Top Edinburgh Arts & Design in 2026

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.

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.

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.

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Edinburgh on 'The Heart of the Royal Mile' walking tour. This 90-minute journey takes you through the cobbled streets where you'll hear captivating stories about the city’s transformation from a medieval walled settlement to the renowned Athens of the North. Led by expert storytellers, this tour offers unique insights into the lives of the characters who shaped Edinburgh's history. Suitable for all ages, this tour is an ideal choice for families and history enthusiasts alike. - Family-friendly experience - Perfect introduction to Edinburgh - Operates in all weather conditions - Led by passionate local storytellers - 90-minute guided walking tour exploring the Royal Mile - Discover fascinating stories that shaped Edinburgh's history - Suitable for families, with an adult required for children under 16 - Maximum group size of 25 for a personalized experience

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.

Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands on a full-day excursion that includes Glencoe and Loch Ness. Set out from Edinburgh aboard a comfortable coach to experience some of the area's top sights and attractions. Enjoy a chance to escape the bustle of modern life as you learn the fascinating history of Glencoe—a village made famous as a setting for movies in the “James Bond” and “Harry Potter” series—and see the world-renowned Loch Ness too,

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Experience Edinburgh Old Town’s highlights in your own way with this self-guided audio tour. Download the app onto your smartphone, and set off when it suits to discover the streets and sights: stopping, lingering, and restarting whenever you wish. Wander cobbled closes, stroll parks, and admire grand buildings as you discover history and detail you might otherwise miss. Lifetime access to the tour also means you can enjoy it at home any time in the future.

See the best of Scotland in one action-packed day on this tour from Edinburgh. Rather than focusing on the road and missing out on the scenery the Highlands' is so famous for, you can admire Stirling Castle, Rannoch Moor, and the soaring peaks of Glen Coe while someone else drives. Head along the banks of Loch Linnhe to Fort William and enjoy free time to explore Loch Ness.

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.

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.

Take a leisurely walk through one of Edinburgh's most precious neighborhoods, Dean Village, on this 3-hour private walking tour. Explore winding cobblestone streets and tree-lined paths that locals love. Along the way, take in charming mews homes before ending at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. This private tour offers a personal experience with plenty of time for photos and discovery.

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.