Official City BusThe Edinburgh Tour (Open-Top Bus)
Live Scottish guides & 14 city stops

Edinburgh tours and excursions – Book top Edinburgh day tours. From open-top hop-on hop-off double-deckers and 17th-century underground plague closes to Scotch whisky masterclasses and dramatic Scottish Highland day trips. Explore Edinburgh with certified local storytellers.
Discover the best of Edinburgh with a guided tour, or venture beyond the city on an excursion to the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, or dramatic film castles. Whether you're looking for discounted tour tickets and city passes, or you want to book tickets for top sightseeing tours, you'll find plenty of inspiration below. Find out where to buy hop-on hop-off bus passes, take a journey through underground plague wynds, or book day trips to Scotland's most dramatic lochs and glens.
Save up to 40% on top tours, open-top sightseeing buses, and fast-track castle admission.
The highest-rated Edinburgh sightseeing excursions with certified local guides
Official City BusLive Scottish guides & 14 city stops
Must-Do SightsAuthentic frozen 17th-century streetscapes
Scotland's #1 TripGlencoe valley, Rannoch Moor & Loch Ness
World's Largest VaultRegional aroma journey & 3,384 bottles
Hop-on hop-off bus tours: Explore Edinburgh at your own pace aboard official open-top double-decker buses. With three interconnected routes departing regularly from Waterloo Place and St Andrew Square, discover medieval Old Town closes, the classical New Town, and the historic port of Leith.
Most PopularThe city's flagship open-top tour featuring witty, informative live commentary from certified local guides as you traverse Old Town crags and Georgian New Town avenues.
Family FavoriteIdeal for international visitors and families with young children, offering headphone commentary in 9 languages and a dedicated children's Horrible Histories channel.
Coastal & BotanicalHeads north from the Georgian New Town towards the coastal waterfront at Leith, stopping at the Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Park, and Ocean Terminal for Britannia.
Venture beyond the city on guided full-day coach excursions. Marvel at dramatic Highland glens, legendary Loch Ness, romantic Outlander filming castles, and the coastal fishing harbors of the Kingdom of Fife.

The ultimate Scottish Highlands journey. Travel past Stirling Castle and the Trossachs into the haunting volcanic valley of Glencoe, across the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, and along the Great Glen to legendary Loch Ness. Cruise the deep peat waters or spot Nessie from the shoreline.
Departure: Waterloo Place Stand ZE (Opposite Apex Waterloo Place)

Immerse yourself in Diana Gabaldon's Scottish saga. Visit authentic medieval fortresses chosen as prime filming locations for Outlander, including Midhope Castle (Jamie Fraser's beloved Lallybroch), Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, and royal Linlithgow Palace.
Departure: Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place

Unravel the enigmatic stone carvings, Knights Templar myths, and Freemasonic lore of 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, made world-famous by Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. Continue into the gentle green hills of the Scottish Borders to visit majestic ruined abbeys.
Departure: Waterloo Place

Cross the Firth of Forth into the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Visit Dunfermline Abbey, burial place of Scottish kings, before exploring the cobbled streets of St Andrews: walk the fairways of the Old Course, tour ruined cathedral towers, and savor fish and chips by the harbor.
Departure: Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place
Step off the daylight streets into Edinburgh's subterranean history. Descend into Blair Street Underground Vaults, walk Mary King's Close sealed 17th-century wynds, or enter the padlocked Covenanters' Prison at midnight.

