Edinburgh
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

Head for the Highlands, whether in search of the Loch Ness Monster or just a scenic day trip from Edinburgh. After pickup, relax on our air-conditioned luxury coach and listen to the guide’s entertaining commentary and music as you’re driven through the highlands. Visit the Callander area for our first stop of the day, where you can get a coffee and may also get the opportunity to meet some of our famous Highland Cows (depending on the time of year). Next, we continue our adventure further into the highlands towards Glencoe. As we pass through, you will hear stories of the Clan massacres together with some atmospheric traditional music. There will be opportunity to pause briefly for a photo stop, where you can capture your very own breathtaking images and selfies of those unforgettable highland views. Arriving in the Fort William area we will stop for lunch, where your guide can advise you on options of where to eat. If you're interested in the mysteries of the kilt, you can even get a ‘wee’ kilt introduction here. After lunch, we are whisked away to the magical Loch Ness itself where you have options to customise what you do. Your guide will advise on the various optional activities. You could visit the 16th century, Urquart Castle which sits on the waters edge and hop on board a 30 min boat cruise in search of “Nessie”! Alternatively, you could choose not to visit the castle but take an extended 1-hour coat cruise on the Loch. The cruise offers outstanding views of both Loch Ness and the castle. You may prefer to spend your time simply exploring the area - such as the Old Coffin trail walk and view point that begins at the hotel car park where we stop or simply enjoy the views of Loch Ness from the pier where there is a souvenir shop and a café. Departing, we travel along the final section of the 23-mile Loch shoreline, passing through Inverness before turning south towards home. On the way home, we make a short snack stop in Pitlochry, a beautiful Victorian village in the heart of the country, before the final stage of the tour, returning to Edinburgh city centre around 20.30hrs. Top tip: to save time at the stops and ensure you get to make the most of every minute there, bring along a cold packed lunch!

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Discover the home of Mary Queen of Scots on this guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle. Admire the 16th-century Great Hall where parties and feast took place. Learn about the bloody history of the kings and queens who lived in this castle.  Meet your guide and walk to Edinburgh Castle which dominates the city skyline from its seat on the extinct volcano of Castle Rock. Stroll on the castle's promenade and hear about the the origins and sieges of the castle. View where the Royal Military Tattoo is performed. Once inside the castle walls, the guide will take you through the different parts of the fortress and tell you its fascinating history. Inside the complex, you will find three museums, two prisons, a canine cemetery, the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the National Monument to the fallen of Scotland, the Great Hall, and a Royal Palace.(TOUR WILL REMAIN OUTDOORS; buildings are not accessible during the tour) Be captivated by the grandeur of the Great Hall and a Royal Palace. After the tour you will have time to explore all of the buildings inside the castle until its closure.

Edinburgh Airport: Bus Transfer

Edinburgh Airport: Bus Transfer

Pre-book bus transfers between Edinburgh Airport and the city center and take the worry and stress out of your journey to/from the Scottish capital. Vouchers must be printed and are valid on Airlink100 only. The buses are located just outside the main airport and are easy to find. They offer comfortable seating, generous luggage space, and free Wi-Fi to keep you connected. Enjoy all the comforts you require, with frequent daily departures on a dedicated express service between the airport and the city center. Sit back on the approximately 30-minute journey, whatever time of day or night you arrive. Buses depart at least every 10 minutes. Between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM, journeys are operated every 30 minutes. The bus stops in both directions are as follows (except Princes St which is drop-off only): • Edinburgh Zoo • Murrayfield • Haymarket Station • West End – Shandwick Place • Princes St (drop off only) • South St David Street, Edinburgh Single tickets can be used for one single journey in either direction. You can board the bus at any stop. Return tickets have no expiry date and your return journey does not need to be booked in advance.

