edinburgh city sightseeing tour

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CS St Andrew Square

City Sightseeing Edinburgh

Focussing on Edinburgh's Old Town, this multi-language tour listened to through headphones shows you the main sights of the city. City Sightseeing Tour leaves from Waterloo Place.

City Sightseeing Edinburgh, pick up your headphones, choose your seat , pick your channel and relax as we take you round the Old Town of Edinburgh and show off the sights. Available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, Mandarin Chinese and a special Horrible Histories Children's Tour narrated by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary!

From £18 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• 44 (131) 5562244
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Key facilities

• Level Access
• Pets Welcome

Tour information

• Edinburgh - City Centre
• Architecture

Tour prices

From £18 Per Adult £16 Concession

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour gallery

Tour company information, edinburgh bus tours.

Hop-on, hop-off and discover the best of Edinburgh with an open-top Edinburgh Bus Tour. The 5-star rated tours showcase the best of Edinburgh with a choice of a specially trained live guide or multi-lingual commentary . Get a unique view of Scotland's capital from the top deck of our 3 city tour routes and enjoy sights such as Edinburgh's Medieval Old and Georgian New Towns, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse , The Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. See more for less and make the most of your visit with a choice of multi-tour tickets for 24 or 48 hours

Social Channels

Visit Edinburgh Bus Tours

Opening times

Departing Waterloo Place every day from 0900-18.00 (09.00 -16.00 Nov-Mar) www.edinburghtour.com Download our new app ,live times plus info on attractions & discounts edinburghtour.com/app

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Explore Edinburgh

Beaming with awe-inspiring attractions like the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, and Carlton Hill, Edinburgh is a wonder to adventure through.

Discover the wonders of Edinburgh effortlessly with our entertaining and affordable Bright Bus Tours. You’ll get to see the most stunning city sights comfortably on board our guided tourist bus in Edinburgh. View our hop-on hop-off City Tour & Britannia Tour maps to plan your next visit to Edinburgh.

See the City’s Highlights With Our Edinburgh Sightseeing Tours

Get front-row seats to the best attractions in town with our Britannia Tour and City Centre Tour . Our hop-on hop-off Edinburgh bus takes you directly to some of the most popular and hidden gems that make this city so unique.

These are just some of the best places to visit in Edinburgh when you hop on our Edinburgh sightseeing bus tours.

Burns Monument

This 19th-century Neo-Greek Temple is dedicated to one of Scotland’s most beloved poets – Robert Burns. While it originally contained a marble statue of the literature legend, you can still enjoy a view of Calton Hill from its ruins. 

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with views of the city so awe-inspiring that it’s been captured by artists throughout the centuries. Be sure to visit the Parthenon-inspired National Monument and the many other monuments on this volcanic hill.

Dynamic Earth & Arthur’s Seat

Our Edinburgh tour stops at Dynamic Earth, near the famous Arthur’s Seat. Make your way through a jam-packed journey of 360 interactive galleries and stunning sights before taking a journey to the summit of Arthur’s Seat. This ancient volcano is thought to have been the site of King Arthur’s famous castle, Camelot.

Edinburgh Castle

Travel back in time at one of Europe’s oldest-standing fortifications. Built in the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle has served as a royal residence, fortress, and prison. Learn about the castle’s turbulent and vast history before stopping by The Tea Rooms for a traditional afternoon tea.

Holyrood Distillery

When Edinburgh Distillery closed in 1925, it left an unfortunate century-long gap in Edinburgh brewing. Holyrood Distillery closed that gap by becoming the first new whisky distillery in Edinburgh in a hundred years. This modern brewery is a fantastic place to sample creative whiskies. 

John Knox House

With history tracing back all the way to 1470, this house is one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile. John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation, briefly stayed in these hallowed halls before his untimely death in 1572.

Johnston Terrace 

Just a few minutes away from the Royal Mile is the Johnston Terrace, an important architectural journey in the city’s history. Opened to the public in the 1830s, the terrace was part of Thomas Hamilton’s move to create a Western Approach for Edinburgh. 

Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh was built in the 16th century and is currently part of Huntley’s House. There are many famous historical objects here, such as the National Covenant of 1638. You can also enjoy family-based activities, like a mysterious detective case to work out with the children.

National Museum of Scotland

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland collected the first archaeological objects that formed this museum’s collection. It was opened to the public in 1998 with the development of the National Museum of Scotland. You can see Mary Queen of Scots’ personal collection here, and even the iconic Lewis Chess Pieces from the 12th century. 

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse was originally designed in 1671 as an official home of the British monarch. While royalty no longer live here, they still use the venue for official royal ceremonies and other important events.

Royal Botanic Garden  

Spreading 70 acres long, this incredible landmark was founded in 1670 to grow medicinal plants. The Royal Botanic Garden is home to one of the largest and richest plant collections on earth. The beautiful garden offers several short courses on botany and herbology and plenty of opportunity to admire nature.

Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the highlights of our Britannia Tour, with a history dating back to 1953. It was originally built to serve as the first sailing-worthy vessel, primarily for the British Royal Family. Join our Edinburgh hop-on, hop-off bus tour and walk the five decks, marvel at the engine room, and even see Queen Elizabeth’s favourite room.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

With two sculpture parks and two galleries, you’ll have your fill of Edinburgh art and culture at this gallery. Opened in 1960, The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is home to a number of remarkable works by famous painters such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Picasso.

Victoria Street (AKA Diagon Alley)

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, don’t miss this charming street when you’re sightseeing in Edinburgh. It’s rumoured to be the inspiration behind the movie’s Diagon Alley, where Harry received his first wand. It’s a fan favourite on our sightseeing bus in Edinburgh!

Water of Leith

The Water of Leith used to be a bustling centre during the industrial period in Edinburgh. Now, you can wander along the approximately 20km walking route along the river and enjoy neoclassical architecture in St Bernard’s Well, see the Antony Gormley Statues, and more.

Want to see all of these incredible sights in two days? Book our Two Tours, Two Days sightseeing tour in Edinburgh for 48 hours of fun.

Two Tours, Two Days Tickets

Adult Ticket

Family Ticket (2 Adults and 3 Kids, under 5s go free)

Concession (Over 60s & Students)

BUY TICKETS HERE

Bright Bus Tours: Fun & Affordable Edinburgh Bus Tours

Bright Bus Tours are based in Edinburgh, Scotland and has been the vessel for countless adventures since 2019. As Scotland’s official hop-on, hop-off bus in Edinburgh, we have a 5-star rating for top-tier customer service and a 4-star rating in quality assurance.

When you take a sightseeing bus tour of Edinburgh with us, you gain access to one of the most affordable and enjoyable ways of taking in the city. On top of our informative sightseeing tours in Edinburgh, we also offer the fastest airport exchanges for visitors with our Bright Bus Airport Express .

Our Edinburgh sightseeing tours are the best way to experience Scotland’s capital city on a budget. Book an Edinburgh bus tour with Bright Bus Tours today!

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City Sightseeing Edinburgh: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour | KIDS GO FREE Special Offer!

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

Ticket is valid for 24 hours

Buses run between 9am to 4pm, every 30 minutes. Full loop takes 60 minutes.

Just hop on at any of the stops and show your e-voucher to the bus driver and you’re good to go! The first stop is Waterloo Place.

You can hop off at any of the stops

Kids go free offer: Kids go free with a full-paying adult ticket. Offer valid for bookings with travel until March 31st, 2025!

• Personalise your Edinburgh travels with this 24-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket
• Hop on and off as you like to get up close with your favourite attractions
• Kids go free with a full paying adult ticket. Offer valid for bookings with travel until March 31st 2024!
• From Edinburgh Castle to the Farmer’s Market, the trail covers it all
• Enjoy an immersive multilingual commentary on board
• Keep your kids engaged with the ‘Horrible Stories’ commentary
• Both printed and smartphone vouchers accepted!
• Your voucher will be valid for 12 months from the date chosen at the time of booking

KIDS GO FREE OFFER: Kids go free with a full-paying adult ticket. Offer valid for bookings with travel until March 31st 2025!  Up to three kids can travel free per adult ticket. Please still add child tickets to the cart when making your purchase.