Descend into Edinburgh's deep subterranean past. Walk along genuine 17th-century cobbled streets sealed beneath the City Chambers, stepping inside authentic stone tenements where real Old Town residents lived, traded, and endured the Great Plague of 1645.
Departure: Warriston's Close, 2 High Street (Opposite St Giles')

Venture deep beneath the stone arches of South Bridge into Edinburgh's deepest, darkest underground vaults. Discover how these 18th-century chambers transformed from merchants' storage cellars into illicit taverns, illicit distilleries, and destitute slums.
Departure: The Mercat Cross, High Street, Royal Mile

Walk under the cover of darkness into Edinburgh's most famous historic cemetery. Hear the poignant loyalty of Greyfriars Bobby before stepping past locked iron mortsafes into the chilling, padlocked Covenanters' Prison and the Black Mausoleum.
Departure: Greyfriars Bobby Statue, George IV Bridge

Step aboard an authentic 1960s black Routemaster bus for a theatrical comedy-horror journey through Edinburgh. Laugh and shudder as eccentric conductors reveal the sinister secrets of Burke and Hare, the Great Fire, and witch trials.
Departure: Johnston Terrace, Lawnmarket
Sail directly beneath the Victorian red cantilever Forth Bridge (UNESCO World Heritage) from South Queensferry, watch for grey seal colonies, or land on Inchcolm Island to explore medieval abbey ruins.

Embark from historic Hawes Pier in South Queensferry to sail beneath three centuries of engineering genius: the Victorian cantilever Forth Bridge (UNESCO World Heritage), the Forth Road Bridge, and the Queensferry Crossing. Watch for grey seals and seabirds.
Departure: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry
Experience the Scotch whisky heritage beside Edinburgh Castle or join a guided tasting walk exploring artisan Scottish cheeses, fresh smoked salmon, and botanical craft gins.

Immerse your senses in Scotland's national drink right beside Edinburgh Castle. Take an interactive sensory tour discovering the distinctive regional aromas of Speyside, Islay, the Highlands, and Lowlands before sampling curated drams inside a vault of 3,384 rare bottles.
Departure: 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile

Experience modern Scottish gastronomy on foot with a local food expert. Stop at authentic independent venues to taste artisan Isle of Mull cheddar, Loch Fyne hot-smoked salmon, traditional cullen skink, and freshly distilled botanical Edinburgh gins.
Departure: Rutland Place, West End
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The complete city sightseeing solution. Enjoy 48 continuous hours of hop-on hop-off transit across The Edinburgh Tour, City Sightseeing, and The Majestic Tour with seamless transfers between routes at Waterloo Place and St Andrew Square.
Departure: Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square

Descend into Edinburgh's deep subterranean past. Walk along genuine 17th-century cobbled streets sealed beneath the City Chambers, stepping inside authentic stone tenements where real Old Town residents lived, traded, and endured the Great Plague of 1645.
Departure: Warriston's Close, 2 High Street (Opposite St Giles')

Bypass long ticket queues to enter Scotland's most famous volcanic stronghold with an accredited historian guide. Marvel at the ancient Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels), the Stone of Destiny, the 12th-century St Margaret's Chapel, and the Great Hall.
Departure: Castlehill Esplanade, Top of Royal Mile

The ultimate Scottish Highlands journey. Travel past Stirling Castle and the Trossachs into the haunting volcanic valley of Glencoe, across the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, and along the Great Glen to legendary Loch Ness. Cruise the deep peat waters or spot Nessie from the shoreline.
Departure: Waterloo Place Stand ZE (Opposite Apex Waterloo Place)

Immerse yourself in Diana Gabaldon's Scottish saga. Visit authentic medieval fortresses chosen as prime filming locations for Outlander, including Midhope Castle (Jamie Fraser's beloved Lallybroch), Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, and royal Linlithgow Palace.
Departure: Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place

Immerse your senses in Scotland's national drink right beside Edinburgh Castle. Take an interactive sensory tour discovering the distinctive regional aromas of Speyside, Islay, the Highlands, and Lowlands before sampling curated drams inside a vault of 3,384 rare bottles.
Departure: 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile

Discover the birthplace of Harry Potter with a costumed wizarding guide. Wander down colourful Victoria Street (the inspiration for Diagon Alley), pay respects at the real Thomas Riddell and William McGonagall gravestones in Greyfriars, and view George Heriot's School.
Departure: William Chambers Statue, High Street / College Wynd

