Edinburgh
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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

Set off in the comfort of an air-conditioned luxury coach and journey through the heart of Scotland’s natural beauty and legendary history. Pass by the iconic Stirling Castle as your Scottish guide shares thrilling tales of the battles that shaped a nation. Continue to the charming town of Callander, gateway to the Highlands and nestled at the foot of the Trossachs. If you’ve selected the Tour with Whisky Distillery option, we'll stop at Deanston Distillery for an optional tour and tasting. Meet some of Scotland’s most beloved residents - our Highland cows, or "hairy coos" up close before driving through the stunning landscapes of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Hear stories of the infamous Highlander Rob Roy MacGregor from your guide. Marvel at the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, featured in James Bond ("Skyfall") and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and learn about the haunting 1692 Clan MacDonald massacre. Pass through Fort William, home to mighty Ben Nevis, the tallest peak in the British Isles. We'll arrive on the south bank of Loch Ness in the charming village of Fort Augustus. Stroll along the Caledonian Canal and enjoy the cafes, shops, and restaurants during a relaxing lunch break. For those joining the Tour with Boat Cruise option, you can choose to explore Loch Ness on the optional 1-hour boat cruise and try to catch a glimpse of "Nessie" - the legendary Loch Ness Monster! Pro tip: Bring a packed lunch to make the most of your time at each stop! Then, admire the impressive Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge with views of the Nevis Range. Continue your scenic journey by the majestic Cairngorms National Park, drive along Loch Laggan and ascend the Pass of Drumochter, a glacially-carved mountain pass linking the northern and southern Highlands. Finally, stop briefly in the beautiful Victorian town of Pitlochry before heading back to Edinburgh City Centre, arriving at approximately 8:30 PM. *Due to the long distances covered, much of the day is spent on the coach—perfect for enjoying Scotland’s scenic landscapes. Tour may run in reverse during peak season to reduce congestion in local communities.*

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: 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: 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.

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands Day Trip

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands Day Trip

Take in the stunning Highland locations made famous by the Harry Potter and James Bond film series on a full-day trip from Edinburgh. Pass famous landmarks such as Linlithgow Palace, the mythical Kelpies, and the dramatically perched Stirling Castle. Head north through Glencoe while your driver/guide points out the film locations for the James Bond and Harry Potter franchises. Stop in the Fort William area for lunch before a short drive to the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was made famous from its scenes in the Harry Potter movies from the filming of the Hogwarts Express. Take a short walk to the viewpoint where you will have unparalleled views over Loch Shiel and across to the viaduct in time for the Jacobite Steam train crossing*. The road home will be time to relax and take in the Highland scenery. The final stop is at the historic town of Pitlochry before continuing home over the Firth of Forth alongside UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge en route back into Edinburgh. *Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train is operated by separate company and although our tour is scheduled around seeing this we cannot guarantee train will run on the day of your tour. This service is seasonal and runs from Monday 7th April to Friday 24th October 2025.

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Tips for visiting Edinburgh Castle: Your questions answered
Tips for visiting Edinburgh Castle: Your questions answered

Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has dominated the Edinburgh skyline for centuries, and no trip to Scotland’s capital is complete without a tour of this iconic attraction. Out of all the best places to visit in Edinburgh, this one should definitely be at the top of your list.

But why is Edinburgh Castle worth visiting? What are the Honours of Scotland and where can you find them? And what’s the 1 O’Clock Gun all about? Get ready to have all your questions answered with these interesting facts and insider tips for visiting Edinburgh Castle.

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10 things to do in Edinburgh at night worth staying up for
10 things to do in Edinburgh at night worth staying up for

Ready to experience the best Edinburgh has to offer at night? This historic capital city is arguably even more beautiful in the evening. Its majestic castles and cobblestone streets are bathed in a soft, ethereal glow while lively pubs and clubs buzz with energy, come rain or shine! There is just so much happening, from hilarious comedy nights to delicious restaurants and live gigs; Edinburgh has something to offer everyone. Whether you're looking for what to do in Edinburgh at night or seeking unique experiences, this guide will help you explore 10 popular nighttime attractions.

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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. Wondering what is Edinburgh food known for? Think rich flavors, hearty dishes, and time-honored classics that warm you from the inside out. 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.

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Edinburgh in winter: 8 best things to do
Edinburgh in winter: 8 best things to do

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a must-see destination, especially in winter. From Old Town to New Town, this ancient city looks gorgeous beneath a blanket of snow, and its pubs and businesses give you plenty of places to warm up during your trip. 

Being close to the sea makes Edinburgh’s weather unpredictable. As you plan your itinerary, consider the best things to do in Edinburgh in every weather condition. If it’s chilly, you can find several warm destinations within walking distance of each other, such as the Christmas Market and Real Mary King’s Close near the Royal Mile. If you’re expecting a blizzard, you may need an indoor activity, such as an Edinburgh Vaults tour or a whiskey-tasting experience. 

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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.

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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