About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent more years than I’d like to admit chasing high occupancy rates and analyzing leads for luxury excursions, but sometimes the most "touristy" thing is actually the smartest play. We often scoff at the big red buses, yet in a city like Edinburgh—where the hills will absolutely murder your calves—sticking to a rigid itinerary is a rookie mistake. The industry loves to sell you "exclusive" hidden gems, but let’s be real: you’re here to see the Castle and the Royal Mile, not a damp alleyway someone labeled 'authentic' to boost their RevPAR. This hop-on hop-off setup gives you the freedom to ditch the schedule when a pub looks too inviting to pass up, which is exactly how travel should feel. It's a bit of a cliché, sure, but some cliches are popular for a reason—they just work.
About the Tour
Edinburgh is a city of two tales, and this tour is the best way to witness the architectural schitzophrenic nature of the Scottish capital. From the top of an open-air deck, you can physically see the divide between the cramped, dark history of the Old Town and the airy, calculated elegance of the Georgian New Town.
While you ride, the onboard commentary fills in the gaps, sharing stories that range from the noble to the downright gruesome. You'll hear about the "gardyloo" days when residents tossed waste out of windows, and the somber history of public hangings at the Grassmarket. All of this happens while you stare up at the Castle Rock, a fortress that looks genuinely impenetrable even by modern standards.
Why This Tour?
The beauty of a 24-hour ticket is the lack of pressure. Edinburgh is packed with world-class galleries and museums, and trying to see them all in one go is a recipe for burnout. This tour allows you to curate your own day. Want to spend three hours exploring the Palace of Holyroodhouse? Just hop off. Ready to grab a dram of whisky near John Knox House? The next bus is never far behind.
The Route & Key Stops
The tour hits 15 strategic points across the city, ensuring you aren't wasting time navigating the winding, often confusing "closes" (narrow alleyways) on foot unless you actually want to.
- The Royal Mile: The historic spine of the city connecting the Castle to the Palace.
- St. Andrew Square: The heart of the New Town’s retail and style.
- Our Dynamic Earth: Perfect if you have kids in tow and need a break from "old buildings."
- Grassmarket: Fantastic for photos of the Castle and a bit of dark history.
Full Stop List:
- Waterloo Place | 2. Lothian Road | 3. Grassmarket | 4. Nicolson Square | 5. Chambers Street | 6. George IV Bridge | 7. The Mound | 8. St. Andrew Square | 9. John Knox House | 10. Canongate | 11. Holyrood | 12. Our Dynamic Earth | 13. Abbeyhill Crescent | 14. Regent Road | 15. Burns Monument
Editor's Tip: If it starts to drizzle—and let's face it, this is Scotland—the lower deck is heated. Don't be a hero; stay dry and enjoy the view through the windows until the sun decides to make a guest appearance.
Highlights
- Tour Edinburgh at your own pace with a 24-hour ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus
- 3 Kids Go Free per paying Adult!
- Hop off at Edinburgh Castle and get great city views
- Learn as you go with the informative on-board audio commentary
- Keep the kids entertained with kid-friendly historical stories
Know before you go
- First departure from Stop 1 at 8:55am
- Last departure from Stop 1 at 3:55pm
- Buses run every 20 minutes
- Tour duration: 70 minutes
- Full mobility facilities on all tour buses, and a subtitled screen downstairs for those who are hard of hearing
- With your voucher, enjoy flexible access for up to 12 months from the travel date you select at check-out
- Kids go free! Up to 3 kids can travel for free per adult ticket. Child tickets must be added to basket when purchasing tickets. Valid for travel before 31st March 2026
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
Waterloo Place
Saint Andrew Square
Pass by
Lothian Road, Edinburgh
Pass by
Grassmarket
Pass by
Chalmers Street
Pass by
Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh
Pass by
Lawnmarket, Edinburgh
Pass by
National Museum of Scotland
Pass by
High Street, Edinburgh
Pass by
Canongate District
Pass by
Holyrood Palace
Pass by
Dynamic Earth
Pass by
Abbeyhill
Pass by
Regent Road
Pass by
Arrive back at:
Waterloo Place