

Palace of Holyroodhouse Tours and Tickets
3,748 Reviews
Set amid splendid gardens at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the British royals, who first decamped here from nearby Edinburgh Castle back in the 15th century. The complex grew from a 12th-century abbey, whose ruins can still be seen on the grounds, into a full-fledged Baroque palace complete with elaborate plasterwork, sumptuous furnishings, and a number of tapestries. The palace is perhaps most famous for having hosted to the rather unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots, whose beloved secretary was slaughtered here by her jealous second husband.
Open daily
Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX
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64 results
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City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
1383
An Edinburgh bus tour is the perfect way to hear commentary on city sights and get a panoramic overview. This City Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh lets you hop on and off at several strategically placed stops as many times as you like. Board the open-top double-decker bus and travel the entire route, or stop at Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum and many more. Buses depart regularly and tickets are valid for 24 hours from first use.
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From
$20.20
From
$20.20

Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh
1420
Delve into Edinburgh’s horrific history on this evening ghost bus tour. With your spooky local guide, visit the city’s most terrifying locations, haunted by infamy and restless spirits! From your seat in a double-decker vintage bus, gaze at eerie sites such as Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, and the Royal Mile. Throughout the trip, hear anecdotes and facts about Edinburgh’s chilling past, replete with bloody executions, unspeakable tortures, and murder.
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From
$25.25
From
$25.25

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off City Tour
117
As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh packs historical monuments, regal landmarks, cultural destinations, and more—and this hop-on hop-off bus tour provides a thorough introduction to the city’s top sights. Pick between 24- and 48-hour ticket options, and board and disembark as and when you wish. On-board commentary will share the stories behind landmarks like the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and more.
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From
$12.63
From
$12.63

Small Group Edinburgh Royal History Walking Tour
30
Follow in the footsteps of Scottish icons like Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie as you unravel the truths and myths of Edinburgh’s royal history. Set out on a 90-minute walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, spot the royal sites along Canongate and admire the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. After a comprehensive introduction to Edinburgh’s royal roots, enjoy skip-the-line access (optional) to the Palace of Holyrood and explore the magnificent royal residence independently.
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From
$31.40
From
$31.40

Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Highlights Tour
47
Experience the grandeur of Scotland’s brooding capital with a full-day shore excursion of Edinburgh. With an expert guide, journey by coach to the city’s main attractions such as the formidable Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Yacht Britannia, owned by the British Royal Family for more than four decades! Accompany your local guide on a stroll along the Royal Mile and through Old Town, the city’s oldest quarter strewn with historic landmarks.
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From
$69.45
From
$69.45

Edinburgh Royal Mile Walking Tour
9
Embrace the best that Edinburgh has to offer on a 3-hour small-group walking tour of the Royal Mile. You’ll cover everything along the famous route, starting in the Lawnmarket and following it down to Holyroodhouse and Scottish Parliament. Listen as your guide tells you the little-known stories of the city’s most important people and events, before returning to a central location.
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From
$36.62
From
$36.62

Edinburgh Full-Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan
13
Spend a full-day exploring the best Edinburgh has to offer on this premium minivan tour. Save hours researching top sights to see and planning transport by having everything organized for you instead. The tour includes round-trip private transfers, bottled water, and a private guide. An advantage of a private tour is that the itinerary can be modified based on your interests. Potential sights to visit include the Old Town, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle.
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From
$189.40
Price varies by group size
From
$189.40
Price varies by group size

Small-Group Mary Queen of Scots Walking Tour
10
On your tour we will explore a UNESCO World Heritage status kirkyard.
We visit the resting places of one of the most famous people in the world, Adam Smith AND the secret lover of Mary Queen of Scots and his brutal murder.
You will later see the home he shared with his mother, Panmure House.
We then talk of the most famous two-faced celebrity in Edinburgh society and the site of his final crime, here in Canongate.
We will also stop outside the Scottish Parliament, a modernist structure which contrasts sharply with the many historical buildings in Canongate.
Here our elected representatives decide upon the the future of Scotland.
Your tour completes with a majestic view of Edinburgh's former main volcano, Arthurs Seat. Learn of its formation and the true story of how Arthurs Seat got its name.
We stop outside the Royal palace of Holyroodhouse. Holyroodhouse is also where Mary Queen of Scots lived with her second husband Lord Darnley. Whatever happened to him I wonder.....
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From
$42.93
From
$42.93

