Top Edinburgh Arts & Design in 2026

Every Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh will tell you Victoria Street is Diagon Alley and a certain gravestone inspired Voldemort's name. Ours is the one that tells you whether that's actually true. This walk runs on years spent digging into old newspaper archives and J.K. Rowling's own interviews, not on the same script other tours have been repeating for a decade. Every stop gets a straight verdict: verified, disputed, or just a good story that never happened. We call the method behind it The Revelio Bureau. Along the way you'll walk through some corners of the Old Town that genuinely shaped the Harry Potter books, led by a guide who knows the difference between what Rowling actually said and what the internet decided she said somewhere along the way. Worth knowing before you book: these are the real literary inspiration sites, not film locations. Edinburgh is where Rowling wrote, not where the movies were shot. Cameras welcome. Myths not included.

Explore the streets of Edinburgh on this fun walking tour. As you listen to popular theme songs and hits through your headset, sing along and dance past landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Waverley Station, and more. This is an alternative to the traditional tour groups.

The Edinburgh Dungeon is one of the Scottish capital's most-visited attractions, for good reason. The thrilling experience takes you on a wild underground journey through Scottish history that is equal parts terrifying and hilarious. Plan ahead and ensure a hassle-free visit by pre-booking your admission ticket for the Edinburgh Dungeon.

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.

Edinburgh is known for its great nightlife, and this tour helps you save hours researching its best bars and clubs. Enjoy the perk of having a guide to shortlist your nightlife options—with five great spots on the itinerary with a fun crowd of fellow travelers. Along the way, watch Scottish ceilidh dancing, visit a horror–themed bar, and enjoy complimentary shots too—something you wouldn’t get on solo explorations.

Visit Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's most iconic landmark, commanding stunning views from its perch on Castle Rock. Explore the Crown Jewels, St Margaret's Chapel, and delve into the castle's rich military history. A mobile audio guide enriches your visit, offering stories about Edinburgh's past as you stroll through the Old Town at your own pace. This ticket grants you access to public exhibitions and historic buildings inside the castle, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of Scotland's heritage.

Combine the magic of Harry Potter with the history of the Scottish borders on this day trip from Edinburgh. Ideal for fans of the world’s favorite wizard, this tour takes care of transportation, leaving you free to admire Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle, a filming location featured in both Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. You'll venture beyond the capital's crowds and visit parts of the country that many first-time visitors often overlook.

Grab a wand and join your robed guide on the original tour of Edinburgh designed especially for Potter fans. This is a chance to experience the original and consistently highest-rated Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh with the most experienced guides in the city. Started in 2012, the Potter Trail have been doing these tours longer than anyone, and our friendly and professional guides are all trained actors and comedians. The unique small group setting means the guide can tailor the tour to your group, interests and questions. You’ll discover the magical locations that inspired characters and scenes in the series, visit the places where JK Rowling wrote the books, and even learn a spell or two along the way... - See where "Lord Voldemort" is buried - Take a trip down the real life Diagon Alley - Find out which house you would be in at Edinburgh's very own school of magic - Learn who the world’s worst poet was, and which Hogwarts teacher is named after him ...and much, much more!

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.

This Edinburgh city sightseeing tour offers a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus experience with an open-top double-decker bus and audio commentary in multiple languages. Hop on and off at key stops including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. Buses run every 20 minutes with tickets valid for 24 hours from first use, providing flexible sightseeing at your own pace.

Discover the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's most visited attraction, on this guided tour. Starting from the Royal Mile, ascend the cobbled streets to explore the castle's history, from its Celtic beginnings to its role in key events like the Jacobite Siege. Enjoy stunning views over Edinburgh and learn about the Honours of Scotland and the National War Museum. After the guided portion, you'll have ample time to explore the castle's interiors at your own pace, following your guide's recommendations. - 2-hour guided tour led by a professional English-speaking guide - Admission included to explore the castle’s fascinating history - Experience key historical sites like St Margaret’s Chapel and the Crown Jewels - Convenient departure from the Royal Mile with flexible exploration time after the tour

Harry Potter fans—this one’s for you! Discover the places where author J. K. Rowling gained inspiration to write the world-renowned series of books with stops at the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s Old Town, and a very important café. Along the way, enjoy entertaining Harry Potter–related commentary, such as stories about the characters and J. K. Rowling’s life in Edinburgh.

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.

Glimpse into the lifestyle of the Royals with an audio tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia – the floating palace of Her Majesty the Queen for more than 40 years. Independently explore the stately ship’s five decks, peeking into elaborately decorated rooms like the State Apartments, the State Drawing Room, the Queen’s Bedroom and more. Add to the unique experience with some refreshment in the Royal Deck Tea Room (additional expense).

