The 10 Best Edinburgh Tours 2023
The 10 best Edinburgh tours 2023 lists the ultimate ways to experience the Scottish Capital. Edinburgh is famous for its amazing history along with fantastic food, drink and nightlife. Tours range from sampling Scottish Whisky and tasting awesome Haggis, to exploring the city centre and walking around spooky castles. Edinburgh is the perfect place to discover the surrounding area, including an adventure into the Scottish Highlands to spot the Loch Ness Monster!
1. Hop on Hop off Edinburgh Bus
Our Hop on Hop off Edinburgh bus is the best way to get around the city. Hop on and off as many times as you like during your 24 hour ticket, with stops at all the major locations in the city. This includes stops near Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and Holyrood Palace. You’ll also receive an audioguide commentary onboard that will bring to life the amazing history behind Edinburgh!
Find out more: Hop on Hop off Edinburgh Bus
2. Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour
Edinburgh is known as a haunted city, and there’s nothing spookier than taking a haunted underground vaults tour. Taking place every day, you’ll head deep underground into the vaults at Blair Street. On a 90-minute adult-only tour, you’ll hear the bone-chilling tales, bloody plots and secret lives that reveal a gruesome side to the city. The best Edinburgh tour for adrenaline junkies but not for the faint hearted!
Find out more: Underground Vaults Tour
3. Scotch Whisky Experience
Take your knowledge of whisky to the next level with the ultimate Scotch Whisky Experience! You’ll get a guided tour around the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whisky and be introduced to the different whisky aromas. You’ll learn all about the making of this drink and even get to taste one of the whiskies!
Find out more: Scotch Whisky Experience
4. Loch Ness Day Tour from Edinburgh
The best full day tour from Edinburgh in 2023, taking you into the heart of the Scottish countryside. You’ll travel into the valleys, over the mountains and towards Loch Ness. From cruising along the Loch to seeing breathtaking wildlife and taking in some awesome views, this is an amazing way to spend a day! You’ll learn all about the legends of the Loch Ness Monster as well as the long history of the region. Tours depart daily from Central Edinburgh.
Find out more: Loch Ness Day Tour
5. Old Town Walking Tour – Small Group
The best way to discover Edinburgh is on foot, and this tour takes you along the city’s most famous streets, passing important historical sites along the way. We know there are lots of walking tours of Edinburgh to choose from, including free tours. However, what makes this the best walking tour of Edinburgh is that it’s limited to a maximum of 10 people per group! This means you’ll avoid the crowds and get a really intimate experience led by a very knowledgeable tour guide.
Find out more: Small-Group Walking Tour
6. Harry Potter Walking Tour – Small Group
Welcome to the birthplace of Harry Potter, the city that inspired J. K Rowling to write her novels. You’ll spend 2-hours discovering the birthplace of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley and seeing the cafes that Rowling used to sit in when writing her books. With a maximum of 20 people per group and led by a local guide, let the city of witches and wizards come to life! This is undoubtedly one of the 10 best Edinburgh tours of 2023!
Find out more: Harry Potter Small-Group Walking Tour
7. Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Skip-the-Line Tickets
For those looking to get to grips with Edinburgh’s long past, check-out this fully guided Edinburgh Castle tour. Not only will you enjoy the services of a knowledgeable and entertaining guide, but you’ll also avoid waiting in line with skip-the-line access tickets. The tour lasts 90 minutes, and is the best way to see the Scottish Crown Jewels, learn about the bloody battles and see the War Memorial. And once the tour is over, you are free to spend as long as you like exploring the castle on your own!
Find out more: Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
8. Outlander Walking Tour
The best Edinburgh tour for fans of Outlander. Edinburgh is the setting of the second Outlander novel, and you’ll get to see firsthand the city that inspired the creation of Diana Gabaldon’s novels. From the Jacobite rebellion to Highlanders and the Tolbooth Jail, your entertaining guide will bring Edinburgh to life!
Find out more: Outlander Walking Tour
Top tip: For passionate Outlander fans, our 1-Day Outlander Tour takes you to the real-life filming locations in Scottish countryside!
9. Edinburgh Food Tour
Discover a different side of the city with a tour of Edinburgh’s food. Enjoy a 3-hour guided walk through the Old Town, where you’ll get to sample traditional Scottish culinary delights, including Haggis, Scottish cheeses, and a traditional afternoon tea. End the afternoon with a taste of a secret dish, which is only revealed at the end of the day!
Find out more: Edinburgh Food Tour
10. Pub Crawl
For a great night out in Edinburgh, why not go on this 4.5-hour pub crawl? Discover the best bars in the city with great deals on drinks at every pub visited. Led by a professional party guide, you’ll get 3 free shooters, half-priced pints and free VIP entrance to an awesome club at the end of the night. Dance the night away on one of our 10 best Edinburgh tours 2023.
Find out more: Edinburgh Pub Crawl