Edinburgh Sky to Sea Bike Tour by Manual or E-Bike
125
Even if you’ve only got limited time in Edinburgh, its still possible to see the breadth of the city’s natural landscapes. Cover more sights in less time during a 3-hour bike ride which takes you from Arthur’s Seat to the beaches of Portobello and the Port of Leith. Plus, you’ll be able to choose between an electric or manual bike depending on your fitness level.
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From
$75.76
From
$75.76

Panoramic Running Tour of Edinburgh
14
We love running and we love Edinburgh, bring your trainers and let us show you our wonderful and vibrant city on foot! Hear stories of Edinburgh past and present whilst we tour the capital city at your pace. We will take in all the main city sights and then finish off with a breathtaking climb up Arthur's Seat to see the city from a panoramic view.
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From
$38.35
Price varies by group size
From
$38.35
Price varies by group size

Small Group Edinburgh Outlander Experience
7
Small, personal 5 star group tour with a maximum of 18 people.
If Edinburgh is the setting for the second Outlander novel, you’re going behind the scenes.
Your expert tour guide will take you deep into the Old Town, to the places where Claire & Jamie's story was made: Tolbooth Jail, Canongate Kirkyard and the World’s End Tavern. You will visit some of the sites familiar in Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager and you will hear Diana Gabaldon’s descriptions of Jamie and Claire’s experiences in this historic capital city.
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From
$31.40
From
$31.40

Edinburgh Luxury Private Tour with Scottish Local
4
Explore Edinburgh without the hassle of planning on a private tour with door-to-door chauffeur service, bottled water, and complimentary wifi. Your drive and guide tailors the day’s itinerary according to your needs and interests, with potential stops ranging from Edinburgh Castle to Charlotte Square. Unlike impersonal large-group tours, this private experience ensures your guide’s full attention and a customized experience.
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From
$454.55
Price varies by group size
From
$454.55
Price varies by group size

Guided 90-Minute Photography and sightseeing Tour in Edinburgh
104
Shoot amazing Instagrams,
On Edinburgh's #1 Photography Tour on TripAdvisor, you will meet a local Instagram Influencer/expert photographer who will bring you to 5-7 spots of Edinburgh over 90 minutes.
During the tour:
- You will go to the most Instagrammable spots of Edinburgh
- You will be shown photography techniques
- You will be taught great Instagram skills
- You will hear stories about Edinburgh
At the end you will have several great photos as memories of your tour of Edinburgh and be ready to try out your new photography skills on your next set of locations!
Learn the secrets of the influencer.
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From
$24.94
From
$24.94

Private Edinburgh City Tour in a Minibus
5
Explore Edinburgh from the comfort of your own personal minibus on a private tour of the Scottish capital city. While listening to informative commentary from your guide, you’ll gaze at the Gothic silhouette of Edinburgh Castle and hear about the historic Royal Mile. Ascend Calton Hill for panoramic city views, admire the grand architecture of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and become engrossed by tales of witchcraft, body snatching, and a loyal dog. This private tour ensures you’ll receive undivided attention from your guide while experiencing the best Edinburgh has to offer.
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From
$789.15
per group
From
$789.15
per group

Ghost Bus Tour and a Self-Guided Tour in Edinburgh
1
Join the comedy-horror theatre experience on wheels. Back in your seat as your conductor whisks you through Edinburgh's most brutal bits of history on an ex-funeral bus! Hear the stories of murders, witch hunts, torture, and hauntings. Prepare to be scared!
Please note:
There is no seat reservation. The bus works on the first come - first seated basis. We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes early to get the best seat.
Complete your experience with a self-guided tour that will show you the places you did not see from the bus.
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From
$41.62
From
$41.62

Edinburgh Half Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan
20
Explore Edinburgh is style by opting for a private guided tour. Avoid crowded public transport and enjoy the luxury of traveling in a premium minivan. As it’s a private tour, benefit from having direct access to a guide for questions. The tour can be customized based on your interests, but potential stops include the Royal Mile, the Old Town, Grassmarket, and Edinburgh Castle.
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From
$204.76
Price varies by group size
From
$204.76
Price varies by group size

