Edinburgh

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Palace of Holyroodhouse
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

8.8
4.7/5
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.Edinburgh · 997m from downtown
The Scotch Whisky Experience
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Scotland

The Scotch Whisky Experience

7.5
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

Experiences you can't miss in Edinburgh

Featured Food & drink in Edinburgh

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Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
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4.8/5
· 3.3k reviews· 297 booked
Duration: 750 mins
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95% of travelers recommend
FromSAR 251.03
90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town
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4.8/5
· 275 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
English
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64 consecutive positive reviews
FromSAR 215.14
Gothic Edinburgh: afternoon tea tour of women's stories and hidden history
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FromSAR 236.63
Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Beer Tasting
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Duration: 5 hrs
English
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5% off
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FromSAR 234.39SAR 246.73

Featured Outdoor & sports in Edinburgh

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1-day tour of St Andrews Cathedral + Old Course + Fife Coast | Medieval University Town
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 6.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSAR 330.05
Loch Ness & Highlands Adventure
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4.7/5
· 43 reviews
Duration: 12.5 hrs
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95.3% of travelers recommend
5% off
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FromSAR 239.18SAR 251.77
Oban, Lochs & Inveraray Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 12 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
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FromSAR 263.08SAR 276.93
Edinburgh: Guided Hike to Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
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5.0/5
· 73 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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73 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromSAR 114.78SAR 120.83
Edinburgh: Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh
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5.0/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
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FromSAR 380.25SAR 400.27
Edinburgh: Arthur's Seat Hike with Mountain Guide
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5% off
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FromSAR 228.16SAR 240.17
Arthur's Seat Sunset Hike
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5.0/5
· 16 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSAR 228.16SAR 240.17
Edinburgh: Hill & Nature Hike With a Local
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5.0/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSAR 95.46SAR 100.49

Featured Day tours in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour
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4.6/5
· 442 reviews· 136 booked
Duration: 735 mins
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FromSAR 292.01
1-day tour to Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe + Loch Ness with Edinburgh round-trip
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 118 booked
Duration: 2.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
93 travellers saved
FromSAR 370.13
Scottish Highlands Glen Coe + Harry Potter filming location viaduct 1-day tour Edinburgh
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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FromSAR 308.25
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh
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4.6/5
· 668 reviews· 90 booked
Duration: 13 hrs
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91.2% of travelers recommend
FromSAR 281.76
Luxury Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Underground Vaults | 90min
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4.8/5
· 60 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
English
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32 consecutive positive reviews
FromSAR 507.11
Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour with Dungeon Entry
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4.8/5
· 25 reviews
Duration: 3.5 hrs
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25 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromSAR 296.57SAR 312.18

Featured Nature & wildlife in Edinburgh

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From Edinburgh: West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour
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4.8/5
· 109 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
96.3% of travelers recommend
5% off
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FromSAR 329.29SAR 346.63
From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour
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4.8/5
· 74 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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95.9% of travelers recommend
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FromSAR 247.64SAR 260.68
Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands: Guided Tour from Edinburgh
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Duration: 12 hrs
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FromSAR 261.81
Loch Ness Explorer
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Duration: 13 hrs
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FromSAR 342.30
1-day tour to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park from Edinburgh, UK
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FromSAR 456.25
West Highlands, Lochs and Castles small group day tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 615 mins
Free cancellation
FromSAR 363.15
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies: Roundtrip
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Duration: 9 hrs
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FromSAR 291.93

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What travellers say about Edinburgh

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Tania Akter (Sumi)29 October 2026
5.0
Edinburgh Castle is an absolutely breathtaking historical landmark! ❤️ Perched high on Castle Rock, it offers spectacular views of Edinburgh and the surrounding city. The impressive stone walls, ancient architecture, and rich Scottish history make this place truly special. Walking through the castle feels like stepping back in time, with fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles, and royal traditions waiting to be discovered. I especially love the dramatic setting and the way the castle stands proudly above the city. It’s a perfect destination for history lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys exploring beautiful historical places. 😊 Definitely a must-visit attraction in Scotland!

