Top Activities on the Ground in Edinburgh

See the famous Hairy Cows in their natural environment in Edinburgh Join an Edinburgh-based Mountain Guide on a hike in the hills on the outskirts of the city Experience the rugged beauty of some of Scotland's mountains as we hike through some of the country's most amazing landscapes. This short hike takes us far into the hills, where we often see rare wildlife, spectacular cityscapes, and incredible mountain views. We meet at Hillend, which is about 30 minites from the city centre. Our hike then takes us up to a high viewpoint, where we can see over the city and to the sea. Getting up high allows us to find the cows more easily. We descend down the hillside where we can look for the local herd of Highland Cows grazing in their natural mountain environment. The cows live out on the hill 365 days a year and are kept as conservation grazers, helping to restore the natural ecology. We finish at Swanston Farm (lunch can bee booked) where a few more cows can be seen in a field.

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 '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.

Discover the beauty of Edinburgh in just one day with this engaging audio tour. Covering a 6 km route with over 30 stories, the tour guides you past iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, as well as hidden gems such as the Witches Well and Bobby Greyfriars Kirkyard. Immerse yourself in Edinburgh's rich history and culture by visiting the Scott Monument, learning about Princes Street, and hearing the legend of Burke and Hare. Walk at your own pace, with the flexibility to pause whenever you like. Simply purchase the tour, download the app, and activate it with your code to enjoy an unforgettable Edinburgh experience.

Beat the crowds of Edinburgh's city center and discover off-the-beaten-path locations and secret spots on small-group cycling tour. Traveling on two wheels (either on a traditional or e-bike), you'll be able to access places buses cannot reach. Cycle out of the city, around Arthur's Seat, and to the (sometimes) sunny seaside all while your guide fills you in on fascinating facts about the city.

The Best Way to Discover Edinburgh: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour. Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a dram of whisky in a historic Royal Mile pub or a photo at a scenic viewpoint and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Learn the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Scott Monument, Royal Scottish Academy, Esplanade, Edinburgh Castle, The Hub, Grassmarket, Greyfriars, St Giles, Canongate Kirk, Burns Monument, and Calton Hill.

Discover Edinburgh from a different perspective on sightseeing and scavenger hunt of the city. Solve riddles and clues that lead to the next location, showing all the city highlights. Solve interesting puzzles, have fun, and learn new things about the city. Explore the city and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt. Enjoy the tour in English!

Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes and solve a mysterious case during the Sherlock Holmes City Game - a self-guided adventure full of puzzles, plot twists, and hidden clues. This City Game is all about story-driven gameplay and immersive mystery solving, it pulls you into a captivating story that you solve together, making it a unique way to connect, play, and create memories with your group. Perfect for friends, families, colleagues or solo players who enjoy a challenge and love detective games. Whether you play solo or in teams, it's a flexible and fun experience that turns the city into your crime-solving playground. After booking, check your email for clear instructions, download the Loquiz app, and dive straight into your detective mission.

Our award winning cycle tours are carefully planned to avoid roads, small group sizes (max 10) and low impact, low carbon experiences. All our guides are qualified, passionate about history and will take photos of you throughout the tour - we always share with you at the end and adhere to all GDPR regulations. Our E bikes are suited to all heights and make this tour so easy round Arthur's' Seat. UK regulations mean age 14 is the minimum age to ride an E bike. We go in rain or shine. Rain does not affect the tour - please just bring a waterproof. All riders must be able to ride a bike safely and confidently. If you cannot, you may be refused entry to the tour for safety reasons. It will not be possible to refund you in this case.

Hiking up Arthur’s Seat is a must-do adventure in Edinburgh for active travelers, but going alone at sunset—the best time of day—can be nerve-wracking. Join a guide and small group to ensure you don’t get lost on the way up or down in dim light. Admire views across Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills from this high vantage point as the sun sets and the sky turns golden.

