Scotland · CITY TOURS IN EDINBURGH

15 City Tours in Edinburgh Worth Booking

29 tours  ·  from $20 a head

Good city tours in Edinburgh fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free - Nicolson Square, Chambers Street, and George IV Bridge
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City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

1.City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,683 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $24Our pick

Use a 24-hour City Sightseeing pass to circle Edinburgh on an open-top double-decker bus, with 15 stops, commentary in nine languages, and a children’s track. Ride the full 70-minute route first, then hop off near Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Holyrood, Dynamic Earth, and the Royal Mile. Up to three children travel free with each paying adult until March 31, 2026.

“A fab thing to do especially with our children, helped explore the city and rest their legs in hilly edinburgh, the commentary was informative and everyone learnt something new! Fab offer of kids go free made it excellent value for money.”

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City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour - Who should book it?
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City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour

2.City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 900 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $31Top rated

Join City of the Dead Tours for 1 hour 45 minutes of Edinburgh history, underground vaults, graveyard stories, humor, and well-timed scares. Meet at St Giles’ Cathedral and finish at Greyfriars Kirkyard. Guides such as Ben, Nat, Ian, Grant, and Charlie lead the English-language tour for groups of up to five.

“Grant was an awesome tour guide. Good stories at the Underground with just the right mix of history, humor and jumps. Fast paced walking between sites, but was able to keep up.”

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Underground City of the Dead Tour - What happens during the 1-hour-20-minute visit
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Underground City of the Dead Tour

3.Underground City of the Dead Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 272 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Head below Edinburgh’s streets into the South Bridge Vaults and Damnation Alley, where your English-speaking guide explains the grim lives once lived here and the legend of the South Bridge Entity. Guides have included Ben, Beth, Rebecca, Lloyd, and Heather. Tours run by day or night, with groups capped at five.

“Heather , very good , great information about the vaults , some very good facts about the city that would never have known”

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Edinburgh City Bike Tour - Choice of E-Bike or Manual - Starting at Rutland Street and finding your rhythm
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Edinburgh City Bike Tour – Choice of E-Bike or Manual

4.Edinburgh City Bike Tour – Choice of E-Bike or Manual

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 241 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $87

Join Ricky, Stuart, or Ricardo for a 3.5-hour ride from central Edinburgh through the Union Canal, Meadows, Holyrood Park, Portobello Beach, Leith, and the New Town. Choose a manual bicycle or e-bike, with helmets, gloves, rain jackets, and panniers available. Lucy the guide’s dog may join the outing.

“Great guide and a terrific tour. The electric assist bikes made the tour super easy. The tour provided a great overview of Edinburgh.”

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City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour - Entering the Covenanters’ Prison
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City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour

5.City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 225 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Tree of the Dead by St Giles’ Cathedral, then walk from the Royal Mile into Greyfriars Kirkyard. Guides such as Ross, Gerry, Grant, and Graham mix dark history, humor, and ghost stories before taking you into the locked Covenanters’ Prison, home of the Mackenzie Poltergeist legend.

“Our guide, Ross, was spectacular, engaging, and full of dark humor. It was a very fun tour where we learned many anecdotes we didn’t know about Edinburgh, as well as terrifying stories from different spots around the city, with the cemetery as the main highlight. We had a great time, and it’s an experience we highly recommend if you want to enjoy yourself while discovering the darker side of the city.”

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Big Bus Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off City and Britannia Bus Tour - The City Tour, stop by stop
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Big Bus Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off City and Britannia Bus Tour

6.Big Bus Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off City and Britannia Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 172 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $34

Use one ticket on two Edinburgh routes for 48 hours. The City Tour links Waterloo Place with the Old Town, Holyroodhouse, Dynamic Earth, and the National Museum. The Britannia route runs to the Shore, Victoria Quay, the Royal Yacht Britannia, Fishmarket Square, and the Botanic Garden. Audio commentary comes in nine languages, with headphones provided.

“It was very easy to find the bus and both the drivers and street staff were friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend.”

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City of the Dead Underground Vaults (Day) - Is $27.78 a fair price?
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City of the Dead Underground Vaults (Day)

7.City of the Dead Underground Vaults (Day)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 113 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Meet your English-speaking guide at St Giles’ Cathedral for an 80-minute walk into Edinburgh’s South Bridge vaults. Hear grim tales of families who once lived underground, learn why Damnation Alley earned its name, and listen for stories of the South Bridge Entity. Guides Joshua and Giuseppe have both led memorable tours.

“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!”

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Private Edinburgh City Half-Day Tour - Royal Mile: the historic spine of the city
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Private Edinburgh City Half-Day Tour

8.Private Edinburgh City Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

See Edinburgh with a private driver-guide in a VIP Mercedes minibus, with pickup at your hotel or cruise port. Guides including Alan, Paul, Gary, Keith, James, and Darren tailor the route to your interests, walking ability, and schedule. Expect Old Town stories, Royal Mile sights, viewpoints, and a useful city overview in four hours.

“Had a wonderful time exploring the City of Edinburgh with our excellent guide Alan!! Thank you for bringing Edinburgh up close and personal!!”