Edinburgh Castle

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Girish94004 November 2026
5.0
🏴 Exploring the Beautiful City of Edinburgh, Scotland! ❤️🏰What an amazing experience exploring the historic streets of Edinburgh! From the magnificent Edinburgh Castle to the stunning architecture and charming old stone buildings, every corner tells a story of Scotland's rich history and culture.Walking through the beautiful Old Town, surrounded by historic buildings, breathtaking views and lively streets, felt like stepping back in time. The atmosphere, the architecture and the beauty of this city make it truly unforgettable.Scotland, you are full of history, charm and magic! A beautiful destination and a wonderful memory. ❤️

Edinburgh Old Town

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Anonymous user24 September 2026
5.0
Visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse was easily one of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh. Located right at the end of the Royal Mile, it offers a fascinating contrast to the medieval drama of Edinburgh Castle, providing a much more intimate glimpse into British and Scottish royal history.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

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D Day Travel28 November 2025
4.0
Very nice experience. You will get a free whisky glass after the wine tasting session. We acquired a lot of whisky knowledge and overall it is very interesting.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

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樂悠遊11 May 2022
5.0
Princes Street in Edinburgh is the main avenue that separates the old and new cities. Walking on this street, you can not only enjoy the pleasant gardens and the magnificent castle, but also enjoy shopping😁😁

Princes Street

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苏河家园26 July 2025
5.0
The National Museum of Scotland is a fusion of Victorian architecture and modern design. The exhibits in the museum cover themes such as natural history, science and technology, and world culture, including representative exhibits such as Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils, Iron Age gold ornaments, and cloned sheep Dolly specimens, covering all aspects of social life.

National Museum of Scotland

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YA MEI23 February 2023
5.0
Starting from the appearance of St. Giles Cathedral, it is so solemn and sacred! Walking into the church is even more awe-inspiring. Its architectural design, sculpture art, and historical traces are all touching and worth your visit!

St Giles' Cathedral

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DDB245 August 2026
5.0
Loved doing this hop on and off bus in Edinburgh. It is such a beautiful city and the drivers are so kind and friendly

Edinburgh Bus Tours

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M22***0017 November 2019
4.0
The cast and special effects in the castle will transport you to the real underground world of ancient Scotland, with extra fun and entertainment

The Edinburgh Dungeon

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Traveltheworld@bd25 February 2026
5.0
Walking the historic Royal Mile feels like stepping straight into a living storybook. Stretching from the castle down to Holyrood Palace, every cobblestone seems to carry centuries of character. The atmosphere is electric yet charming — street performers, cozy cafés, and little shops tucked into medieval buildings create a perfect blend of culture and warmth.What makes the experience truly special is how effortlessly history and everyday life coexist here. One moment you’re admiring stunning old architecture, the next you’re browsing handmade crafts or enjoying a relaxed coffee while bagpipes echo in the distance. The views along the way are beautiful, especially on a crisp day when the city feels extra magical.It’s lively without feeling overwhelming, touristy yet still authentic. Whether you’re exploring museums, discovering hidden closes, or simply wandering with no plan at all, there’s always something memorable around the corner.The Royal Mile isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place you feel. A must-see for anyone wanting to experience the heart and soul of Edinburgh.

Royal Mile

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Edinburgh?

Don't miss these attractions in Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Old Town, and Palace of Holyroodhouse. If you like Food & drink, try Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour. If you enjoy Outdoor & sports, try 1-day tour of St Andrews Cathedral + Old Course + Fife Coast | Medieval University Town.

You can give Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour and Restaurant reservation service for the popular The Dome in Edinburgh, UK a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour, 1-day tour to Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe + Loch Ness with Edinburgh round-trip, and Scottish Highlands Glen Coe + Harry Potter filming location viaduct 1-day tour Edinburgh. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 4 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Edinburgh is around SAR 281.76 – SAR 507.11. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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