Britain · EDINBURGH TOURS

Edinburgh Tours & Tickets: The 15 to Book First

59 tours  ·  from $20

The Old Town is small, vertical and hollow underneath. These 15 cover the castle, the vaults, the ghost walks and the day trips north, priced and timed, with a warning about August.

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour - Greyfriars Kirkyard and its darker legends
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost Tours, Ghost Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

1.The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,272 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $26Our pick

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town after dark with a guide playing a notorious Scottish character. Hear grim tales in the closes, visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, then descend into underground vaults with 400 years of stories about crime, witchcraft, murder, and unexplained events. The 6:45pm departure suits families, though the tour includes sudden scares and some steps.

“Tour guide so so rude never again don’t book it’s awful Treats you like a child and is offensively rude to participants”

Check availability →Read our full review

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town - The Royal Mile walk comes first
Edinburgh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

2.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,506 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Walk from Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket into the South Bridge vaults with an English-speaking guide. Expect Royal Mile history, cramped stone chambers, stories of poverty and crime, and a spooky former witchcraft site. The one-hour tour costs $33.29 and suits curious visitors who can manage steep, uneven access.

“The tour was very interesting and Nick our guide, told the stories well and was so lovely and friendly. A really enjoyable experience. We would highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket - The outdoor castle tour and its storytelling
Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Castles & Palaces, Edinburgh Tours, Guided, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

3.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51Top rated

Enter Edinburgh Castle with a local guide for about 90 minutes, including an outdoor tour of the fortress, Mary Queen of Scots’ palace, and the Great Hall. Guides such as Joe, Sonia, Raj, and Valeria bring Scottish stories to life. Afterward, explore the museums, prisons, royal rooms, and other buildings at your own pace.

“Had our review with Jen and she was as mad as bag of cats , made our tour experience for sure. I’m not sure our tour would have been as interesting with a different guide , she had a great insight on the castle and Edinburgh and seemed very knowledgeable as a whole. Would recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English - Meeting on the Royal Mile at Adam Smith’s statue
Castle Tours in Edinburgh, Castles & Palaces, Edinburgh Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

4.Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Meet Little Fish Tours near Adam Smith’s statue on the Royal Mile, walk to Edinburgh Castle, and spend about 90 minutes hearing stories about Scotland’s kings, dungeons, Crown Jewels, and unusual characters. Guides such as Koffe, Steph, Greg, Graeme, Euan, and Ben bring humor and energy. After the guided portion, explore the castle buildings on your own.

“Started late as waited for others that were running behind. Wasn’t told we couldn’t get into Castle until later we wouldn’t of booked if we had know this as we were on a tight schedule”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh - Making your own chocolate bar
Dessert Tours, Edinburgh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

5.The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,322 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44

At The Chocolatarium on Cranston Street, you’ll follow cocoa from tree to bar, taste more than 30 chocolates, and create a custom bar to take home. Guides such as Kelly, Coco, Bogi, Hannah, and Princess lead the 90-minute session in English. The small group suits children aged six and up, families, couples, and chocolate fans.

“We had a wonderful time on the chocolate tour. We got to sample different kinds of chocolate from all over the world and make our own chocolate bar. Very fun, delicious and interesting”

Check availability →Read our full review

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour - The university stop and what you actually see
Edinburgh Tours, Guided, Harry Potter Tours, Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour

6.Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,236 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $19Best value

Start at the William Chambers Monument for a two-hour, 1.5-mile walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town and central streets. Guides such as Robbie, Jenny, Orla, and Xander mix Harry Potter facts with local stories, quizzes, and views of Edinburgh Castle. The tour suits families, but bring good shoes and rainwear.

“​A huge thank you to our guide, Xander! He was brilliant and clearly so passionate about both the wizarding world and Edinburgh itself. He brought so much energy and humor to the walk, making the stories of J.K. Rowling and the city's inspiration truly come alive. It made the two hours fly by! Xander is the perfect guide to bring the magic of Edinburgh to life. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends - Climbing Calton Hill for stories and views
Edinburgh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

7.Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,862 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29

Spend two evening hours exploring Edinburgh’s darker side with a local guide. Hear tales of murder, witchcraft, Burke and Hare, David Hume, and haunted Old Town corners before ending at a Royal Mile pub. Guides such as Niamh, G, Brian, James, and Charlie bring different styles, from witty storytelling to serious historical detail.

“A Great tour in Edinburgh, Brian was an excellent guide with a thorough knowledge of the area and he told some great ghost stories with enthusiasm.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh - Grassmarket and the story of Maggie Dickson
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost Tours, Ghost Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

8.Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,761 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Ride a vintage Routemaster through Edinburgh after dark as an English-speaking guide covers Burke and Hare, witch hunts, executions, and haunted places. You pass Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars, Grassmarket, and Holyroodhouse. Guides such as Tommy Terror and Sinead O’Horror add theatrical comedy, sound effects, and spooky bus theatrics.

“Informational, funny and spooky. The Ghost Bus Tour in Edinburgh was a perfect choice for our Halloween weekend trip. Tommy Terror is very good, funny, kind and knowledgeable about Edinburgh ghost tales. He gave us details about books to read about these amazing tales.”

Check availability →Read our full review

City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free - Stop 9 to Stop 12: John Knox House, Canongate, Holyrood, and Dynamic Earth
Edinburgh Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

9.City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,683 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Ride Edinburgh’s open-top double-decker route for about 70 minutes, or use the 24-hour pass to hop off near Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Dynamic Earth, and other central sights. Audio commentary comes in nine languages, with a children’s track. Up to three children go free with each full-paying adult until March 31, 2026.