The ever-popular Edinburgh Hop-on, Hop-off tour allows you to explore this historic city at your own pace and create your perfect sightseeing itinerary, hopping on and off the buses as you wish. 

Conducted on an open-topped double-decker bus, the tour has an exceptional array of stops - all strategically located to get you up close to your favorite attractions. From the spectacular Edinburgh Castle to the 15th-century John Knox House and The Queen’s official residence - the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the comprehensive route covers it all. Not to mention there’s an engaging audio commentary available on board in different languages so that you don’t miss out on a single story of this incredible city. We got your kids covered, too, with the award-winning ‘Horrible Stories’ commentary available for them in English. 

Some of the hop-on, hop-off stops are: 

• Waterloo Place
• St. Andrew Square
• Lothian Road
• Grassmarket
• Lauriston Place
• Johnston Terrace
• Chambers Street
• John Knox House
• Our Dynamic Earth
• Regent Road

About the Supplier:  City Sightseeing is one of the leading tour operators offering hop-on, hop-off services across 100 locations worldwide. They have been providing quality services since 1998.

Please note that the stops and timings are subject to change.

• 24-hour Hop-On, Hop-Off ticket
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian
• Kid's Commentary in English
• Free headphones and WiFi onboard
• Entrances to attractions, unless specified

Useful downloads

Please note.

Voucher information:  You can show your voucher on your smartphone or other devices. (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!)

Up to three kids can travel free per adult ticket. Please still add child tickets to the cart when making your purchase.

Voucher Validity:  12 months from the date chosen at the time of booking.

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes

Timings and stops are subject to change. The updated route map will be available on the buses.

Edinburgh is a functioning city and weather, traffic, and events may occasionally cause disruption.

Stop 7 has moved back to Lawnmarket from its temporary location near the castle.

If you are traveling by cruise, you might want to keep the following details in mind:

• Don’t forget to check the exact location of Edinburgh port before you arrive.
• If you are coming into Leith, you can take a shuttle from the terminal to Waterloo Place (Stop Number 1).
• If you are coming into South Queensferry (Hounds Point), you can take a shuttle from the terminal to Charlotte Square, which is an approximately 10-minutes walk from Stop Number 2.
• Finally, if you are coming to Newhaven, you can take a local bus to central Edinburgh which will take you approximately 30 minutes.

Customer Reviews

Andy holland.

Really good way to see Edinburgh. Good to have a ticket that lasts 24 hours so you can hop on and off whenever you want! Interesting audio via earplugs also!

Margaret Trevelyan

Really easy to book. No wait to get on buses. Able to follow commentary and map easily. Worth every penny.

Kialoso Gloria Menakuntima

Beautiful experience

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The 21 best things to do in Edinburgh

E dinburgh has become synonymous with the annual Fringe Festival, which sees thousands of attendees flock to the city every August. But there are plenty of other amazing sights and attractions that pull in visitors all year round. From whisky tastings, to exploring Japanese gardens and 300-year-old underground passages, this is how you can get to know the Scottish capital.

Read on for all our expert tips, plus here's what you can do for  free in the Scottish capital . We can also help you plan a  weekend in Edinburgh , alongside our dedicated guides covering the best  hotels ,  restaurants ,  bars & pubs ,  nightlife  and  independent shops . 

Find things to do by area

• Out of town

Immerse yourself in the world's biggest arts festival

More than 60 years ago the International Festival’s founders set out to bring art, culture, colour and prosperity to a gritty and grey post-war Edinburgh. Now there are seven festivals in August, including the Fringe, Book and Comedy Festivals. Every year Edinburghers fall in love with it all over again as Auld Reekie becomes, quite literally, the city that never sleeps. 

Insider's tip:  It’s worth planning well ahead as hotels and restaurants book up early and headline shows sell out, but if you haven’t, don’t despair; there’s somehow always a room, tent or even a sofa somewhere, and always another free show.

