Soak up the sights this September with Edinburgh Bus Tours

As summer gives way to autumn, there’s no better time to see Edinburgh from the top deck of Edinburgh Bus Tours. Watch the city transform as the trees burst into beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red, and take in some of the capital’s most picturesque sights along the way. From historic landmarks to stunning city views, September is the perfect time to experience Edinburgh in all its autumnal charm.

Written By: The Edinburgh Bus Tours Team

Red CitySightseeing Tour bus followed by green Edinburgh Tour bus infront of Calton Hill and autumnal orange trees

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is perfect for experiencing a taste of the highlands without leaving the city! At the centre of the park is Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that dominates Edinburgh’s skyline and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Lothians. Make sure you’re prepared for a hike if you plan on climbing it or the adjoining Salisbury Crags. The ground is slippery and rocky, and the summit is often windy, so wear sensible shoes and a jacket!

The park is also home to three lochs and a huge range of wildlife including a wide array of birds, rare plants and insects.

Getting here: Hop off the CitySightseeing Edinburgh Tour at Stop 12, or take a short walk from Edinburgh Tour Stop 6, or the Regal Tour Stop 14.

Green grass in foreground, followed by rocky hills and crags in the background, below a blue clear sky.

The Shore

The Shore in Leith is a charming waterfront area steeped in maritime history, with picturesque views, independent shops and a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars. Spend an afternoon exploring the local businesses, browse for unique souvenirs, or simply sit outside with some fresh seafood and watch the world go by. With its characterful surroundings and relaxed atmosphere, The Shore is a wonderful spot to discover a different side of Edinburgh.

Getting here: Hop-off the Regal Tour at Stop 9 or 11 to explore.

Calton hill

Enjoy panoramic views across Edinburgh from the top of Calton Hill, which also boasts a number of eye-catching monuments. Calton Hill is a much easier hike than Arthur’s Seat, with a choice between a winding road or stairs, and some might argue better views!

Getting here: The Edinburgh Tour stops on Regent Road at Stop 3; Stop 2 on North St David Street for the Regal Tour, or Stop 8 for the CitySightseeing Edinburgh Tour.

A stone monument featuring columns sits atop a hill over looking Edinburgh city centre. The sky is blue with pink and yellow creeping in as the sun sets.

St Andrew Square

A hub of activity throughout the year, St Andrew Square is a gorgeous green space surrounded by restaurants and designer shops. In its centre towers the Melville monument, a 45-meter-tall column built in the 1820s. Keep an eye out as you walk through the garden and you might find a special guest sitting on a bench, eating a marmalade sandwich!

Getting here: All three of our tours stop nearby. You can hop-off at CitySightseeing Edinburgh Stop 8, Edinburgh Tour Stop 2 and Regal tour Stop 2.

Paddington Bear sits on a bench, wearing a blue peacoat and red hat. He's eating a marmalade sandwich. Behind the bench is a green lawn and a stone monument.

Dean Village

Possibly one of the most photographed gems in Edinburgh is the charming Dean Village. The area boasts historic architecture, including the 19th century red sandstone tenement, Well Court, which was commissioned by Sir John Findlay and features a clock tower, turrets and a central courtyard.

Dean Village was originally a 12th century milling village powered by the strong river current of the Water of Leith. Conservation efforts in 1970s restored its medieval style architecture which has been maintained to this day.

Getting here: Hop-off the Regal Tour at Stop 3 for a short wander down to Dean Village.

A narrow bridge crosses a wide shallow river surrounded by green grasses. Red sandstone tenements overlook the river.

Explore Edinburgh at its best as the low sun illuminates the city and the autumn leaves begin to turn. Enjoy the best views and ability to hop-off at picturesque spots across the city that you’d like to explore further with Edinburgh Bus Tours.

Plan your trip today and find out which tour and ticket combo is your perfect match.

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