Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets

Family enjoying City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour in Edinburgh.

Red double-decker bus on Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Tour near historic stone building.

Palace of Holyroodhouse facade with central fountain, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Dining room inside Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, with ornate decor and portraits.

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start of your experience

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.5/5

(5,343)

David

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The visit t Holyrood House was a great 3 hours of the history in the palace, the abbey ruins, and the gardens. The audio information was excellent going through all aspects of the enthralling history from the past to the present. The staff who were present in all of the rooms were very knowledgable when questions were asked so don't be afraid to speak to them. We had lunch in the restaurant a very good selection of food, and drink a place to rest your weary feet, and mind.

Thomas

Aug 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Amazing place to visit and the staff were very helpful, i have hearing aids and they explained how the multimedia system works with them, this enables you to hear about the Palace and the history on the easy to use hand held screen this allows you to go into each room and listen to the story of everything at your own pace and not rushing around to follow a tour guide but there are attendees in every room if you have any questions who are happy to help

Kerri

Aug 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The audio guides made the visit so engaging; they even had a special kids’ version, which was such a hit with my five-year-old. He hasn’t stopped talking about Bonnie Prince Charlie ever since! The palace itself is beautifully preserved and full of fascinating history, and the grounds are immaculate, perfect for wandering and taking in the views. All in all, a truly wonderful experience that felt both educational and enjoyable for the whole family.

Snap up this smart combo to save money! Hit Edinburgh’s top sights on a bus tour and enjoy a Holyrood Palace visit with a drop off right at its doorstep!

Zip around Edinburgh on a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus adventure with 15 stops near all the big hits like Edinburgh Castle, with a bus every ten minutes.

Kids ride for free and listen to hilarious audio tales, while you enjoy the sights with audio guides in your language; it's a win for everyone.

Get dropped off a stone's throw from the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse for your chance to wander the King's stunning Scottish home.

Tread the very same floors as Mary, Queen of Scots, and the eclectic State Apartments, while listening to the palace's thrilling, centuries-old secrets.

24-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass by City Sightseeing

Access to Red Route

Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian

Kids' commentary on Horrible Histories'

Headphones

Free kids' tickets

Entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (near Stop #7 Holyrood on Red route)

Audio guide in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Gaelic, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish

You can cancel these tickets up to 36 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.5
5,343 ratings
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, France, Canada and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Gerald
Aug 2025
Verified booking
4/5
Commentary in each area was very informative a good mix of detail and fun facts The Red route took in all areas we wanted to see Hop on hop off enabled us to see where we wanted to be and maximise our time in the city The drivers were very helpful and friendly
Petitjean
Jul 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We loved visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse; the splendor of its apartments, the gardens, the remains of the abbey and the history of the Stuarts ...
Mauricio
Jul 2025
Verified booking
5/5
I loved seeing the Scottish home of the royal family and was grateful to hear the audio in Portuguese. Delighted with the conservation of the rooms and gardens. Good to know that we were able to witness the existence of this place and see how everything is so well preserved and protected.
Laura
Jul 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The ticketing experience was very good because it was very easy to handle. The experience around Edinburgh was perfect and the audio guide was also perfect. Thank you.
Cozma
Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The palace is impresive, a lot of history and very beautifull interiors. The gardens are so relaxing to walk through.

Double the delight for less! Enjoy a money-saving deal on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour through Edinburgh’s top attractions and a regal day out at the Holyrood Palace.

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

This hop-on hop-off route whisks you through Edinburgh’s best bits, blending grand Georgian streets with quirky old-town vibes and royal showstoppers. Kick off at Waterloo Place and St. Andrew Square, roll down lively Lothian Road, soak up the buzz of Grassmarket, wander past storybook closes on Lawnmarket and John Knox House, then end big at Holyrood’s palaces and the space-age Our Dynamic Earth.

Schedule

First bus: 8:45am from stop #1 Waterloo Place

Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 Waterloo Place

Frequency: Every 10 minutes

Popular stops: Waterloo Place, St. Andrew Square, Holyrood, Our Dynamic Earth

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

At the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile rises the majestic Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland’s royal residence for over five centuries and still the setting for important state occasions. Inside, you’ll uncover Mary, Queen of Scots’ dramatic chambers, the opulent State Rooms, and the grand Great Gallery where Bonnie Prince Charlie once danced. Step outside to explore the romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey and wander gardens framed by Arthur’s Seat; a picture-perfect royal escape. A visit here beautifully blends history, grandeur, and scenery; leaving you with a true taste of Scotland’s royal heart.

What's not allowed

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Large bags, rucksacks, and suitcases (30L or over) are not allowed inside for security reasons.

Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

Keep your camera tucked away – photography is strictly not allowed inside the State Apartments.

Accessibility

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchairs must be no larger than 70cm wide, 120cm long, and 135cm high to board the bus. If unsure, contact the service provider.

Just a heads up, each bus can only accommodate 1 wheelchair at a time. If there is already a passenger in a wheelchair, please wait for the next one.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, except in some parts of Mary, Queen of Scots' rooms.

Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

Additional information

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Children aged 3 and under travel for free. Child tickets must be added to the cart at the final stage of booking.

Small and well-behaved dogs are allowed on board.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

As the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a working royal palace, security and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.

The palace is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display the same on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the time of redemption.

Ticket redemption point

Please check your final voucher for redemption point details and specifics.