Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh · 891m from downtown

2.9k reviews

Edinburgh Castle stands atop a volcanic rock cliff at the end of the Royal Mile. For nearly a thousand years, it has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison, bearing witness to Scotland's turbulent history. The castle brings together several iconic buildings and exhibition halls: St Margaret's Chapel, built in the twelfth century, is one of the earliest surviving stone structures in Edinburgh, and this Romanesque chapel still retains its medieval appearance; the One O'Clock Gun, in use since 1861, was originally fired to help calibrate time for ships in the Firth of Forth, a tradition that has continued for more than a hundred years and is one of the castle's most recognizable traditional features. In the Crown Room of the Royal Palace, the Honours of Scotland are displayed alongside the Stone of Destiny; this set of treasures, comprising a crown, a sceptre, and a sword of state, dates back to the sixteenth century and is an important symbol of Scottish sovereignty. The National War Museum on the west side of the castle uses uniforms, medals, and weapons to trace Scotland's centuries of military history. Looking north from the high ramparts of the castle, visitors can take in the magnificent sea views of the Firth of Forth; this is also an excellent spot for overlooking the skyline of Edinburgh's Old Town.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town

9

Edinburgh · 487m from downtown

133 reviews

Edinburgh Old Town refers to the old town area of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The district preserves many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including notable landmarks such as St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland, the Surgeons' Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Strolling through the streets of Edinburgh Old Town, exploring the unique architecture, pubs, restaurants, and shops on either side, with the occasional sound of beautiful Scottish bagpipe music in the air, is a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

8.7

Edinburgh · 997m from downtown

384 reviews

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Scotland, used for state ceremonies and official entertainment. This palace has been a royal residence for over 500 years and is deeply intertwined with Scotland's rich history. A visit to the palace includes the historic apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots, where many dramatic events occurred during her brief and tumultuous reign, including the brutal murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio by her husband Lord Darnley. In the palace's State Apartments, visitors can admire the magnificent Great Gallery, where grand balls were held in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie established his Jacobite court at the palace. Today's State Apartments reflect the evolving tastes of successive monarchs, renowned for their exquisite plaster ceilings and an unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. They house a significant portion of the Royal Collection's artworks, many of which have long-standing connections to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scotland. A visit to the palace also includes the opportunity to explore the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the palace's unique gardens, set against the backdrop of Arthur's Seat. At the palace café, visitors can enjoy homemade dishes made from local produce, ranging from light snacks and lunches to afternoon tea.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

The Scotch Whisky Experience

7.4

4.4/5

234 reviews

TOURS & TASTINGS Silver Tour – ONE WHISKY – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Ideal for whisky first-timers & families Interactive & fun introduction to Scotch whisky Hosted in English with free audio guides in 21 languages A storytelling adventure for everyone, rich in visuals, aromas and sensory surprises. Discover the origins of whisky, art of whisky making and magic of maturation. Step inside the cask and experience its fiery creation – seen nowhere else in the world! Learn why the angels always take their share. Unlock the contrasting aromas and flavours of Scotland's five whisky regions. Journey across Scotland in our sweeping 180-degree cinema – from the mysterious Loch Ness to the ‘Harry Potter' steam train, past the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, over castles and distilleries. You'll even see Highland cows! Delve into the history and alchemy of creating the perfect blend. Explore the glass-and-marble vault of the world's most popular whisky collection – one of the seven wonders of the Scotch whisky world. Master the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Includes Tutored tasting of one single malt, blend or soft drink – you choose! Gift-boxed original Glencairn crystal whisky glass worth £7.00 to take home (adults only). Special whisky aroma card to take home. Digital tutorial on hosting your own tasting – includes the five steps to appreciating Scotch. Gold Tour – FIVE WHISKIES – guided tour & tutored tasting with an expert Get a REAL taste for Scotch whisky Ideal for whisky enthusiasts Includes Our SILVER TOUR with one whisky of your choice + all inclusions... PLUS Tutored nosing & tasting of four contrasting regional single malts. From the citrus notes of the Lowlands and fruitiness of Speyside to the heathery Highlands and unmistakable smokiness of Islay, our expert led nosing and tasting offers a complete journey across Scotland's whisky regions. One year membership of the Scotch Whisky Appreciation Society, with discounts in our award-winning specialist whisky bar and shop – home to 600 single malts, blends & Scotch whisky liqueurs.

