Sitting regally at the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle has kept watch over the Scottish capital for centuries. Featured in many Edinburgh tours, the castle is a must-see if it’s your first time in town. 

Inside the fortress, you’ll discover everything from dungeons to the Crown Jewels. The staterooms were once used by the likes of Mary Queen of Scots and James VI, so you’ll be walking in famous footsteps.

Back outside, pop into the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery, which are both nearby. This is the historical heart of Edinburgh and a great place to start your explorations. 
 

The Royal Mile runs through the center of historic Edinburgh, connecting the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Many of the city’s major tourist sites can be enjoyed without straying too far from this famous road.

During these popular Edinburgh tours, you’ll wander down cobblestone passageways, discover ancient tenement buildings and pass through Parliament Square. Founded by King David I in 1124, St. Giles’ Cathedral is another highlight. 

Some excursions also include entry into Edinburgh Castle for an even more comprehensive overview of the Old Town. Meanwhile, the views from Castlehill provide a spectacular backdrop to your adventure. 
 

As you’d expect with such an old city, Edinburgh is home to all manner of ghostly goings on. If you’re feeling brave, you can head into the haunted vaults where the souls of the dead still roam. As dusk falls, visits to Greyfriars Kirkyard come into their own – there are over 10,000 people buried here!

You can enjoy ghost tours on foot or by bus, with theatrical guides telling tales of murder and mystery. Learn about the infamous witch trials that took place on the hill and discover how modern-day monsters still live on in urban myth. These tours aren’t for the faint-hearted!
 

It’s a badly kept secret that author J.K. Rowling penned the first Harry Potter book right here in Edinburgh. So, it makes sense that the city is well-connected to the world’s most famous boy wizard. 

There are several Harry Potter walking tours to enjoy, taking you to hotspots like Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Kirkyard. See if you can spot the graves that inspired many of the character names. 

Step your Harry Potter adventures up a notch with a ride on the iconic Jacobite Steam Train. Also known as the “Hogwarts Express”, the train takes you through some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes.  
 

Most Edinburgh tours focus on the Old Town, which has stood here for centuries. As you wander around the cobblestone streets, you’ll discover a whole world beyond the bagpipes and tartan shops of the Royal Mile. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Edinburgh’s Old Town is steeped in history. 

On a free walking tour, your guide will entertain you by recounting folk takes about the city, with visits to St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Grassmarket being particular highlights. Ghost tours are a fun way to learn about past residents, although you’ll need to keep your wits about you. Haunting apparitions have been known to pop up when you least expect them!

Did you know that there’s another city right beneath your feet? Edinburgh’s ancient streets date to the 18th century, and you can descend underground to see them for yourself. Popular excursions take you to the haunted vaults and the Real Mary King’s Close, which was once home to the city’s poorest residents.

Stories of murder and witchcraft run through the veins of many narratives. You’ll also hear how disease was a common enemy of the folk who lived here. Discover more about the city’s darker side with a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeon, where actors take you on a chilling journey through time. 
 

Scotland is king when it comes to whisky, and in Edinburgh, you’re spoiled for choice with a range of tasting experiences and tours to enjoy. At specialist venues across the city, you’ll discover the secrets behind the perfect blend of Scotch whisky. 

Some whisky tours take you behind the scenes at distilleries, before treating you to a wee dram or two. Each island and highland region of Scotland has its own special flavor, so try a few different brands to find your favorite!

Edinburgh gin experiences are all the rage too, with the unique collection of Scottish botanicals offering distinctive flavors. 
 

You might not expect boat trips to feature on Edinburgh tours, but cruising along the Firth of Forth is one of Scotland’s greatest pleasures. Some trips even come with cream tea on board! Sit back and relax as you power along the water, with views of the famous “three bridges” from the panoramic deck.

The red Forth Railway Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage site, while the Queensferry Crossing is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. The Forth Road suspension bridge completes the trio. 

You’ll also pass Inchcolm Island with its medieval abbey, and seals and porpoises are often spotted during the cruise. 
 

Once you’ve ticked off the city’s major landmarks, it’s time to explore further afield. There are heaps of day trips from Edinburgh to choose from, with most taking you into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. 

See if you can spot the famous Loch Ness Monster on a journey along Scotland’s most iconic stretch of water. Then head out west to visit the historic village of Glencoe. This is a paradise for photographers and hikers, with dramatic mountains all around. 

Other coveted locations include Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond. Wherever you end up, you’ll be in awe of nature.
 

For longer jaunts into the Highlands, there are several multi-day adventures from Edinburgh. Transport and accommodation are provided for a hassle-free round-trip excursion. 

Lying off Scotland’s west coast, the Isle of Skye is one of the UK’s most popular vacation destinations. Sandy beaches, medieval castles and towering cliffs all compete for your attention in this remote and beautiful wilderness. 

These 3-day tours from Edinburgh take in everything from Munro hikes and distillery visits to natural landmarks and boat rides. Many also stop at famous spots on the mainland, including the iconic Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness.