Ever wondered what Taylor Swift might get up to during her time in Edinburgh? Wonder no more! We’ve curated a bespoke itinerary exclusively for her, inspired by our research into her favourite pastimes. From charming cat cafes to immersive cultural experiences, lively music scenes, and indulging in Edinburgh’s finest hospitality, we’ve designed this tailored four-day break. Read on to explore our recommendations for Taylor Swift’s Edinburgh adventure. This exclusive itinerary is being gifted to Taylor as part of a broader city offering, and we hope you’ll enjoy some of the places we’re recommending during your stay in Edinburgh.
Taylor – to celebrate your time in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, we’ve compiled your very own “Taylored” itinerary with some suggestions on how to make the most of your time in Edinburgh. From the city’s renowned attractions to some of the best places to nourish your heart and soul, we hope this is the start of a beautiful Love Story with Edinburgh!
Day 1: Friday 07 June. Exploring Old Town
Morning
Start your day with a hearty breakfast. Styled as an American diner, and just minutes from the Royal Mile, The City Café is known for its classic Scottish breakfast offerings, as well as its popular pancake stacks. After fuelling up for the day ahead, head towards Edinburgh Castle, where tales of kings, queens, jewels and dungeons are waiting to be explored.
How about some Scottish souvenirs to take home? Have a wander along the historic Royal Mile, which is bursting with a variety of shops selling Scottish gifts, including cashmere, tartan and whisky. Showcasing Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage, this area is the ancient heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is home to historical sites, museums and whisky bars, as well as underground vaults, which are popular haunts for ghost tours!
Afternoon
Lunch beckons – take the short walk to the Grassmarket area and Hula Juice Bar, and refuel with the healthy, authentic, fresh food on offer. Take your pick from Insta-worthy nutritious lunch bowls, smoothies, soups, wraps and sandwiches. Be sure to leave room for dessert though as your next destination offers two of life’s greatest pleasures – cats and cake! A sanctuary of cat cuddles, coffee and cake, Maison de Moggy is Scotland’s First Cat Café and it’s here that you’ll find some very friendly felines, including Ragdoll Amelie, Norwegian Forest Cat, Jacques and Bengal Siamese, Marcel.
After all that cat company, you should now feel relaxed and ready for the evening’s entertainment. Make your way through the Grassmarket, up Candlemaker Row and pass a statue commemorating one of Edinburgh’s most famous (furry) residents. Greyfriars Bobby was a terrier dog who sat by his master’s grave for 14 years, before he himself died in 1872. His collar and drinking bowl can be seen in the Museum of Edinburgh.
Carry on past the National Museum of Scotland (don’t worry, we’ll be coming here on Sunday), and follow Cockburn Street onto Waverley Bridge. Walk the short distance to Princes Street and hop onto an Edinburgh Tram (they run every 7 minutes), which will take you directly to Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium. It’s almost showtime!
Night-time
If you’ve still got some energy to burn post-concert, make your way to Roxy Lanes for some good old-fashioned fun. Bowl a strike, show off your ping pong skills, putt your way to mini-golf glory, or belt out a classic in the karaoke room. And if hunger calls, they’ve got you covered with mouth-watering sides that are perfect for sharing.
Day 2: Saturday 08 June. Discovering New Town and Holyrood Park
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at Urban Angel on Hanover Street, a popular cafe known for its delicious, locally sourced fare. (We recommend the eggs benedict). Once you’re fuelled up, take a stroll through Edinburgh’s elegant 250 year old New Town, admiring the Georgian architecture and exploring the boutiques and shops along George Street.
Edinburgh boasts a vibrant whisky and gin scene. Port of Leith Distillery is the world’s tallest distillery; The Scotch Whisky Experience houses the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky, while Holyrood Distillery produces the city’s only single malt whisky and an award-winning range of gin. This morning, why not pay a visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street – their multi-sensory Journey of Flavour Tour uses theatre and light shows to explore whisky like never before.
Afternoon
For a lunchtime stop, head to Stockbridge, a quaint neighbourhood known for its artisanal food shops and cafes. Stop by The Pantry for a tasty lunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, before stopping for a take-away cake from Mimi’s Bakehouse. (You’ll enjoy it all the more after this afternoon’s exercise!)
With many sections of the city accessible by bike, this low-carbon, calorie-bursting option is a great way to explore Edinburgh. Rent a bike from one of the many cycle hire shops and enjoy a scenic ride though Holyrood Park, the green and scenic space which has been part of Edinburgh’s dramatic landscape for centuries. Cake consumed, secure your bike to the bike racks outside the neighbouring Scottish Parliament and pay a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Edinburgh and marvel at the regal state apartments and throne room.
