Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus Tour 2026

DISCOVER EDINBURGH AT YOUR OWN PACE

With 14 stops, the Hop-On Hop-Off Edinburgh Bus takes you all over the city. Explore Edinburgh at your leisure, visiting what interests you most. For example, get off at the High Street to walk down the famous Royal Mile. This picturesque street is full of medieval buildings and interesting exhibitions. Another option is Johnstone Terrace - the best spot to visit Edinburgh Castle. Once a royal fortress and military stronghold, the fortress has existed since the 11th century! The Grassmarket is another great attraction. It used to be a market place, as well as the site of public hangings!

TAKE IN SWEEPING VIEWS WHILE YOU TRAVEL

If you’re tired, just driving on the Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a lot of fun. It’s a double-decker bus, with an open rooftop, so sitting up top gets you great views! The bus takes you through both the Old Town and New Town, so you can easily see the difference in neighborhoods. In the Old Town, families lived in cramped conditions, in tall and narrow buildings. You’ll also see medieval buildings and mostly Reformation-era architecture. The New Town, on the other hand, has elegant Georgian architecture, with wide streets and large formal squares. It was built in the 18th and 19th centuries.

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO GUIDE TO LEARN EDINBURGH’S HISTORY

While you explore Edinburgh, an audio guide will teach you about the sights you’re seeing. For example, learn about the attacks on Edinburgh Castle. In its over 1,100 years of history, the fortress survived at least 23 sieges! In fact, the 12th-century St. Margaret’s Chapel is still the original building. The Grassmarket was also turbulent - it’s where public executions happened. In fact, there’s even a myth about Maggie Dickson, who came back to life after her hanging. However, if you’re bringing your little ones, there are kid-friendly options. Just choose the Horrible Histories stories for PG-13 versions.