“run to the front of the bus uncomfortbsle headphones because they kept falling out of my esrs very kind workers”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: 'Firth of Forth' Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise - What the 90-minute route feels like
Boat Tours in Edinburgh, Cruises & Boat Tours, Edinburgh Tours, Tour Reviews

Edinburgh: ‘Firth of Forth’ Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise

10.‘Firth of Forth’ Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,383 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $27

From South Queensferry, cruise beneath the Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and Queensferry Crossing. An English audio guide covers the bridges, islands, and local history while the crew points out seals, seabirds, and occasional dolphins. You can add a landing pass for Inchcolm Island and its medieval abbey.

“The whole trip was excellent. Staff on and off the boat were very helpful and professional. Great commentary. My friends from Australia were very impressed and will recommend the trip to any of their fellow countrymen who are coming to Scotland.”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Potter Trail Private Tour - Two possible Hogwarts inspirations in one view
Edinburgh Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

The Potter Trail Private Tour

11.The Potter Trail Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,353 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $104

Follow a private guide through Edinburgh’s Old Town, from Greyfriars Kirkyard and Potterrow to the National Museum, Elephant House, and Victoria Street. Expect stories about J.K. Rowling, character names, Hogwarts inspirations, and local history. Guides such as Caroline, Becky, Charlie, and Roisin add humor, facts, and a few wand spells.

“This was by far the best tour of our trip in the city of Edinburgh. Our guide Catherine was the best, she was the authority on Harry Potter and she showed us all the coolest places, where JKR got her inspiration and she was an amazing storyteller. Bring your Wands,,, we did lots of spells and I have to recommend this tour to everyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh - What makes the guides important
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost Tours, Ghost Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh

12.Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,183 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Meet your guide on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, walk to the underground vaults, and hear dark tales of torture, death, and reported paranormal activity. Guides including James, Louisa, Dom, Aimee, and Brendan bring plenty of humor and storytelling. Expect steep, narrow stairs, a maximum group of 36, and content best suited to ages 12 and up.

“Good tour lots of useful info. Dom was really knowledgeable and friendly. I recommend it! Very spooky and raises many interesting questions!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh - Edinburgh Castle from the outside
Edinburgh Tours, Historical Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

13.Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Join Little Fish Tours for a two-hour English walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town. Guides such as Max, Greg, Angus, Jule, Ben, and Euan bring history to life with stories, humor, and local tips. Expect St Giles Cathedral, Mercat Cross, George Heriot School, and an outside look at Edinburgh Castle.

“Really knowledgeable guide. Interesting information and really got into the history. I recommend it!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh - The Royal Mile and Edinburgh’s old main street
Edinburgh Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh

14.The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,813 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $36

Join Scottish comedian and historian Daniel Downie for a two-hour walk from Monkey Barrel Comedy through Edinburgh’s Old Town. Expect Scottish vocabulary, sharp jokes, castle views, tales of executions and body snatchers, and plenty of attention from Daniel’s dog Brahan. The humor is adult and personal, so a thick skin helps.

“This was a great walking tour! Funny, irreverent and informative! Scottish history and humor at its finest!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Outlander Film Locations Day Trip from Edinburgh - Doune Castle: the strongest historic stop
1-Day Tours, Edinburgh Tours, Film & TV Location Tours, Film Location Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews

Outlander Film Locations Day Trip from Edinburgh

15.Outlander Film Locations Day Trip from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,776 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Spend about nine and a half hours visiting *Outlander* locations from Edinburgh with an English-speaking guide. See Midhope Castle, Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland, and Blackness Castle, with optional admission to the paid sites. Expect Scottish history, filming stories, comfortable coach travel, and a small group of up to 16.

“We had a great day seeing key Outlander filming sites on our day trip from Edinburgh. Our guide Wendy was informative and funny. Paying the castle admission fees in advance may entry so easy.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Edinburgh Tours

★ 4.5Glamis and Dunnottar Castles Tour in ItalianFrom $74156 reviews
★ 4.9East Lothian HighlightsFrom $6050 reviews
★ 4.8Ultimate Whisky ExperienceFrom $80305 reviews
★ 4.6Glamis and Dunnottar Castles Tour in SpanishFrom $7152 reviews
★ 4.9Guided Harry Potter Tour in FrenchFrom $4357 reviews
★ 5.04-Day Outlander Trail From EdinburghFrom $96936 reviews
★ 5.04 Day Islay Whisky Tour from EdinburghFrom $1,520148 reviews
★ 5.0JK Rowling’s Harry Potter Walking Tour in EdinburghFrom $24547 reviews
★ 5.0Scotland in 5 Days Including Jacobite Steam Train from EdinburghFrom $1,330341 reviews
★ 4.55-Day Best of Scotland Tour from EdinburghFrom $1,240263 reviews
★ 4.5Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle VisitFrom $102340 reviews
★ 5.02-Day Jacobite Experience including the Hogwarts Express from EdinburghFrom $492335 reviews
★ 4.5Edinburgh Cheese Crawl : Guided Food TourFrom $48231 reviews
★ 5.0The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites TourFrom $77444 reviews
★ 5.0The Outlander 1 Day ExperienceFrom $81581 reviews

Keep browsing

Castles & Palaces124Harry Potter Tours38Ghost Tours33Walking Tours154Museums22Cruises & Boat Tours90
Scroll to Top

Explore Britain

Start with a city, a castle or a coastline.

Castles and crowns

Castles & PalacesRoyal Days OutWindsorStonehengeCathedrals & Abbeys

Screen and song

Harry PotterFilm & TV LocationsBeatlesGame of ThronesLiterary Walks

After dark

Ghost WalksJack the RipperWest End ShowsPub NightsBlack Cab Tours

Beyond the cities

The HighlandsLoch NessThe CotswoldsThe Lake DistrictSkye