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
123
Embark on an enriching 3.5 or 7-hour walking tour of Edinburgh’s cultural and historical highlights with a private guide. While you listen to insightful commentary, you’ll visit iconic landmarks and hidden gems according to an itinerary tailored to your interests. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, gaze at Edinburgh Castle on its rocky perch and ascend to the summit of Calton Hill for panoramic city views. On this private tour, you’ll receive the undivided attention of your guide while gaining unique insight into the Scottish capital.
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From
$334.60
per group
From
$334.60
per group

Private Royal Mile walking tour in Edinburgh's Old Town
6
Explore the Old Town of Edinburgh with a private guide leading the way during this walking tour. Hear stories about the people, history, and politics that shaped the city of Edinburgh. Go for a walk along the Royal Mile and see local landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Scottish Parliament.
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From
$284.09
per group
From
$284.09
per group

Chauffeur Driven Private Sightseeing Tour of Edinburgh
4
Explore Edinburgh without the hassle of driving or using public transit on a private sightseeing tour with round-trip hotel transport. Your driver, who navigates for you, points out top landmarks and architectural gems, from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood House. With the flexibility to customize your itinerary and inside recommendations from your driver, this private tour is a popular choice for newcomers who wish to orient themselves in the city.
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From
$607.86
per group
From
$607.86
per group

Private Edinburgh Tour for Families with a Local, 100% Personalized ★★★★★
1
If you're visiting Edinburgh with your family, book a private sightseeing tour specially designed for those with kids. With a private guide, the tour can be tailored to your children's ages and interests to keep everyone entertained. Perhaps check out medieval Old Town, the art galleries of New Town, or something active like climbing Arthur's Seat.
…More
From
$102.39
Price varies by group size
From
$102.39
Price varies by group size

Award-winning cycle tour to Edinburgh's coast
22
Leanne, your guide will ensure we go at your pace, ask as many questions as you like and enjoy the ride with your little ones, without the feeling of being rushed in a large group.
Leanne can modify the route to suit your families' ability and the beauty of this ride is that is it mainly on dedicated cycle paths. This is a fun ride with the promise of an ice cream (or coffee!) on the beach or inside to warm up if in winter. It is a 10 mile round trip.
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From
$73.23
From
$73.23

Edinburgh: Self-Guided City Experience
- Discover Edinburgh's most famous and iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Sophisticated mobile technology turns your smartphone into the ultimate travel companion for the duration of your stay
- Tune into the multilingual audio commentary to hear interesting facts, stories and anecdotes for over 90 points of interest
- Opt for one of many recommended walking routes or customise your own with personalised pinpoints
- Audio guide available in English
…More
From
$11.36
From
$11.36

Edinburgh Royal Mile (New Self Guided Tour)
Why be a tourist when you can be a traveller. We'll show you the castle and the Cathedral, but it's the cities secret hidden gems that most people want to learn about.
* The cannon ball hidden in the walls of a house.
* The Witches well.
* Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
* The Heart of Midlothian
* And many, many more stories.
This is your tour at your own pace and at your convenience. We have done all the homework for you and found and researched all the stories and facts you need for an enlightening self guided tour of Edinburgh's history, architecture, music, ghosts, murders and culture.
Once logged in you are the boss, you decide what you want to see and when you want to see it and you have 48 hours to do so.
…More
From
$7.97
From
$7.97

Private Shore Excursion: Edinburgh City and Rosslyn Chapel
1
Savor your time in port with a shore excursion around Scotland's capital city and visit to 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel. Travel via VIP minibus through Edinburgh's medieval Old Town, filled with cobbled alleyways that are bursting with legends and stories. Learn about the city's intriguing history while journeying past the Palace of Holyroodhouse, touring the Royal Mile and exploring its Georgian-style New Town. Then pay a visit to Rosslyn Chapel, which played a key role in the 2003 novel 'The Da Vinci Code' and the 2006 film of the same name.
…More
From
$751.27
per group
From
$751.27
per group
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