Edinburgh is a charming city full of architecture and history to delight culture vultures who enjoy sightseeing, discovering the history of a city through local guides, and admiring the breathtaking views.
If you're a Royalist you'll be thrilled to know that you will be able to see not 1, but 2 places where the Royal Family have walked. The first is the famous Holyrood House Palace, the official Scottish residence of The Queen that is used primarily for state occasions. The 2nd is the Royal Brittania Yacht which the Queen and Prince Philip, along with the children, called home when sailing around the world.
Known as being Europe's most haunted city so it's no wonder that Edinburgh's top attractions focus on ghost stories and recounting the grisly past of this historical city. Journey below The Royal Mile to discover Mary King's Close that lays below the city and learn why and how it's buried beneath the city. Get thrills and frights at Edinburgh Dungeon and take a midnight ride on a spooky black bus. Despite all the talk of ghosts, murders, and witches it's not all spooky because this is the city where JK Rowling was inspired for characters and places in the Harry Potter books - See what inspired Digaon Alley and where the inspiration for Hogwarts came from on a walking tour.
It can be overwhelming to know what to see and do in this city that's overflowing with historic sites and attractions but don't despair as we've done the hard work for you to come up with the top 10 Edinburgh attractions. We have read the descriptions, scoured the reviews, compared ticket prices, and listed all of the information that you need to know so that you can make an informed decision on if this is a tour that is right for you.
A ghostly guided walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Move from street level down into the underground vaults.
Learn Edinburgh's dark history from an English speaking guide and master storyteller.
What You’ll Do:
Walk the streets of Edinburgh on a ghostly guided tour.
Listen to gruesome tales of torture and murder from your storyteller guide.
See a hidden side of Edinburgh as you move from the old cobbled streets down underground to the vaults.
What It Includes:
A 1 hour guided walking tour.
Entrance to Edinburgh's underground vaults.
The dark history of Edinburgh as told by an English-speaking guide.
What Travellers Say About It:
"A Very scary but enjoyable experience."
"A great way to experience Edinburgh's history!"
"A Fascinating tour by a fantastic tour guide"
Is It Right For Me:
If you love giving yourself a scare and enjoy horror stories, this is the tour for you. It's equally good for those who love history, especially dark history!
This is a walking tour so you need to be reasonably fit.
Tours are not suitable for under 5's and the night tours are for adults only.
A 2 hour walking tour seeing the places that inspired J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter.
A must for true Harry Potter fans!
Discover Edinburgh from a magical point of view.
What You’ll Do:
See the architecture that inspired Hogwarts and Diagon Alley.
Visit the cafe where she wrote some of the Harry Potter books.
Learn how Edinburgh's dark history inspired J.K. Rowling.
What It Includes:
2 hour walking tour.
Guided tour in English or Spanish
Insight into JK Rowling's life in Edinburgh.
What Travellers Say About It:
"Awesome time exploring Edinburgh learning about Harry potter. Things were pointed out we would have never found by ourselves. A must for any potter fan "
"So knowledgeable and fun. My partner has never seen Harry Potter and even he enjoyed the tour!"
"The HP tour was truly entertaining from beginning to end"
Is It Right For Me:
All Harry Potter bookworms, young or old, will enjoy this tour.
Best for lover's of the books as the tour is about the author and where she found inspiration rather than the movies.
Muggles will enjoy the tour of Edinburgh even if they have no idea about any of the Harry Potter storylines!
Explore the Royal Palace and grounds including the Crown Jewels exhibition at your own pace.
Admire the panoramic views of Edinburgh.
What You’ll Do:
Take a free 1 hour long guided tour of the castle.
Learn the history of the Scottish Monarchs
See where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son.
What It Includes:
Fast track entry to the castle.
1 hour guided tour (on a first come, first served basis)
Access to the on-site National War Museum.
What Travellers Say About It:
"
Edinburgh Castle is a ‘must-see attraction’ when visiting the city. I highly recommend to take a tour."
"Certainly a must see, spent a good 3 hours here. The Scottish Crown Jewels and sword were awe inspiring and the views are breathtaking"
"It is really the heart of the city, you don't want to miss this experience, but be ready to spend half a day there, it is huge!"
Is It Right For Me:
If you love history, royals, military, and sightseeing this is a ticket you don't want to miss out on!
For for the whole family.
This ticket does not include audio commentary and the guided tour is a first-come-first-served basis – If you want to get a comprehensive overview of Edinburgh castle a guided tour would be preferable rather than the standard entrance ticket.