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Edinburgh Local food tours

Our most recommended Edinburgh Local food tours

Edinburgh: Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery

1. Edinburgh: Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery

Step inside Edinburgh's 56 North Distillery to sample and discover how award-winning gins are made. Begin by entering Scotland's oldest dedicated gin bar with over 300 gins on the shelf. You will be welcomed with a South Loch Gin and Fever-Tree tonic and introduced to the beautiful copper stills that produce all of the South Loch Gin. Savor your gin and tonic whilst learning all about botanicals, production, bottling, and gin production. Then, sample three gins made at the South Loch Gin distillery with tasting notes and insights into the research and development behind them. Finish off by enjoying a South Loch Gin cocktail made by a dedicated bar team.

Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour

2. Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour

Journey through the food culture of Edinburgh on a 3-hour guided tour and introduce your palate to some authentic haggis served with "neeps and tatties" (swedes and potatoes) before meandering past the famous Edinburgh Castle. Hear about the castle's long history and take advantage of the fabulous photo opportunity. Next, try some real Scotch whisky as you step into a venue that serves a fantastic lowland single malt. Follow the whisky with some creamy cheeses from Scotland and then taste some genuine Edinburgh gin to learn why the Scots love it so much. Try a secret dish, only revealed to those who join the tour! Then, end with a traditional afternoon tea, including some scones from Scotland to wind down a truly original experience.

Edinburgh: History of Whisky Tour and Whisky Tasting

3. Edinburgh: History of Whisky Tour and Whisky Tasting

Follow in the footsteps of King James IV - said to be the world’s first famous whisky drinker - on a guided tour of the city he granted a whisky manufacturing monopoly to. Learn about Edinburgh’s role in taking whisky to the rest of the world, and hear how production changed over time. Listen to stories of the locals who embraced the drink with enthusiasm, including George Ballantine on South Bridge and Andrew Usher Jr. at Nicolson Street. Then, taste 4 different Scotch whiskies in the candlelit Megget’s Cellar under the guidance of a whisky specialist. Learn everything you need to know about the water of life, from how whisky is made to the effects that different elements have on the production process. Taste your way through the whisky regions, such as Speyside, Highland, Islay and Lowland distilleries, and take your first step to becoming a whisky connoisseur! 

Scottish Highlands & Whisky Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

4. Scottish Highlands & Whisky Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Enjoy a fabulous day trip from Edinburgh to experience Scotland’s beautiful countryside just minutes from the capital. Drive to the stunning Highlands, and stop to sample a drop of the national drink to get a complete taste of Scotland. Leaving Edinburgh, the tour makes its way to the majestic Kelpies of Falkirk, the world's largest equine structures.  Heading further into the Highlands, pass the shimmering waters of Loch Earn, before stopping for lunch at the Glenturret, one of Scotland’s best-known whisky distilleries. Once revived, enjoy a “wee dram” of Scotch whisky and drink the “Water of Life.” Continue to the Hermitage in the heart of Perthshire for a short woodland walk to see the spectacular Black Linn Falls on the River Braan. On the return journey, visit the quaint village of Dunkeld, an area associated with Macbeth, where the stunning cathedral sits on the banks of the River Tay. Pass the iconic Forth Bridge on the way back into Edinburgh, admiring the fantastic 19th-century feat of engineering.

Scotland Whisky Explorer: Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

5. Scotland Whisky Explorer: Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

We depart from Edinburgh in the morning, heading for the majestic Kelpies, a pair of enormous equine structures. We drive through Scotland’s scenic landscapes, venturing further into the Highlands before stopping at one of Scotland’s famous whisky distilleries. After reviving ourselves with a wee dram of the ‘water of life’, we head to The Hermitage in the heart of Perthshire and take a short woodland walk. Our return journey visits the charming village of Dunkeld and its cathedral before returning to Edinburgh, passing the iconic Fort Bridge on the way.

Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

6. Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

Explore Scotland’s history on this unique tour. Start your day with a visit to Stirling Castle, home to the Scottish Royals until the early 17th century. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the castle itself or stroll around Old Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland. On your way to Loch Lomond you’ll see the famous highland cows, and pass a stunning landscape of lochs and mountains, reaching Loch Lomond at lunchtime. After lunch by the "bonnie banks," you’ll have the choice of a boat trip on the Loch or a short nature walk to a superb viewpoint over Scotland’s largest lake. You’ll finish the day at Glengoyne Distillery, situated in a wooded valley in the southern Highlands. The distillery, which takes its name from ‘Glen Guin’ or Glen of the Wild Geese, has been producing high quality single malt for nearly 200 years. You will, of course, have the opportunity to tour this beautifully located distillery and sample the delicious 10-year-old product for yourself!

Glasgow: Guided City Highlights Tour & Whisky Tasting (5pm)

7. Glasgow: Guided City Highlights Tour & Whisky Tasting (5pm)

Enjoy a wee walk and a premium whisky tasting in a local pub with a fun, local guide and see a new side to Glasgow on your trip with this small-group tour. You'll spend the first part of the tour on a walking tour with your guide, discovering the history and culture of Glasgow, visiting the key spots to see on a trip to the city. Throughout the tour you will take a look at some of the famous and lesser known figures to Glasgow, such as our patron saint St Mungo, and even Dr Who! Hear their stories as we travel through the centuries and explore what Glasgow has to offer. After the walking tour, you'll deserve a wee nip (three, in fact)! Relax with the guide and enjoy a premium whisky tasting, trying three full drams of Scotland's finest whiskies, learning more about the whiskies as you go. Since launching, this has been one of our most popular tours for those looking for some sightseeing with a twist! Everything is included in the price, just show up and enjoy!

Edinburgh Food Tasting Tour with a Local

8. Edinburgh Food Tasting Tour with a Local

Join a local foodie and enjoy a meal at a historic pub serving traditional Scottish cuisine or at a neighbourhood restaurant that serves contemporary twists on the nation’s favourite dishes. You'll be paired with guides that are passionate about the place they call home and who choose to spend their free time sharing it with like-minded travelers matched to them. Get off the tourist trail and discover eateries that serve authentic dishes, using fresh and seasonal ingredients and classic recipes. Enjoy a soft drink, or try an excellent local craft beer or a dram of Scotch whisky with your meal. Before the meal, explore some of the city on foot and spend time getting to know your host, chatting about your favourite foods, and getting some insider recommendations for the best local places to eat for the rest of your trip. Although this is a food and drink themed experience, your host will help you to discover unique shops, inspiring places and independent galleries as well as sharing stories that you won’t find in a guidebook, making your day unique.

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Local food tours

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What people are saying about Edinburgh

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 3 reviews

Fabulous experience. A must for anyone who appreciates whiskey. So much history and information packed into such an interesting experience. The actual tasting of whiskey was the best part of the tour. Highly recommended.

Super knowledgeable guide. Charles was friendly and fun. Delicious whiskey in good setting made the night. I was happy and I am grateful for the experience.

Bert was great! We had such a good time. All the food was really good and he had such a great knowledge of the food and history of Edinburgh.

Very nice experience, and interesting too, not to mention tasty. Very good gins and lovely presentation.

Fred was an amazing storyteller! loved the tour highly recommend