it is usually very busy).

However, I do recommend booking a tour of The Scotch Whisky Experience beforehand so you can learn all about the spirit from an expert guide.

You've already got a feel for Edinburgh, but trust me, the city still has plenty of surprises in store for you. Today we'll tour the Royal Mile and the Old Town, see St Giles' Cathedral, the People's Museum and Edinburgh's second royal residence (Holyrood House), and finish right where Harry Potter began - at The Elephant House. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Walk the Royal Mile

This famous street runs from Edinburgh Castle to another royal residence: the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It's a street with a lot of history and a lot of tourists, so if you want to take home a souvenir, you'll be spoilt for choice. You can also see first-hand how whisky is made in the shops.

It's a worthwhile walk also because it is said that this street inspired the story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and because the street is full of medieval buildings. When you reach the square with a statue of the Duke of Bucceluch, stop for a moment: you have just arrived at St Giles Cathedral.

• Where: The street is called the Royal Mile and is located in the historic centre of Edinburgh.
• Price: The walk is free, of course: the shops and pubs all have their own prices.
• Do I need to book: No, just go for a walk and follow your instinct.

Stop to see the stained glass windows of St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles' Cathedral (technically a church) is built on the site of an ancient 9th century sanctuary that burned down in a fire and was rebuilt in the Gothic style. Don't miss the stained glass windows: from inside, the coloured glass creates a beautiful atmosphere.

I especially recommend you stop for a moment to see the ceiling of the Thistle Chapel, a little chapel tucked away at the back of the church. It is elaborately decorated and has a spectacular effect.

• Where: on the Royal Mile.
• Price and opening times: Admission is free, although a donation of €3.50 is suggested and for the guided tour of the roof you do have to pay admission and a photo permit. It is open between 13:00 and 17:00.
• Do I need to make a reservation? No, you don't.

And after your visit, you can book a tour of the Haunted Crypts and Edinburgh Cemetery to learn all the anecdotes and stories of the Edinburgh Cemetery with an expert guide.

Stroll through the Old Town

When you emerge from the cathedral, you'll find it's a neighbourhood well worth a stroll. The cobblestone streets branch off into narrow alleys full of charm. Also, if you feel like shopping, there are liquor and woollen clothes shops here: scarves, blankets... Especially if you travel to Edinburgh in February or in other cold months, I recommend you get your hands on their Scottish woollen products. They are unique.

You'll find unique products: gourmet chocolates at The Chocolatarium, fashion, jewellery, coffee and if it's the boy wizard's trail that brings you to Edinburgh, you can fully enjoy his world here: there are two museums dedicated to Harry Potter and everything related to his magical universe: The Enchanted Galaxy and the Museum Context

Although if you want the full Harry Potter experience in Edinburgh, I recommend you book the best tour for fans of the Harry Potter saga. You'll love it!

• Where: The Old Town is located in the city centre.
• Price: It's free, a must-see tour to enjoy at your leisure. The tour to enjoy the Harry Potter route costs approximately 18 euros.
• Do I need to book: No, just enjoy wandering around this special environment.

Get a glimpse of where Harry Potter began: Visit The Elephant House

And a very special place to visit after these museums of magic is a pub that has become famous all over the world: The Elephant House. This is where J.K. Rowling began writing the Harry Potter story, so it's a very special place.

With its interior full of writers typing away at their computers and its red façade, The Elephant House is a must for Harry Potter fans or authors looking for inspiration. If that's you, good luck!

• Where: 21 George IV Bridge.
• Price: Depends on what you're having, of course.
• Do I need to book: No, you don't.

Get your mind blown with a trip back in time: The People's Story Museum

If you keep walking along the Royal Mile you'll come to the People 's Story Museum.

It's a large, greyish stone building with a huge clock on the façade. What I liked most was seeing how the Scots lived centuries ago: throughout its three floors, scenes of fishing, woodworking and even domestic scenes are recreated. Don't miss the kitchen stuff.

• Where: 163 Royal Mile.
• Price: Admission is free.
• Do I need to book: No, entry is free.

