Edinburgh City Tour - 1 day tour
Edinburgh City Tour
One day tour
Enjoy unobstructed views for the best photo opportunities while listening to an informative and entertaining commentary. There are 14 conveniently located stops so you can easily explore the many attractions that Edinburgh has to offer.
Price range: £15 - £15
Hop-on, Hop-off - your ticket is valid for 24 hours
Grassmarket - hear grizzly tales of grave robbers and public executions
Edinburgh Castle - see the Scottish Crown Jewels and admire the views from the ramparts
Palace of Holyroodhouse - visit HM The Queen’s official residence in Scotland
Royal Mile - discover the historic heart of Edinburgh
New Town - explore the grand squares and sweeping crescents of the Georgian new town
Movie locations - Trainspotting, Burke and Hare and Greyfriars Bobby
Full Tour Itinerary
Edinburgh, the Royal and ancient capital of Scotland, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The ancient Royal Mile, with its cobbled streets, forms the backbone of the Medieval Old Town and is where much of Scotland's history was written. It leads from the Palace of Holyroodhouse(HM The Queen’s official residence in Scotland) all the way to Edinburgh Castle. This impressive fortress is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the historic Stone of Destiny. The views from the castle ramparts are just simply stunning. Along the way you’ll see the iconic Scottish Parliament building, John Knox House, St Giles Cathedral and much, much more!
Discover the sinister Grassmarket where the infamous murderers, Burke and Hare, had their lair. Many of their victims were enticed back here on their final journey! This was also the location of the city’s gallows and as executions drew a big crowd the expanse of the Grassmarket meant everyone could get a good view! Nearby discover the story behind Scotland's national drink with a visit to the fascinating Scotch Whisky Experience.
By contrast the 18th Century New Town boasts gracious Georgian terraces, crescents and grand squares. Shop until you drop in the designer shops of George Street or take a walk along Princes Street with its magnificent gardens, an outstanding feature making this one of the most spectacular shopping thoroughfares in the World.
This award-winning tour is fully accessible and offers a unique perspective on Edinburgh.
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.
Are admission fees included in the price of the ticket?
Admission fees are not included in the price of the tour. Many of the most popular museums and art galleries on each tour route are free of charge.
Where do I join the tour?
The main departure point is Waverley Bridge, however you can board the tour at 14 conveniently located bus stops along the line of route. Just hand over your tour voucher to either the driver or on-street ticket seller for a ticket that is valid for 24 hours.
How long does the tour last?
The full tour lasts for around 70 minutes if you were to travel the entire route without alighting. Many of our customers choose to do this as it’s a great way to orient yourself to the history and scenery of Edinburgh.
Is this tour wheelchair friendly?
Yes, all the buses used on the city tour can accommodate passengers in wheelchairs.
Inclusions
- Transport by open-top bus
- Personal recorded commentary in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish Dutch, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Russian plus 'Horrible Histories' Kid's Commentary.
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From Bus Stop YD
28 St Andrew Square
Edinburgh, EH2 1AF
Check-in: 08:45 hrs
Tour Departs: 09:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:00 hrs
Child details
Concession discount applies to children aged 5 to 15 years inclusive.
Children aged under 5 years travel free of charge.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Tour duration/Tickets Valid/Departures
60 minutes/24 hours/every 15-30 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
CS 00176

Blogs and Guides - discover insider tips and ideas
Customer Reviews Overall Rating:
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Rating:09 Jun 2015
Excellent experience
Banwari from London, United Kingdom
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Rating:26 Jun 2014
The ride and sights were fine. Our guide tended to talk over the pre-recorded satellite narration, which was a little irritating, and also vocalized some personal feelings that were offensive. It was in the context of not bringing hot, aromatic food onto the bus, which we could understand, but that tendency was then attached to a particular ethnic group.
Steven from Albuquerque, United States
