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Edinburgh Castle

Explore the breathtaking city of Edinburgh in the most exciting way with Bright Bus Tours. Our open-top hop-on, hop-off bus tour provides a bird’s eye view of the city’s iconic landmarks and rare sights. Join us for the best sightseeing bus tour in Edinburgh and fall in love with the Scottish capital.    

Keep reading to discover how Bright Bus Tours offers the brightest way to enjoy Edinburgh!     


Why We Offer the Best Sightseeing Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city filled with history, culture, and stunning architecture, and there’s no better way to experience it than with Bright Bus Tours. Here are the reasons why Bright Bus Tours, Scotland’s Official Open Top Tour and Airport Connection, provides the best Edinburgh sightseeing tours.                 

Sightseeing Tours That Show the Best of Edinburgh

Bright Bus Tours offers the most in-depth sightseeing experiences in Edinburgh. We provide two expertly crafted tours: the City Tour and the Britannia Tour. Both tours are designed to highlight the best of the city, from Old Town to Edinburgh’s royal roots. 

We have also recently launched a new Boats & Bridges Tour.  

City Tour: Explore Edinburgh’s Historic Heart  

Embark on our City Tour and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s historic city centre. This tour takes you through the winding, cobbled streets of the Old Town, revealing its world-class sights.   

These are just some of the 16 top attractions you’ll get to see on our City Tour:

Edinburgh Castle

Located atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline. Step back in time as you explore the castle’s rich history, from its ancient dungeons to the stunning Crown Jewels. The panoramic views from the castle walls are not to be missed!

Johnston Terrace

Discover the charming Johnston Terrace, a delightful street lined with colourful houses and quaint shops. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s unique architecture and is the perfect spot for a photo.

National Museum of Scotland

Learn about Scotland’s fascinating history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland. This museum has something for everyone, from its vast collection of artefacts spanning millions of years to ancient Egyptian mummies.

Scottish Parliament

Visit the modern Scottish Parliament building, an architectural marvel that highlights Scotland’s distinctive style. Learn about the country’s political system and witness democracy in action as you observe live debates and committee meetings.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Explore the majestic Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Stroll through the state apartments, admire the exquisite gardens, and discover the palace’s royal history, including its connections to Mary, Queen of Scots.

The full tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with buses running every 15 minutes from Waterloo Place or any of our City Tour stops.      

Britannia Tour: Explore Edinburgh’s Royal Heritage       

For a regal flair and a visit to Leith’s shore, join our Britannia Tour. This Edinburgh bus tour takes you along the iconic Royal Mile, past the Royal Botanic Garden, and all the way to the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia.     

Here are some of the sights you’ll get to see along the 14 stops on our Britannia Tour:

Royal Mile

Stroll along the historic Royal Mile, the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This picturesque thoroughfare connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It offers a wealth of attractions, shops, and restaurants along the way. Soak up the atmosphere and discover the city’s rich history at every turn.

Royal Botanic Garden

Immerse yourself in the abundant greenery of the Royal Botanic Garden, a tranquil retreat in the city centre. With over 70 acres of stunning landscapes, glasshouses, and exotic plants from around the world, this garden is a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Step aboard the magnificent Royal Yacht Britannia, the Queen’s former floating palace. Explore the ship’s five decks, from the elegant State Apartments to the crew’s quarters, and gain a fascinating insight into royal life at sea. Don’t miss the on-board tea room, where you can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with a regal twist.

Leith

Wander the vibrant port district of Leith and learn about its maritime history. Explore the trendy shops, galleries, and restaurants, or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront. You can also seek out the perfect souvenir at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre or sample the catch of the day at one of the many seafood eateries.

Calton Hill

Climb to the top of Calton Hill for breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. This landmark is home to several historic monuments, including the National Monument, Nelson Monument, and the City Observatory. It’s the perfect spot for photographers and those seeking the best view of the city.

With a journey duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city’s royal legacy and stunning coastal areas. Buses run every hour from Waterloo Place or any of our Britannia Tour stops.   

Sightsee at Your Own Pace with Our Tours

Our hop-on, hop-off tours allow you to create your own itinerary, spending as much or as little time as you like at each destination. Choose to stay on the bus for the full Edinburgh sightseeing tour and soak up the city’s magic from the comfort of your seat, or hop off at Princes Street Gardens for a taste of the lush greenery — the choice is yours!

When you’re ready to continue your journey, simply hop back on the next available bus at any of our designated stops. With frequent departures and easy-to-spot bus stops, our hop-on, hop-off tours offer the ultimate flexibility and convenience for your Edinburgh sightseeing adventure.

Unbeatable Views from Our Open-Top Buses   

Experience sightseeing in Edinburgh from a whole new perspective with Bright Bus Tours’ open-top buses. As you sit back and relax on the upper deck, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city. 

Whether you’re marvelling at the grandeur of the Royal Yacht Britannia, views of the majestic Edinburgh Castle, the historic Royal Mile, or the bustling city centre, our open-top buses ensure you won’t miss a thing.  

In summer, you can enjoy the refreshing breeze as you take in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of Scotland’s capital. The open-top design of our buses also provides the perfect view for capturing stunning photographs and creating lasting memories of your Edinburgh adventure.    