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

Explore the incredible nature and beauty of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh! Departing on an air-conditioned luxury coach we pass by Stirling Castle, hear your tour guide tell tales of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and the bloody battles fought out on these lands. First, pass through Callander town, nestled at the foot of the Trossachs. If you have joined the Tour with Whisky Distillery option, we'll stop at Deanston Distillery for an optional distillery tour and tasting. Next, we'll make a visit to the local Highland Cows when possible, or as we like to call them - hairy coos! Drive through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Your Scottish guide will tell you about Rob Roy MacGregor, the infamous Highlander. Follow in the footsteps of James Bond ("Skyfall") and Harry Potter ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban") as you travel to the stunning Highland valley of Glencoe. Hear the eerie story of the Clan MacDonald massacre of 1692. Travel through Fort William, home to Ben Nevis, which at 4,409 feet is the highest mountain of the British Isles. Arrive on the south bank of Loch Ness in the charming village of Fort Augustus, where lots of cafes, shops, and restaurants offer a relaxing lunch. Stroll along the banks of the Caledonian Canal and try to catch a glimpse of "Nessie," the legendary Loch Ness Monster. For those joining the Tour with Boat Cruise option, experience Loch Ness on the optional 1-hour boat cruise. Pro tip: Bring a packed lunch to avoid queuing and make the most out of the stops! Admire the impressive Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with views of the Nevis Range. Enter the Cairngorms National Park and discover "Monarch of the Glen" country. Drive along Loch Laggan before the roads climb above the Grampian Mountains. Travel over the Pass of Drumochter, linking the northern and southern Central Highlands. Experience the majesty of a mountain pass created by glacial activity during successive Ice Ages. Finally, stop briefly in the beautiful Victorian town of Pitlochry before heading back to Edinburgh city center, arriving at approximately 8:30 PM. Please note that during the winter season, we may be arriving earlier than estimated. *Please note, to meet demand and to prevent overcrowding in smaller Scottish towns, this tour will be provided in reverse in our peak season. **This tour has been designed to show you as much of Scotland as we can fit into one day! Due to the distance driven a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the views and scenery of Scotland.

EDI Edinburgh Airport: Plaza Premium Lounge

EDI Edinburgh Airport: Plaza Premium Lounge

Avoid the crowds and chaos of the public departure lounge and relax in style before your flight from Edinburg Heathrow Airport. Plaza Premium Lounge located near Gate 16 on Level 2 at Edinburgh Airport, provides an interactive space for travellers to relax or work. The lounge has traditional Scottish accents throughout from local traditional tartan fabrics to woods and selected local artwork. The interior references some of Scotland’s key landmarks and iconic imagery and the “quiet zone” by the bar, invites business or leisure travellers to unwind with views of the runway and Edinburgh Hills. The lounge features an extensive bar and buffet offering a variety of delights, a dedicated VIP area with comfortable sofa’s in relaxing surroundings, while junior travellers can enjoy some play-time before their flight in our dedicated kids’ zone. The lounge may be busy during the peak travel season and you may be put on a waiting list.

Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

Enjoy a Harry Potter-themed walking tour across Edinburgh. See the city where JK Rowling found inspiration for Hogwarts, her famous characters, and discover the place where she wrote the books. Have your Harry Potter trivia tested with an audio-visual quiz, and earn points for your house. Find out which Hogwarts House you’re in, and whether you’re a pure-blood, a muggle, or a squib. Visit the Grave of Tom Riddle in Greyfriars Kirkyard, and pass JK Rowling’s golden handprints outside City Chambers. See all this and more on a magical guided tour.

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

Experience a guided walking tour that takes you beneath the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town into a dimly lit space that many considered to be haunted. Your tour visits the vaults of the South Bridge that date back to the 1700s. These are the same vaults mentioned on Most Haunted Live as one of the scariest places on Earth. Learn how the vaults have been used over the years, the living conditions endured by the poor and homeless residents, and the spirits that are supposed to haunt them. The darker side of Edinburgh's history will unfold as you wander through the candle-lit underground area. From your guide, you'll hear about the Burke and Hare murders and the persecution of witches. Discover the characters who stalked the streets of Edinburgh, and the paranormal stories associated with the vaults. The Haunted Vaults tour option will cover slightly more paranormal and ghost stories. Step into the torture exhibition and explore how and why these items were used.