Edinburgh · 690m from downtown

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Princes Street

6.8

4.8/5

339 reviews

The total length of Princes Street is only 1.5 kilometers. This street divides Edinburgh into two cities, the old and the new, the new city in the north and the old city in the south. The east end of Princes Street is connected to Calton Hill. The hill is not high and overlooks the city.

Edinburgh · 627m from downtown

National Museum of Scotland

6.5

Edinburgh · 709m from downtown

285 reviews

The National Museum of Scotland was formed by the merger of the original Scottish Museum and the Royal Scottish Museum, and is considered one of the buildings of Scotland in the 20th century, adding a lively modern atmosphere to Edinburgh's Old Town. The architectural design of the museum echoes the unique history and natural environment of Scotland, especially the Round Tower in Edinburgh, forming an ingenious connection between history and modernity. The building is clad in Scottish golden sandstone, creating a weather-beaten ancient look. The triangular entrance hall is as high as seven floors, creating a sense of space full of tension, which is vividly likened to a "bird cage". The light is good, and the sun can almost fill every corner of the hall. Decorative pieces such as fountains and fish ponds add to the natural appeal.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

St Giles' Cathedral

6.3

4.5/5

169 reviews

St Giles' Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile in the city center of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a representative religious building in Edinburgh and an important church of the Church of Scotland. Its religious history dates back to 1124, and the existing building has undergone expansions and renovations over several periods, featuring an overall medieval Gothic architectural style. The exterior is characterized by stone walls, pointed arched windows, and a striking crown spire. The spire rises high above the city blocks and is a highly recognizable view in the Royal Mile area. Today, it is still used for daily worship, while also being open to visitors and hosting concerts and cultural events.

Edinburgh · 449m from downtown

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Bus Tours

6.3

Edinburgh · 363m from downtown

16 reviews

Edinburgh Bus Tours offer an immersive experience to explore the rich history and culture of Scotland's capital. As a charming city, Edinburgh is renowned for its magnificent architecture, long history, and diverse cultural activities. The city sightseeing provides multiple carefully designed bus routes, covering major tourist attractions and hidden gems, allowing visitors to explore the city with ease and convenience. Hop aboard the open-top Edinburgh Bus Tours to admire the majestic Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, and soak in the historic charm of ancient streets. The bus passes iconic landmarks like the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the National Museum of Scotland, and Princes Street Gardens, with each stop offering opportunities to delve deeper into the city's culture and history. The onboard multilingual audio guide provides rich background knowledge and fascinating stories, making your journey even more enriching. Whether it's your first visit or a return to the city, Edinburgh Bus Tours offer a comprehensive and flexible way to explore. Hop on and off at your leisure, tailoring your itinerary to your interests and pace while fully experiencing Edinburgh's unique charm. This isn't just a sightseeing trip—it's a cultural journey that lets you engage deeply with the city.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Dungeon

6.2

4.4/5

22 reviews

The Edinburgh Dungeon is a very popular experience for young people. There is no real dungeon here, but there are realistic historical scenes, and professional actors introduce and interpret Scotland's unbearable history for you, allowing you to experience it from all aspects of vision, hearing, and touch, as if you really went through a time tunnel back to the time when the story took place. This is not only an interesting and unforgettable experience, but also can bring some inspiration to people. It is worth a visit. It should be noted that since the experience here may have some scary scenes, tourists with poor mental state and too young should choose carefully.

