Want a classic Edinburgh whisky experience but with a twist?

Opt for the Edinburgh Underground Ghost Tour combo with The Silver Tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience and enjoy two unforgettable experiences in one day. Start by exploring haunted vaults with a guide, then sample a delicious dram and uncover whisky-making secrets for the ultimate spooky adventure!

From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Michaela Safarikova
GB

Michaela

United Kingdom
Feb 2026

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We really enjoyed our visit with my daughters and friends, comparing the present with the past and what we know about Mary, Queen of Scots. The sweet endings was the green garden and authentic coffee in the courtyard.
Olga kruk
PL

Olga

Poland
Jan 2026

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+1 more

I am Polish and love Scotland and the Scots, and my greatest dream was to see Holyrood Castle. And my dreams came true.
FATEHYAB SINGH
IN

Fatehyab

India
Dec 2025

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Loved the dungeon experience Everyone was extremely engrossed in their roles and felt like we were actually present Had a wonderful time
Carole Johnson
GB

Carole

United Kingdom
Oct 2025

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I had visited before but it was my daughter's first visit and she was picked as Sweaty Betty - she thoroughly enjoyed this and the Judge was particularly excellent in her role. We had a really enjoyable visit, with staff engagement making us laugh and scream in equal measure. I would certainly return to the Edinburgh Dungeons.
Susan Cocker
GB

Susan

United Kingdom
Mar 2026
It was very enjoyable our guide 'Agnes' was knowledgable and friendly and despite the terrible weather still kept going and made it a fun experience
Abigail Morrison

Abigail

Oct 2025
Our guide was David RIzzio - foul-mouthed, irreverent, camp and a very fast walker. Amongst grisly ghost stories and macarbre murder tales, he also found time to heap abuse on Americans, the English, J.K. Rowling, people who walk slowly, people who don't know how to turn their phones into flashlights, other ghost tour operators, his colleagues, his ex, people in general... A hugely entertaining evening.
Ian Johnson

Ian

Mar 2026
Our guide Linda was fantastic! So knowledgeable about the history of The Royal Mile and the castle. Really enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend.
George Oliver Naylor
GB

George

United Kingdom
Feb 2026
Linda was brilliant at giving insight and making it a fun and memorable experience. She went above and beyond to answer questions and make the day enjoyable. The tour was done really well with it starting outside the castle and touring through the castle walls and Linda finding quiet locations to give information so we could all hear. Would definitely recommend.

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Overview: Edinburgh Whisky Tours

  • Ways to explore: Pick from The Silver Tour, The Gold Tour, A Taste of Scotland experience , or grab a combo with an Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour, entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse , the Edinburgh Dungeon , or a Ghost Tour.
  • Additional access: Some tickets come with multilingual audio guides, a crystal tasting glass, or even a three-course meal if you go for A Taste of Scotland.
  • Unique experiences: Usual whisky tastings run from 50 to 75 minutes. If you want something extra, opt for combo tickets to enjoy additional experiences like haunted vaults or castle highlights.
  • Queues and access: Make sure you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Guided tours usually include priority entry, but some spots have limited capacity.
  • When to book: Weekends and holidays are busiest, so plan at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Good to know: Some experiences have age limits:The Gold Tour and A Taste of Scotland are 18+, and kids under 16 must be with an adult on family-friendly tours.
  • Best upgrade: For the full experience, go for The Gold Tour or A Taste of Scotland. You’ll get longer tastings and perks like a one-year Whisky Society membership.

Overview: Edinburgh Whisky Tours

  • Ways to explore: Pick from The Silver Tour, The Gold Tour, A Taste of Scotland experience , or grab a combo with an Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour, entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse , the Edinburgh Dungeon , or a Ghost Tour.
  • Additional access: Some tickets come with multilingual audio guides, a crystal tasting glass, or even a three-course meal if you go for A Taste of Scotland.
  • Unique experiences: Usual whisky tastings run from 50 to 75 minutes. If you want something extra, opt for combo tickets to enjoy additional experiences like haunted vaults or castle highlights.
  • Queues and access: Make sure you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Guided tours usually include priority entry, but some spots have limited capacity.
  • When to book: Weekends and holidays are busiest, so plan at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Good to know: Some experiences have age limits:The Gold Tour and A Taste of Scotland are 18+, and kids under 16 must be with an adult on family-friendly tours.
  • Best upgrade: For the full experience, go for The Gold Tour or A Taste of Scotland. You’ll get longer tastings and perks like a one-year Whisky Society membership.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience is Scotland’s whisky heart, located on the Royal Mile. While not a working distillery, it brings the craft alive with exhibits, guided tastings, and insights into the whisky-making process.

Highlights:

  • Opportunity to try classic drams like Glenmorangie or Auchentoshan.
  • Large whisky collection with rare and themed bottles for souvenirs.

Holyrood Distillery

Edinburgh’s first new malt whisky distillery in almost a century, Holyrood Distillery brings an experimental twist to traditional whisky-making by producing small-batch single malts that explore unusual barley varieties.

