Tours from Edinburgh

The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse through the heart of Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town. This historic thoroughfare has been at the centre of Edinburgh life for centuries.

Take time to explore its narrow closes and atmospheric side streets, browse traditional Scottish shops or stop at one of the many pubs, cafés and restaurants. Historic landmarks along the route include St Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House and some of Edinburgh’s most characterful centuries-old buildings.

The National Galleries of Scotland hold exceptional collections of Scottish and international art, which re displayed in several venues in the city.

The neoclassical National Gallery on The Mound is among Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks, overlooking Princes Street Gardens between the Old and New Towns.

Inside, discover masterpieces by celebrated artists including Rembrandt, Velázquez, Monet and Van Gogh, alongside works by important Scottish painters such as Sir Henry Raeburn. Admission to the main collection is free, making the gallery an excellent addition to an Edinburgh sightseeing itinerary.

The National Museum of Scotland is one of Edinburgh’s most popular visitor attractions, with fascinating collections covering Scottish history, science, technology, natural history and cultures from around the world.

Discover Scotland’s story from prehistoric times to the modern era, see historic treasures and explore interactive galleries suitable for visitors of all ages. The museum’s spectacular Victorian Grand Gallery is an attraction in its own right, while admission to the main permanent collections is free.

Princes Street Gardens lie between Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, on the site once occupied by the Nor Loch. Today, the gardens offer a welcome stretch of greenery below Edinburgh Castle and are a popular place for workers and visitors to stop and relax in the city centre.

The gardens offer superb views towards Edinburgh Castle and contain several important monuments, including the striking Scott Monument and colourful floral clock.

During the festive season, the surrounding area becomes a focal point for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations.

Step back 400 years at The Real Mary King’s Close, a cluster of streets and buildings hidden beneath the Royal Mile.

A guided tour takes you through the preserved streets, rooms and passageways, revealing what everyday life was like for the people who lived and worked here between the 17th and 19th centuries. Hear about the cramped living conditions, outbreaks of the plague and the challenges of living in a densely populated city.

Located close to Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile, The Scotch Whisky Experience provides an entertaining introduction to Scotland’s national drink.

Learn how Scotch whisky is produced, discover the differences between Scotland’s whisky-producing regions and find out how its distinctive flavours are created. A particular highlight is the impressive collection of Scotch whiskies, making this a popular attraction for anyone keen to discover more about Scotland’s whisky heritage.