Welcome to our third and final part of this “Ultimate Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary” series. We have now traveled together from Stirling and Glencoe, up to the remote and rugged Isle of Skye, before turning back south past Loch Ness and Inverness to our final destination of Edinburgh! For those who still need to read parts 1 and 2, they can be found linked directly below. For everyone else, enjoy the final 3 days of your ultimate Scotland 8 day travel itinerary!
Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 6 (Inverness to Edinburgh: 3 hours 30 minutes)
Drive through the Cairngorms
Wake up on day 6 ready to kiss the highlands goodbye. Pack your belongings into the car and start driving for Edinburgh. From Inverness, within just 30 minutes, you will likely be entering the Cairngorms.
Cairngorms National Park encompasses a massive swath of heather covered moorlands, rugged peaks, ancient forests, and sparkling lochs. It is the largest national park in the entire UK! Feel free to deviate to pick and choose if there are any attractions on this drive that are a must do for you. Top attractions to consider include the Highland Folk Museum, Balmoral Castle, the Highland Wildlife Park, and the Cairngorms National Park Visitor Center. Each of these aforementioned stops are just off the highway and don’t add much time to your drive whatsoever. If you’re looking for more time in Edinburgh (like us) just stop at the occasional roadside turnout to appreciate the beauty of the Cairngorms but plan to get to Edinburgh by early afternoon.
Arrive in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in the world! Particularly if you are American with minimal travel experience into Europe, the architecture and aesthetic of the city is like something you have never seen.
When considering where to stay in Edinburgh the main choice typically hinges between choosing the Old Town or the New. Old Town Edinburgh is the cultural hub of the city and home to many of the city’s top attractions. Old Town is characterized by winding cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and an active vibrant atmosphere. New Town is located immediately adjacent to Old Town and is characterized by Georgian architecture (brick buildings made with rigid symmetry), wider more modern streets, and numerous neoclassical buildings (think ancient Greece). New Town is an upscale shopping and dining hub with world class museums and galleries.
Due to the proximity of major attractions, unparalleled aesthetic, and vibrant nightlife, we settled on Old Town and would recommend the same to you as well. Feel free to look into VRBO listings or hotels for your stay by following these links (VRBO & Hotels)! After a long day of driving and sightseeing through the Cairngorms, take this first night in Old Town to relax, explore and spontaneously experience the culture.
Some of our favorite dining spots include Italian at Vittoria on the Bridge, Spanish tapas at Cafe Andaluz Old Town, and hearty Scottish fare at Makars Mash Bar. The cuisine at Makars Mash Bar was perhaps our favorite of the entire trip!
Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 7 (Explore Edinburgh)
Start your first morning in Edinburgh with some coffee and breakfast at your hotel. We stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh and found the complimentary breakfast robust and delicious. After breakfast, hit the cobblestone streets and start exploring!
Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard Edinburgh
As you make your way from the Residence Inn into the center of Old Town you will come past Greyfriars Kirkyard. This historic cemetery dates back to the 16th century and is a popular tourist attraction both night and day right in the center of Old Town.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is known for its atmospheric setting, with weathered gravestones, ornate mausoleums and ancient trees casting shadows over the burial ground. Entrance is free and the grounds are open 24 hours a day. Although numerous notable Scots are buried on the grounds, perhaps no grave is more famous than that of Greyfriars Bobby. This loyal Skye Terrier allegedly guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years before eventually being buried in the cemetery himself. There is in fact a statue of this loyal pup just outside the entrance, guarding the grounds to this day. Fans of the Harry Potter series will also be interested to know that the graves of Thomas Riddel and the McGonagall family are also located on site. The adjacent Elephant House cafe is furthermore said to be the very place that JK Rowling first penned the start of the Harry Potter series years ago.
Immerse yourself in history at the National Museum of Scotland
After leaving the cemetery (and possibly grabbing a coffee at Elephant House), make your way across the street to the National Museum of Scotland. This FREE museum is a great way to avoid a rainy morning (which let’s face it you’re bound to have in Scotland). Explore at your leisure or consider joining one of several free guided tours offered daily (found HERE).