Contact:   eif.co.uk  

Price:  £-£££

Visit the city's goriest museum

You’ll need a strong stomach and a morbid sense of humour to enjoy the fascinating Surgeons' Hall Museums. There are life-sized tableaux, tools of the surgical and dental trade that will make your toes curl (there’s probably a device for that), gruesome photographs, and pickled and preserved body parts. The unnervingly extensive collections include pathology and histories of surgery and dentistry.

Insider's tip: One of the more disturbing objects on display is a notebook bound in the skin of William Burke – one of the well-known Edinburgh bodysnatchers. It's possibly not the most family-friendly destination, unless your last name is Addams.

Contact:   museum.rcsed.ac.uk

Price:  £

Take your taste buds for a stroll around town

An Eat, Walk Edinburgh tour will provide you with an excellent gourmet introduction to the city. You’ll try 'starter-sized' taster dishes and samples of whisky, wine and beer along the way, but don't expect all the food to be Scottish – this is about all the variety Edinburgh has to offer.

Insider's tip: Plan this activity for day one, as you finish the tour with lots of useful information and a discount card for participating bars and restaurants. You'll also benefit from a lovely glow from the exercise (and the nips of malt whisky along the way).

Contact:  eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk

Explore the Queen's Scottish home

A tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse – Queen Elizabeth II's official gaff in Scotland –  will show you more tapestries, portraits, and plasterwork than you can shake a sceptre at. You'll also be able to see Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers, where her courtier Rizzio was stabbed 56 times and then thrown down the stairs by her jealous husband. There are free audio tours, a gift shop and a smart courtyard café.

Insider's tip: In summer, take a guided tour of the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the nearby abbey, but keep in mind that the star attraction is the Queen’s Gallery with its fabulous exhibitions of the best art from the Royal Collections.

Contact:  royalcollection.org.uk

Price:  ££

See Scotland’s Stone of Destiny

Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most famous landmark, broods over Edinburgh – an elephantine presence on its dramatic volcanic rock. Home to the oldest crown jewels in Britain, Mons Meg and the Stone of Destiny, not to mention the  military tattoo, it’s more than a monument – it’s part of the city’s every day life. In fact, locals have been setting their watches by the one o’clock gun since 1861.

Insider's tip: There are complimentary guided tours to help you make sense of it all, or you can pay for an audio guide. Give the crowds a miss by purchasing tickets and downloading audio guides in advance online and visiting early in the day.

Contact:  edinburghcastle.gov.uk

Book tickets

Take part in a literary-themed pub crawl

As the first Unesco City of Literature, Edinburgh has a long – and sometimes dishonourable – literary history. It's cleverly brought to life on the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour by two professional actors who focus on writers from the past. Tours start at 7.30pm in the Grassmarket and tickets can be bought online, at the meeting point, or from the Visit Scotland Information Centre in the Waverley Mall.

Insider's tip: The tour makes stops in several pubs where you can have a drink while you enjoy the guides' performance, or if you’re more of a misanthrope there’s a self-guided tour app on the website (but it’s more fun with the live guides).

Contact:   edinburghliterarypubtour.co.uk

Take a whisky masterclass

You may not be sure about the plastic barrel ride at the start, but there are worse ways to learn how whisky is made. The tour leaders at The Scotch Whisky Experience are brilliant and the Gold Tour upgrade is a revelation. Aficionados should opt for the Morning Masterclass, and gourmands should consider the Taste of Scotland Whisky and Food Tour, which includes a three-course meal in the Amber Restaurant.

Insider's tip: After the tour, visit the bar to find 300 whiskies and great views. It also offers Scotland’s other national drink – Irn-Bru – for teetotallers. If you have a cold, ask for a restorative hot toddy.

Contact:  scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Go ghost hunting

You can’t throw a haggis on the Royal Mile without hitting a ghost tour, but if you’re looking for one grounded in history, The Real Mary King's Close is the tour for you. You’ll explore hidden 17th-century streets – long considered to be haunted by plague victims who were walled up alive. The odd murder and a healthy population of other ghosts adds further interest.

Insider's tip: Bear in mind there are 58 steps down and 38 up to be negotiated, so it’s not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, the claustrophobic, or those with limited mobility. Children under five will not be admitted at all.