Be wowed by the Palace of Holyroodhouse

There came a time in the Middle Ages when the kings of Scotland decided to live somewhere a little less cold and windy than Edinburgh Castle. Thus was built on the site of a 12th century abbey this royal residence which you can walk around today.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an impressive building. Don't miss the baroque rooms: from the ceremonial rooms to the royal bedroom. The furniture, the portraits, the tapestries... everywhere you look, you find something worthwhile.

Even if you look out of the window: next to the palace is a 260-hectare park. That's why the view of this palace is included in the most comprehensive bus tour of Edinburgh. Not to be missed.

• Where: Canongate, in the historic city centre.
• Price and opening times: Approximately 21.50 euros for adults and 12 euros for children. The palace opens its doors to tourists at 9.30am and closes at 4.30pm between November and March and at 6pm between April and October.
• Do I need to make a reservation: Yes, I recommend that you book your ticket before you go.

Finish the day with a nice Scottish dinner

It's about time for a drink, don't you think? In the Royal Mile you'll pass many pubs and restaurants: I recommend you take a look around before you go in and let your instinct guide you.

I really liked a place at 167 Canongate called Talbooth Tavern. Like many places here, it's full of stories. It's a traditional Scottish pub, quiet and with good food. It's also very good value and some nights there's live music.

• Where: 167 Canongate, very close to Holyrood House.
• Price and opening times: Prices depend on what you order, of course, although it's not an expensive place. You can have a good dinner for around 20 euros. Open daily between 11.30am and 10pm.
• Do I need to make a reservation: No reservation is necessary.

On the third day we continue touring this fairytale city... today you'll see why I call it that. Get ready to walk through hills reminiscent of ancient Greece until you reach a village from another era that is still very much alive in the heart of Edinburgh: Dean Village. And much more!

Start the day with a walk on Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a hill with stunning views over the city of Edinburgh. You can get there by taking a flight of stairs directly from Princes Street or via a path that leads to the north side of the park from Royal Terrace. On foot it's a stroll, although I recommend you wear comfortable shoes.

From the top of Calton Hill you can see the whole city. And if you still want to go higher, you can enter the Nelson Monument: a lookout tower from which you can gain metres for an even more incredible photo.

In the park you'll find neoclassical monuments such as the National Monument: columns that commemorate the Scottish soldiers who fell in the Napoleonic Wars. It was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens (but apparently the funds were not forthcoming to fulfil the original idea).

• Where: 32 Greenside Road.
• Price: The walk up the hill is free.
• Do I need to book: No, start your day at your leisure.

Eat in a former bank - Edinburgh's Standing Order

The Standing Order building is the site of the old Union Bank, a former 19th century bank. Now a restaurant and pub, it has a large room and smaller rooms where lunch and dinner are served. The building is impressive: it's worth a visit if only to see the inside.

Food is ordered via an app and there are special areas for children. By the way, here are some suggestions that may be useful if you are travelling to Edinburgh with children.

• Where: 62-66 George Street.
• Price: It depends on how hungry you are and what you order, but it is not an expensive place. You can eat for 25 or 30 euros until 22:00 (until 20:00 in the children's area).
• Do I need to make a reservation?: They don't offer a reservation service: whoever arrives first gets to sit down to eat, and so on until the place is full.

Explore Scotland's history at its National Museum

This is a very special and extensive museum. Take a look at everything it has to offer before you go, otherwise you might miss something that really interests you. From natural history, art and culture from other countries to Scottish archaeology and technology exhibits. The National Museum of Scotland offers a whole world to discover.

It also has a beautiful shop where you can find original and typical Scottish gifts. It's a great place to visit with children and adults will enjoy it too.

• Where: Chambers Street.
• Price and opening times: Admission is free, and the museum is open between 10:00 and 17:00.
• Do I need to book: Nobooking is necessary.

Step into a fairytale setting: Water of Leith and Dean Village

You can walk to this village within the city: you have to walk over a man-made hill (The Mound) and follow the course of the water of the River Leith that runs through Edinburgh, until you reach this place that looks like something out of another time or from the pages of a book. Especially if you travel to Edinburgh in summer, in good weather, this walk is a unique experience.

