A Festive 5-Day Edinburgh Itinerary: Christmas Markets, Scottish Delights, and Splendid Architecture
Edinburgh during the festive season is a city like no other. Its rich history shines year-round, but Christmas brings an extra sparkle. The streets buzz with cheerful crowds, the iconic landmarks are draped in twinkling festive lights, and the Christmas markets are bursting with seasonal treats and cozy vibes. It’s a place that feels straight out of a holiday storybook.
My friend and I spent five incredible days exploring the best of this magical city and even made time for day trips to the Highlands and Falkirk. With crisp, sunny days and a touch of winter chill, the weather was cold but pleasant—perfect for wandering outdoors with warm mulled wine in hand. From festive markets to unforgettable Scottish sights, here’s how our journey unfolded.
Day 1: Mulled wine and festive cheer on Princes Street
After arriving in Edinburgh, we couldn’t wait to get into the festive spirit. Our first stop was the famous Christmas Market on Princes Street, where we were greeted by twinkling lights, lively stalls and a jolly atmosphere. We started with a warm cup of mulled wine paired with haggis crisps – a delicious introduction to Scottish flavours. The castle loomed beautifully in the background, adding a magical touch to our first evening.
That evening, back in Edinburgh, we treated ourselves to a traditional Scottish experience. We dined on haggis, scallops, black pudding and indulged in a whisky tasting. Each dish was full of rich flavours and the whisky added a warming finish to the meal. Energised by dinner, we walked up to Edinburgh Castle and were rewarded with stunning views of the city lit up at night.
Day 3: A Day in the Highlands and a Nostalgic Dinner
Our third day took us deep into the Scottish Highlands, a place of breathtaking beauty with serene lochs and towering, dramatic mountains. The stunning landscapes left us absolutely mesmerized—it’s the kind of scenery that stays with you long after you’ve left.
After a full day of exploring, we headed back to the city for a more low-key dinner. I couldn’t resist paying a visit to Nando’s—partly for convenience but mostly for nostalgia. Eight years ago, I fell in love with their peri-peri chicken, and the memory of that dish had stuck with me ever since. While it still satisfied my hunger, I couldn’t help but feel that something had changed over the years—it just didn’t quite have the same spark it once did.
Day 4: Discovering Edinburgh’s Hidden Gems and Indulging in Local Flavor
Our last full day in Edinburgh was all about uncovering the city’s unique personality and getting a real feel for its local vibe . We started the day with a relaxing walk through Dean Village, a picture-perfect area with cobbled streets, quaint houses, and the Water of Leith flowing gently through.
From there, we wandered over to Cockburn Street, a lively and character-filled spot packed with quirky shops and inviting cafes. The energy here was so upbeat, it was the perfect place to grab a quick coffee, browse some local stores, and soak up the atmosphere before heading off to our next destination.
Next, we headed to Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic cemetery that turned out to be unexpectedly beautiful and intriguing. Tucked among the city’s buildings, the cemetery has stunning views where the old gravestones blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. Of course, we visited the grave of Greyfriars Bobby —the little Skye Terrier who captured everyone’s hearts by staying by his owner’s grave for 14 years.
Later in the day, we made our way to the Royal Mile—a very different experience from the night before. I trully believe you should visit it during daylight, has a completely different vibe.The sheer number of people walking around made it clear that Edinburgh is a magnet for visitors, even at this time of year. I’d expected a quieter, off-season vibe, but the city was buzzing with tourists.
We ended our day at Victoria Street, one of the most colorful and lively areas in Edinburgh with bold and vibrant shopfronts. We stopped at Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips for dinner, where we decided to give the famous deep-fried Mars bar a try for dessert. I went in expecting it to be greasy and way too heavy, but I was pleasantly surprised—it was delicious! The batter was crisp, the chocolate was perfectly gooey, and it somehow all worked together so well. It was the perfect way to finish a day full of history, local flavors, and the little surprises that make Edinburgh such a special place to visit.
Day 5: Saying goodbye to Edinburgh
We saw so many beautiful places in Scotalnd and v¡created so good memories.. Although we had packed a lot into our trip, we both agreed that Edinburgh deserved another visit.
Go with like-minded people: Travelling with a friend who shares your interests will make the trip even more enjoyable. ( that goes for every trip, but especially when it is s short one)
Public transport is reliable (most of the time!):
Edinburgh has an excellent network of buses and trams that run frequently and make it easy to get around.
We highly recommend buying a bus pass, which can be bought directly from the driver, as it’s convenient and inexpensive.
Be aware that bus timetables can change on a dime, so always check your route on maps before you set off.
Once on the bus, don’t rely entirely on announcements or digital signs as they don’t always work. It is a good idea to keep track of your location manually.
Be prepared for the weather: Edinburgh can be surprisingly pleasant in winter, with mild weather and, if you’re lucky, no rain. However, it’s always a good idea to dress in layers and bring a warm coat and scarf.
Why Edinburgh is perfect for a winter break
This trip showed us that Edinburgh is a city that caters for all types of travellers. Its festive markets, historic streets, reliable transport and authentic Scottish experiences make it a must-visit destination during the holidays.
#EdinburghChristmas #ScottishHighlands #FalkirkWheel #TravelWithFriends #WinterInScotland
