Culture & History in Edinburgh
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appActivities found:0
Sort by:
Your free Edinburgh sightseeing self-guided audio tour is waiting.
Get free audio tours, travel Spotify playlists, and other goodies in your email.
By signing up, you agree to receive promotional emails on activities and insider tips. You can unsubscribe or withdraw your consent at any time with future effect. For more information, read our Privacy statement.
Reviews about activities in Edinburgh
Overall rating
646 ratings 382 reviews
Unknown
December 2025
Amazing history, architecture, and the abbey were fantastic
Unknown
December 2025
Amazing history, architecture, and the abbey were fantastic
Paula
December 2025
Lovely visit just before Christmas. We have also been to Balmoral and Sandringham this year so we really loved it.
Paula
December 2025
Lovely visit just before Christmas. We have also been to Balmoral and Sandringham this year so we really loved it.
Ellian
December 2025
Very Christmassy experience
1
2
3
4
5
...
39
Things to do in Edinburgh
Categories
Travelers Interests
Attractions in Edinburgh
Self-guided tours
Entrance tickets
Best Edinburgh Culture & History
Discover the rich tapestry of Edinburgh's past with our immersive audio tours, exploring the very best in local culture and historical heritage.
Edinburgh Castle: Hunt for Stone of Destiny
What is it?
An enchanting exploration of Edinburgh's crown jewel, steeped in royal history.
Why you should go?
Edinburgh Castle, an emblematic silhouette against the city's skyline, beckons history enthusiasts to embark on a self-guided audio tour filled with royal tales and ancient lore. As visitors pass through stony gateways, the echoes from the Stone of Destiny to the Royal Palace resound, offering an immersive dip into Scotland's lineage. Unravel the mysteries of monarchs who once roamed these halls and contemplate the storied past where medieval intrigue reigned supreme in this fortress that time appears to have forgotten.
National Museum of Scotland In-App Audio Tour
What is it?
An informative tour weaving through Scotland's most esteemed museum.
Why you should go?
This in-app guide leads you through a treasure trove of artefacts within the walls of the National Museum of Scotland. While enjoying free admission, augment your visit with stories that breathe life into exhibits, from Dolly the Sheep's fame to the mystery-laden Arthur's Seat coffins. Traverse time, from prehistoric beasts to the chessmen inspiring Harry Potter, and embrace Scottish history's richness. Perfectly curated, this tour enhances your museum journey, ensuring a comprehensive, self-paced cultural encounter.
Scottish National Gallery In-App Audio Tour
What is it?
An art aficionado's voyage into Scottish and global masterpieces.
Why you should go?
Step into the Scottish National Gallery with an audio companion that elevates your free visit to a scholarly excursion. The neoclassical architecture houses artistic splendours spanning eras and styles, from Botticelli to Impressionism. Learn the nuanced backstories of famed artworks and Scotland's rich artistic heritage amid the impeccable curation. Delight in the skill of Raeburn and Wilkie, as hidden narratives unfurl, promising an enriching gallery experience designed for connoisseurs and curious minds alike.
Arthur's Seat: a Vertiginous Wilderness Hike in the Centre of Edinburgh
What is it?
An exhilarating climb in the heart of Edinburgh with breathtaking views.
Why you should go?
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh's dormant volcano, offers adventurers a unique urban wilderness experience. This guided hiking route unveils panoramic vistas while threading through Holyrood Park's striking geology. From the tranquil St Margaret's Loch to the commanding cliffs of Salisbury Crags, each step reveals nature's grandeur juxtaposed with the city's charm. This self-guided ascent affirms Arthur's Seat as more than a viewpoint—it's a journey through the epochs, wrought with geological marvels and skies that stretch into Scottish legend.
Edinburgh: Must-See Sights of the Old Town
What is it?
A journey through the historic heart of Edinburgh, brimming with tales.
Why you should go?