Contact:   realmarykingsclose.com

Price:  ££

Step into a world of optical illusions

Even in a high-tech world, a simple pin-hole camera that can project razor sharp moving images from distances that defeat modern cameras feels like magic. Children will love Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and enjoy learning how to make do-it-yourself spyware using a cardboard box, tin foil and a blanket. There are optical illusions, games and a dizzying holographic exhibit that will delight visitors of all ages, too.

Insider's tip: It’s a great way to spend time on a wet day or revive tired children, and the 360-degree view from the roof is one of the best perspectives on the city – no matter what kind of camera you use.

Contact:   camera-obscura.co.uk

Experience life in 17th-century Edinburgh

Should you find yourself wandering down the Royal Mile, wondering what it was like to live in a towering tenement 300 hundred years ago, you can find out on a visit to Gladstone's Land. The National Trust has meticulously restored this wealthy Edinburgh merchant’s house to provide a fascinating recreation of the cramped conditions – even for the wealthy – in 17th-century Edinburgh. And there’s a good ice cream parlour, too. Try ‘The Butcher’: vanilla ice cream, candied bacon and whisky sauce.

Insider's tip:  You’ll see the kitchen and a pretty panelled parlour, but don’t miss the Painted Chamber. This bedroom contains what is considered the best original wall and ceiling decoration in Scotland.

Contact:  nts.org.uk

Price:  £

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

No one can fail to be stirred by this anachronistic but irresistible spectacle. Perhaps it’s the vibrating beat of hundreds of drums accompanying perfectly drilled marching bands, or the skirl of pipes (or twirl of kilts)? Or the sheer scale of it, under the towering walls of Edinburgh Castle, bursting fireworks overhead making the pulse beat faster. It certainly takes a heart of stone not to feel the pathos of the lone piper’s lament calling from high on the ramparts. Every festival-goer should go at least once (there’s a different theme each year). Just remember to take a handkerchief.

Contact:   edintattoo.co.uk

Tour the city in an open-top bus

You’ll find several sightseeing tours operating under the Edinburgh Bus Tours banner, but The City Sightseeing Tour offers a useful overview of the major attractions, operates all year round and is particularly good for children – the choice of audio commentaries includes a 'Horrible Histories' version for young ones.

Insider's tip:  A Royal Edinburgh ticket will give you 48 hours of access to all three of the available tours plus free entry to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Contact:   edinburghtour.com

Dress up like 18th-century landed gentry

A visit to The Georgian House (a National Trust property) on the enduringly fashionable Charlotte Square is an absorbing way to get a sense of what life was like in a prosperous 18th-century household in the New Town – both for the family and those below stairs. The house was designed by Scottish neoclassical architect Robert Adam, and is a particularly fine example of Georgian architecture that's been beautifully and accurately furnished.

Insider's tip:  Do talk to the guides in each room who like to show off their detailed knowledge and if your children aren’t inspired by antiques, they can dress up in the period costumes available in the activity room.

Learn to cook Scottish fare

Gourmands can get to grip with local ingredients on a full-day cookery course. The well-regarded Edinburgh New Town Cookery School runs small one-day courses that are both professional and fun. Use the best Scottish ingredients in the Fish and Shellfish Workshop, or learn how to cook with game in a masterclass of meat. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy mastering the indulgent creations in the patisserie workshop and at the end of the experience, you’ll get to try your hard work with a glass or two of wine in an elegant dining room with views all the way to the Firth of Forth.

Insider's tip: Book early as courses fill up quickly.

Contact:   entcs.co.uk

Visit Edinburgh's 'other castle'

Locals like to take visitors to this charming alternative to Edinburgh Castle. Craigmillar Castle is one of best examples of the medieval variety in Scotland and much of the structure is in remarkably good order. Explore from the top of the tower house to the gloomy basement where a skeleton was found walled up in the early 19th century. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here twice – the area is still called Petit France.

Insider's tip:  Wood from ancient yew trees in the inner courtyard is said to have been used for making bows, which is an interesting fact for inspiring children’s imaginations in a place where they are positively encouraged to run wild.