Highlights:

  • Tasting sessions featuring four distinct drams of Holyrood’s handcrafted spirits.
  • A modern take on whisky production with experimentation in barley and yeast.

Glenkinchie Distillery

Just a short trip from Edinburgh, Glenkinchie is known as the “Edinburgh Malt” for its floral Lowland style. This distillery immerses you in the tradition of Lowland whiskies, while tastings highlight their grassy character.

Highlights:

  • A 12-year-old, a smooth, grassy whisky with citrus notes.
  • Light single malt character distinct from Highland and Islay styles.

Port of Leith Distillery

A modern gem in Edinburgh’s Leith district, Port of Leith Distillery is celebrated for its vertical design and city views. Here, you can explore Lowland whisky production up close and enjoy a tasting in a bar that frames the city skyline.

Highlights:

  • Tasting of new-make spirit and Lowland whiskies.
  • Option to bottle your own miniature dram.

Plan your Edinburgh Whisky Tours

Most tours typically start in central Edinburgh between 9 am and 10 am, with standard tours lasting about 50–75 minutes.

Important opening hours:

  • The Scotch Whisky Experience: 10 am to 6:30 pm.
  • The Scotch Whisky Shop: 10 am to 8 pm.
  • Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar: 12 noon to 9 pm.

Best time to visit

  • Best time of day: Arrive for a mid‑morning tour around 10 am to avoid crowds and enjoy a relaxed pace.
  • Best months: April through September see the warmest weather and the highest visitor levels due to local festivals and school holidays.
  • Quieter season: October through March generally sees fewer visitors, making bookings easier and the experience more relaxed.

Address: 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE | Find on Maps

Most tours start in Edinburgh city centre, near the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

Public transport to the city centre:

  • Train: Edinburgh Waverley is the main city centre station. Haymarket station serves west Edinburgh and connects easily by bus or tram to central stops.
  • Bus: City buses stop near Princes Street, North Bridge, and St Andrew Square, all within walking distance of the tour starting points.
  • Tram: Edinburgh Trams connect Edinburgh Airport with central stops like Princes Street and St Andrew Square, which are walkable to most tour departure locations.
  • On‑site toilets are available at the railway stations and at major stops on your tour.
  • Optional audio guides are available for deeper insight into whisky regions and production.
  • Seating and refreshment areas are provided at affiliated restaurants and lounges.
  • Wheelchair access is available with lifts and ramps to key areas.
  • Some cobblestone streets in Old Town may be uneven and challenging for mobility aids.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.
  • Accessible toilets are provided in the city centre venues used for tours.

After your whisky tour, here are excellent dining spots within walking distance in central Edinburgh:

  • Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar: Scottish cuisine with whisky pairings.
  • Maison Bleue: French, North African, and Scottish fusion dishes near the Royal Mile.
  • The Mussel & Steak Bar: Casual seafood and steak eatery close to the Old Town.

Some great central Edinburgh stays for after your whisky experience include:

  • The Balmoral: An iconic luxury hotel near Princes Street and the Old Town.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh: Comfortable rooms in the city centre near major attractions.
  • Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Stylish mid‑range option close to Edinburgh Castle and lively pubs and restaurants.
  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions (10 m): Mind-bending illusions and some of the best city views in town, this attraction blends art and science for an entertaining adventure.
  • Edinburgh Castle (49 m): Sitting proudly atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress is packed with Scottish legends, epic views, and treasures like the Crown Jewels and the mighty Stone of Destiny.
  • St. Giles Cathedral (0.3 km): A Gothic masterpiece filled with history. Marvel at its stunning stained glass, intricate stonework, and the breathtaking Thistle Chapel—a true gem in the heart of Edinburgh.
  • National Museum of Scotland (0.4 km): Dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, and Scottish inventions all under one roof. This museum is a treasure trove of history, culture, and hands-on exhibits you won't want to miss.
  • Sharp metallic tools, weapons, and dangerous objects are strictly prohibited.
  • Pets are not allowed on the experience. Guide dogs, however, are welcome.
  • Smoking, including e‑cigarettes, is prohibited throughout.
  • Children under 16 must always be accompanied by adults aged 18 or older.
  • Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.

Tips to keep in mind before going on an Edinburgh whisky tour

  • Book tours in advance: Popular experiences, especially Silver or Gold tours, can fill up quickly, particularly in peak season. Book your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Arrive early: Plan to reach the departure point at least 10 minutes before your tour starts to ensure a smooth check-in and full experience.
  • Bring valid ID: Whisky tastings are age-restricted, so always carry a government-issued photo ID.
  • Plan your palate: Start with lighter whiskies and progress to heavier, peated styles to fully enjoy the tasting experience.
  • Hydrate and pace yourself: Drink water between tastings to appreciate each dram responsibly and avoid overindulgence.
  • Dress for comfort: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
  • Use audio guides if available: They provide detailed explanations of whisky regions, production techniques, and tasting notes for a deeper understanding.

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh whisky tours

For first-time visitors, Silver and Gold tours are perfect. They offer a guided introduction to Scottish whisky, multiple tastings, and insights into whisky culture, making it easy to enjoy and learn without feeling overwhelmed.