Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Tours

Established in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of Europe’s oldest botanic garden. Covering an area of more than 70 acres (28 hectares), the garden—which encompasses everything from Victorian glasshouses to a giant water lily pond and a rock garden—is a haven of tranquility in Scotland’s bustling capital city.
The Basics
Many visitors explore the garden independently, using the John Hope Gateway visitor center to acquaint themselves with the garden’s various sections and layout before exploring at their leisure. For a more in-depth experience, join a drop-in guided tour. Guided tours take place at 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from March through September. Complimentary audio handsets are also available at the visitors’ reception desk.
As well as wandering the open-air gardens, you can purchase admission tickets for the Victorian Palm Houses and the 1960s Front Range glasshouses. Because of its picturesque appearance, the garden is a prime location for private photography shoots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a must-visit for keen gardeners and anyone seeking a quiet escape from the city.
- A restaurant, two cafés, and a shop selling souvenirs, seeds, and gardening equipment are located within the gardens.
- All buildings and most key areas of the gardens are accessible to wheelchair users. The garden’s Benmore Explorer people carrier helps transport visitors with reduced mobility.
How to Get There
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is situated around 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Edinburgh city center. Lothian buses 8, 23, and 27 all run to Inverleith Row, where the east gate entrance is located. The No. 8 bus connects Waverley Station with the gardens.
When to Get There
The botanic garden is open year-round. Spring is the best time to visit, when rhododendrons, snowdrop trees, and lilacs are in bloom. Summer weekends are the busiest time, but even then its many different paths and areas to explore rarely feel crowded.
Blooms of the Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh encompass some 70 different landscaped areas, presenting a kaleidoscope of flowers and rare plants. Among the standout sections is the Chinese Hillside, home to many of the garden’s collection of wild-origin plants from China. Also worth seeking out is the Rock Garden, which features approximately 5,000 alpine plants, as well as the Victorian Temperate Palm House and the 1834-built Tropical Palm glasshouse, which mimics a rain forest environment.
Address: 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR, Scotland
Admission: Free
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
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3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh w/ Private Tour Option
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Scotland is renowned for its unique cuisine, but Edinburgh’s foodie hotspots are best explored with a local guide. On this small-group walking tour, discover the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns, and sample Scottish classics such as Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Scotch whisky, and afternoon tea.
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From
$234.02
From
$234.02
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Photo Shoot in Edinburgh
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Make your time in the Scottish capital completely unforgettable with a private 1-hour photo shoot in Edinburgh. Under the guidance of a professional photographer, pose for photographs beside top Edinburgh attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Then, a week after your tour, you’ll be able to browse your photographs in a shared gallery. Relish the opportunity to customize your private photo shoot according to your interests — choose to have photographs taken in locations that suit your style and character.
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From
$530.36
From
$530.36

Private Edinburgh City Luxury Day Trip
We specialise in creating private Scottish adventures for individuals.
As our tours are more personal than some other tour providers, you will leave with a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you've seen what you wanted, how you wanted.
As one of the most enticing places in the world, Edinburgh definitely needs to be experienced to the full. Make the most of your time with our incredible bespoke tour!
There’s no better way to see this iconic location than through the eyes of someone who calls it home. Prepare to experience Edinburgh like no one else, and create unique memories in the city of a thousand tales.
We’d love to help you experience the spark of our electrifying Edinburgh.
Enjoy, relax and just switch off. Get to know the country and its people, immerse yourself in nature and tradition. At TRIPorganiser we know where to find something special. Trust us with your with valuable travel time. Authenticity is our top priority.
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From
$359.41
Price varies by group size
From
$359.41
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Half Day Bike Tour Edinburgh
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Cover more Edinburgh sights than you would on foot during a bike tour that covers both city highlights and hidden gems. Traveling on two wheels allows you to head outside of the city and away from the crowds, and reveals neighborhoods that you may otherwise have missed. Plus, group sizes are capped at eight people.
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From
$49.58
From
$49.58
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Edinburgh Christmas Lights with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private
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Edinburgh at Christmas time becomes a winter wonderland, and this tour will help you discover the city’s most magical sites. Spend an evening walking past Edinburgh top attractions, as well as hidden parts that locals love. You’ll see the Old Town, Princes Street Gardens, and much more. A local host will teach you about Edinburgh from a local’s perspective and show you where to find the best Christmas lights. Mulled wine or hot chocolate is included, and conveniently, you can customize your tour based on your needs.
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From
$114.87
Price varies by group size
From
$114.87
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Explore Edinburgh's Landscapes
Escape the city center and discover some of Edinburgh’s most impressive natural landscapes—all of which are within easy reach of the capital—on a private tour that guarantees the undivided attention of your guide. Depending on your fitness level, choose to conquer either challenging peaks or gentle coastal trails.
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From
$114.87
Price varies by group size
From
$114.87
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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