Discover the treasures housed in the National Museum of Scoltand, exploring the rich tapestry of human culture, history, and natural wonders. Learn about Scottish heritage, world cultures and art, science and technology. Available in English German, French, Italian and Spanish languages. HIGHLIGHTS: - Visit the National Museum of Scotland with a 5-Star Private Guide - Explore amazing exhibits on Scottish history and cultural heritage - See art and antiquies from across the globe - Learn about Dolly the Sheep, science and technology - Tailor the tour to the pace, needs and interests of your group This tour offers something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or a family with kids who are curious about the world.

Forget about crowds, schedules or lines! With our company's self-guided experiences your smartphone is your new private guide. Welcome to Edinburgh, the birthplace of Harry Potter! JK Rowling wrote all seven Harry Potter novels in this city and Jule will help you discover that was involved in this incredible story. Walking the streets of this magical place, Rowling undoubtedly took some inspiration from the city which she then used in the Harry Potter novels. On our tour, we’ll be exploring places that may have served as inspirations for places and characters in Harry Potter. In this incredible experience, you'll have the time to stroll around Edinburgh's Harry Potter Trail at your own pace, you'll have the opportunity to take astonishing pictures and enter any attraction you fancy along the way. Please note: when booking, you will get an email with instructions on how to download our app and unlock the tour.

Discover masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Van Gogh & Scottish icons at Edinburgh’s top gallery. Marvel at art in a stunning neoclassical setting. Optional: access a temporary exhibition and enjoy private transport for a seamless experience. Choose any of these fantastic options: 2H:National Galleries of Scotland(NoTransport) Visit the National Galleries of Scotland to see works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Scottish masters in a stunning neoclassical setting. 2.5H:National Galleries of Scotland(NoTransport) Visit the National Galleries of Scotland to explore its main collection and a temporary exhibition with rare, themed displays. 3H:National Galleries of Scotland&Transport Visit the National Galleries of Scotland to admire iconic artworks with the comfort of private transport. 3.5H: National Galleries of Scotland&Transport Visit the National Galleries of Scotland with private transport and access to both permanent and temporary exhibits for the ultimate art experience.

This is not a typical sightseeing tour — it’s a refined, insider experience for art lovers and collectors. Enjoy private access to Edinburgh’s art world, curator-led gallery visits, and a guided trip to Scotland’s top antiques centre. Led by an expert art advisor, this tailored day combines cultural depth, personal connections, and the rare chance to discover — and acquire — exceptional pieces.

The Harry Potter audio tour with an interactive quiz and a graveyard hunt for the names behind the characters! Discover a real-life Diagon Alley, Tom Riddle's grave and the locations where the magical series was penned on this self-guided audio tour of Harry Potter's Edinburgh. Created by a Potter fan who loves trivia, this tour with an optional quiz mode takes you to some of the most magical sites in Edinburgh that inspired the Harry Potter series. Spend as much or as little time at each stop and explore at your own pace. From the chess pieces that inspired Wizard's Chess to a botched execution that may have created Nearly Headless Nick, and ending where Rowling's handprints are set in stone — this tour gives you a blend of everything magical about the city. Available offline in 9 languages. A full refund guarantee means you can book with confidence — no Unbreakable Vow required.

Become the Star of Your Own Scottish Editorial Step into a stunning 5-metre flying dress train and experience one of Edinburgh's most unique premium photoshoots. Set against the iconic backdrop of Calton Hill, this private experience combines elegant, magazine-style portraits with Edinburgh's dramatic skyline, historic monuments and breathtaking scenery. Perfect for birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries, girls' trips, solo travellers or simply creating unforgettable memories in Scotland. No modelling experience is needed; Simone guides you through every pose to help you feel relaxed, confident and camera-ready. Unlike many photography experiences with fixed photo limits, you'll receive all the strongest edited images from your session. A dedicated assistant creates the dramatic flying dress effect while Simone focuses on posing, composition and capturing stunning images.

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.

Edinburgh’s New Town is straight out of a world history of architecture, with its classical beauty and Georgian past. If you’re interested in hearing more about it then this informative self-guided GPS walking tour is for you. In 90 minutes, you’ll learn how Edinburgh became the largest planned town development in the world – and a "model city" – and in what sense its design and layout made it architecturally ideal. Although its original Georgian fabric has suffered many alterations, you'll see several clear traces of the former neoclassical city and the often-overlooked details in the fanlights and elegant ironwork of the original New Town street lights. You'll see buildings by celebrated British architects like Robert Adam and old maps and drawings. Downloading the tour onto the VoiceMap app to enjoy the tour on location or virtually at home.

Led by your Blue Badge guide, explore Edinburgh’s historic streets on a private walking tour. Skip the long lines at Edinburgh Castle and walk the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament. Discover hidden closes and courtyard parks while learning about the city’s vivid history.