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Private Edinburgh City 4-Hour Guided Tour in a black cab LEVC TX - Starting with the Royal Mile and Old Town
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Private Edinburgh City 4-Hour Guided Tour in a black cab LEVC TX

9.Private Edinburgh City 4-Hour Guided Tour in a black cab LEVC TX

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Explore Edinburgh for four hours in a private LEVC TX black cab with a local guide such as Saf, Danny, or Jovan. See the Royal Mile, Old Town, New Town, Calton Hill, Dean Village, Arthur’s Seat, and more. Your guide can adjust the route, stop for photos, share Scottish treats, and collect you from a hotel, port, station, or guesthouse.

“We had a great tour, fantastic driver with humor and good knowledge of the town. We have seen parts of the town we had never seen.”

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Private City Kickstart Tour: Edinburgh - Walking the Royal Mile with stories, not just dates
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Private City Kickstart Tour: Edinburgh

10.Private City Kickstart Tour: Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $92

Spend about 90 minutes with a private Withlocals guide exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Mile, and views of Edinburgh Castle. Guides such as Alice, Laura, Paul, Russell, Monica, and Alec tailor the walk to your interests, adding local stories, Harry Potter connections, food tips, and ideas for the rest of your stay.

“Alec was informative and funny. It was perfect for us since we only had one day. He told some great stories.”

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Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia - Holyroodhouse: a brief look at royal Scotland
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Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia

11.Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 41 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $92

Spend about 7.5 hours touring Edinburgh from the cruise port, with stops at Royal Yacht Britannia, Holyroodhouse, and Edinburgh Castle. Your driver-guide handles the transport and commentary, while attraction tickets must be pre-booked separately. Guides such as Connor, David, Adam, and Graeme have earned special praise for their stories and care.

“The tour was well done in terms of the guide being very descriptive about the historical information relevant to the areas we were in.”

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Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City one way Private Transfer - The welcome at arrivals
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Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City one way Private Transfer

12.Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh City one way Private Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 30 reviews · 20 to 59 minutes (approx.)

You’ll be met at Edinburgh Airport by a driver holding a name board, then taken straight to your Edinburgh City accommodation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi. Drivers such as Kenny, David, Alex, and Dominic have helped with luggage and local directions. The ride takes about 20 to 59 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination.

“Kenny was great! At airport waiting for us. Pointed out the sights on our way to "The Mile". Offered us help later in the week if we needed his services again.”

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Edinburgh Custom Private Tour with a Local, see the city unscripted - Dean Village and the quieter side of the city
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Edinburgh Custom Private Tour with a Local, see the city unscripted

13.Edinburgh Custom Private Tour with a Local, see the city unscripted

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $69

Plan a private two to four hour Edinburgh walk for up to six people with a local host such as Andre, Doug, Elizabeth, or Tom. Set your interests in advance, choose the meeting point, and shape the route around history, architecture, food, family needs, or lesser-known corners. Attraction tickets, food, and transport cost extra.

“Andre was exceptionally personable and knowledgeable. Tour was well-paced and allowed for diversions when needed.”

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Edinburgh City Walking Tour, Discover Old Town, Royal Mile with a Local Expert! - Starting at Camera Obscura at 4 pm
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Edinburgh City Walking Tour, Discover Old Town, Royal Mile with a Local Expert!

14.Edinburgh City Walking Tour, Discover Old Town, Royal Mile with a Local Expert!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Join local guide Rishi at 4 pm for a two-hour English walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town and along the Royal Mile. You’ll explore medieval streets, hidden alleys, city-wall traces, old plumbing, layered passageways, historic landmarks, and Harry Potter connections before finishing at the Scottish Parliament. Good shoes and waterproof clothing are essential.

“Loved the hidden alleys and sites of old plumbing and architecture that brought the place to life. Great guide!”

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The Royal Military Tattoo Edinburgh City Tour Rosslyn Chapel and Dinner - Edinburgh Old Town from a private guide
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The Royal Military Tattoo Edinburgh City Tour Rosslyn Chapel and Dinner

15.The Royal Military Tattoo Edinburgh City Tour Rosslyn Chapel and Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $651

Start at noon with a private Edinburgh tour, then visit Rosslyn Chapel, enjoy a four-course Scottish pub dinner, and attend the Royal Military Tattoo. Guides including Alan, Paul, and Al provide local context, hotel pickup is offered, and your party can be returned to its accommodation after the show.

“Enjoyed the tour of sites in Edinburgh we had never seen on prior trips...Liked Rosslyn Chapel as well...dinner at the pub was excellent and the Royal Tatto beyond description. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our time with him.”

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New in City Tours in Edinburgh

★ 4.5City Escape: Loch Ness Private Day TripFrom $893 reviews
★ 4.5Edinburgh City of Wizards Exploration Game and TourFrom $83 reviews
★ 5.0Private Executive Edinburgh Airport transfers to Edinburgh CityFrom $1104 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh City 4 Hour Private Guided Taxi Tour4 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh Private city tourFrom $8255 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh City Centre Private and Personal Half Day Driving Tour3 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh City Centre Private and Personal Full Day Driving Tour3 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow City Chauffeured Hire Driver5 reviews

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