Top Edinburgh Cultural Tours

Get an in-depth perspective on Edinburgh on this guided tour that goes deeper than most. Usually led by a guide with a PhD in Scottish history, this tour offers a journey through Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town from the main thoroughfares to the hidden closes (alleyways) and courtyards. Your guide shares tales of dramatic events in the neighborhood's history, as well as those of the writers, philosophers, and inventors who called the area home.

This "Harry Potter" walking tour gets fans closer to spots in Edinburgh that inspired J.K. Rowling’s famous books. Walk past key sites that inspired places such as Diagon Alley, and even see the cafes and hotels where the writer wrote her book series. Your guide knows the quickest ways to get around the city on foot to fit more into your time, as well as fun facts about Harry Potter.

Designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of whisky, this guided tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh is the ideal choice for travelers wanting to learn more about Scotland’s national drink. Learn about Scotland's whisky-producing regions and how the weather affects the flavor of your drink as well as the art of blending. View one of the world’s largest Scotch whisky collections and enjoy a guided tasting session.

Step into Scotland's best-known fortress with a true Scotsman dressed in a traditional kilt. With so many tour options at Edinburgh Castle, it's difficult to know which offer the most authentic insight. This experience delivers genuine Scottish storytelling from a local who shares centuries of royal drama, bloody battles, and castle secrets while exploring the Crown Jewels, St. Margaret's Chapel, and more.

Experience some of the best of what Edinburgh, Scotland has to offer in one small group walking tour. Let your tour leader show you around Edinburgh Castle, the Georgian House, and the Scottish National Gallery. See Princes Street Gardens, Heart of Midlothian, Greyfriars Bobby, and more while you learn all about the city’s history, culture, and heritage from your guide.

Immerse yourself in the sights and stories of Edinburgh's atmospheric Old Town on this small-group walking tour. Unlike most tours of the Old Town, the maximum group size is just 15 people so you won't be elbow to elbow with other visitors as you explore the area, from the Royal Mile to Greyfriars Kirkyard, and Princes Street Gardens.

Immerse yourself in Edinburgh's rich history—and hear tales of its ghosts, witches, and murderers—on this spooky walking tour. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town Edinburgh after dark; learn about (and maybe meet) Edinburgh Castle's ghost; then head to the Old Calton Burial Ground, resting place of several notable Scots and known for its high levels of paranormal activity. The tour starts at the Loch Ness Discovery Centre or 190 High St, offering flexible meeting points.

See the best of medieval Edinburgh—without the hassle of putting together your own sightseeing itinerary—on this walking tour, which includes skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle. As you walk, listen as your guide shares the history of this formidable city with ancient Roman roots and UNESCO-listed historical attractions. Explore atmospheric cobbled walkways along the Royal Mile, then breeze into Edinburgh Castle to witness royal opulence.

Explore the rugged beauty of the Scottish countryside with an English-speaking guide, showing you local landmarks and some of the most scenic spots on this tour from Edinburgh. Sit back, relax, and let your guide plan the itinerary and handle all the driving while you watch the lush landscape roll by your car window. See Luss, the Kelpies, the Glen Ogle Viaduct, and lots more.

See both the highlights and hidden gems of Edinburgh on a private tour that reveals Scotland’s capital through the eyes of a local host. Designed with first-time visitors in mind, this private tour promises the undivided attention of your guide and gives you the chance to compile tailored recommendations to last the rest of your vacation.

Visit a bespoke whisky lounge right in the heart of Edinburgh for a journey through Scotland's past. Savor single malt whiskies from several esteemed distilleries to uncover the secrets of Scotch whisky-making, and experience the great Scottish tradition of storytelling on this tasting tour.

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening walking tour. Experience the ghastly histories of monsters, madness, and murder that cast a dark shadow on Scotland’s capital. See where witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions took place, then visit the chilling Old Calton Burial Ground and Canongate Kirkyard to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

Step off the tourist trail and explore the Scottish capital’s hidden secrets on this underground walking tour in Edinburgh. Follow a guide from the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town down below street level, where a series of ancient vaults lie. As you explore the dark passageways, learn why the vaults were built, hear of the poor souls who sought refuge in the depths and discover a hidden witchcraft temple. Gain insight into city life during the 18th century, and learn of the deadly diseases which threatened Edinburgh’s inhabitants.

"Outlander" fans are sure to want to book this full-day tour that combines the hit TV show's filming locations with Scottish history, without the worry of figuring out logistics. Join this small-group tour from Edinburgh that visits key sites, including Culross, Doune Castle, Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and Linlithgow. Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach while exploring the real settings behind the popular show.

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh on a walking tour where your guide shows you all the highlights and some overlooked parts of the city. Wear comfy shoes, since you cover a lot of ground. Check out Edinburgh’s crown jewels, the Grassmarket, and much more.

Delve into Edinburgh’s horrific history on this evening ghost bus tour. With your spooky local guide, visit the city’s most terrifying locations, haunted by infamy and restless spirits! From your seat in a double-decker vintage bus, gaze at eerie sites such as Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, and the Royal Mile. Throughout the trip, hear anecdotes and facts about Edinburgh’s chilling past, replete with bloody executions, unspeakable tortures, and murder.

Edinburgh is known for its dark past, and this evening walking tour is the original one to showcase the city's historically sinister and spooky side. Discover the hidden ‘wynds’ (alleys) and closes of the Old Town as you learn their mysteries and horrors; visit the ghost-ridden Greyfriars Kirkyard; and explore the city’s underground vaults to uncover their spirits and secrets. Your tour is led by a creepily costumed guide to get everyone into the spooky spirit of things.

Travel from Edinburgh to St. Andrews and Fife on this day trip from Edinburgh. Cross the Forth Road Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife and pass by the coastal villages of East Neuk. Then pay homage to the town of St. Andrews, home to Scotland's oldest university and the Old Course, where golf is routinely played. Driving in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, see Falkland and the Lomond Hills. Enjoy a small-group tour for a memorable and personalized experience.

Discover the best of Edinburgh without the stress of public transit and massive crowds on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. With your 48-hour pass, hop aboard the double-decker, open-top bus for a panoramic sightseeing excursion. Great for kids and adults, this tour encompasses three route options with dozens of strategically placed stops. Have the added bonus of free entry to royal sights including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

The Isle of Skye is the largest of Scotland’s Hebrides Islands and this multi-day tour from Edinburgh ensures you take in all the highlights. Admire natural wonders such as Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis; visit Lealt Falls, Dunvegan Castle, and Kilt Rock on the Isle of Skye; and see Eilean Donan Castle, where "Highlander" was filmed.

Explore Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle (admission tickets own expense)—and delve into the world of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Rob Roy—on this multi-part tour from Edinburgh that checks off many top sights and experiences. Additionally, head through the Trossachs National Park to the Highland village of Balloch, upgrade for a lake cruise, see the famous Kelpies statues, and more.

Experience the magic of the world’s most famous wizard—and discover insider sights and stories you'd miss if exploring alone—on this Harry Potter–themed walking tour of Edinburgh. Alongside your Potter-mad guide, stroll the city's winding streets, and spot the mysterious alleys and atmospheric landmarks that inspired the wizarding world.

This immersive chocolate-making experience is ideal for traveling families or groups, or for rainy days. Create a unique souvenir by making your own Scottish-themed chocolate before heading to the tasting room to sample a wide selection of chocolates from both Scottish and international chocolatiers, including haggis chocolate, chili chocolate, gin chocolate, and many more. Snacks are also included to complement your tasting experience.