Edinburgh: Late-Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour

Edinburgh: Late-Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour

Join this late-night guided walking tour in English of Edinburgh to discover the city’s darkest and most frightening experience. Hear ghost stories of the city told above and below the ground of the Royal Mile. Walk through the famous wynds and closes of the Royal Mile, learning about the horrific living conditions of the population that once lived in these underground rooms. Listen to stories from your guide about murderers who roamed the streets and snatched bodies to sell to medical schools at the time. Then, hear stories of the scratching hauntress who leaves marks on her victims. Witness torture exhibits and learn how these devices were used in times gone by. Finally, go to the home of “The Watcher” ghost, and see the infamous stone circle vault, still decorated with pentagrams and spiritual symbols.

Edinburgh: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Edinburgh: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Explore Edinburgh at your own pace with an award-winning hop-on hop-off open-top bus tour. Enjoy the onboard commentary that describes the history behind the city. Stop at locations like St Andrew Square, Johnstone Terrace, the Royal Mile. See sights like Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket. Board the bus and begin your city adventure. Compare Edinburgh's Old Town, where families lived in cramped conditions and rubbish was thrown out of the windows, to the elegant Georgian New Town, with its 3 main streets and square at either end. Hear about the hangings that took place in the Grassmarket as you marvel at the impenetrable Castle Rock above you, and hear about historic attempts to capture Edinburgh Castle. Drive along the Royal Mile, which joins Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Use the 24-hour ticket to hop on and off as you please. With great visitor attractions, museums, galleries, and restaurants to suit every taste and budget, Edinburgh's got it all! Tour Stops: 1. Waterloo Place 2. St. Andrew Square 3. Lothian Road 4. Grassmarket 5. Chalmers Street 6. Johnston Terrace 7. Lawnmarket 8. National Museum of Scotland 9. High Street 10. Canongate 11. Holyrood 12. Our Dynamic Earth 13. Abbeyhill Crescent 14. Regent Road

Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

Begin your tour by the statue of Adam Smith on the Royal Mile. Walk towards Edinburgh Castle as your guide sets the scene, explaining the significance of the Castle and mentioning some of the key characters who have helped shape it. Once inside, let your guide walk you through the Castle complex. Explore all the highlights and attractions of this 3000 year-old fortress, including the Argyle Battery and One O'clock Gun, Hospital Square and take in the best views from Western Panorama. Uncover the castle dungeons and military prison, the 16th century Great Hall where royal feasts took place and the cliffs climbed by Thomas Randolph during the Scottish Wars of Independence . Encounter St Margret's Chapel, Mons Meg, the Crown Square, and The Honours of Scotland. After the tour, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore the castle museums (not accessible during the tour).

Top activities

All activities

488 activities found
Sort by:
Recommended

Go beyond Edinburgh

Explore all

Read more about Edinburgh

How to celebrate an epic Easter in Edinburgh
How to celebrate an epic Easter in Edinburgh

Easter in Edinburgh is a jolly occasion. The long weekend is typically reserved for family and friends and is spent eating, drinking, enjoying the outdoors, and attending church. Whether going to a choral service on the Royal Mile, joining in the tradition of rolling eggs down Arthur’s Seat, or pottering around a craft market in Grassmarket, there is no shortage of things to do in the Scottish capital. Here’s your roundup of how to spend Easter in Edinburgh.

Everything you need to know about Easter in Edinburgh

Easter traditions: Egg rolling down Arthur’s Seat; Easter Sunday church services; Easter egg hunts
Best free Easter activity: A spring walk in Holyrood Park.
Key Easter dates: Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays. Most shops are closed on Easter Sunday, but many attractions remain open.
Seasonal food to try: Traditional Scottish roast lamb and hot cross buns from local bakeries.

Read more
Edinburgh in spring: The best things to do and see
Edinburgh in spring: The best things to do and see

Edinburgh in spring is exuberant. Experience the natural beauty of Scotland's capital in warmer weather with flowers in full bloom, unique festivals, and outdoor activities. The vibrant and varied florals of the Royal Botanic Garden are stunning against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. By springtime, the trails of Arthur's Seat have defrosted, allowing you access to the highest peak in Edinburgh, while ancient traditions meet modern art at the Beltane Fire Festival.