The houses that have been preserved from the 17th century and the mills that used to work the old factories in the area give this walk a unique charm. It is one of Edinburgh's favourite places to live. Once you see it you'll understand why.

• Where: Chambers Street.
• Price and opening times: Admission is free, and the museum is open between 10am and 5pm.
• Do I need to book: Nobooking is necessary.

Don't leave Edinburgh without visiting its pubs

Edinburgh is a city with a great pub and restaurant culture. To end your third day in the city, I recommend you to visit the most famous pubs in the city centre: they all have history and atmosphere, and some of them are based on authentic legends. Of course, if you don't want to have any doubts about which beer to choose or where to go, don't hesitate to book a beer tour in Edinburgh.

This is the case of the Maggie Dickinson, which has a very curious history. Legend has it that Maggie was condemned to death, but survived the hanging, so she was acquitted (you couldn't condemn the same person to death twice) and settled in the place where the pub is today.

Edinburgh's historic centre is full of places with a lot of charm: you can choose in Victoria Street, the street with the coloured facades. There's something for everyone and in every shape and form: terraces, restaurants and small bars.

• Where: In the historic centre: the coolest places are in The Royal Mile or The Grassmarket.
• Price and opening times: Depends on the venue.
• Do I need to book: In general, you don't need to: the pub culture is to just pop into the one that catches your eye. However, the most famous ones tend to be very crowded and you won't always find a table.

There is plenty to see and do in Edinburgh, but for your last day I recommend a trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands. If the city of Edinburgh takes you back in time, the surrounding countryside is not to be missed. There are several tours that make different stops in the area, here are the ones I wouldn't miss. The approximate price is 60 euros per person, although it depends on the tour you choose.

These tours usually last all day and make several stops. My favourite places to visit in the surrounding area are Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness, the Cairngorms National Park and the historic town of Pitlochry.

There are several options for getting from Edinburgh to Loch Ness. Organised tours are good options because they are very convenient, with a private vehicle and driver, as well as a guide who will tell you all the historical anecdotes so you can make the most of the trip and not miss anything. Are you up for it?

First stop: Loch Ness

Loch Ness has a special place for all mystery and travel lovers. And no wonder: it is said that a sea monster has lived under its waters since the beginning of time. So make sure you book a trip to Loch Ness.

The legends surrounding this figure have never ceased to excite, but whether you are lucky enough to spot Nessie or not, a visit to his home is a must for anyone who travels to the area. The lake is framed by rolling green hills and the softness of the water is as far as the eye can see.

If you are curious and want to know all the details, there is also a museum dedicated to this magical place. It's a trip you won't soon forget.

Stop 2: Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is full of trails, mountains, rivers and lochs. It's a stunning backdrop for a hike, and even if you don't get to see it all in one day, it's well worth a look.

It's home to five of the highest mountains in the UK, and a wealth of wildlife. It's a natural beauty that's perfect for walking. Be warned that although the weather changes throughout the year, it's generally freezing cold. Dress warmly and remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Third stop: Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a small Victorian village at the beginning of the Highlands. It has fantastic scenery, the River Tummel, forests, castles and the odd distillery worth a visit.

With this tour you can walk along Atholl Road (which is a little reminiscent of the streets of small villages in the Alps), go to the salmon ladder: the drops in the riverbed of the Tummel allow these fish to swim up the river to Loch Faskally on their annual migration and enjoy the views from Queen's View, a beautiful viewpoint.

• Where: Tours usually start from a central location in Edinburgh city centre and last all day. The tour that includes these three stops takes around 12 hours.
• Price: Around €60 per person. Lunch is not included.
• Do I need to book: Yes, booking is required.

Alternatively, you can book a Highland lochs and castles tour or an Outlander tour from Edinburgh, whether you're a fan of the series or not, you'll love it. So much for my suggestions for a very special trip: four intense days to make the most of a magical city. I hope you enjoy it to the fullest and say hello to Nessie for me!