Welcome aboard the ultimate battle of the buses! If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh and seeking the best way to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of hop-on-hop-off bus tours and unveil the top contenders vying for the title of Edinburgh’s Best Tour Company.
City Sightseeing Edinburgh vs. Edinburgh Bus Tours:
1. Tour Routes:
When it comes to exploring Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems, both City Sightseeing Edinburgh and Edinburgh Bus Tours offer extensive tour routes covering the city’s most popular attractions. From the historic Grassmarket to the majestic Palace of Holyroodhouse, you’ll have the opportunity to hop on and off at multiple stops along the way.
Stops for City Sightseeing Edinburgh:
- Lothian Road: Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Lothian Road is a bustling thoroughfare known for its shops, restaurants, and proximity to cultural attractions such as the Usher Hall.
- Grassmarket: This historic market square is lined with charming pubs, boutique shops, and colorful buildings. It’s a vibrant hub with a lively atmosphere and a rich history dating back to medieval times.
- Johnston Terrace: Situated near Edinburgh Castle, Johnston Terrace offers stunning views of the city skyline and access to attractions like the Scotch Whisky Experience and the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
- Lawnmarket: Adjacent to the Royal Mile, Lawnmarket is a bustling street filled with traditional Scottish shops, cafes, and historic landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Museum of Edinburgh.
Stops for Edinburgh Bus Tours:
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: One of the world’s leading botanic gardens, this lush oasis boasts a stunning collection of plants from around the globe, serene walking paths, and iconic glasshouses.
- The Royal Yacht Britannia: A floating royal residence and maritime museum, the Royal Yacht Britannia offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the life of the British royal family and the history of seafaring.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the palace’s opulent rooms and learn about its royal inhabitants.
- Canongate: This historic street in Edinburgh’s Old Town is lined with centuries-old buildings, including the Canongate Tolbooth and the Museum of Edinburgh. It offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past and vibrant cultural heritage.
- Our Dynamic Earth: An award-winning science center, Our Dynamic Earth offers interactive exhibits that explore the Earth’s past, present, and future. Visitors can journey through time and space to learn about natural phenomena like earthquakes, volcanoes, and ice ages.
2. Ticket Prices:
Price-conscious travelers will appreciate the competitive ticket prices offered by both City Sightseeing Edinburgh and Edinburgh Bus Tours. With options ranging from $20 to $30 USD for a 24-hour ticket, you can enjoy unlimited access to the city’s top sights without breaking the bank.
| Company | Tour Routes | Ticket Prices | Tour Duration | Included Attractions | Customer Reviews | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Sightseeing Edinburgh | Multiple routes covering various attractions | Typically $20 to $30 USD for 24 hours | Daily operation, varying frequencies | Stops at major landmarks like Grassmarket, John Knox House, and Our Dynamic Earth | Generally positive, praised for informative commentary and friendly staff | Kids go free offer, free cancellation policy, mobile voucher accepted |
| Edinburgh Bus Tours | Tours covering different parts including Majestic | Typically £15 to £20 GBP | Year-round operation, varying schedules | Highlights include Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Royal Yacht Britannia, and Palace of Holyroodhouse | Positive reviews, convenience of tours and accessibility mentioned | Accessibility options, FAQ section, helpful customer support |
Explanation:
- Tour Routes: City Sightseeing Edinburgh offers multiple routes covering various attractions in Edinburgh, while Edinburgh Bus Tours provides tours covering different parts of the city, including specialized tours like the Majestic Tour.
- Ticket Prices: City Sightseeing Edinburgh typically charges between $20 to $30 USD for a 24-hour ticket, while Edinburgh Bus Tours prices range from £15 to £20 GBP depending on the selected tour.
- Tour Duration: Both companies operate daily, but the frequencies and durations vary. City Sightseeing Edinburgh operates with varying frequencies throughout the year, while Edinburgh Bus Tours operates year-round with schedules that may vary.
- Included Attractions: City Sightseeing Edinburgh stops at major landmarks like Grassmarket and Our Dynamic Earth, while Edinburgh Bus Tours highlights include Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and The Royal Yacht Britannia.
- Customer Reviews: City Sightseeing Edinburgh receives generally positive reviews, with praise for informative commentary and friendly staff. Edinburgh Bus Tours also garners positive reviews, with customers mentioning the convenience of the tours and accessibility.
- Additional Services: City Sightseeing Edinburgh offers additional services such as a kids go free offer, free cancellation policy, and acceptance of mobile vouchers. Edinburgh Bus Tours provides accessibility options, a FAQ section, and helpful customer support.