The museum spans a wide range of disciplines including Scottish history, world cultures, natural science, and technology/innovation. We found the Scottish history from ancient to present section and the interactive exhibits in the technology/innovation section particularly fun and fascinating.
Wander the Grassmarket
Exit the museum and make your way down Candle Maker’s Row (picturesque little Edinburgh street) to the Grassmarket. Originally a market and place for public executions, the Grassmarket is still very popular, but fortunately in a less macabre sense. The Grassmarket is now a bustling hub of culture, cuisine, and entertainment. In the center of this pedestrian plaza, you will often find street performers, live music, and different popup stalls selling assorted goods and food from Scotland and around the world. Around the perimeter, eclectic boutiques, galleries, shops, bars and restaurants cater to nearly all tastes and interests.
As you wander the Grassmarket, you will see lots of tourists but you will also experience more of the day to day lifestyle of Edinburgh. Just sit, rest your legs, eat some food, watch a performer and enjoy for a bit. As far as recommendations go, we enjoyed late night drinks and live music at the White Hart Inn (est 1516), food and drinks at Cold Town House, and ice cream at Mary’s Milk Bar. You will also be treated to some great views of Edinburgh Castle at the west end of the market. Consider walking up some stairs to the Vennel Viewpoint if you are in need of a photo-op.
Tour Edinburgh Castle
After admiring from afar, it’s now time to get up close and personal with a tour of Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle is an iconic landmark and historic structure that dominates the landscape of Edinburgh. The castle dates back over 1000 years and is steeped in history and intrigue. Attracting millions of visitors annually, taking a tour of Edinburgh Castle is perhaps the most popular thing to do when visiting the city.
You should secure a reservation to tour the castle well in advance (ticket information found HERE). Particularly during popular festival times such as Fringe Fest, slots for touring the castle fill up quickly. The castle can be toured at your own pace or with a guide. We recommend you set aside at least 2 hours to tour the castle and grounds. Highlights of your tour will include the Royal Palace, the Scottish National War Memorial, the Stone of Destiny (used for coronations of Scottish Monarchs), and St. Margaret’s Chapel, which is the oldest surviving building in all of Edinburgh.
Stroll down the Royal Mile
As you leave the gates of Edinburgh Castle behind, you will find yourself on perhaps Edinburgh’s most famous street, the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is the name provided to a vibrant and bustling stretch of roads connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The route is 1 mile long (shocker we know) and runs right through the heart of Old Town Edinburgh.
Strolling down the Royal Mile is a must for anyone visiting the city. Lined with countless souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques, the Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare of Old Town Edinburgh. It is also a very popular site for festivals and events as well. If you visit during Fringe Fest, the street will be filled with different performers and events spanning all disciplines and interests.
Anytime you visit the Royal Mile, make sure to stop and appreciate St. Giles Cathedral. This magnificent gothic church is not only appreciable for its amazing architecture, but it also still regularly holds services and is the principal place of worship for the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Experience Sunset at Calton Hill
End your first day with one of the most photogenic spots in Edinburgh, Calton Hill. Rising up 338 feet on a bed of volcanic rock, Calton Hill provides panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside. Easily walkable from both Old Town and New, Calton Hill is a very popular destination and one that should not be missed when visiting Edinburgh.
Calton Hills blends natural beauty, historic landmarks, and panoramic views in a way that perfectly captures the essence of Edinburgh. Once a site for ancient rituals and ceremonies, today you will be greeted with iconic neoclassical buildings arrayed in a peaceful park type setting. The hill top is also the site of the city’s observatory as well. Relax, take some photos, and then head back down to Old Town to prepare for another great day!
Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 8 (Explore Edinburgh)
As all good things must come to an end, wake up on day 8 to the final day of your ultimate Scotland 8 day travel itinerary. Have another satisfying complimentary breakfast at the Residence Inn, and make your way back out on the streets for a last fun filled day of exploring!
