Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town with a local guide. Explore historic sites, hear captivating stories, and uncover hidden secrets on this walking tour.
Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town with a local guide. Explore historic sites, hear captivating stories, and uncover hidden secrets on this walking tour.
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St Giles’ Cathedral - We will start the tour outside this 900-year-old building. Discover its origins, the truth about the structure, and its significance as the birthplace of Presbyterianism.
There might even be a chance to go inside the church to admire its impressive architecture and see a very important document.
Outside St Giles, you’ll learn…
- St Giles’ Cathedral - We will start the tour outside this 900-year-old building. Discover its origins, the truth about the structure, and its significance as the birthplace of Presbyterianism.
There might even be a chance to go inside the church to admire its impressive architecture and see a very important document.
Outside St Giles, you’ll learn about a notorious building that still impacts Edinburgh today.
Next, we’ll visit the Supreme Court Carpark, which is more significant than it sounds. Here, you’ll learn about an event that changed the course of Scotland’s history.
You’ll also learn about John Knox, the father of Presbyterianism, and Charles I and II, key figures in shaping modern Scotland.
- Mercat Cross - You’ll then be guided to The Mercat Cross, one of Edinburgh’s most important structures and the central point of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Learn how the people of Edinburgh received news and enjoyed entertainment at this spot.
This is also a perfect opportunity to photograph Scotland’s National Animal.
You’ll also learn about The Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824 and the man who helped save the city.
Additionally, you’ll learn about Adam Smith, the father of economics, and how his book and views changed the world.
- Royal Mile - We then move further down The Royal Mile towards The North and South Bridges, where you’ll learn why the bridges were built and why people ended up living inside one of the bridges in the infamous Edinburgh Vaults.
As we make our way back up, we’ll pass the Close where the recipe for Scotland’s National dish, Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties, was first written.
We’ll pass another of Edinburgh’s oldest areas, where you’ll learn about life for the common person in the city and why it was nicknamed “Auld Reekie.”
- Writers’ Museum - As we enter Lawnmarket, we’ll head to The Writers’ Museum, where you’ll learn about Robert Louis Stevenson, one of Scotland’s most famous writers, and hear the story behind his most famous characters.
You’ll also learn how Edinburgh Old Town was saved from destruction in the late 1800s and see a secret architectural technique that many people miss as they walk past some of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings.
We’ll then pass one of Edinburgh’s most famous restaurants, popular with social media influencers and known for its incredible Scottish cuisine.
- New Town - From The Mound, you’ll enjoy fantastic views over the north of the city and The New Town.
Learn about Calton Hill and why Edinburgh is called the “Athens of The North.” You’ll also learn about The Time Ball and its connection to Paris.
Discover the most famous hotels in Edinburgh and their connection to one of the most famous children’s books in history.
You’ll also hear about Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most famous writers, and the monument built in his honor, along with its global significance.
As we move up Ramsey Gardens, you’ll see a large mansion built by Patrick Geddes before heading to The Camera Obscura.
Learn about the 170-year-old Camera Obscura, Edinburgh’s first tourist attraction, before heading to Edinburgh Castle.
- Edinburgh Castle Esplanade - We’ll then visit the world-famous Edinburgh Castle. While we won’t go inside, you’ll hear about the history of the land on which Edinburgh is built.
Learn about the earliest inhabitants and the first recorded people to live on Castle Rock.
You’ll also hear about Scotland’s most famous king and his success in securing Scotland’s independence, as well as the legendary William Wallace.
Learn about the battles that took place at the castle and how it changed hands over its 900-year existence.
Hear about one of Scotland’s most famous heists in 1950 and its significance in modern Scotland.
You’ll also learn about the famous One O’clock Gun before enjoying sensational views over the north and south of the city—a fantastic opportunity for incredible photos of the castle and surrounding views.
- Grassmarket - Next, you’ll be led to The Grassmarket, a 600-year-old marketplace. Learn why it’s called The Grassmarket and its current purpose.
Hear about Edinburgh’s most infamous men, involved in some of history’s most barbaric murders in the early 1800s.
You’ll then visit the site of Edinburgh’s form of entertainment and hear the sad tale of Maggie Dickson.
We’ll then move to the base of one of the world’s most famous streets, Victoria Street, the inspiration for Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and one of Scotland’s most photogenic streets.
There will be an opportunity to take photographs of the street before heading to Greyfriars Kirkyard.
- Greyfriars Kirkyard - Our final stop is Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of the world’s most famous cemeteries.
Discover the disturbing origins of the kirkyard as you walk along the cobbled road past the ominous graves of Edinburgh’s past residents.
See one of the last remnants of the city walls that surrounded Edinburgh from the mid-16th to the 19th century. After passing under the wall, you’ll meet Scotland’s worst poet and learn his story.
This will take place in the shadow of Edinburgh’s most prestigious private school before learning about body snatching and grave robbing in Edinburgh.
One of our final stories will be about Greyfriars Bobby, Scotland’s most famous dog. You’ll see the grave of the wee dog before saying goodbye to your tour guide, who can suggest further areas to explore around Edinburgh.
- 2.5 hour walking tour
- Walking tour around the city
- See the historical sites of the city
- 2.5 hour walking tour
- Walking tour around the city
- See the historical sites of the city
- Alcoholic Beverages
- There is not a stop for food
- Hotel Pickup or Drop off
- Private transportation
- Alcoholic Beverages
- There is not a stop for food
- Hotel Pickup or Drop off
- Private transportation
Enjoy an exciting walking tour around the historic Old Town of Scotland’s capital city. The buildings exude 900 years of history, and your tour guide, a professional storyteller, will captivate you with tales from the past, adding a touch of humor along the way.
With a five-star reviewed, passionate, and local tour guide, you’ll be led from St Giles…
Enjoy an exciting walking tour around the historic Old Town of Scotland’s capital city. The buildings exude 900 years of history, and your tour guide, a professional storyteller, will captivate you with tales from the past, adding a touch of humor along the way.
With a five-star reviewed, passionate, and local tour guide, you’ll be led from St Giles Cathedral, along The Royal Mile, to Edinburgh Castle, and more, ending in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
This is the perfect way for anyone wanting to explore Edinburgh and uncover all the secrets and stories it has to offer.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.