Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour: Discover Historic Gems

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Explore iconic landmarks, hear fascinating stories, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history on this engaging walking tour.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Royal Mile - Begin your journey at 130 High Street on the Royal Mile, a historic and vibrant thoroughfare. As you stroll, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of street performers, charming shops, and historical landmarks that line this iconic street. Take in the architecture and learn about the Royal Mile’s central role in Edinburgh’s history.
What's Included
  • Local English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a journey through the heart of Edinburgh with our captivating Old Town’s Highlights Walking Tour.

Your adventure begins on the iconic Royal Mile at 130 High Street, where the past meets the present. Traverse the enchanting cobblestone streets as we guide you to Edinburgh’s crown jewels, including the renowned Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, and the vibrant Grassmarket.

This isn’t just a tour; it’s a narrative woven with threads of madness and genius. Delve into Edinburgh’s colorful past as our expert guides regale you with stories that defy belief. Immerse yourself in the literary legacy of Scottish greats at the Scottish Writers’ Museum and, don’t miss the heartwarming story of a loyal local dog who etched its name into the annals of Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Your Old Town’s Highlights Walking Tour promises not just sightseeing, but a journey through the soul of Edinburgh. Are you ready to walk the path of legends?

Location
130 High St
High Street
The Edinburgh Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour starts on 130 High Street (The Royal Mile), on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(38 Ratings)
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Susan_h
Sep 16, 2024
A performance- and a tour! - Amazing tour with Niamh. It was best and most entertaining and informative walking tour I have ever taken! And I’ve done a lot! Why? Engaging, humorous, fantastic storyteller weaving history with interesting facts. Stellar!
Review provided by Viator
Sailscubasurf
Sep 16, 2024
Great tour of Edinburgh's sights and history - Niamh was a wonderful guide and was extremely knowledgeable about Edinburgh and Scottish history. She was very personable and showed us not only the sights, but gave us tips on where to best experience Edinburgh's food and whiskey.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q2858pgdianec
Sep 13, 2024
Behind the Scenes- Edinburgh stories - Brian P was an awesome guide- took us into iff the way places and gave us insights to the city we wouldn’t have got on our own- his backstory and info on Braveheart was really cool to hear- Walking pace was great and even a toilet stop- Highly recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ambassador604706
Sep 11, 2024
Great Tour! - Great tour! Kevin was very knowledgeable and personable. The tour was fascinating— a great way to hit the ground running in a new city! Kevin knows his Scottish history very well and we had a great experience. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darryl_j
Sep 10, 2024
Great summary of Edinburgh history! - This tour was awesome! Very educational. Brian had the perfect mix of history, fun facts and humor. Very entertaining and helpful!! Even came with tips on where to go after the tour!
Review provided by Viator
Keeperofsheep
Sep 6, 2024
Joe, Great chieftain o the tours'-race! - I had an exceptionally good experience on the tour with Joe. His enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge of the city and Scotland , combined with extraordinary anecdotes, surprising facts (John Knox buried in a car park, Deacon Brodie’s double life!), and humorous touch (gardyloo?) are simply contagious. Do take this tour with him and you will learn to love the Auld Reekie!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracyg086
Aug 28, 2024
3rd time, still a charm! - I just love their Free Walking tour. I’ve taken it every time I’ve come to Edinburgh and it’s always so informative. Brian’s tour on this trip was no exception. Each guide has a slight different route and set of stories, so you get the best tour they can give you. Brian had a wonderful career in writing and literature, so he not only focused on the history but also the rich literary culture that’s found in this city. The tour covers just the heart of old town. I don’t think you go more that .5 mile from the starting point, but you will see so much. They also take you away from the crowds of the Royal Mile into private little alcoves and courtyards that only these guides seem to know about. I highly recommend it as a start to your trip to understand the historical importance of the city and as a great way to gain your bearings in the old city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hmhtravellermd
Aug 21, 2024
Sarah - Edinburgh's BEST tour guide and storyteller - Sarah was our AMAZING tour guide of the old city of Edinburgh on the free walking tour. My 7 year old generally HATES walking tours, and for the first time, he was absolutely enthralled by Sarah's history and storytelling. He hung onto every word and asked relevant questions relating to the history of the city. My children (ages 7, 10 and 13) still say that this the HIGHLIGHT of our 9 day trip to Scotland. I've been on over 100 tours and Sarah was one of the best guides that I have encountered.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacation60277104826
Aug 6, 2024
Perfect tour to see Edinburgh’s Old Town - This tour was excellent, our guide Brian was a local and a wonderful storyteller. We learned a ton about the city’s history, as well as some fun facts about Harry Potter, Marvel, and a little dog named Bobby. Definitely recommend this as a way to see Old Town!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Klarita_k
Aug 5, 2024
A great tour to do the first days of your stay - Charlie was great. He explained a lot about history, literature and culuture together with the sightseeings.
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
September 2024
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