Visit the National Galleries of Scotland: National
Start your day with some culture and fine art at the National Galleries of Scotland: National. This museum is open to the public daily and FREE to visit. This museum is a part of the National Galleries of Scotland, a group of museums primarily in Edinburgh that play a vital role in promoting, celebrating and preserving the fine arts in Scotland and beyond.
The architecture of the museum is in the neoclassical style and is a work of art in itself. It provides a grand and elegant setting for the numerous works of art housed within. As you peruse the museum, you will come across works from world renowned artists such Rembrant, Van Gough, Monet, and many more. You can also enjoy the newer Scottish Galleries where you will encounter the very best works of Scottish art from 1800-1945.
Enjoy the Princes Street Gardens and views of Old Town
After exiting the museum, get out of the hustle and bustle a little and enjoy some time in the Princes Street Gardens. This greenspace is a popular place of peace and tranquility for both tourists and locals alike.
As you wander the grounds, consider making stops at top highlights such as the Scott Monument and Ross Fountain. Photos of Edinburgh Castle from the fountain are some of the best in the city. For those not wanting to wander down to Ross Fountain, just sitting on benches outside the National Galleries of Scotland: National, provides an overview of the east end of the gardens with picturesque photos of Old Town beyond. From Ross Fountain in the Princes Street Gardens, the famous Johnnie Walker Princes Street location is a short 5 minute walk away.
Tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Make your way back into Old Town and take the Royal Mile down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers a captivating glimpse into the history and Royalty of Scotland. With a rich history dating back to the 12 century, the palace is currently and has been the royal residence for British monarchs in Scotland for centuries.
Touring the palace is available for a fee. For information pertaining to admission and hours of operation, click HERE. You can walk the halls and grounds at your own pace or opt for a guided tour. Individual audio tours are available as well. Most visitors find 2–3 hours the optimal time for a visit. Highlights of the tour include the Great Gallery, the Royal Dining Room, Mary Queen of Scots personal chambers, and the ruins of the Holyrood Abbey. Interested parties can also take advantage of booking an “afternoon tea” in the relaxing Cafe at the Palace! Do note that there is NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED INSIDE of the palace.
Ascend Arthur’s Seat
Just outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse rests the 650 acres of pristine greenspace known as Holyrood Park. The park features well manicured trails that wind through acres of open grasslands, sparse woodlands, and pristine lochs. As you wander past rocky crags and rolling fields of heather, the bustling city streets will seem miles away.
The undoubted highlight of the park is Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano rising 823 feet above the city streets below. It is the highest spot in Edinburgh and a popular destination for photographers, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The climb to Arthur’s Seat is short but steep. Those who make the summit of Arthur’s Seat will be provided with some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside that you could possibly imagine. Sit and relax at this stunning spot and reminisce on the amazing journey this last week has been.
Hit the streets of Old Town
If you’re like us, this will not be your first time sampling the vibrant nightlife Old Town has to offer. In your time traversing the city streets, you will likely have come across different bars and clubs that you made a note to visit later in the night. If you still need some advice on particular hot spots, the following suggestions should be helpful. Do note that we visited Edinburgh on a weekend during Fringe Fest so basically all the bars were jammed and lively.
The Three Sisters was a large lively spot with both indoor and outdoor sections and live music. They also have a back closed off stage area for different shows. Dropkick Murphys was a loud, shoulder to shoulder jam packed Irish Bar with live music and a younger crowd. It was fun but drunk early 20ers were literally stumbling around and dropping glasses to the floor everywhere lol. Frankenstein was a popular more tourist trap of a spot with spooky vibes and a gimmicky display in which every 30 minutes or so a casket is lowered from the ceiling and Frankenstein’s monster appears. It was worth walking in for no cover but not a place we would recommend staying particularly long. There are some cool, more low key spots along the Grassmarket that we thoroughly enjoyed such as The White Hart Inn and Biddy Mulligans. Shout out to Bobby’s Kebab House for the best late night eats! In closing, enjoy your final night, request the Parting Glass, and close the page on day 8 of your ultimate Scotland 8 day travel itinerary.
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