With our Edinburgh E-Bike Tour, you’ll be able to see more than any other tour of the city, in less time! The tour is designed to show you all the most iconic spots of the city. We will take you off the beaten path to explore the most picturesque and charming corners. The tour is conducted by professional mountain bike guides that have a particular and local knowledge of the hidden gems of Edinburgh. The tours can also be conducted in Italian and Spanish. The Ebikes that we use are brand new gravel category with mountain bike tyres, suspension and are very easy and comfortable to ride.

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.

Swap the tour bus for two wheels and get a closer look at Edinburgh. This small-group cycling tour takes you around the Scottish capital to places most tourists miss. Pedal your way from Craigmillar Castle to the charming Dean Village, the cosmopolitan Leith district, and seaside Portobello to experience Edinburgh off the tourist trail. E-bike rental is available for £25.

Explore Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile with a professional historian or other specialist guide, and gain insight into the famous writers and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard—Robert Burns—and discover top landmarks such as St. Giles’ Cathedral, Grassmarket, and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Get the chance to ask questions in a small-group setting and find out what makes this ancient city tick.

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.

Even if you’ve only got limited time in Edinburgh, it's still possible to see the breadth of the city’s natural landscapes. Cover more sights in less time during a bike ride which takes you from Arthur’s Seat to the beaches of Portobello and the Port of Leith. Plus, you’ll be able to choose between an electric or manual bike, depending on your fitness level.

Discover Edinburgh at your own pace with a flexible treasure hunt around the city. Follow cryptic clues and maps to uncover hidden gems, discovering interesting facts and stories while you go. Use the convenience of WhatsApp-style navigation for a fun, on-demand journey. Turn it into an exciting pub crawl if so inclined. By then end of this adventure have achieved an overview of all that Edinburgh has offer.

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening or night-time 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 or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

Whether you want the challenge of a mountain bike or the ease of an e-bike, choose your weapon and set off on an action-packed tour of Edinburgh and its surrounding areas. In just a few hours, see more of Edinburgh than you could alone with your guide, who takes you through Cramond village and along the Firth of Forth. Cycle over the Forth Road Bridge, and pass by a castle on your way back.

No trip to Edinburgh is complete without a stop at the Edinburgh Vaults—aka South Bridge Vaults—the 18th-century underground chambers that lie far below the city. But independent visits aren't allowed. On this underground walking tour, hear tales of this dark and almost-forgotten place below one of Edinburgh’s busiest thoroughfares. See evidence of excavated storage spaces, human habitation, taverns with wine vaults and more.

This hike takes you out and immerses you in nature but still within close distance of the city. You get a taste of what it's like to hike in the Highlands without having to travel so far. You'll learn a bit about plants, animals, and geology, as well as some history and culture of the area. We might even see the local Highland cows! As well as learning new things, you'll get a great workout, some fresh air, and a break from the crowds in the city. I'm a fully qualified professional hiking guide and a landscape photographer leading tours and outings across Scotland. I'm outdoor first aid certified and ensure that everyone is able to do the hike safely and comfortably. I have a background in environment and sustainability, so I can also tell you about conservation and wildlife initiatives in Scotland as well as biodiversity and land management issues. I always try to reduce our impact and we follow Leave No Trace principles.

Experience the best of Scotland on a full-day tour to the Highlands, Glencoe, and more. Ditch crowded bus tours for a more personal adventure in an air-conditioned vehicle with a sunroof for unbeatable views. Listen to insightful commentary from your guide—and chat to fellow travelers—as you learn about Scotland’s rich history. Each tour is customizable, ensuring a personalized adventure.

Get a taste of Edinburgh on this guided tasting tour. Try locally sourced dishes and drinks beyond the Royal Mile. Along the way, learn about the history of the area. Plus get recommendations on places such as bars, restaurants, museums, and galleries to go following the tour. Listen with an audio headset so you can walk at your own pace.