Read more
Best food in Edinburgh: 12 must-try local delights
Best food in Edinburgh: 12 must-try local delights

Edinburgh has plenty of restaurants that will delight foodies, and Scotland has a thriving culinary scene. Traditional staples, however, have two goals: warming and filling. From stovies and haggis to a sugary explosion of butter tablet or fruity cranachan—the King of Scottish desserts. Food in Edinburgh is a cultural must, whether you're on a solo trip or traveling with the family. Going out to eat is one of the best things to do at in Edinburgh, and there's always a delicious eat to suit every tastebud on a visit to Auld Reekie.

Read more

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh

What top attractions are a must-see in Edinburgh?

The must-see attractions in Edinburgh are:

See all must-see sights in Edinburgh

What are the best day trips and excursions from Edinburgh?

The best day trips and excursions from Edinburgh are:

See all day trips and excursions from Edinburgh on GetYourGuide

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Edinburgh

Laurence is a full time travel blogger and photographer, who shares his tips on travel and improving your photography on his website Finding the Universe. He used to live in London, and you can see his tips for spending two days in Edinburgh here.

What should I do on my first trip to Edinburgh?

Two highlights of the city that every visitor should experience are a visit to Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest continuously inhabited structures in Scotland, and then the view from Calton Hill. For the former, this impressive castle is well worth spending at least a couple of hours visiting, and the regular tours are also worth joining. There's a lot to see and do here, from watching the 1 o'clock gun firing through to seeing the Scottish Crown Jewels. Calton Hill, at the other end of the city, is the perfect place to watch the sunset. It's also where you'll get best views of the city skyline.

What are some hidden gems to see in Edinburgh?

About twenty minutes walk south of the city centre there's an awesome venue called Summerhall. They host a range of live events throughout the year, as well as during Edinburgh's famous festivals. It's also home to both a gin distillery and a microbrewery. Tours of the former are possible, and you can try them both on site as well!

How much time should I spend in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is not a huge city, so if you were organised with your time you could see most of the highlights in a day. However, two days would give you more time to experience all that the city has to offer.

What food is Edinburgh known for?

Edinburgh, and Scotland in general, is well known for a dish known as Haggis. This is often served with a full Scottish breakfast, but can also be ordered as a meal or as a burger topping. Whilst the ingredients list can be a bit terrifying, it is actually a delicious dish that is well worth trying while in the city.

What is the best way to get around Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is best explored on foot. The city is not too big, although visitors should be aware that the medieval streets can be steep and uneven! For attractions a little out of the city centre, there's a good public bus network as well as a tram.

What are the best months to visit Edinburgh?

If you want to visit Edinburgh when there's a lot going on, then August is the month to do just that. The city plays host to no less than five major festivals in the month of August, giving the visitor almost endless entertainment options. The next best time to visit is over New Years Eve, known as Hogmanay in Scotland, when the city usually throws a massive street party with incredible fireworks and live music performances.

What is neighborhood The Old Town known for?

The medieval city centre with its narrow cobbled streets and steep staircases is known as the Old Town. Next to it sits the 18th century "New Town", which is characterized by Georgian style buildings and wide boulevards. Both are well worth exploring.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

Edinburgh has an excellent selection of restaurants to choose from in the city centre, stretched between the Old Town and the New Town. Most visitors will likely gravitate to one of the city's many pubs, which serve a wide range of hearty and traditional meals.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

The main shopping street in the city is Prince's Street, where you'll find many of the standard high street shops. For tourist focused wares, including souvenirs and whisky, then the Royal Mile, which runs from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace, is the best option.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Edinburgh?

The best area to stay in the city is around the Old Town, somewhere between Edinburgh Waverley train station and the Grassmarket. This will put you in easy walking distance of the majority of attractions in the city.

Explore Edinburgh

Read our complete guide to Edinburgh, or discover the city's best experiences.

What people are saying about Edinburgh

Overall rating

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars
(80,263 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

The tour was excellent, especially our guide Brendan, so much fun and knowledge. Sorry Brendan we would have tipped you, but only had our cards with us. Well worth booking.

5 out of 5 stars

Aila is a fantastic guide and extremely knowledgeable and very personable! We had a very enjoyable time. It was lovely being in such an intimately size group.

5 out of 5 stars

this tour was amazing. our guide Brandon made it such a good experience. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Edinburgh

5 out of 5 stars

the scariness of the tour and yet at times can be funny too

5 out of 5 stars

Lovely palace and abbey- great audio guide tour too