Wind through the cobbled lanes of Old Town, where stories spill from every corner and monument. From the regal Holyroodhouse Palace to the poignant Greyfriars Bobby, this tour is a tapestry of tales set against the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. As culture blends with history, delve into Scotland's vibrant past and marvel at the architectural splendour of St Giles Kirk. This audio-guided stroll chronicles the essence of Edinburgh, offering a sensory exploration that captivates both the eye and the mind.
Edinburgh: a Tour through History of Crime
What is it?
An intriguing journey into Edinburgh's notorious criminal past and forensic origins.
Why you should go?
Unearth the dark underbelly of Edinburgh with a tour that traces the city’s infamous legal history. Starting at Arthur Conan Doyle's birthplace, birth the mind of Sherlock Holmes, and weave through locales steeped in fact and fiction alike. Discover the site that inspired Stevenson's 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'. The cobbled streets of Grassmarket, once a stage for public executions, now lay quiet, hiding their grisly legacy. Stand before the High Court, where history's echo tells of crimes and retribution, and end with the Heart of Midlothian, a poignant testament to Edinburgh's complex rapport with justice. This audio tour promises spine-tingling revelations and fascinating insights into crime and punishment in Edinburgh’s storied history.
TOP-5 most rated Culture & History in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle stands as a formidable monument, reflecting the valor and vigour of Scotland's chronicles. Ascend to apprehend the Stone of Destiny's aura and delve into royal life and medieval warfare on this esteemed non-official tour.
- The National Museum of Scotland invites you to embark on an enlightening audio journey. Engage with the natural world, delve into diverse cultures, and absorb Scottish history at your own rhythm on this acclaimed top-rated experience.
- Art connoisseurs celebrate the Scottish National Gallery's in-app tour. Navigate through neoclassical halls, admire masterpieces spanning the Middle Ages to Impressionism, and uncover Scotland's artistic treasures, all through a praised independent narrator.
- Chart a course for Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh’s extinct volcano peak offering breathtaking city vistas. Hike tranquil paths, encounter geological wonders, and indulge in a panoramic adventure highly recommended by fellow explorers.
- Savor Edinburgh's Old Town's must-see sights through an enriching cultural and historical ambulation. Traverse from regal palaces to legendary statutes and experience the Old Town's allure, making it a traveler's favourite guided experience.
TOP-5 new Culture & History in Edinburgh for experienced tourists
- Embark on the latest Edinburgh Castle tour and seek the Stone of Destiny. Engage with centuries of Scottish sovereignty and legendary combat, all within the walls of this monumental citadel.
- Newly introduced, the in-app tour of the National Museum of Scotland allows for a self-paced voyage through the annals of nature, global cultures, and Scottish antiquities without the need for a ticket.
- Dive into the freshest narrative experience the Scottish National Gallery offers. This audio tour includes free entry, guiding you through artistic masterpieces and Scotland’s own cultural wonders.
- Challenge yourself on the newest route to Arthur's Seat for a breathtaking excursion. Traversing Holyrood Park, this hike frames Edinburgh’s skyline in nature’s own amphitheater.
- Explore Edinburgh's Old Town through our latest tour, showcasing pivotal sites like Holyroodhouse Palace and the High Kirk of St Giles, juxtaposing ancient marvels with lively contemporary culture.
FAQ
The best Culture & History in Edinburgh include the immersive self-guided tours of Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Scottish National Gallery. Each one offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Scotland's past, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace the narratives of royalty, art, and innovation that have shaped this historic city.
Apart from delving into culture and history, Edinburgh offers activities such as climbing Arthur's Seat for panoramic city views, taking ghost tours of the Old Town, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. The Royal Botanic Garden and Edinburgh Zoo provide great outdoor experiences, and no visit is complete without sampling traditional Scottish cuisine and whiskey.
The duration of cultural and historical tours in Edinburgh can vary. Tours of major sites like Edinburgh Castle or the National Museum typically last between 1-3 hours. However, visitors should consider allowing half a day for a more leisurely exploration, especially when engaging with interactive exhibits or audio guides that provide in-depth information at each site.
Want to discover all there is to do in Edinburgh
Click here for a full list