Top Edinburgh Cultural Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Venture beyond Edinburgh to see the best of Scotland in just one day on this comprehensive, small-group tour. Save hours trying to navigate public transport, and instead, relax as your driver whisks you from location to location. Visit castles, mountains, lochs, and more, as you gain local insight —including context you'd miss if exploring independently. Highlights include historic Blair Castle, the Highland viewpoint of Queen’s View, and a waterfall walk at The Hermitage.

Discover the magic of the Scottish Highlands on an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks, where you’ll be transported to the world of Harry Potter and James Bond. When exploring Scotland on your 1-Day Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Highlands Tour, you will get to savor the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, and marvel at the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct, a must-see for film enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the history of this picturesque area and enjoy the fresh Highland air and scenic vistas. Unwind in the charming village of Pitlochry and experience the rich heritage and natural splendor of Scotland in one remarkable adventure. Every twist and turn of the winding Scottish road has a new photo opportunity, a new story to be told and a new experience to be had. Due to the vast area covered, a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the scenery of Scotland. Minimum passenger age is 7.

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.

A trip to the capital of Scotland isn't complete without a tour of Edinburgh Castle. Follow your guide through the grounds and hear tales of the castle's royal residents—including Mary Queen of Scots—and learn more about the rich history of the building. After your tour ends, there's plenty of free time explore the castle's interior and the rest of the grounds, which includes 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.

Immerse yourself in part of Edinburgh's heritage on this tour of Holyrood Distillery. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how this small distillery produces its own single-malt whiskey and gin. Then, enjoy included guided tastings of select drinks, as you learn to identify specific flavor profiles. Perfect for foodies, and a great indoor activity for when the elements turn.

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.

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.

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.

Visiting an unfamiliar city without knowing anyone there usually means relying on dated and often inaccurate travel guides. Enjoy a more personal experience in Edinburgh by spending time with a local Edinburgher who customizes your private, bespoke tour to your own interests, whether you want to check off the highlights or go off the beaten path to discover locals' favorite spots.

Enjoy a private introduction to Edinburgh and its top attractions on this flexible tour with a local host. Rather than following a rigid itinerary, pick between multiple daily departure times and then set off on foot. Visit numerous city highlights that you can tweak according to your interests, from St. Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle to the Greyfriars Kirkyard and National Museum of Scotland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Make sure you see all the spots you want in Edinburgh on this private, personalized tour led by a local guide. Your customized itinerary takes you to places you request, with commentary based on your interests. Visit famous locations like Edinburgh Castle or explore areas known only by locals for an authentic experience.

Get a different perspective on Edinburgh as you embark on a quick and fun ride through the city's rich literary history. This literature-themed pub crawl through Edinburgh's Old and New Towns is led by a couple of actors who bring such figures as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson to vivid life as you journey in and out of Edinburgh's most atmospheric pubs, courtyards, and hidden alleyways.

"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.

Get out of the city and soak up the natural beauty of Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands on this day tour from Edinburgh. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Enjoy a boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster and traverse the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group.