Big Bus Edinburgh: Affordable, Eco-Friendly Sightseeing

If you’re heading to the enchanting city of Edinburgh and haven’t decided how to get around yet, let me introduce you to a fantastic option: the Big Bus Edinburgh. Here are some fun and informative reasons why hopping on this iconic double-decker is an excellent move for you and your wallet.

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Convenient Sightseeing on the Big Bus Edinburgh

The Big Bus is an excellent way to explore all of the Edinburgh attractions without the hassle of navigating the narrow streets on your own. From the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the stunning views at Calton Hill, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Hop-On, Hop-Off Flexibility on the Big Bus Edinburgh

One of the best features of the Big Bus is the hop-on, hop-off service. Want to spend more time at the Royal Mile sampling delicious haggis or checking out the quirky shops? No problem! Just get off at your desired stop and catch the next bus when you’re ready to continue your adventure.

Informative Commentary on the Big Bus Edinburgh

Many of us appreciate a good story while we travel, and on the Big Bus Edinburgh, you’ll get just that! The onboard commentary, available in multiple languages, shares fascinating tidbits about Edinburgh attractions, history, culture, and iconic sights. Who doesn’t love learning something new while exploring?

Beautiful Views from the Big Bus Edinburgh

Let’s talk about those views! Riding on the top deck gives you an unparalleled perspective of the city. Feel the wind in your hair as you take in the breathtaking skyline, the charming architecture, and the lush hills that surround this historic city—it’s an Instagram-worthy experience waiting to happen!

Comfortable and Cared For

Let’s face it—sometimes, travel can be tiring. The Big Bus allows you to travel in comfort while enjoying the sights. With spacious seating and a friendly staff, you can focus on having a great time learning about the Edinburgh attractions rather than stressing over directions or parking.

Affordable and Flexible Options

Big Bus offers a variety of ticket options to suit different budgets and schedules. Whether you’re planning a short visit or have a whole week to explore, you can find a ticket that suits your needs. Additionally, many tickets include extras such as walking tours or discounts at local attractions.

Eco-Friendly Travel on the Big Bus Edinburgh

Want to keep your carbon footprint low while enjoying Edinburgh? The Big Bus utilises eco-friendly practices wherever possible, making your sightseeing adventures a bit greener. So, you can feel good about exploring without leaving a significant impact on this historic city!

Routes of the Big Bus Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, you have the choice of two routes, the Blue and the Red.

The Blue Route

If you want to see the Royal Yacht Britannia, then the Blue Route is for you. Situated in Leith, this tour begins in Waterloo Place, within the city, and winds its way to Leith attractions, concluding at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The tour’s duration is 55 minutes and departs every hour from 9:05 am until the last tour at 6.48.

From the Botanic Gardens, you can walk back into the city along the Water of Leith Walkway. Check out their website for the audio track that you can listen to as you walk any part of this walkway.

Along the way, you can stop off at the Village of Dean, a picturesque village with the Water of Leith cutting through it. Walk around the village walkway to find a weir to photograph.

The Red Route

The Red Route encompasses all the city’s major sights, including Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, and the National Monument of Scotland. Once again, the tour starts at Waterloo Place and finishes at the Robert Burns Monument on Regent Road.

The tour’s duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes, and it departs every 10 minutes until 5 pm, then every 20 minutes until the last tour at 7.28 pm.

This route takes in so many of the Edinburgh attractions that you want to see.

You can start at one end of the Royal Mile with Edinburgh Castle and work your way down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. In between, you have so much to see, including St. Giles Cathedral, The Real Mary King’s Close, Greyfriars Bobby, The People’s Story Museum and the Museum of Edinburgh.

Not only do you have the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom of the Royal Mile, but also the Scottish Parliament Building, where you can take a tour, and the Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium.

There are also numerous walks for you to take in the views of Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat for the more adventurous and Calton Hill for sunset over the city.

Down on Princes Street, you have even more Edinburgh attractions to see and enjoy. Not only are all the shops and restaurants in the city centre, but also the Princes Street Gardens. The Ross Fountain, the Wojtek-Soldier the Bear Memorial, as well as sculptured gardens, encompass these 37 acres, along with the Scott Memorial on Princes Street.

If you’re after some culture, then the National Galleries of Scotland, featuring Old Masters and Scottish masterpieces, should be on your to-do list.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for fun, convenience, and a unique way to see the Edinburgh attractions, then the Big Bus Edinburgh is your best bet. So click on the link, choose your ticket, grab your camera, hop on, and let the good times roll! Happy travels!

If you would like to explore attractions in the Scottish Borders south of Edinburgh, check out my blog, 5 Fantastic Attractions to See South of Edinburgh, to find out what’s on offer.

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Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them at the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their respective links.

Travel Resources

• Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
• Car Hire— Take to the road with these great car hire deals: EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com, and DiscoverCars.
• Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe—Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and bus travel in the UK and Europe.
• Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
• Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• House Sitting is a great way to save on accommodation, and Trusted Housesitters offers house sittings worldwide.
• Photo Editing is a great way to bring your photos to life, and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
• Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
• Sim cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
• Power Stations—Bluetti and EcoFlow Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the go or at home.

• For more tips, try my Travel Links and Resources page.

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