Best Edinburgh Tours & Trips

How Many Days Do You Need to Tour Edinburgh?

While you can see some of the major attractions in 2 to 3 days, staying in Edinburgh for 3 to 5 days allows for a more relaxed itinerary and the opportunity for more in-depth exploration, including traveling to other popular destinations from Edinburgh.

Attractions and Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle is the main attraction of the Old Town and offers visitors a tour of Scottish history, with views of Edinburgh's cityscape from the castle. Delve into the castle's royal apartments, and view the Stone of Destiny and the Scottish Crown Jewels. From the castle gates, you'll find your way to the Royal Mile, a busy thoroughfare leading to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. Along the way, you can choose to visit St. Giles Cathedral, the atmospheric Real Mary King's Close, and the National Museum of Scotland, giving you a multifaceted insight into this part of the country's past.

To get a panoramic view of Edinburgh, head to Arthur's Seat. It is an extinct volcano located at the peak of Holyrood Park. You can start from the Scottish Parliament building and take a gentle walk and visit St. Margaret's Loch on the way; it's best to go in the late afternoon so you can see the sunset over the city.

Beyond the historic core, you can explore the lively Grassmarket or visit the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. For fans of the wizarding world, a Harry Potter tour can explore the city's streets and graveyards, such as The Elephant House, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and George Heriot's School, all of which inspired J.K. Rowling's wizarding world.

Edinburgh is also best known for its aromatic whisky, so you can take a whiskey tour, which offers an insight into Scotland's national drink, with a variety of distilleries and experiences to choose from.

Best Time of Year to See Edinburgh

The best months to visit Edinburgh are usually May and September, when the weather is mild and the crowds are slightly smaller. Average temperatures range between 45 and 60 °F. August is also very popular as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo transform Edinburgh into a lively center of arts and culture.

How to Get Around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a very walkable city, particularly in the Old and New Towns, with numerous attractions within easy reach. For longer distances, public transportation is an option. The Lothian bus network runs throughout the city and its outskirts, and day tickets are recommended and cost £4. In addition, Edinburgh Trams provide a convenient route connecting Edinburgh Airport to the city center. Of course, the cab and Uber options are also very convenient in Edinburgh.

Where to Stay and Eat in Edinburgh

You can stay in the Old Town, amidst the historical sights and busy streets. Find a hotel or guesthouse around the Royal Mile or Grassemarket.

Edinburgh has a rich culinary landscape. Not without sampling Scotland's national dish, haggis, which is usually served with turnips and potatoes. The city also boasts fresh seafood, local craft beers, and, of course, a huge variety of whiskies. For a sweet tooth, indulge in Scottish fingers, a fudge-like candy. You can head to Makars Mash Bar, which is a popular Scottish restaurant where slow-cooked lamb and beef are the signature dishes. In the afternoon, visit The Beach House by the beach for a seasonal special while enjoying the ocean views.

Day Tours From Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a great starting point for exploring Scotland's diverse landscape and rich history. Several convenient day trips from Edinburgh allow you to get out of the city and explore iconic sights. Here are some popular destinations:

Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands: Take a boat trip on the famous Loch Ness in search of the legendary Loch Ness Monster “Nessie”. Experience magnificent mountain scenery and vast wilderness. Some tours may stop at charming Scottish Highland villages or historic sites such as the ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and Trossachs National Park: Visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most important fortresses. Explore the fascinating natural beauty of Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater loch in Great Britain, and the scenic Trossachs National Park.

Outlander Filming Locations Tour: Step into the world of the hit TV series Outlander by visiting key filming locations such as Doune Castle, Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and the beautiful village of Culross.