Contact:   historicenvironment.scot

Tee up for outstanding city vistas

The Gentleman Golfers of Leith established the 'rules of golfing' on Leith Links in 1744, arguably making Edinburgh the home of golf. While you can no longer play in Leith, the 18-holes at the Edinburgh City Council-run Braid Hills Golf Course is a bargain. The layout itself is vertically challenging and is a Par 71 course. You can hire clubs and trolleys if you haven’t brought your own.

Insider's tip: It's worth a round even if you’re not a golfer, if only for the glorious views across the city to the Firth of Forth. Also be sure to look out for the gorse bushes – an unusually painful hazard.

Contact:   edinburghleisure.co.uk

Climb aboard a floating royal residence

The Royal Yacht Britannia was apparently frozen in time long before she was decommissioned. Look out for the various props found inside – there's everything from well-used board games in the sun lounge to toothbrushes in tumblers in the crew quarters. Together, the items bring Britannia, and the Queen’s fascinating frugality, to chintz-upholstered, brass-polished life. The comprehensive tour proceeds at a leisurely pace set by handheld recorded information delivered in suitably plummy tones.

Insider's tip:  Do plan to pause in the Royal Deck Tea Room for remarkably good simple lunches or a slap-up tea. Don’t miss the gift shop either, which is amusingly filled with stuffed corgis. 

Contact:  royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Take in a unique distillery

There are any number of distilleries in Edinburgh, from micro to maxi, but the Port of Leith distillery is the first vertical distillery in Scotland, already a local landmark and just a hop from the Ocean Terminal tram stop. It’s a striking building and a fascinating tour; the guides lively, well-informed and engaging – although it’s worth going just for the views from the bar at the top. In fact, consider booking a table for a few cocktails and perhaps the steak pie or the Clava brie tartiflette. There’s a shop as well selling Port of Leith white port and Olorosa sherry as well as blended whisky.

Contact: leithdistillery.com

Out of Town

Discover the city on two wheels.

You can take a gentle three-hour guided ride around The Royal Mile, New Town, Holyrood Park and Portobello with Edinburgh Bike Tours, or hire by the day for your own tour on Edinburgh’s extensive system of cycle routes; tagalongs, trailers and bikes for children are available. You’ll need to be fit, but not Tour de France standard.

Insider's tip: Catch the sea breeze on a full-day tour along the coast, which takes in historic Cramond, Queensferry and the Forth Bridges. You’ll escape the city traffic and see fascinating areas other tours don’t touch.

Contact:   edinburghbiketours.co.uk

Explore underground coves

Many locals don’t know about Gilmerton Cove, and it is certainly one of the city's more obscure attractions. Even archaeologists can’t explain the 300-year-old underground passages and rock-furnished rooms, hand carved from sandstone and hidden underneath the streets of this quiet suburb; but there are plenty of theories, as the enthusiastic guides will tell you. Maybe it was a meeting place for the Hellfire Club, a hiding place for Covenanters, or a drinkers’ den? Make up your own mind when you visit.

Insider's tip: Tours must be pre-booked and are unsuitable for wheelchair users and children under five. Steep steps and rough (sometimes wet) floors require sturdy shoes. Remember to take a torch for solo exploring.

Contact:   gilmertoncove.org.uk

Amble through a Japanese garden

Lauriston Castle is a 16th-century tower house with Victorian extensions. The building overlooks the Firth and is surrounded by woodlands and a Japanese garden. Inside, it's home to an impressive collection of fine furniture and ceramics, as well as the personal belongings of its wealthy owners. Look for the newspaper in the sitting room reporting the sinking of the Titanic. 

Insider's tip: Take a pleasing 15-minute stroll to the Boardwalk Beach Club café. It sits right on shores of the Firth and has a huge outdoor seating area with blankets, great views and yummy soups, sandwiches and scones. Children and dogs are looked after, too.

Contact: edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Price: £; the grounds are free

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles - and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.

CitySightseeing Edinburgh Tour

Available options:, description, additional information.

Entertaining and informative commentary is available in nine different languages*, alongside the Horrible Histories commentary – a great option for kids!

Child tickets will be issued when you board (up to 3 children free with every paying adult)

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