Explore at your pace
Free cancellation
Guided tour
4.6/5
(295)
- Ride an open top bus across three routes, passing Edinburgh Castle, historic streets, and landmarks while listening to engaging multilingual commentary for context and stories.
- At Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, explore engaging exhibits, enjoy 360 degree city views from the terrace, and witness Edinburgh through a historic live projection.
- See Edinburgh’s landmarks on three bus routes to get orientation, then switch to hands on illusions for immersive fun, making your day varied and cost effective.
3-Route Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off tour of Edinburgh
- Access to 3 routes: City sightseeing tour, Edinburgh tour, Regal tour
- Audio commentary in English, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Scottish, German, Portuguese, Spanish & Chinese (City Sightseeing & Edinburgh tours)
- English-speaking guide (Edinburgh tour)
- Discounts at the Royal Botanic Garden, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse & more (full list here)
- Headphones (Regal tour)
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Admission to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Access to five floors of interactive illusion exhibits (100+)
- Access to the Rooftop Terrace with 360° views of Edinburgh
- Free-to-use telescopes and binoculars on the rooftop
- Access to the historic Victorian Camera Obscura live panorama experience
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 295 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, Germany, Australia and over 21 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
Astrid K
FamilyVerified bookingPhillip H
FamilyVerified bookingAgueda M
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SoloVerified bookingRon T
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See Edinburgh from two very different perspectives with this combo. Start with panoramic views and city landmarks on an open top hop on hop off bus, then switch to interactive illusions and rooftop panoramas at Camera Obscura. Getting started You can begin with either attraction depending on your schedule. Show your mobile ticket at the hop on hop off bus boarding point or at the Camera Obscura entrance. Once scanned, you’re free to start exploring immediately. What to expect 3-Route Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour This flexible bus tour lets you see the city’s most iconic sights from above and decide where to hop on or off. With three routes covering Edinburgh’s historic streets, monuments, and scenic neighborhoods, you get both context and freedom in your sightseeing. Features:
- Three scenic routes: Cover the City Sightseeing, Edinburgh tour, and Regal tour routes, each highlighting unique perspectives of Edinburgh landmarks, architecture, and streets.
- Multilingual audio commentary: Enjoy insights and stories in English, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Scottish, German, Portuguese, Spanish, or Chinese, bringing the city’s history to life.
- English-speaking guide: On the Edinburgh tour, a live guide adds extra depth to your journey, pointing out hidden gems and interesting facts.
- Attraction discounts: Save at partner sites including the Royal Botanic Garden, Royal Yacht Britannia, and Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Flexible hop on hop off access: Board and exit at any stop along all three routes for a fully customized sightseeing experience.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Switch gears indoors to explore five floors of optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and fun challenges for all ages. The historic Victorian Camera Obscura live projection and rooftop terrace views provide a striking contrast to your outdoor sightseeing. Features:
- Five floors of illusions: Experiment with over 100 hands on exhibits, including mirror mazes, perspective tricks, and visual puzzles that bend perception.
- Rooftop terrace: Step outside for 360 degree panoramic views of Edinburgh, spotting rooftops, landmarks, and the surrounding hills.
- Victorian Camera Obscura: Watch a live projection of the city through classic lenses and mirrors, showing Edinburgh in real time.
- Interactive exhibits: Engage with optical illusions, light tricks, and hands on displays that make you part of the experience.
- Family friendly access: Ideal for visitors of all ages, with plenty of activities to entertain children while adults enjoy the optical artistry.
This combo makes a full day easy, balancing outdoor sightseeing from open top buses with immersive indoor fun. You see Edinburgh from above and inside, creating a varied and memorable experience.
What to bring
Hop-on Hop-off bus tour + Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.
What’s not allowed
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Outside food & beverages, large bags and suitcases, tripods, selfie sticks, sharp metallic tools or objects, smoking and alcohol are not allowed on this experience.
Accessibility
Hop-on Hop-off bus tour + Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- This experience is not wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Sensory backpacks, ear defenders, and hearing loops are available for this experience.
- Free carer ticket is offered.
Hop-on Hop-off bus tour
- This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/strollers users.
- Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.
- Low-floor ramps are available for easy access.
- Screens are conveniently available on the lower decks of City Sightseeing and Regal route buses.
Additional information
- Great news! If you're traveling with children aged 15 and under, they can hop on board for free with the 24-hour ticket.
- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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