Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is an historic city with a medieval-fairytale magic to it. When walking around, it’s hard to not think about Edinburgh’s many tales, history, and the Harry Potter inspiration. Due to this, Scotland is home to several amazing, and unique experiences and guided tours. Here is a concise and professionally-curated list of the best Edinburgh walking tours and unique experiences – so you can easily pick the right one for you!
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and buy with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊
The 5 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
1. Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh
- Price: 16.61 euros/per person
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English
Are you looking for a traditional walking tour that brings you throughout all of Edinburgh and it’s historic sites? Then this is the perfect walking tour for you!
What’s amazing about going on a guided walking tour is that you can let yourself focus on appreciating the city, while the local guide brings you the must-sees and tells you all about the city and its history. Even better, during this tour you will learn about the hidden gems that local’s love!
During this tour you will visit important places such as St. Gile’s Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, Mercat Cross and more!
Book your tickets today for this beloved walking tour!👇
2. Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh
- Price: 18.99 euros/per person
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English, French, German, Spanish
Attention Potter Heads, or Harry Potter appreciators… did you know that J.K. Rowling took endless inspiration for Harry Potter from Edinburgh? And that this is where the real Tom Riddle tomb lays?👀 If you didn’t know before, know you do!🥳
During this 2-hour tour, you will walk the street that inspired Diagon Alley, walk the Royal mile, visit Tom Riddle’s grave, and more. You will also learn about J.K. Rowling, participate in Harry Potter trivia, and so forth.
Something that’s important to note is that Harry Potter was never filmed in Edinburgh. The locations you visit during this tour served as the INSPIRATION.
This is one of THE most popular tours in Edinburgh, so make sure to get your tickets in advance!👇
3. Comedy Walking Tour with Professional Comedian
- Price: 25.66 euros/per person
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English
- Bonus: Wheelchair accessible
Worried about going on a walking tour that turns out to be a bore? Then this is the perfect walking tour for you!
Led by a professional stand-up comedian, this 2 hour long walking tour is bound to be nothing short of memorable and full of laughter. The comedic guide, who’s a local, will tell you all about Edinburgh’s history and historic sites, while keeping things upbeat with standup comedy. How great is that?
Along with Edinburgh’s history, you will learn about the Scottish language and cultural curiosities. Something that is important to note is that the guide has a thick Scottish accent, and will be sharing adult humor. Due to this, it’s best to attend this tour if you’re fluent in English, and the tour is not recommended for children under 16 years old.
This incredible guided tour is likely to sell out, so make sure to save your spot ASAP!👇
4. The Dark Side Walking Tour
- Price: 17.50 euros/per person
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English
- Bonus: Wheelchair accessible
Welcome to the dark side… muahaha.
Are you someone who’s into gruesome graveyards, narrow alleyways, and spooky tales? Than this is the perfect tour for you.
This ghost-themed walking tour will bring you around Edinburgh, and to the Canongate Kirkyard and mausoleums. During this tour, the guide will tell you about Burke and Hare, unsettling tales of witch trials and burnings, and the truth about Mary Queen of Scots’ lover’s murder. Not “spooky enough”? Just wait until you hear the stories of the real-life cannibals and vampires!
Book your tickets today for this highly-rated, spooky walking tour!🧛⚰️🪄
5. 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour
- Price: 80.49 euros/per person
- Duration: 3.5 Hours
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English
What better way to dive deeper into Edinburgh’s culture than with a secret food tour?
This 3.5 hour-long guided tour will bring you through out Edinburgh and stop at 5 different places. During this tour you will learn about Edinburgh’s thriving culinary scene, the food’s history, as well as try delicious local foods.
The tour starts off with the one and only Haggis, Scotland’s national dish – something you simply cannot miss out on. After that you’ll enjoy foods and drinks such as lowland single malt, creamy cheese, and traditional afternoon tea with Scottish cakes. The tour will end with a delicious secret dish.👀
This guided tour is perfect for foodies and people who enjoy trying local cuisine. Food is an important aspect of culture and heritage, so this is a perfect way to dive deeper into the city. In addition to learning about food, the guide will also share both interesting and historic facts regarding Edinburgh and Scotland.
