The 15 Best Tours & Day Trips in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour - Callander and the first taste of Highland life

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17,446 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $62Our pick

Ride from Edinburgh to Glencoe and Loch Ness on a scenic 12.5-hour coach tour with local stories, optional castle visits, and a cruise.

“Our tour guide was Adam who was absolutely amazing, very funny, and knowledgeable about Scottish history. The bus was comfortable and warm (in winter months) and there was a great variety of stops along the Scottish Highlands. Would absolutely recommend this day tour, it is definitely worth it.”

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Guided, Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

2.Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 11,944 reviews · 2 hours · from $19Best value

Explore Edinburgh’s Harry Potter connections, visit Tom Riddle’s grave, join a house quiz, and see Rowling’s Old Town inspirations for $19.

“We had Xander as our tour guide today.. and it was amazing! Cannot thank Xander enough for his knowledge on not only the city but also for my Harry Potter enthusiast daughter. This was a trip on her bucket list before she emigrates to Australia. We even won the quiz :) Thanks again Xander (apologies if spelt incorrect) you made the tour outstanding.”

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Ghost Tours & the Underground Vaults, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

3.Underground Vaults Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 11,758 reviews · 1 hour · from $32

Explore Edinburgh’s South Bridge vaults on a one-hour tour of grim history, ghost stories, torture, and old city life beneath the streets.

“Informative, interesting, not too long. Stewart the guide made it funny and entertaining.”

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Edinburgh Attraction Tickets, Edinburgh Castle Tours & Tickets, Guided, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

4.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11,699 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $49

Explore Edinburgh Castle with a lively guide, outdoor storytelling, Great Hall views, and free time to see the fortress at your own pace.

“Jen, the tour guide was amazing! She was knowledgeable, and enthusiastic in her story telling 😍”

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Glencoe & Glenfinnan Trips, Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

5.Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11,381 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $61

Review of Edinburgh’s Loch Ness and Highlands day tour, with Glencoe, Highland cows, Pitlochry, and optional cruise or whisky tasting.

“A fantastic day from start to finish We had an absolutely fantastic and informative, and well-planned day trip with our wonderful guide Fraser. The day started really early but it was well was broken up by several great stops and scenic views. I can’t say enough about our fantastic guide and driver, Fraser. Fraser is an amazing driver and story teller all at the same time. It was fantastic how he incorporated Scottish music, history, and humor throughout the trip. We laughed smiled and sang the whole day. He had everyone attention all day. He did a great job in referring to specific points of interest during the whole journey.…”

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Ghost Tours & the Underground Vaults, Tour Reviews, Tours

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

6.The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,272 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $26

Explore Edinburgh’s closes, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and South Bridge vaults on a lively 75-minute ghost tour with costumed guides.

“It's a fast paced walking event to cover as much ground as possible in the time allotted. The guide was fantastic.”

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Ghost Tours & the Underground Vaults, Old Town & Royal Mile Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

7.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,506 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Explore Edinburgh’s underground vaults, hear dark 18th-century tales, and weigh the tight steps, brief vault visit, and guide-led storytelling.

“Brilliant tour full of mystery and delight. Guide gave detailed information of all aspects of the tour. Would highly recommend. Thanks Josh”

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Edinburgh Castle Tours & Tickets, Guided, Historical Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

8.Edinburgh Castle Guided History Tour with Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 7,747 reviews · from $50

Tour Edinburgh Castle with an entertaining local guide, see royal halls and military sites, then explore the fortress museums at your own pace.

“Ben was our guide and he was excellent. Gave lots of information and history involved the group and added humour. The tour of the castle was very interesting and we were able to look round at our leisure once the tour had finished. Highly recommend”

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Glencoe & Glenfinnan Trips, Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

9.Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,854 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67Top rated

See Glencoe, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Cairngorms and Pitlochry in one long day from Edinburgh, with live stories and optional cruise.

“Great tour to experience the Highlands in one day, Loch Ness boat trip was amazing, Hairy Coo encounter at the end was the cherry on top for my daughter. Our giude, Stephen, was great!”

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City Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

10.City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6,775 reviews · 1 day · from $24

See Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood on a flexible open-top bus tour with history commentary and free child places.

“Great value if you are only in Edinburgh for a short amount of time. It’s an informative tour and also takes you to some fantastic places.”

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Ghost Tours & the Underground Vaults, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

11.Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6,607 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $32

Explore Greyfriars Kirkyard and Edinburgh’s eerie South Bridge Vaults on a funny, story-filled 90-minute walking tour.

“We throughly enjoyed the tour! It was something we've always wanted to do & it definitely didn't disappoint. Our guide Jordan was informative & extremely interesting to listen too! He kept us all enthralled with the history & the amazing stories of the graveyard and the vaults. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh!”

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Cruises & Boat Tours, Loch Ness & Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

12.Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,022 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $84

See Glencoe, Loch Ness, Cairngorms, and the Forth Bridge on a scenic 12-hour small-group tour from Edinburgh with cruise.

“Jim was our tour guide and we couldn’t have been any luckier. He was so informative and funny. I learned so much from his tour and we got to see the most beautiful sites.”

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Edinburgh Attraction Tickets, Edinburgh Castle Tours & Tickets, Guided, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

13.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Tour Edinburgh Castle with a lively guide, guaranteed entry, royal stories, city views, and free time to explore its museums and rooms.

“Our guide is a man with immense passion and knowledge of Scottish history. Ask any questions you like. Use your mobile phone to learn more. An informative and exciting experience. After the guide leaves, wonder around, explore photos and cafes.”

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Edinburgh Castle Tours & Tickets, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

14.Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Edinburgh Castle walking tour with skip-the-line entry, lively Scottish history, Royal Mile stories, and free time to explore on your own.

“Very knowledgable guide. Lots to see and do. Value for money. Worthwhile visit. Wrap up warm as the wind makes it very cold.”

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

Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

15.The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 5,213 reviews · 50 - 75 minutes · from $33

Tour Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience for a lively lesson, regional tasting, and look at a 3,500-bottle collection beside the castle.

“Super awesome and immersive experience into the process of whisky making and tasting. I consider myself a whisk(e)y connoisseur, and I am no novice by any means, but I was still able to come out of there with a newfound love, appreciate, and knowledge of whisky. I highly recommend this experience for all who enjoy a dram, whether you are a beginner or an expert.”

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