Edinburgh · 287m from downtown

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Calton Hill

6.1

4.6/5

516 reviews

Calton Hill is a high vantage point overlooking the entire city of Edinburgh, dotted with several neoclassical memorial buildings. Take a walk along the summit trail, and from the top, looking west, you can take in the entire cityscape, with the magnificent Edinburgh Castle standing in the distance, the vast waters of the Firth of Forth visible to the north, and buildings such as the Scottish Parliament Building and the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the south. A prominent feature on the summit is the National Monument of Scotland, built to commemorate those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It was left unfinished due to a lack of funds, and today only a row of massive columns supporting a beam remains. The nearby Nelson Monument was built in the early 19th century and features a time ball on top, which drops promptly every afternoon. It was originally a signaling device set up to calibrate time for ships in the Port of Leith. Not far away is the Dugald Stewart Monument, with several stone columns supporting a circular dome. Its elegant design makes it a classic foreground for photographing the Edinburgh skyline.

Edinburgh · 397m from downtown

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Experiences you can't miss in Edinburgh

Featured Day tours in Edinburgh

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1-day tour to Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe + Loch Ness with Edinburgh round-trip

5.0/5

· 2 reviews· 123 booked

Duration: 2.7 hrs

English

Free cancellation

96 travellers saved

FromTHB 3,327.78

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Scottish Highlands Glen Coe + Harry Potter filming location viaduct 1-day tour Edinburgh

5.0/5

· 4 reviews

Duration: 1.5 hrs

English

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FromTHB 2,771.46

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Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour

4.6/5

· 442 reviews· 136 booked

Duration: 735 mins

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FromTHB 2,476.38

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Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

4.3/5

· 639 reviews· 51 booked

Duration: 60–75 mins

English

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FromTHB 960.43

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3 Day : Isle of Skye & The Highlands Tour (B&B Single Accommodation)

Duration: 72 hrs

English

FromTHB 23,717.65

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Edinburgh Highlights and Hidden Gems - Private Tour with a Local

Duration: 24 hrs

English

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FromTHB 4,170.64

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Legendary Ancient Battlefield Day Tour in the UK|Scottish Castles and Palaces|Comfortable minivan

Duration: 6.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromTHB 4,184.60

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Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe + Harry Potter filming location viaduct 1-day tour

Duration: 1.8 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromTHB 3,282.26

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Featured Food & drink in Edinburgh

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Restaurant reservation service for the popular The Dome in Edinburgh, UK

English

FromTHB 274.86

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Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

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Prestonfield House restaurant reservation service in Edinburgh, UK

English

FromTHB 274.86

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90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town

4.8/5

· 275 reviews

Duration: 90 mins

English

Free cancellation

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64 consecutive positive reviews

FromTHB 1,920.86

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Restaurant reservation service for the popular Mash Bar in Edinburgh, UK

English

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Restaurant reservation service for The Palmerston, a popular restaurant in Edinburgh, UK

English

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Edinburgh: Scottish Cooking Class + Dinner

Duration: 3 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromTHB 4,308.22

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Edinburgh: Gin Distillation Workshop with Gin Tasting

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 3 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromTHB 4,035.49

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Featured Culture & history in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus in the United Kingdom

4.9/5

· 17 reviews· 961 booked

English

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FromTHB 607.24

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City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

4.4/5

· 1.1k reviews· 56 booked

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FromTHB 920.92

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Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands tour from Edinburgh

3.5/5

· 7 reviews

Duration: 750 mins

English

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FromTHB 2,515.24

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John Knox House: Entry Ticket

FromTHB 313.94

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Featured City sightseeing in Edinburgh

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United Kingdom Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus - Big Bus Edinburgh

4.8/5

· 4 reviews· 112 booked

English

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FromTHB 770.90

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Edinburgh ghost bus tour in the UK - vintage bus + scary conductor performance

Duration: 75 mins

English

FromTHB 851.87

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Edinburgh BigBus hop-on hop-off bus (Royal Mile + flexible stops + Scottish old town)

