The Edinburgh Tour
Let an experienced guide bring Edinburgh's history to life as you experience the very best views the city has to offer from an open-top double-deck bus.
The Edinburgh Tour - 1 day tour
About this Tour
The Edinburgh Tour
One day tour
The tour starts with panoramic views of Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat before reaching the Palace of Holyroodhouse. After touring along the famous Royal Mile, see Greyfriars's Bobby and the Grassmarket before heading to Edinburgh Castle. The tour ends with a drive through the Georgian New Town to visit George Street and Charlotte Square.
Hop-on, Hop-off - your ticket is valid for 24 hours with 14 stops
Dynamic Earth - take a journey through time to discover the story of planet Earth
The Royal Mile - hear fascinating stories about the many famous characters that lived on this historic thoroughfare
Greyfriar's Bobby - see the statue and hear the heart-warming story of this famous Skye terrier
Edinburgh Castle - gaze in amazement at this mighty fortress that is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels
Georgian New Town - tour through the grand squares and elegant streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Movie locations - Battle of the Sexes, Restless Natives and Fast and Furious 9
Full Tour Itinerary
Hop aboard and take your seat upstairs for some of the best views Edinburgh has to offer. In the company of an expert tour guide, we head off with a drive along Regent Road, where there are beautiful views of the Edinburgh skyline to enjoy.
As we pass by the Palace of Holyroodhouse, hear the tragic tale of Mary, Queen of Scots, and how this historic building remains a working Royal Palace, frequently used by members of the Royal Family.
Enjoy views of Arthur's Seat as we travel through Holyrood Park to reach Dynamic Earth, a popular attraction that explores the Earth's history.
See the contemporary Scottish Parliament Building before touring along the famous Royal Mile to view the old-town tenements and narrow closes that lead off this historic thoroughfare.
See the adorable statue of Greyfriar's Bobby, before passing the churchyard where his master was laid to rest. It's said that Bobby guarded the grave for 14 years. Walt Disney told the enchanting story in his 1961 film.
There are more sinister stories to be told as we reach the Grassmarket, once a place of execution and a den of infamous characters, including the notorious murderers Burke and Hare.
Enjoy dramatic views of Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop a volcanic rock. It has stood guard over the city for centuries. Why not hop off here to make a visit? Inside, you can see the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, Mons Meg, an ancient siege gun and the Royal Apartments.
The tour ends with a drive through the 18th-century New Town, where we'll visit uber-trendy George Street, home to designer shops and fashionable bars. In stately Charlotte Square, see superb examples of Georgian architecture, including Bute House, the official residence of the Scottish First Minister.
The tour ends in Waterloo Place, a short walk from Princes Street and the St James Quarter.
Details
What's Included
- Transport by open-top bus
- Live commentary
- Service charges and taxes
What's NOT Included
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure Information
From Bus Stop ZG
27 Waterloo Place
Edinburgh EH1 3BG
Check-in: 08:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 17:49 hrs
Child details
Children aged from 5 to 15 years travel free of charge (maximum of 3 per paying adult).
Children aged under 5 years travel free of charge (maximum of 2 per paying adult).
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Cancellation
Tickets are non-refundable.
Tour duration/Tickets Valid/Departures
75 minutes/24 hours/up to every 12 minutes
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility, admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
LB 02973
Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
From £16.00
The Edinburgh Tour
Let an experienced guide bring Edinburgh's history to life as you experience the very best views the city has to offer from an open-top double-deck bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this City Tour?
Without doubt the best way to discover Scotland’s great cities is to enjoy one of our hop-on, hop-off bus tours. Take the full tour to orient yourself then use your ticket as the most convenient way of getting between the key sights and attractions.
All our City Tours are operated by modern double-deck buses whose open-top design provides the best vantage point for sightseeing.
There are frequent departures (up to every 15 minutes) and tickets are valid for 24 hours.
All tours provide a full commentary in English and on the Edinburgh and Glasgow tours in other major languages too.
If you’re travelling with children these tours are a fun and entertaining way to discover your new surroundings - look out for the special kid’s commentary tracks.
Can I show my ticket on my smartphone?
No, you will need to print the voucher that we send you and exchange it with either the bus driver or ticket seller, if you board at Waverley Bridge .
What is included in the price of the tour?
Our ticket price includes transportation by open-top or part-covered double deck bus with either a live commentary in English or personal recorded commentary.
Your ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time you exchange your voucher for a tour ticket.
Keep your ticket in a safe place as it cannot be replaced if you lose it.
Are admission fees included in the price of the ticket?
The cost of the tour is for transport only and admission fees to attractions are not included.
What happens if it rains?
This tour operates rain or shine all year round. The buses that are used on the tour have been specially designed with a covered area at the front of the upper deck offering protection from the elements.
