The 15 Best Private Tours in Edinburgh

The Potter Trail Private Tour - Potterrow links the city to the writing process

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,353 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $104Our pick

Follow Edinburgh’s Harry Potter trail through Greyfriars, Potterrow, the Elephant House and Victoria Street on a private guided walk.

“This was by far the best tour of our trip in the city of Edinburgh. Our guide Catherine was the best, she was the authority on Harry Potter and she showed us all the coolest places, where JKR got her inspiration and she was an amazing storyteller. Bring your Wands,,, we did lots of spells and I have to recommend this tour to everyone.”

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Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

2.Private Tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 325 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Review of a private Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh, with Highland cows, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, castles, photo stops, and practical tips.

“Jimmy is the greatest guide I have ever encountered. Thoughtful, gracious, knowledgeable and very insightful to the experience we wanted”

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Guided, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

3.Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 269 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Explore Edinburgh’s castle, closes, Royal Mile, cathedral, and Georgian New Town with a private guide who shapes the walk around you.

“This was one of the best tours I have been on. Our tour guide, Alastair Sim, was phenomenal. He adapted to all of our needs--short time, a member of our party in a wheel chair, and our desires of what to see. When he learned we'd already taken a tour of the Castle, he asked what we wanted to see. We didn't know, so he prompted with questions like: Do you like Game of Thrones or Harry Potter. We responded that we liked Harry Potter. Alastair then completely changed what he had originally planned and took us on a good walking tour that included many wonderful sites in Edinburgh along…”

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Private Old Edinburgh Tour – Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!

4.Private Old Edinburgh Tour – Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town with Robert, visiting execution sites, royal landmarks, hidden passages, and the darker stories behind Scotland’s capital.

“This was a fabulous tour. Our guide, Robert, a life-long citizen of Edinburgh and a teacher by trade, shared his immense knowledge about the history and people of the city (including some of its famous canine residents) and showed us the lesser traveled venues and passages with the most amazing views. I highly recommend it!”

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Food, Food & Drink, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP, Walking Tours

Edinburgh Luxury Private Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

5.Edinburgh Luxury Private Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 223 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $325

Taste haggis, whisky, and local favorites while exploring Edinburgh’s West End, New Town, and Old Town with a private guide.

“The guide was knowledgeable, amiable and funny. Also he had earpieces so we could all hear him. The selection of foods and drinks was perfect.”

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Private 4 Hour Tour of Edinburgh in a Spacious 6-seater Mercedes

6.Private 4 Hour Tour of Edinburgh in a Spacious 6-seater Mercedes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

See Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns by private Mercedes, with local stories, flexible stops, photo spots, and hotel pickup for up to six.

“Relaxing and seen most of Edinburgh. Stephen is a great tour guide. And know Edinburgh well. We had great conversations.”

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Airport Transfers, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Private Airport transfer From or to Edinburgh airport (One way transfer)

7.Private Airport transfer From or to Edinburgh airport (One way transfer)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 164 reviews · 30 to 50 minutes (approx.) · from $45Best value

Review of Edinburgh Airport private transfers: clear pickup, flight tracking, clean vehicles, luggage help, pricing, delays, and booking advice.

“Michael was there to great us upon arrival. Very friendly and gave us a great deal of information on places to visit.”

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Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP

Luxury Private Tour of The Highlands & Loch Ness from Edinburgh

8.Luxury Private Tour of The Highlands & Loch Ness from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 147 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.)

Review of a private Highlands and Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh, with castles, Glencoe, Highland cows, luxury transport, and flexible guiding.

“Nathan was the absolute best! We throughly enjoyed our day with him and the history he shared about each location, highly recommend!”

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Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Edinburgh Private Tour

9.Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Edinburgh Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 130 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $128

Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town with a private local guide, from Castle Rock and Grassmarket to quiet closes, cemeteries, and local stories.

“Unfortunately the tour had been canceled an hour before and no alternative had been offered. We feel sorry for the guide who had to cancel due to family reasons.”

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Private, St Andrews & Fife Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private St Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Tour

10.Private St Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 113 reviews · 1.5 hours

Walk St Andrews Old Course with a local golf guide, visit famous fairways, hear candid stories, and photograph Swilcan Bridge.

“Was a lovely tour! He was very knowledgeable and taught us all about the old course and the history of golf in St. Andrew’s. The weather was perfect and wasn’t very crowded. Highly recommend going on a Sunday in the off peak time.”

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Edinburgh Food Tours, Food, Food & Drink, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whisky Tours & Tastings

Private Food Tour of Edinburgh with Haggis, Scotch & More

11.Private Food Tour of Edinburgh with Haggis, Scotch & More

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 112 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $465

Taste haggis, whisky, cheese, and Scottish cakes while walking Edinburgh’s historic center on a private three-hour food tour.

“Nicola was a great tour guide. She is knowledgeable, passionate about Scottish culture and funny. We enjoyed our tour immensely. Haggis, scones, whisky and ice cream were delicious.”

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Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trips, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Central Highlands Driving Tour

12.Private Central Highlands Driving Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.)

Review of Iconic Tours’ private Central Highlands day trip from Edinburgh, with Stirling, lochs, whisky, waterfalls, and flexible guiding.

“Scott was amazing - knowledgeable, funny, and tailored the experience on the fly for our family of four - especially for our two kids (10 and 7) who have gigantic personalities lol. also, his skills developed during his storied career at the bbc really shown through - it was like having an amazing television personality to ourselves for a day :)”

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Edinburgh Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private Tour with a Local

13.Edinburgh Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private Tour with a Local

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 3 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $105

See Edinburgh your way on a private walking tour with a local host, from Castle views and Arthur’s Seat to whisky pubs and local food.

“Jen was extremely knowledgeable, passionate and entertaining! She tailored the tour for our interests. Highly recommend!”

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Multi Day Private Tour Of Scotland

14.Multi Day Private Tour Of Scotland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 3 days (approx.)

Review of Dirty Dave’s private three-day Scotland tour from Edinburgh, with flexible planning, lively commentary, private transport, pricing, and practical tips.

“I have visited 78 countries in the last 30 years and I have never had a tour and guide I enjoyed as much as Dave. Funny, knowledgable, and flexible. He works with you to let you help design the tour to meet your needs. He provides great commentary. He made everything enjoyable. His tours are a must do.”

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Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

15.Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $104

Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town on a private 2.5-hour walk with local stories, royal links, spooky tales, viewpoints, and food tips.

“The private walking tour with Kieran was so fun! He shared lots of historical facts with us (& several spooky/haunted city tales!). Time went by so quickly—we didn’t want it to end. Highly recommend & absolutely worth the money.”

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