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FromTHB 1,011.49

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Edinburgh Audio Tour: Bridges, Burials & Monumental Mysteries

Duration: 1.5 hrs

English

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20% off

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FromTHB 239.46THB 299.33

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Edinburgh CitySightseeing old town hop-on hop-off bus (visit the royal castle + open-top views + mysterious Scotland)

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FromTHB 910.34

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Top Edinburgh: Private guided tour with your mobile

Duration: 1.6 hrs

English

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FromTHB 374.63

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More things to do

Edinburgh Cruises

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29 days · Arctic · Dover - Netherlands - United Kingdom - Ireland - Norway - Dover

Depart from Dover

From THB 141,040

29 days · Arctic · Rotterdam - United Kingdom - Ireland - Netherlands - Norway - Rotterdam

Depart from Rotterdam

From THB 137,831

36 days · Reykjavik - Europe - Reykjavik

4.6/5 · 55 reviews

Princess Cruises ·

Regal Princess4

Depart from Reykjavik

From THB 386,471

29 days · Arctic · Rotterdam - Norway - United Kingdom - Netherlands - Ireland - Rotterdam

Depart from Rotterdam

From THB 139,013

15 days · Reykjavik - Iceland - United Kingdom - Netherlands - Norway - Rotterdam

4.5/5 · 7 reviews

MS Rotterdam4

Depart from Reykjavik

From THB 84,253

10 days · Reykjavik - Grundarfjordur - Heimaey - Lerwick - Edinburgh - London

Ritz-Carlton Cruises ·

Evrima5

Depart from Reykjavik

From THB 533,756

29 days · Dover - Netherlands - Morocco - Spain - Portugal - United Kingdom - Ireland - Dover

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Depart from Dover

From THB 136,480

Private Tours in Edinburgh

10D9N • United Kingdom + London + Edinburgh + Windermere Town + Cambridge + Oxford + York

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Enjoy high-quality value accommodations throughout your journey – Stay in selected hotels for comfort and relaxation after each day of exploration. · Travel with ease and flexibility – Dedicated private transfers with your own English-speaking driver ensure seamless transportation, allowing you to focus on the experience. · Personalized service from start to finish – Your dedicated concierge is available to assist with arrangements, recommendations, and any special requests throughout your journey.

From THB 100,515

9D8N • England & Scotland · Classic ring tour · From London to Edinburgh

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

A journey through academic prestige, ancient streets, highland views, and royal heritage. 2 castle tickets included. Early bird discount available! · Enjoy dedicated private transfers with professional drivers and customer support for a worry-free journey. · Stay in carefully selected hotels that perfectly balance comfort, location and local charm.

From THB 92,903

8D7N • United Kingdom + London + York + Edinburgh + Lake District National Park + Cotswolds AONB + Oxford

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From Academic Cambridge to Medieval York, from Edinburgh's Royal Mile to the Serene Lake District, and from the Cotswolds to Historic Oxford. · Enjoy dedicated private transfers with professional drivers and customer support for a worry-free journey. · Enjoy exclusive 4-diamond hotel accommodations throughout your journey, dedicated car service, and concierge one-on-one service.

From THB 82,442

10D9N • United Kingdom + London + Cambridge + Oxford + Windsor + York + Edinburgh + Manchester + Bath

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From THB 128,905

10D9N • United Kingdom + London + York + Edinburgh + Lake Windermere + Manchester + Oxford + Cambridge

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From THB 94,223

10D9N • United Kingdom + London + Cambridge + Oxford + Windsor + Edinburgh + Manchester + York + Lake Windermere

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Enjoy high-quality, great-value accommodations throughout your journey - stay in thoughtfully selected hotels, where comfort and relaxation await you after each day of exploration. · Travel with ease and flexibility- dedicated private transfers with your own English-speaking driver ensure seamless transportation, allowing you to focus on the experience. · Personalized service from start to finish - your dedicated concierge is available to assist with arrangements, recommendations, and any special requests throughout your journey.