Book your tickets today, and get ready to feast!😋👇
The 5 Best Unique Experiences in Edinburgh, Scotland
1. Edinburgh Castle: Guided Tour with Live Guide
- Price: 39.08 euros/per person
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English
One of the must-dos when in Edinburgh is visiting the mesmerizing Edinburgh Castle. Sitting on top of the Castle Hill, this 12th century castle gives the ultimate medieval-fairytale enchantment. This engaging guided tour through the castle will help you dive deeper into the 3,000 year old history of the castle, and the significant role it played in forming Scotland.
The guide will bring to the most important sights within the complex, as well as share the castle’s hidden histories. With this tour you have full access to the castle, and will have time to roam around at your leisure. The guided tour does not bring you through the castle museums, but you can access those after the tour.
Out of all the Edinburgh Castle guided tours, this is the best one! Make sure to book your tickets today to not miss out!👇
1. The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting
- Price: 26.83 euros/per person
- Duration: 50 to 75 minutes
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English
- Audio guide included with many different languages.
- Bonus: Wheelchair accessible
When in Scotland, do as the Scotts do… drink Scotch Whisky!
Scotch Whisky is Scotland’s national drink, and is a drink rich in cultural heritage. Scotch Whisky the Experience is home to one of the world’s largest collections of whisky. This is a fun, interactive, and and educational experience that teaches you all about the origins, art of making whisky, maturation, and so much more.
Whether you drink or not, this is a great opportunity to dive deeper into Scotland’s cultural heritage and learn about it’s beloved national drink. If you don’t drink, go for the Silver Tour Experience – this tour introduces you to the world of whisky and offers you a soft drink (unless you want one whisky tasting). If you’re with kids (children under 18), this is also a suitable tour for them!
For those who are 18+ and want four additional single malt whiskies to try, then the Gold Tour Experience is perfect for you! The Scotch Whisky the Experience also offers other elevated tours, which you can find on their website.
For the Silver or Gold Tour Experience, book your tickets here!👇 You can book as early as 3 months.
3. Underground Vaults Tour
- Price: 23.33 euros/per person
- Duration: 1 Hour
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English
Edinburgh, particularly it’s Old Town area, is a city that gives a darker, medieval-fairytale vibe. In other words, it’s a magical city with a different and unique charm to it. Alongside history, Edinburgh is rich in tales, which range from stories about witches to murders, ghosts, and even dragons!
This beloved tour will bring you through the South Bridge underground vaults, which are under the Old Town. These vaults date back to the 18th century, and are often considered to be haunted. Apparently, on Most Haunted Live, these vaults are mentioned as one of the scariest places on earth…👀
During this tour you will learn about the darker side of Edinburgh’s history, teach you how the vaults were used, living conditions of the residents, haunting spirits, and more. With the underground area being candle-lit, get ready for some spooky vibes!
There are two types of tickets, one that includes the Torture exhibition, and one that doesn’t. Make sure to select the correct ticket you want!
This is a very popular and beloved tour, so make sure to book your tickets in advance! Smoothly book your tickets here!👇
4. The Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience
- Price: 35 euros/per person
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English
- Bonus: Wheelchair Accessible
Whether you are a whisky fan, or want to be introduced to whisky, this Johnnie Walker whisky experience could be perfect for you!
Johnnie Walker is a beloved Scottish whisky brand from 1820. The Johnnie Walker experience is an immersive attraction located on the beautiful Princes Street, where you can enjoy live performances, experience interactive projections, and 3 personalized cocktails.
During this guided tour experience, you will learn about Johnnie Walker, how Scotch whisky is made, and take a flavor quiz. Through the flavor quiz you’ll find your perfect whisk, and receive 3 personalized cocktails to enjoy. How great is that?🤩
Can’t drink alcohol but don’t want to miss out on the experience? There are non-alcoholic options for you to enjoy!
