All Edinburgh Tours & Excursions in 2026

Edinburgh has plenty of great tour options. According to traveler reviews, here are the top options right now:

• Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
• The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
• Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
• Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

There is a wide range of price points for Edinburgh tours. Most city tours, like trips into the underground or guided tours of Edinburgh Castle, fall in the US$30–60 range. Trips out of town, to places like Loch Ness and the Highlands, are a bit more, around US$80–100. Multi-day trips in the area are pricier, costing anywhere from US$600 to US$7,000.

For lower budget options, you can book tours such as Edinburgh: Old Town’s Highlights Walking Tour for around US$4 per person. This group walking tour visits top city highlights, such as the Royal Mile, the William Wallace Statue, and the National Museum of Scotland, although it doesn’t include admission or refreshments. On the pricier end of the spectrum, there’s the Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Private Tour from US$1,544 per group, which is completely private, with a guide, private transportation, and snacks along the way.

Edinburgh tours are a great way to experience this fascinating, layered city, whether you want to partake in a guided Scotch tasting, learn about the dark history of the underground, wander through Old Town, or explore Edinburgh Castle. You can also head out of town into the Highlands, Loch Ness, and Isle of Skye.

Perhaps consider opting for an all-day tour to visit lots of different attractions and landmarks. For example, Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included - Small Group includes a walk along the Royal Mile and stops at St. Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Mercat Cross, Charlotte Square, and the Princes Street Gardens.

The ideal trip to Edinburgh is typically 4–5 days. A trip of this length gives you plenty of time to visit major attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat, and the National Museum of Scotland at a relaxed pace. It also saves time for a day trip out of the city and into the scenic Highlands and surrounding area.

August is the best month to visit Edinburgh. The city comes alive with festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest art festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. August usually brings mild weather, too, so you can explore the city and enjoy various cultural events and performances without breaking a sweat or getting rained on.

According to travelers, these are the best attractions in Edinburgh:

• Edinburgh Castle
• Royal Mile
• Edinburgh Old Town
• Stirling Castle
• Calton Hill

View Viator’s guide to all the best attractions in Edinburgh.

There are tons of great trips to take from Edinburgh. According to traveler reviews, these are the best day trips to book right now:

• Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Pitlochry Tour
• Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise From Edinburgh
• One Day Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh
• Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and Glencoe Day Trip From Edinburgh
• St Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour From Edinburgh

View all of Viator’s top Edinburgh day trips.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time in Edinburgh. Here are some of the best Edinburgh activities under US$25:

• The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
• Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh: Guided Tour
• Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh
• Afternoon Old Town and Underground Ghost Tour 1:15, 3:15, 5:15
• Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

There are tons of Edinburgh activities to enjoy in the fresh air. Here are some of the top outdoor tours to book right now:

• Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Pitlochry Tour
• Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise From Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder, and Legends
• 1-Day Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh
• Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and Glencoe Day Trip From Edinburgh

View all of Viator’s top outdoor activities in Edinburgh.

According to travelers, these are the top museums and cultural attractions in Edinburgh:

• National Museum of Scotland
• Royal Yacht Britannia (HMY Britannia)
• Museum of Edinburgh (Huntly House)
• Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One)
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery

View all of Viator’s museum tickets and passes in Edinburgh.

Couples will find plenty of romantic tours in Edinburgh. Here are some of the top activities to book now, according to previous travelers:

• 2-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Small-Group Tour From Edinburgh
• Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Day Tour From Edinburgh
• Vintage Photowalk in Edinburgh - Lasting Memories on Film
• Personalize Photo Shoot in Edinburgh: Romantic and Meaningful
• Private Professional Photoshoot in Edinburgh

View all of Viator’s top romantic tours in Edinburgh.