From THB 125,059

8D7N • United Kingdom + London + Cambridge + York + Edinburgh + Windermere Town + Manchester

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Discover royal palaces, historic universities, scenic lakes, and iconic stadiums on this 8-day tour. Includes quality hotels and one free day in London. Limited-time early bird offer available. · Stay in carefully selected hotels that perfectly balance comfort, location and local charm. · Enjoy dedicated private transfers with professional drivers and customer support for a worry-free journey.

From THB 103,426

Group Tours in Edinburgh

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3D2N • 3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh

EnglishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

752 reviews

From THB 8,054

6D5N • United Kingdom

5/5

2 reviews

Max. 50 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

Weekly shuttle service / Tours available in multiple cities / Bilingual Chinese-speaking tour guide throughout / Comfortable air-conditioned bus / Free room sharing for single occupants · Experience authentic British charm and immerse yourself in rich history and culture. Visit Stonehenge and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Bath during the limited-time period from October to March · A 1-hour London Citywalk, led by a Mandarin-speaking guide, takes you to iconic landmarks, from the royal Buckingham Palace to the majestic Big Ben

From THB 23,475

6D5N • United Kingdom

4.6/5

11 reviews

Max. 25 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationDeposit acceptedRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

Explore England and Scotland, experience the recommendations from Divas Hit the Road, and enjoy a comprehensive tour of British scenery · Centuries-old castles in the United Kingdom + historic universities + classic English towns, all in one trip~ · Accompanied by a Chinese-speaking tour guide throughout your trip, ensuring smooth communication and a more enjoyable travel experience

From THB 31,817

6D5N • United Kingdom

Max. 50 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

26 reviews

Discover curated Europe itineraries, experience authentic British charm, and savor gentlemanly refinement! Enjoy full commentary from your Chinese-speaking tour leader and guide, and travel abroad with peace of mind! · [Limited Time Offer (April-September)] Includes a tour of the Scottish Highlands, featuring Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Loch Ness Monster legend, and Loch Lomond (this product) [Limited Time Offer (October-March)] Visit Stonehenge, the World Heritage town of Bath, and the English countryside of Bibury (Product links available from customer service or search ID: 60812944) Explore the prestigious university town of Cambridge and experience its blend of academic excellence and historical charm. *A must-see filming location for Harry Potter, instantly transporting you to the magical world. *Visit Strathford, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and encounter Lake Windermere in the English Lake District. Bicester Village, brimming with British style, is a collection of brands where you can make the most of your free time. · Weekly guaranteed loop tour | Year-round operation with guaranteed departures | Guaranteed room sharing for solo travelers | Semi-independent tour with multiple join/leave cities | Customizable duration

From THB 23,556

7D6N • London + York + Edinburgh + Manchester

Max. 53 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationRoom sharing availableGroup Tours

Our 20 years of experience bring weekly tours and shared rooms for solo travelers. · Visit the Highlands in summer or explore Stonehenge, Bath and Bibury in winter. · Visit Cambridge and the Lake District, then discover London on an 8-hour tour.

From THB 32,386

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Free things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Old Town

9

Edinburgh · 487m from downtown

133 reviews

Princes Street

6.8

4.8/5

339 reviews

Edinburgh · 627m from downtownBook now for tomorrow

National Museum of Scotland

6.5

Edinburgh · 709m from downtown

285 reviews

St Giles' Cathedral

6.3

4.5/5

169 reviews

Edinburgh · 449m from downtown

Calton Hill

6.1

4.6/5

516 reviews

Edinburgh · 397m from downtown

The University of Edinburgh

6

Edinburgh · 973m from downtown

167 reviews

Arthur's Seat

5.9

Edinburgh · 1.9km from downtown

199 reviews

Holyrood Park

5.7

4.3/5

50 reviews

Edinburgh · 2km from downtown

Victoria St

5.4

Edinburgh · 588m from downtown

48 reviews

Dean Village Edinburgh

5.3