Top 10 Self-Guided Tours & Rentals in Edinburgh, Scotland

April 4, 2022 Kiesha Cripe

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals. Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh

1. 1 Day Complete Scottish Highlands Express

Exclusive Touring Scotland
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Get Exclusive access to attractions and sites that usually most will miss, due to those scattered locations. Our tour is designed to fit the most possible experience of the Scottish Highlands, with your comfort in mind.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, WiFi on board, Luxury umbrellas provided, for the event of rain., Fine snacks such as salami, Pecorino cheece, grapes and blackberries, bread sticks, crisps and rise cakes., Bottled water, Freshly made in the car, anytime you ask., Soda/Pop, Breakfast pastries, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch, dinner and admission fees to venues and museums are not included.

Reviewed By Elyob L

We were looking for a remote dog walking spot so contacted Tracy who was happy to give us a guided tour. She chose the trail most suited to our needs and interests and length of walk we wanted to go on. On the way round she kept us entertained by pointing out areas which may be of interest. These were varied and vast in number, the old bothy and destroyed caravan were particularly interesting. The weather was beautiful and the scenery very relaxing. Tracy made sure that she told amusing anecdotes all the way round, her two apprentice tour guides were also very entertaining. If you’re looking for a view with a bit of a difference then I’d recommend following Tracy through the quarry paths. We will visit again.

2. Track Game - Discover Edinburgh while having fun - Teen / Adult - French

8 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, UK Hi Amy
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Synopsis: "A strange disappearance" Edinburgh Old Town ... Miss Janet Brown is very worried: she hasn't heard from her friend and hasn't seen her since the night before. She then decides to go to the home of her dear comrade towards Grassmarket, accompanied by the lessor. They then enter the only living room and discover that everything is in order ...  With a few details: the door was not locked and the handbag, found under the bed, was apparently thrown to the ground in a hurry, and disemboweled ... ---> Dear detective, dear sorcerer, the stones of Edinburgh call you and are full of well hidden clues that can help you in the progress of your investigation. Be smart and very observant and you will then learn a thousand and one secrets about Edinburgh thanks to Fun Track Game. Happy hunting for clues through the Scottish capital !!!

Inclusions: Gamebook with 30 puzzles to solve, Games Grid and Solutions, 1 plate of stickers offered as a souvenir, 1 pack of 4 badges OFFERT as a souvenir, A map of the course is included in the booklet

Exclusions: pen or pencil to provide on your side, a free QR code app optional

3. Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh, and where to find them!

Adam Smith Statue, 192 Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK Edinburgh Treasure Hunts
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

A fantastic way to see the city. A classic treasure hunt with a twist that will have you interacting with your surroundings whilst learning about the traditional beliefs of Scotland and the world.

Inclusions: All the material and clues required for the game, guide

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Reviewed By peemz94

This game was SO much fun, we've done a lot of escape rooms and other outdoor escape rooms and nothing has been quite as exciting as this. This actually uses features of the city to solve the puzzles which made it so much more engaging. We got so caught up in it and the puzzles were actually really hard which was so good! Thanks so much for creating such a cool game.

4. The Pirate's Riddle: An Outdoor Treasure Hunt

32 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK Edinburgh Treasure Hunts
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

It's a game that will make use of your brain and creativity, but its also a great way to explore the city as you're being forced to actively look around you. The puzzles are solved using permanent features of the city and you'll work out your path as you go around from one clue to the next, unravelling the story and ultimately discovering some facts about Scotland's pirates and pirate myths.

Inclusions: Pirate equipment and puzzles, Game master

Exclusions: We may ask for a 20 pound refundable deposit for the rental of the kit

Reviewed By Tonyguillen

Me and my family enjoyed this interesting treasure hunt very much. It was easy enough for the children to get involved but also compelling enough that us parents were totally into it as well. Took us close to two hours, walking calmly. It involves a bit of reading but we didn’t mind

5. Sherlock's Secret Challenge - The puzzle solving game that shows you the city

Picardy Place, Picardy Pl, Edinburgh EH1, UK Edinburgh Treasure Hunts
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5.0 based on 46 reviews

It's a game that will make use of your brain and creativity, but its also a great way to explore the city as you're being forced to actively look around you. The puzzles are solved using permanent features of the city and you'll work out your path as you go around from one clue to the next, unravelling the story and ultimately discovering the secret behind Sherlock Holmes.

Inclusions: Instructions and backpack with the puzzles

Exclusions: At the start you will be charged with a 20 refundable deposit for the kit rental.