Your vitamin D levels should be well and truly boosted by now. Make your way back to the city centre and Princes Street. Your tram journey to Murrayfield Stadium awaits!
Night-time
Hop on the tram straight to Leith for late-night drinks by the Shore. With so many fantastic independent restaurants, bars and pubs it’s easy to see why it’s one of Europe’s coolest neighbourhoods. Visit Three Marys for classic cocktails and local beer, or the charming nautical pub Port O’ Leith. Or fancy something more adventurous? Head to hidden gem Smoke & Mirrors for stunning cocktails in this tarot inspired speakeasy.
Day 3: Sunday 09 June. Immersing in Edinburgh’s cultural heritage
Morning
Today, we’re going to the previously mentioned National Museum of Scotland. There is a dedicated group space in the Entrance Hall for eating your own food. Pick up a breakfast roll from one of the many takeaways you’ll pass on your way to the museum and enjoy breakfast in one of Edinburgh’s most popular visitor attractions.
Free to visit (charges may apply for special exhibitions) you could easily spend a day here, exploring everything from art and design to science and technology. Be sure to take time to admire the soaring pillars and high windows of the light-filled Grand Gallery.
Afternoon
Just around the corner from the National Museum of Scotland is MUMS Great Comfort Food, serving, yes – you guessed it – comfort food. Expect satisfying dishes such as sausage and mash (they offer 6 types of sausages and 10 types of mash!), pies and burgers, that are just like a hug on a plate. After lunch it’s time to delve into Edinburgh’s artistic heritage with a visit to the National Galleries of Scotland: National. Explore the impressive collection of Scottish and international art, including works by Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh. The gallery overlooks the leafy Princes Street gardens which are the perfect place for switching off from the stresses of modern life. Find a shady spot, grab your guitar and let the charm of Auld Reekie (an old nickname for Edinburgh) wash over you. Is another chart topping single in the making!?
While you’re in Edinburgh, don’t miss the Taylored Taste Trail. The city’s leisure and hospitality businesses have been busy creating cocktails, mocktails, afternoon teas, coffees, ice creams, desserts and cupcakes inspired by your iconic songs. Indulge your tastebuds with Blank Space chocolate delights, Shake It Off confetti creations, Enchanted tea blends and more!
As showtime beckons, simply make your way to the nearest tram stop for Murrayfield Stadium and your final night’s performance.
Night-time
Taylor – you’ve wowed Edinburgh, now it’s our turn to entertain you! The city is renowned for its eclectic live music scene, and within our bars you’ll find a great variety of music by both established and up-and-coming artists. Take in the melodic sounds of folk music at Sandy Bell’s, or feed your eyes, as well as your ears at the decadent Voodoo Rooms, Meaning ‘larger than life”, Stramash’s amazing architecture is the perfect place for soaring live acoustics.
For more ideas that are sure to be music to your ears, explore the Edinburgh Music Map – a guide to a selection of Edinburgh’s much loved music venues, bars, places of interest and record shops.
Day 4: Monday 10 June. A day of relaxation
Morning
After 3 days of whirlwind excitement, it’s time to relax and recharge your batteries with a daytrip to the neighbouring coastal town of South Queensferry.
Board the train at Edinburgh Waverley Station and 20 minutes later disembark at Dalmeny Station. It is then a 15 minute walk into South Queensferry. Marvel at the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Scottish icon (you’ll get a closer view of this later), before heading to Honey Pot Creative Cafe and getting creative with ceramic painting, clay modelling or T-shirt painting (be sure to book in advance to secure your place).
The town’s High Street is peppered with a range of independent boutiques and shops, perfect for stocking up on keep-sakes and gifts.
Afternoon
You’ll be spoiled for choice when lunchtime approaches. Thirty Knots’ menu of Scottish classics with a modern twist is matched with the stunning coastal views from their outdoor terrace. Known for their speciality Poutine, Down the Hatch serves up bowls of authentic Canadian food which are big on flavours and big on portions, while the cute Little Bakery has a yummy selection of cakes to choose from.
It’s time to feel the wind in your hair! Forth Boat Tours offer a variety of cruises including a trip which lands on Inchcolm Island (home to both a 12th century abbey and fascinating remnants of WW11 defences). If you fancy a bit more adrenaline, both Maid of the Forth and Edinburgh Marine Academy have exhilarating seafari adventures that’ll really put some colour in your cheeks! Don’t forget to look out for the local wildlife, including seals and puffins.
And that’s a wrap. Make your way back to Edinburgh and prepare to depart for the next stage of the Eras Tour.
Taylor – it’s been a blast. We hope you’ve loved your time in Edinburgh –
we’ve loved having you. Haste ye back!
Explore what’s on in Edinburgh
From concerts and exhibitions, to festivals and tours, there’s always plenty to see, do and experience in Edinburgh.