Thing to do
The Real Mary King’s Close
Guided tours through a preserved 17th-century street hidden beneath the Royal Mile, led by costumed guides who tell the stories of the close's residents.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Guided whisky tours and tastings on Castlehill, with the 3,384-bottle Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection and the Amber restaurant and whisky bar.
At a glance
- Type
- Whisky tour and tasting
- Area
- Old Town, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Official site
- scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
Good to know
- Tours in 21 languages
- Restaurant and whisky bar
- Shop
- Family-friendly tour
Why we recommend it
The Scotch Whisky Experience sits on Castlehill at the very top of the Royal Mile, a few steps from the castle esplanade. It is designed as an introduction to Scotland's national drink for visitors who may not have time to travel to a distillery, covering how whisky is made, the differences between the country's whisky regions and how to taste it properly.
Several tours run throughout the day. The Silver Tour lasts around 50 minutes, includes one whisky and is family-friendly, so children can join. The Gold Tour lasts around 75 minutes and includes five whiskies, with a guided tasting that compares styles from different regions; it is for over-18s only. For a longer visit, A Taste of Scotland combines a whisky tour with a three-course meal at Amber, the in-house restaurant and whisky bar, and lasts about three hours. Seasonal tastings are added at certain times of year. Tours are available in 21 languages, though the tasting element of the adult tours is in English.
A highlight of every tour is the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection, a display of 3,384 bottles of Scotch whisky. Amber serves modern cuisine in a casual-dining setting and has a large whisky list, making it a convenient lunch stop after visiting the castle. There is also a shop selling bottles and gifts.
The attraction opens from 10am to 8pm. Physical photographic ID is required for over-18 tours, so bring a passport or driving licence even if you are clearly an adult. Booking online is the easiest way to choose a time, especially for the adult tastings and seasonal events, which can sell out. Accessibility information is published on the official website.
The Scotch Whisky Experience suits first-time visitors curious about whisky, couples and groups of friends, while families can join the Silver Tour together. It is also a practical choice on a rainy day, since the whole visit is indoors and tours start throughout the day. Serious whisky enthusiasts may prefer the longer tastings or a dedicated bar elsewhere in the city. It is on Castlehill near Camera Obscura and the castle, so it is easy to combine both in one morning or afternoon before walking down the Royal Mile.
The Scotch Whisky Experience FAQs
What tours does The Scotch Whisky Experience offer?
Tours include the 50-minute Silver Tour with one whisky, the 75-minute Gold Tour with five whiskies and the three-hour A Taste of Scotland tour with a meal at Amber.
Can children go?
Yes, the Silver Tour is family-friendly. The Gold Tour and A Taste of Scotland are for over-18s only.
Do you need ID?
Yes, physical photographic ID is required for the over-18 tours.
What are the opening hours?
The attraction lists opening hours of 10:00 to 20:00.
What languages are tours in?
Tours are available in 21 languages, though the tasting element of the adult tours is in English.
How many bottles are in the collection?
The Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection has 3,384 bottles.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes, Amber Restaurant and Whisky Bar serves modern dishes in a casual setting.
Where is it?
It is at 354 Castlehill on the Royal Mile, EH1 2NE, next to Edinburgh Castle.