Top Edinburgh Culture

Step into Scotland's most iconic 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.

Framed by old stone buildings, local small businesses, and cobblestone roads, Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile is one of the city's most atmospheric spots. Rather than wandering around alone, walk the storied street up to Edinburgh Castle while learning about Edinburgh rich history on a walking tour before heading inside the castle with your included ticket.

Discover Edinburgh, Scotland from a whole new perspective as you taste five drams of rare, top-shelf whisky in the city’s underground vaults. Let your guide tell you and your intimate group stories about the nation’s whisky industry, explaining everything from how the drink is made to what makes Scottish whisky special.

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.

This walking tour of Edinburgh is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings of the city and learn more about its history. By exploring the city with a guide, you’ll be able to stop looking at a map and focus on enjoying the sites around you. Your guide will teach you about secret places locals love, as well as the Old Town’s most famous sites. Highlights include St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Castle, and much more.

Discover more about Scottish history on this guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle. Walk up the Royal Mile with your guide while learning about the castle's 3,000-year history and its role in Scottish heritage. Explore the castle grounds with detailed insights into key features like the one o'clock gun and Argyle Battery, gaining a deeper understanding than a casual visitor.

As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh packs historical monuments, regal landmarks, cultural destinations, and more—and this hop-on hop-off bus tour provides a thorough introduction to the city’s top sights. Board and disembark as and when you wish. On-board commentary will share the stories behind landmarks such as the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and more.

Edinburgh boasts a unique brewing heritage that’s often overshadowed by Scotland’s whiskies. This small-group tour throws the spotlight on the capital’s now-resurgent beer scene, with visits to several top pubs and beer bars. Stroll the Royal Mile and discover Old Town highlights as you learn how Edinburgh was once the world’s leading bottled beer exporter. As you go, stop for a range of tastings, and learn the stories behind each brew.

Discover Edinburgh with your taste buds–and avoid having to make restaurant reservations–on this small-group food tour of the city’s Old Town, led by a local guide. Sample traditional Scottish delicacies, including haggis served with raspberry whisky marmalade and local seafood, and visit eateries you might otherwise have missed. This wheelchair accessible tour also offers easy arrival and departure via public transportation.

Discover a different side to Edinburgh—and learn something new—on this tour of the Johnnie Walker Experience, with plenty of insights on Scotch whisky and three cocktails featuring the distillery’s finished product all included. Learn how whisky is made, explore interactive exhibits, and take part in a flavor quiz before settling down to sip.

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.

See a different side to Edinburgh and combine the best of the underground and haunted graveyard tours on this double dead walking tour, during which you visit two of the city’s spookiest attractions: South Bridge Vaults and the Covenanter’s Prison. The latter is only accessible on City of the Dead tours and our guide provides plenty of exclusive insight you wouldn’t get on your own.

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.

Embark on a quick and fun ride through Edinburgh's rich literary history. This literature-themed pub crawl through Edinburgh's Old and New Towns is led by a couple of actors who will 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.

This immersive chocolate-making experience is deal 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.

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.

Set off on a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then, enter the incredible Edinburgh Castle! Starting at Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, we first head to historic Waverley Station. Then head to Edinburgh University Old College - a famous old campus which provided lots of inspiration for JK Rowling’s creations. We continue through the atmospheric Old Town, stopping at Greyfriars Kirkyard which inspired Tom Riddle's Grave and passing by the Elephant Café where JK Rowling sat for many hours dreaming up the world of Harry Potter! Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street - said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley - and we finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll learn about JK Rowling’s impact on the city. After the tour, you'll be given your tickets to explore the beautiful Edinburgh Castle!

See Scottish history come to life in a guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle. Hear gripping tales of battles won and lost and learn about the people who have called the castle home over the centuries. Enjoy sprawling views of Edinburgh and the countryside. Whether you’re a casual observer or a history buff, this experience will immerse you in the city’s cultural heritage.

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.

If you only have one day to journey into the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh, don't waste time or effort navigating public transport or renting a car. This guided tour takes you from the capital to the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, the village of Luss and some of the country's finest castles and glens.

Edinburgh’s dark and desultory past means its streets are haunted by restless souls and wandering specters. This ghost tour—perfect for those fascinated by the supernatural—takes you to two of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations. Under the cloak of darkness, descend to the Blair Street vaults to explore a shadow-shrouded underground world. Visit Canongate Kirkyard, the final resting place of famous characters, and listen to gruesome tales of torture, cannibalism, and murder.

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.

Edinburgh Castle stands impressively at the top of the Royal Mile. Discover its history with a guided tour, where you'll marvel at the treasures within, including the Scottish Crown Jewels, while listening to a guide provide context about what you see. Learn about the One o'clock Gun, take in views over Edinburgh, and hear fascinating stories about the people who have shaped the Castle throughout history—from the death of a queen to deadly banquets. Plus, you'll have time to explore the castle's museums and exhibitions at your leisure after the tour ends.