Friendly & Insightful Sightseeing Tours  

At Bright Bus Tours, we’re all about offering the most engaging sightseeing tours in Edinburgh. Our guides are enthusiastic storytellers who love sharing fascinating tales, tips, and local recommendations with our guests. They’re not just here to point out landmarks — they want to make sure you have the time of your life exploring the city!     

We firmly believe that a sightseeing tour should be so much more than just sitting on a bus. It’s all about the interaction, the laughter, and the shared moments of discovery. That’s why our on-street ambassadors are always ready to answer your questions, lend a helping hand, and go the extra mile to make your journey truly special.   

Our hop-on, hop-off bus tours let you explore the city at your own pace, giving you the freedom to disembark at your favourite spots. Plus, our immersive onboard experience includes an audio guide with commentary available in 10 languages.

Sightsee at your own pace with our friendly guides and open-top buses that provide the best views. Book your tickets today and get ready to discover the magical beauty of Edinburgh! 

Explore Edinburgh at the Most Affordable Rates

We believe everyone should have access to the wonders of Scotland’s capital city, which is why we provide the most affordable ticket prices for our hop-on, hop-off bus tours.     

Choose between our two incredible tours — the City Tour or the Britannia Tour — and enjoy unlimited travel for either 24 hours or two days. Our 24-hour tickets are priced at just £16, giving you a full day to explore Edinburgh’s top attractions at your own pace. For those who want to make the most of their visit, our two-day tickets, priced at £20, allow you to experience both tours across two days, providing even better value for your money. 

If you want the ultimate Edinburgh experience, go for our Edinburgh Explorer best-value tickets, priced at £25. This incredible deal includes a week of unlimited travel on both our Bright Bus tours as well as a return ticket for the Bright Bus Airport Express

Families will love our special family ticket, which costs only £40 and covers two adults and up to three children. Children under the age of 5 travel completely free, making our tours an excellent choice for families on a budget.  

We also offer concession tickets priced at £18 for students and travellers over 60 years.  

Book Sightseeing Tickets Your Way  

Booking your Bright Bus Tours tickets has never been easier! We have a range of convenient options to ensure you secure your seats on our sightseeing bus tours without any hassle.   

If you like to plan ahead, simply visit our website and buy your tickets online. Once your booking is confirmed, your tickets will be sent directly to your email address, allowing you to print them out or keep them on your mobile device for easy access when you arrive in Edinburgh.     

If you’d like to buy tickets in person, our friendly team is always ready to assist you with ticket purchases once you arrive in the city. We’re located in and around St Andrew Square, Waverley Bridge, and Waterloo Place (where our tours begin).    

If you’re already on board one of our buses and haven’t bought a ticket yet, don’t worry! You can easily buy tickets directly from your driver. We accept a wide range of cashless payment options for your convenience, including contactless card payments.   

Exploring Scotland’s capital has never been easier or more affordable. Book your tickets with Bright Bus Tours today and uncover the vibrant history of Edinburgh! 

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FAQs

Are the Bright Bus sightseeing tours suitable for families with young children? 

Absolutely! Our tours are designed to be enjoyable for all ages, and we welcome families with young children. Children under the age of five can travel for free on our buses, making it a budget-friendly option for families. 

Additionally, our open-top buses offer a unique and exciting way for children to explore Edinburgh, with stunning views and engaging commentary that will keep them entertained throughout the tour.  

Can I use my Bright Bus Tours ticket to visit the attractions along the route? 

Your Bright Bus Tours ticket allows you to hop on and off our buses at any of the designated stops, giving you the freedom to explore Edinburgh’s top attractions at your own pace. 

However, please note that entry fees to individual attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle or the Royal Yacht Britannia, are not included in your bus tour ticket. You’ll need to purchase separate tickets for these attractions either in advance or upon arrival.   

How do I recognise a Bright Bus Tour bus stop?  

To recognise a Bright Bus Tours bus stop, keep an eye out for our distinctive branding and signage. Our bus stops and buses feature the Bright Bus Tours logo, which includes our name and a vibrant orange colour scheme that’s hard to miss.   

In addition to the signage, our bus stops are often located near popular attractions, landmarks, and transport hubs throughout Edinburgh. Refer to our route map, available on our website, to familiarise yourself with the specific locations we serve.   


Bright Bus Tours: The Most Enjoyable Way to See Edinburgh   

Founded in 2019, Bright Bus Tours has become the go-to choice for tourists visiting the captivating city of Edinburgh. With over four years of experience in the sightseeing industry, we have honed our services to provide the most immersive and enjoyable tours in Scotland’s capital.

In January 2024, we were honoured with a 4-star rating from Visit Scotland’s Quality Assurance Award Scheme. This award showcases our commitment to providing high-quality experiences for our guests. Furthermore, our exceptional customer service was awarded 5 stars, reflecting the passion of our friendly guides.  

Our buses offer spectacular views of the city’s landmarks, while our engaging guides bring the stories of the past to life with their knowledge of and enthusiasm for the city. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or looking to soak up the local atmosphere, our carefully planned routes ensure that you won’t miss a thing.           

Join us on the best sightseeing bus tour in Edinburgh. Book Bright Bus Tours’ affordable tickets today — we can’t wait to welcome you on board!