9 Audio Tours in Scotland to Build a Trip Around

1.Harry Potter’s Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · 40 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $11Our pick

Use the VoiceMap app to follow an English-language, self-guided walk from Edinburgh Castle to the Elephant House. In 40 minutes to an hour, you’ll hear how the city influenced Harry Potter, pass Victoria Street’s themed shops, visit famous names in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, and pause whenever you like.

“I enjoyed the tour. It was a wealth of information. I learned so much. One thing I did. It understand is why walk to the top of Candlemaker Row to go through the main entrance of the cemetery. Then walk down to the other gate (that we just passed), just to stand and look around. Then walk back up the hill to start the tour. Too much up and down for an overweight person. Also, Elephant house is closed due to fire. But will reopen and they saved the actual table JK wrote out. Stay tuned.”

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2.500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 29 reviews · 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $8

Use the VoiceMap app to follow a self-guided English walking tour through Aberdeen’s darker past. In 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, you’ll visit former gaol grounds, the Mercat Cross, Anatomy Rooms, historic kirks, The Green, and the harbour. Offline maps and audio let you walk at your own pace, but bring headphones and check directions carefully.

“Great story but a bit ‘ify’ in parts for the directions at points & possibly due to a combo of locus & poor connectivity. However when you pass the multi storey flats its a point of danger. These flats are rife with crime & not sure that tourists should be alone here. Im a native & had concerns. That aside, the commentary was great, very informative & plenty to learn from the tour itself”

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3.The Dark Side of Aberdeen: A Self-guided Audio Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 21 reviews · 30 to 40 minutes (approx.) · from $8

Use the VoiceMap app to follow a 1.5-kilometre audio walk from Mercat Cross to Marischal Square. You’ll hear about Aberdeen’s links to piracy, slavery, trade, civic power, and the sea while stopping at the harbour, historic houses, museums, and Marischal College. Download the audio and map before you start.

“Have lived in Aberdeen all my life and still learnt a lot from the tour. Great tech which allows you to not be rushed and do your at convenient time. Looking forward to our next one.”

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4.Made in Dundee: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $7

Follow a self-guided English audio walk from Dundee’s Desperate Dan statue to the Lemmings statues on Perth Road. VoiceMap provides offline audio, maps, and location data, with stories about publishing, art, philanthropy, local writers, and video-game design. You set the pace, but you need your own smartphone.

“Actually a very good idea, but the app doesn't work well. I didn't know where ti go next because the app was already ten steps ahead and didnt stop playing the audio. So I had to open google maps to navigate myself. Also, when I took some photos the app stopped.. Really annoying. I prefer doing normal walking tours with experienced guides.”

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5.Discovering Inverness: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Capital of the Highlands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $9

Start at Inverness Cathedral and follow a VoiceMap audio tour through the Highland capital. Hear stories as you pass the river, Greig Street Bridge, Old High Church, Leakey’s Bookshop, Inverness Castle, and the Ness Islands. The app works offline, lets you pause or replay sections, and includes lifetime access in English.

“Very diversified information provided, very useful to be introduced to Inverness. One single regret: while the castle is still under restoration hence not accessible, the audioguide was not updated accordingly.”

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6.Aberdeen’s Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.) · from $5Best value

Follow an English-language VoiceMap tour from western Union Street to Mercat Cross in about 50 minutes. Your phone guides you through a 2km walk past Gilcomston Church, Wallace’s statue, St. Nicholas cemetery, Union Terrace Gardens, and Marischal College. Pause for photos, coffee, or extra exploring.

“I’m a slow walker so was afraid of taking a walking tour that I would have to struggle to keep up with the group. I was able to do this tour at my own speed and really enjoy. The guide was very knowledgeable and provided historical background information on all the sites we were viewing.”

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7.Highlights from Edinburgh’s Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $11Top rated

Follow a self-guided VoiceMap walk from the Royal Scottish Academy to the Scottish Parliament. In about 90 minutes to two hours, you’ll hear Edinburgh’s architectural and social story while visiting Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Mile, Riddle’s Court, St Giles Cathedral, and John Knox House. Audio and maps work offline in English.

“It was our first time using the app. Overall, the experience was relatively good. Sometimes it knew exactly where we were, but sometimes it didn't, which was a bit challening. This particular tour was very focused on the city's architecture, which I didn't recall from the description, so if you aren't as interested in that aspect of the city's history, you may want to try another tour.”

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8.A History of Witchcraft in Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $9

Use the VoiceMap app to follow an English-language audio walk from the Palace of Holyrood to Castle Hill. Along the Royal Mile, hear about Bake House Close, John Knox, St Giles’ Cathedral, Major Thomas Weir, torture methods, and Scotland’s last witch. Download the audio, map, and route for offline use.

“I had a great time with the narrated tour by Kat. The facts were interesting but not overly dry and "textbook"-focused. Focused more on the storytelling aspect, which I really liked.”

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9.Highlights from the Royal Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $19

Follow a self-guided VoiceMap audio walk from the Witches Well beside Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse. In about an hour, hear stories of witch burnings, Deacon Brodie, John Knox, Mary Queen of Scots, brutal punishments, and old Royal Mile landmarks. You’ll need your own smartphone and headphones, but you can stop, shop, and explore on your schedule.

“We loved the ability to set the pace and enjoy stopping to shop or take in scenery. Loved hearing all of the history”

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