Edinburgh Zoo
Zoo in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
The grounds spread over steep slopes. Take the upper loop first and work down, and let the two and a half hours run longer if the animals are active.
Morning · 2 hr 30 minDay 1
The West Side: Zoo, Modern Art, Castle and a Garden Evening
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Part of National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Two gallery buildings face each other across landscaped grounds dotted with outdoor sculpture. Both deserve a slow stroll between them.
Morning · 2 hr
Edinburgh Castle
Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Aim to be inside before the One o'Clock Gun fires; the view from the esplanade over the city is part of the experience.
Afternoon · 2 hr
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Botanical garden in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Evening is a quieter hour here; the glasshouses and the Chinese hillside catch the end of the day's light.
Evening · 1 hr 15 minStart at the zoo while it is quiet, cross to the modern art grounds, then take the afternoon at the castle and finish at the botanic garden as the light softens. One bus ride links the first two stops to the centre.
Day 2
The City's Heart: Galleries, a Monument and a Cathedral
Scottish National Gallery
Part of National Galleries Scotland in Edinburgh.
The gallery sits on the Mound between the Old and New Towns, an easy doorstep to the day's walk north and south.
Morning · 2 hr
Scott Monument
Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.
The spiral stair is narrow and steep with no lift, but those who climb are rewarded with a high view over the city.
Morning · 45 min
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Art museum in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The red sandstone hall is as much the point as the portraits; look up at the carved frieze running around the top of the main hall.
Afternoon · 2 hr
St Giles' Cathedral
Church of Scotland cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Step past the nave to the Thistle Chapel, small, intricately carved and usually quieter than the main body of the church.
Evening · 45 minAll four stops sit within walking distance of one another. Climb the Scott Monument early for the view before the galleries fill, then end quietly at St Giles'.
Day 3
From Old Town to Holyrood: Museum, Mosque, Parliament
National Museum of Scotland
Combined museum in Edinburgh.
Keep part of the morning for the rooftop terrace, which gives a wide view over the Old Town spires towards the castle.
Morning · 2 hr
Edinburgh Central Mosque
Mosque in United Kingdom.
Visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Cover shoulders and knees and ask at the entrance before moving through the building.
Morning · 45 min
Scottish Parliament Building
Home of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh.
Entry runs through airport-style security, and the self-guided route around the debating chamber and the roofscape takes the full 45 minutes.
Afternoon · 45 min
Holyrood Palace
Official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
The audio guide brings the State Apartments to life; save a few minutes at the end for the ruins of the abbey beside the palace.
Evening · 1 hr 30 minThe route runs steadily downhill from Chambers Street to the foot of the Royal Mile. Allow a little extra time at the parliament for the security check before the palace.
Good to know
Is Edinburgh walkable on this itinerary?
Mostly. Days two and three work entirely on foot, and day one needs one bus ride out to the zoo and the modern art grounds. The city is steep, so comfortable shoes matter more than distance.
What should we expect from Edinburgh in August?
August is festival season, so the centre is busy and the castle and palace are best entered early in the day. The quieter corners, such as the botanic garden in the evening and the mosque mid-morning, keep their calm.
Can we take photos inside these stops?
Most galleries and museums allow non-flash photography. The mosque, cathedral and palace each have their own rules, so check at the door and follow the signs.
What should we wear and carry?
August weather in Edinburgh changes quickly: layers, a light rain jacket and sturdy shoes for the hills and cobbles. Carry water on day one, when the zoo and modern art grounds are the most spread out.
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