Would you prefer storytelling and history over live performances? Then check out this other, amazing experience!
5. From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour – #1 Selling Day Trip
- Price: 83.99 euros/per person
- Duration: 12.5 Hours (Day Trip)
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Language: English
Looking for a memorable day trip from Edinburgh? Then this #1 Selling Day Trip is perfect for you!
Navigating on a luxury modern air-conditioned coach, you will embark on an eco-certified day trip to the Highland’s main sites. During this trip, you will learn about Scottish traditions and legends, and explore the breathtaking nature. And the (personally) best part? You’ll get to meet the iconic Scottish Highland cows!!
It’s important to note that this is somewhat of a cross-country tour, so a big chunk of the trip will be spent on the coach.
This is the #1 Selling Day Trip, so make sure to book your tickets ASAP!
If you don’t care for the Highland Cows, this is another phenomenal guided day trip! During this experience, you will get to explore Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, and follow both Harry Potter and James Bond’s footsteps at Glencoe and Rannoch Moore. You will also see the British Isle’s highest mountain and listen to stories of Scottish heroes.
This highly-rated day trip tour is likely to sell out, as it’s the second most popular tour. Make sure to book in advance!👇
Common Questions regarding Edinburgh Tours
Can you do a day trip to the highlands from Edinburgh?
You most definitely can! There are several day trips you can take to the highlands. Here are the best ones!
How many days are enough to visit Edinburgh?
2 to 3 days is the recommended amount of days to visit Edinburgh. 2 to 3 days in Edinburgh is enough to see the Old Town, New Town, and even squeeze in a hidden gem of a neighborhood.
If you’re planning to take a day trip from Edinburgh, then I recommend staying at least 4 days, so you still have the 2 to 3 full days in Edinburgh!
What’s the best way to explore Edinburgh?
There are two best ways to explore Edinburgh, and I recommend a mix of the two:
- Let yourself wander aimlessly and get lost.
- Go on a guided tour, or attend an experience, that allows you to learn more about Edinburgh from a local.
As an additional note, Edinburgh is an incredibly walkable city – and you can truly walk everywhere! Due to this, if weather permits, walk as much as you can and as you do so – look around yourself.
Not to get extremely deep, but it’s very common for people to focus on the destination and not on the journey. When in Edinburgh, enjoy the journey and take in all the beauty you encounter as you’re approaching the destination. (This is a good life lesson too).
Where to stay in Edinburgh?
If you’re staying for only a few days, the best areas to stay in Edinburgh are the Old Town and New Town – which are right next to each other.
Old Town is the perfect pick if you want to be in the most central and historic area – even though it may be more expensive and touristy. New Town is perfect if you still want to be very central but want a more affordable, and less touristy, option.
However, if you’re staying for a longer period of time, you should consider the Stockbridge neighborhood. This hidden gem is less touristy and has a unique look. This is perfect if you want to dive deeper into Edinburgh’s local life!
More Information on Edinburgh, Scotland
Here are some additional Edinburgh blog posts to help you out with your upcoming travels!👇
- How to Spend One Day in Edinburgh
- 2 Days in Edinburgh: The Ultimate Itinerary For New Visitors
- Climbing Arthur’s Seat: Everything You Need to Know
- The 13 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Edinburgh
- Where to Eat the Best Gluten Free Haggis in Edinburgh
Want more help with your travels? Check out my services!
One of the main reasons I became I travel blogger is my love and passion for helping others experience the best of their destination. I offer three services on Thatch: Customized Itineraries, Customized Recommendations, and Consultation Calls.
If you want extra help on your Edinburgh travels, check out my Thatch page and book my services!
📌 Pin this for your Future Edinburgh Travels!👇
I have to ask…
Which of these best guided tours and unique experiences in Edinburgh will you be booking? Let me know in the comments!😊
Share this with family & friends who are planning to travel to Scotland and would find this helpful.🤩
Follow me on Instagram for daily travel content!
Leave a Reply