Reviewed By Tonyguillen

Me and my family enjoyed this interesting treasure hunt very much. It was easy enough for the children to get involved but also compelling enough that us parents were totally into it as well. Took us close to two hours, walking calmly. It involves a bit of reading but we didn’t mind

6. Outlander Tour Scotland Beginning Near Edinburgh & Glasgow with Outlander Fans

Station Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7DH, UK Mary's Meanders
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4.9 based on 45 reviews

Travel back in time with Mary’s Meanders and discover how Scotland’s past shaped Jamie and Claire’s story. Just like Diana Gabaldon When the talented Outlander author joined a Mary’s Meanders tour, it was exciting… and a little scary too. What if some of our behind-the-scenes stories and historical facts weren’t right? Can you imagine? To steady our nerves, we stuck to what we do best. We have listened to our guests and found out what would bring them joy. It worked. Diana Gabaldon tweeted her thanks for a #VERYScottish and unforgettable Outlander experience. Now we can’t promise you’ll meet a man like Jamie Fraser. But we can guarantee a warm welcome, meaningful locations, great stories, a flexible pace and lifelong memories. Make sure you get the most from your time in Scotland. Tour with expert guides that focus on you. With Mary’s Meanders, you will arrive a visitor and leave a friend. Solo travellers and Outlander fans especially welcome. French & German guides avail by request

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Local guide, Transport by private vehicle or minibus

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entry Fees

Reviewed By W1192UZrobertl

I booked the personal virtual Outlander tour as a gift and while I didn't participate in the tour, the booking process was exemplary. A fair bit of back and forth emailing to coordinate three schedules was promptly accommodated by Emma and after the first email of enquiry it felt like I was emailing a friend. Those who participated in the tour enjoyed it so much that there has been talk of booking with Mary's Meanders again for a physical tour when travel is once again an option. We may not be able to physically get to Scotland for the next little while, but booking this virtual tour is a close second!

7. Whisky and Highland Waterfalls Day Trip from Edinburgh

Highland Explorer Tours, 60 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB, UK Highland Explorer Tours
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4.5 based on 63 reviews

Enjoy a day of whisky and waterfalls on a day trip from Edinburgh, led by a friendly local guide! After a stop in the stately town of Stirling to see the Wallace Monument, travel through the Scottish Highlands, passing alongside Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Stop at the Famous Grouse whisky distillery for lunch and a tour (both payable at own expense) and, after sampling a wee dram of whisky, continue to the Hermitage, a natural beauty spot that’s home to the impressive Black Linn Falls.

Inclusions: Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, Distillery tour, Dram of local whisky, Gratuities

Reviewed By 180rebecar

Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!

8. Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh

Highland Explorer Tours, 60 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB, UK Highland Explorer Tours
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4.2 based on 71 reviews

Take a day trip from Edinburgh to the beautiful Scottish Highlands and get to know Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle. The remote region is home to spectacular natural scenery with picturesque dales, mountains and lochs as well as quaint villages. After visiting the banks of Loch Lomond and exploring the Trossachs National Park, continue to the city of Stirling. Discover Stirling Castle on a tour (entrance own expense), and then return to Edinburgh via a stop at the Kelpies.

Inclusions: Local guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, Entrance fee to Stirling Castle (approximately £15 for an adult)

Reviewed By 180rebecar

Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!

9. Family Magic Track Game for Kids - fun activity in Edinburgh

8 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, UK Hi Amy

Plot summary: "Magic and Witchcraft in Edinburgh" The horrible demon devourer of unicorns Halaraasch, has taken possession of Edinburgh and reigns as master of darkness over our pretty Scottish city. No wonder since this is where the most famous child wizard was born: Harry Potter .... -----> Dear detective, dear sorcerer, the Edinburgh stones call you and are full of well hidden clues that can help you in the progress of your investigation. Be smart and very observant and you will then learn a thousand and one secrets about Edinburgh thanks to Fun Track Game. IDEAL activity for families and children from 5 to 10 years old, who can read and write and count to 10 Of course, accompanying adults can participate and help!

Inclusions: x1 Logbook with 16 puzzles to solve, x1 Games Grid and Solutions, x1 ephemeral tattoos board OFFERED as a souvenir, x1 course plan included in the booklet

Exclusions: pen or pencil to provide on your side, provide a small pocket mirror for one of the puzzles, a free QR code app optional

10. Edinburgh Scavenger Hunt: A Fairy Tale Capital

Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh EH99 1SP, UK Let's Roam Edinburgh

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Digital Copies of your scavenger hunt photos, Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions

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