This tour incorporates the Glenkinchie, Port of Leith, Blackness Bay and Holyrood distilleries, The Scotch Whisky Experience and Johnnie Walker Experience.

We’ve included four whisky-related things to do plus four more attractions – but there’s loads more to Edinburgh. If you can time your visit to coincide with the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe (both held over August every year), you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice for theatre, comedy, music, dance, opera and more. The Festival is the world’s biggest culture and arts festival and Edinburgh triples in population over August – so book your accommodation well in advance.

Start with the Glenkinchie Distillery in Pencaitland just outside Edinburgh and move on to Holyrood and Port of Leith distilleries in the heart of Edinburgh.

Johnnie Walker Experience

Johnnie Walker Experience

Johnnie Walker Experience sits at the heart of Diageo’s £185million pound investment in Scotch whisky tourism in Scotland and follows the opening of new experiences at the Glenkinchie, Clynelish and Cardhu distilleries. It's home is the 71,500 sq ft iconic building on the corner of the west end of Princes St in Edinburgh, and has been refurbished beautifully. Relax and enjoy the views from stunning bars and restaurants in the renovated building - the 1820 rooftop bar, offering breathtaking views across the city and Edinburgh Castle, and The Label Studio which will host a variety of live events and performances throughout the year.

Their Journey of Flavour tour is a trip through Johnnie Walker whisky’s epic search for flavour, a sensory experience offering a curated exploration of Scottish whiskies, and the opportunity to discover the inspiring stories behind Scotland’s favourite whisky brands.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience is not a distillery, but still does a variety of tours, and is a great way to give you all the information you could cope with on Scotch whisky. They have an impressive collection of 3,384 bottles of Scotch whisky held in a glass and marble vault, which is where each visitor gets the chance for a dram. Plus a good restaurant offering a vast array of whiskies, and even the option to gain their ‘Certificate of Expertise’ during a day’s whisky training.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

SMWS at 28 Queen St

If you love whisky, it’s highly likely you’ll already have heard of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) and may possibly already be a member. If not, the SMWS is a lovely way to experience “an adventurous and fun journey of discovery of the world's widest collection of single cask whiskies”. The two SMWS venues in Edinburgh are very different, but equally enjoyable – The Vaults in Leith is relaxed and cosy with coal fires and big leather couches, while 28 Queen Street is contemporary with a simple and elegant feel. You’ll have to sign up to become a Society member to enjoy their exclusive Members’ Rooms, although you can still get a taste of the SMWS in their Kaleidoscope Bar on the ground floor of 28 Queen Street, which is open to everyone.

Whisky bars

We’ve chosen two opposites – the Bow Bar on Victoria Street and the Whiski Rooms on The Mound (North Bank Street) – as our recommended whisky bars.

The Bow Bar is for you if you prefer traditional pubs. They’re dog friendly (actually pet-friendly in general, although probably want to double check before you go in with your pet horse), have over 390 whiskies, serve a delicious selection of artisanal pies and regularly win awards for the Best Pub in Scotland and similar. What’s not to love?

If that’s not your cup of erm, whisky, then the Whiski Rooms is also an excellent choice. A restaurant as well as a bar, their dining options include the Ardbeg Menu, they host daily tastings including the ‘Whisky and Cheese’ and ‘Whisky and Chocolate’ tastings, and they have live traditional Scottish music every night of the week.

Or why not try both!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland's dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away. Discover the highlights of a visit to Edinburgh Castle, from the Royal Palace and Honours of Scotland to Mons Meg and the Scottish National War Memorial.

Scottish Parliament

Scottish Parliament

Love or hate the architecture of the Scottish Parliament, we think it’s well worth seeing. All tours are free and some include the debating chamber – choose from Architecture, Art, Photography or the Parliament Tour, or take a look at their events and exhibitions. There’s also a coffee shop and a well-staffed creche if you need it.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum is not only a stunning building but a wonderful way to spend a day. Every visit here is different and you can get lost in the miles of incredible artefacts and exhibitions – our favourites include the millennium clock tower (don’t miss seeing it chime), the natural world galleries (dinosaurs, whales, lions etc) and the Bouton & Watt engine. And if you’re looking for five star dining afterwards, NMS also hosts The Tower restaurant at the top of the building.

Scott Monument

The history of the Scott Monument is interesting, but really you climb it for two reasons – first for the view, and second to say you made it! There are 287 steps to the top, all up an increasingly narrow spiral staircase. Great when you’re feeling you’ve been stuck indoors for too long, not so great with a hangover – you’ve been warned!

A little further afield...

Head out along the Forth and you will come to Blackness Bay Distillery which is close to Linlithgow and its historial palace - the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots!

Linlithgow Palace

Explore the magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace which was built and added to over two centuries by the Stewart kings, resulting in a superb Renaissance residence.

Accommodation

Lying just north of Edinburgh, South Queensferry is the beautiful seaside village looking out over the Forth Rail Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing. A lovely place for lunch or to stay longer and easy commuting distance to Edinburgh, we like the Orocco Pier Hotel for its views, friendly staff and good seafood restaurant. If you’ve some money to burn, you can’t go wrong with the Balmoral or the Waldorf Astoria Caledonian hotels, both sit on the main shopping precinct of Princes Street and overlook Edinburgh Castle. Equally expensive but with a far more Scottish flavour is the opulent Prestonfield House Hotel, around a ten minute taxi drive from the centre of town and complete with its own golf course, fabulous restaurant and peacocks roaming in the grounds. If you’d prefer to save your money for whisky, The Bonham is lovely and lies on the back streets of Edinburgh’s new town. Or head slightly south towards Bruntsfield for a more local feel and a stay at the Black Ivy. Another fantastic city centre option is The Glasshouse Hotel which offers spectacular views of the city centre and Calton Hill from its rooftop garden.