Board Edinburgh's premier open-top double-decker bus for panoramic views of Castle Rock, Holyrood Palace, and the New Town. Passionate local guides share historical depth, Scottish wit, and architectural anecdotes throughout the entire loop.
Departure: Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square (Stop 1)

Venture deep beneath the stone arches of South Bridge into Edinburgh's deepest, darkest underground vaults. Discover how these 18th-century chambers transformed from merchants' storage cellars into illicit taverns, illicit distilleries, and destitute slums.
Departure: The Mercat Cross, High Street, Royal Mile

Embark from historic Hawes Pier in South Queensferry to sail beneath three centuries of engineering genius: the Victorian cantilever Forth Bridge (UNESCO World Heritage), the Forth Road Bridge, and the Queensferry Crossing. Watch for grey seals and seabirds.
Departure: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry

Escape the city bustle along the peaceful, shaded banks of the Water of Leith. Stroll past 19th-century grain mills, timber-framed gables, Thomas Telford's soaring Dean Bridge, and the neoclassical temple of St Bernard's Well before arriving in bohemian Stockbridge.
Departure: Dean Path Bridge, Bell's Brae

Cross the Firth of Forth into the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Visit Dunfermline Abbey, burial place of Scottish kings, before exploring the cobbled streets of St Andrews: walk the fairways of the Old Course, tour ruined cathedral towers, and savor fish and chips by the harbor.
Departure: Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place
Showing 12 of 23 vetted tours
Match your travel style with our curator's walk-tested tour combinations.
Orient yourself effortlessly with panoramic upper-deck views on the official green open-top bus before ascending Castle Rock for an expert-led tour of Scotland's Crown Jewels.
Venture deep into South Bridge's dark stone arches and sealed 17th-century plague wynds to uncover chilling tales of bodysnatchers, grave-robbers, and subterranean dwellers.
Journey into the dramatic mountain passes of the Scottish Highlands or walk in Jamie Fraser's footsteps across authentic film fortresses including Midhope Castle (Lallybroch).
Sample rare regional single malts from Speyside to Islay, followed by an artisanal stroll tasting Isle of Mull cheddar, Cullen Skink, and botanical craft Edinburgh gins.
Crucial advice compiled by Edinburgh tourism specialists to ensure smooth departures, appropriate weather gear, and hassle-free cobblestone navigation.
During the August Edinburgh Festival Fringe, July summer holidays, and Hogmanay, guided tours and underground vault excursions regularly sell out 1–2 weeks in advance. Book early to secure your preferred departure time slots.
The medieval Old Town, Blair Street Vaults, and Castlehill are paved with steep, uneven cobblestones. High heels and narrow wheeled pushchairs are discouraged; wear flat supportive walking shoes or carry toddlers in baby slings.
Edinburgh weather can transition from sunshine to brisk sea haar (coastal fog) and light showers in minutes. Always carry a compact waterproof jacket and dress in breathable layers, particularly on open-top bus decks and boat cruises.
If you value authentic Scottish banter and spontaneous historical wit, choose 'The Edinburgh Tour' or a certified Mercat guide. For multi-lingual commentary in 9 languages or children's Horrible Histories, choose 'City Sightseeing'.
Official Edinburgh Bus Tour tickets are valid for continuous 24 or 48-hour periods from the exact timestamp of first validation. Board at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, and your ticket remains active until 2:00 PM on Wednesday.
While service gratuities are discretionary in Scotland, tipping your tour guide 10% to 15% (or £2–£5 per person for walking tours) is customary when you have experienced outstanding storytelling and local insight.
Answers to common questions about ticket validation, rainy day policies, and departure points.
Everything you need to know about Edinburgh sightseeing tours and ticket options
Enjoy free entry to 30+ top attractions including open-top sightseeing buses, Edinburgh Castle fast-track, and subterranean vaults.
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