3. Tour Duration:
Whether you’re spending a day or a week in Edinburgh, both City Sightseeing Edinburgh and Edinburgh Bus Tours provide flexible tour durations to suit your schedule. With tours operating daily and frequencies varying throughout the year, you can hop on and off at your leisure and explore Edinburgh at your own pace.
City Sightseeing Edinburgh Tour Duration:
| Time Slot | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| 09:00 AM | Start of operations |
| 10:00 AM | Regular tour intervals |
| 11:00 AM | Regular tour intervals |
| 12:00 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 01:00 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 02:00 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 03:00 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 04:00 PM | End of operations |
Explanation:
City Sightseeing Edinburgh operates daily, with tours running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The tours follow regular intervals, typically departing every hour. Customers can join the tour at any time during the operating hours and enjoy the flexibility of hopping on and off at various stops throughout the day.
Edinburgh Bus Tours Duration:
| Time Slot | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| 09:00 AM | Start of operations |
| 09:30 AM | Regular tour intervals |
| 10:00 AM | Regular tour intervals |
| 10:30 AM | Regular tour intervals |
| 11:00 AM | Regular tour intervals |
| 11:30 AM | Regular tour intervals |
| 12:00 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 12:30 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 01:00 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 01:30 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 02:00 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 02:30 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 03:00 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 03:30 PM | Regular tour intervals |
| 04:00 PM | End of operations |
Explanation:
Edinburgh Bus Tours also operates daily, with tours starting at 9:00 AM and concluding at 4:00 PM. Tours run at regular intervals throughout the day, typically departing every half-hour. This schedule allows customers to join the tour at their preferred time and explore the city’s attractions at their own pace.
4. Included Attractions:
From the iconic Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to the historic John Knox House, both City Sightseeing Edinburgh and Edinburgh Bus Tours include stops at must-see attractions that showcase the city’s rich history and culture.
5. Customer Reviews:
Don’t just take our word for it – hear what fellow travelers have to say about their experiences with City Sightseeing Edinburgh and Edinburgh Bus Tours. With generally positive reviews praising informative commentary, friendly staff, and convenient services, you can book your tour with confidence knowing you’re in good hands.
City Sightseeing Edinburgh:
- “The audio commentary was informative, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout the tour.” – Sarah, USA
- “We had a fantastic experience exploring Edinburgh with City Sightseeing. The tour was well-organized, and we learned so much about the city’s history.” – Mark, Canada
- “I highly recommend City Sightseeing for anyone visiting Edinburgh. The hop-on-hop-off feature allowed us to explore at our own pace, and the tour routes covered all the major attractions.” – Emily, Australia
Edinburgh Bus Tours:
- “The Majestic Tour was an excellent way to see Edinburgh’s top landmarks. The live commentary was engaging, and the tour guides were knowledgeable.” – John, UK
- “We thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Edinburgh Bus Tours. The buses were comfortable, and the accessibility options made it easy for everyone to join the tour.” – Maria, Spain
- “Edinburgh Bus Tours provided a seamless sightseeing experience. The ticket prices were reasonable, and the frequency of tours made it convenient to explore the city.” – Thomas, Germany
6. Additional Services:
In addition to their core tour offerings, both City Sightseeing Edinburgh and Edinburgh Bus Tours provide a range of additional services to enhance your sightseeing experience. From free cancellation policies to mobile voucher acceptance, they’ve got you covered every step of the way.
FAQs:
Q: Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, both City Sightseeing Edinburgh and Edinburgh Bus Tours offer accessibility options for wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sights of Edinburgh comfortably.
Q: Can I purchase tickets in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can easily book your tickets online in advance for added convenience and peace of mind.
Wrap-Up:
In conclusion, both City Sightseeing Edinburgh and Edinburgh Bus Tours provide exceptional opportunities to discover Edinburgh’s captivating history and dynamic atmosphere. Here’s a recap of the key highlights of each company:
City Sightseeing Edinburgh:
- Extensive tour routes covering various attractions in Edinburgh.
- Informative audio commentary available in multiple languages.
- Generally positive customer reviews praising the informative commentary, friendly staff, and convenient services.
- Flexible ticket options with a free cancellation policy and mobile voucher acceptance.
Edinburgh Bus Tours:
- Diverse tour options including the Majestic Tour and 3 Bridges Tour.
- Specialized tours focusing on specific areas of interest.
- Positive reviews highlighting the convenience of the tours and accessibility features.
- Accessible FAQ section and helpful customer support for any inquiries.
Ultimately, the choice between the two companies depends on individual preferences and specific sightseeing priorities. Whether you prefer comprehensive tour experiences with multilingual commentary or specialized tours focusing on specific landmarks, both City Sightseeing Edinburgh and Edinburgh Bus Tours guarantee an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Scotland’s capital. So seize the opportunity, book your tickets today, and embark on the journey of a lifetime!
