Edinburgh · CITY TOURS
10 reviewed
Below are the 10 best city tours to compare: what each one costs, how long it runs, and who it suits. Start at number one; it is top for a reason.
See Edinburgh from a hop-on hop-off open-top bus with a 24-hour ticket, onboard audio, Castle views, and Horrible Histories for kids.
“The tour was brilliant and to be able to leave and return to continue is absolute fantastic. It’s also very informative and allows you to make a choice of where you would prefer to visit”
Hop on an open-top double-decker in Edinburgh with 24-hour hop-on hop-off stops, onboard audio, and free kids seats.
“Edinburgh is very walkable but this was an efficient way to get the lay of the land and an overview of the city sites. Be aware there are multiple sightseeing bus services available, so make sure you hop on the correct one. Also, the bus is only operating from 8:55am-5:05pm, so plan accordingly.”
Edinburgh in 2 days by hop-on hop-off bus, with 3 routes, live English on one line, and audio guides plus Royal Yacht Britannia.
“nearly no delay on the pic up times. 9/10 bus was waiting there before time of arrival 😉”
Edinburgh’s City of the Dead Double Dead Tour links South Bridge Vaults and Greyfriars Prison for a funny, spooky 1h45 walk.
“Fun walking tour with lots if good stories and interesting hostiry. Not cheesy. Loved the vaults and exclusive access to the Covenanters Prison.”
48-hour Big Bus pass covers Edinburgh City and Britannia routes, with open-top views and nine-language audio, plus Royal Yacht Britannia.
“It was enjoyable but unfortunately we didn't get off anywhere due to very bad weather, but we did get to see alot.”
Explore Edinburgh’s Underground City on a guided 1 hour 20 minute tour in the South Bridge Vaults, with day or night options.
“We enjoyed the whole experience. Rebecca was an amazing host. We would recommend this tour to friends and family for their next holiday in edinburgh.”
Cycle Edinburgh’s Union Canal, Meadows, Portobello and Leith with small-group guide, e-bike or manual options, and scenic views.
“Our guides Ricky and Robbie were great despite the miserable rainy weather. It was a group of 12 so it was hard to hear him. We also had to take an alternate route due to the weather. We enjoyed it!”
A short, small-group spooky walk in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard, ending inside Covenantor’s Prison for prime ghost-story storytelling.
“Highly enjoyed ourselves. It was really interesting to hear the history of the graveyard. Our tour guide grant was extremely entertaining. Would definitely recommend!”
Hop on and off Edinburgh for 48 hours with 9-language audio and central stops, plus a Britannia route. Yacht tickets cost extra.
“The actual tour was very good. The Viator part was the transportation to the Britannia. The tour was an extra fee.”
Step into Edinburgh’s haunted Underground City with a small-group tour through the South Bridge Vaults, plus lantern-lit stories.
“On March 19th, 2025, our small lovely group led by charismatic guide Joshua descended into the dark and mysterious vaults of old Edinburgh. I was rather sceptical - until Joshua started telling us his bone-chilling stories, in the complete darkness, illuminated only by the faint light of a lantern. I still get goosebumps when I remember that strange sensation of being in the presence of something dead and ghostly! The frightening reality of the past intertwined with horror. A brilliant and fascinating tour, played out like a small performance. Bravo, Joshua! For the first time in many years, I went to bed that night with the lights on!”
A 2.5-hour Edinburgh highlights walking tour from the Royal Mile to Grassmarket and Greyfriars, with literary stops and dark legends for $5.
“Brian was so knowledgeable! He mentioned he’d given up his career (quite some time ago to do tours) without sharing what it had been! Thinking a proffessor of Scottish history! Loved all his knowledge!”
Private Edinburgh half-day tour with hotel or port pickup in a VIP Mercedes, focused on the Royal Mile, history, and neighborhoods.
“Great tour to see parts of the town outside walking distance from our hotel near the Royal Mile. Comfortable mini-van and personable guide.”
Private 4-hour Edinburgh tour in a black cab LEVC TX. Hotel pickup, live commentary, smart photo stops, and a flexible route.
“Excellent, comprehensive tour of the major sites in Edinburgh. Mr Saf knows his stuff. Gave dates and history for numerous buildings, statues etc. At the start of our tour, gave him a list of places we wanted to visit. He included them all, tacking on an extra half hour to the tour so he could finish. Would book him again if we re-visited Edinburgh.”
Private 90-minute Edinburgh Old Town walk with a local guide, quick stops at St Giles and Edinburgh Castle, plus city tips.
“Fabulous tour, Laura was so friendly and knowledgeable, a great experience thank you😁 would highly recommend to others visiting the City”
