Scotland · OLD TOWN WALKING TOURS

Old Town Walking Tours in Edinburgh: The 15 Best

26 tours  ·  from $5

The Royal Mile is a one-mile street with two hundred closes running off it, and the stories are all down the side alleys. These 15 walks are compared on length, the hills involved and whether the vaults are included.

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town - How the South Bridge vaults set the scene
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Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

1.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,506 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33Our pick

Meet at 300 Lawnmarket for a guided walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town before entering the chilly vaults beneath South Bridge. Guides such as Josh, Louisa, James, and Kieran bring stories of poverty, crime, witchcraft, and ghost sightings to life. Expect uneven ground, tight spaces, steep steps, and roughly an hour in English.

“Very interesting learning about the history of the vaults. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and made the tour interesting and fun.”

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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh - The guide makes or breaks the experience
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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

2.Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24Top rated

Spend about two hours exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town on foot with an English-speaking guide. You’ll see St Giles Cathedral, Mercat Cross, George Heriot School, and Edinburgh Castle from outside, while guides such as Max, Greg, Angus, Ben, and Jule add personal stories, humor, and food tips.

“We had the best tour with Alastair. He was very passionate about his city and told us stories to explain the history of old town, Edinburgh, and Scotland. Perfect introduction to Edinburgh!”

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Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour - Usher Hall and Edinburgh Castle: a strong opening
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Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

3.Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,596 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Spend about three hours walking from Usher Hall through Edinburgh Castle viewpoints, Grassmarket, the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, and Old Town closes before ending by the Scott Monument. A professional English-speaking guide leads a maximum of 12 people, with guides such as Fiona, Craig, David, Alison, Douglas, and Stuart Usher.

“Thoroughly interesting and well-presented tour given by Mr. Usher himself. Witty, thoughtful, and a gifted story-teller, Mr. Usher walks the 3 hours around the uneven terrain that is Edinburgh without missing a beat.”

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Old Town Historical and Underground Tour - Niddry Wynd vaults below South Bridge
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Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

4.Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,574 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Spend 90 minutes with a guide such as Chihon, Holly, Emilie, or Emily exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town, Canongate Kirkyard, and Niddry Wynd vaults. The pace is easy, the group is limited to six, and the English-language tour mixes street history with a look below South Bridge.

“Chihon was a great tour guide. The stories and history he told us made us feel like we could see how it felt to live way back then. Great group of people in our group.”

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Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour - A route built around the historic center
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Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour

5.Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,016 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Spend about two hours walking Edinburgh’s historic center with a professional guide. Expect stories spanning medieval to modern times, lesser-known details, and practical ideas for exploring afterward. Tours are offered in English, with French also noted, and guides such as Gavin and Urs have led popular outings. The route starts on the Royal Mile and ends at Greyfriars Kirkyard.

“This was a great 2 hour tour that hit the highlights and got us comfortable to explore more on our own. Thanks to Gavin, we were cared for, entertained, and left with great ideas on what to do next.”

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90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town - Meeting at Parliament Square
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90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Old Town

6.90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Meet at John’s Coffee House & Tavern in Parliament Square for a 90-minute introduction to Scotch whisky beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town. Your guide leads you through four regional drams in The Lost Close, explaining production, flavour, and Scottish whisky culture. Guides may include Mark, Dan, Haley, Eleanor, or Nicky, with small groups and optional higher-level tastings available.

“Interesting and tasteful unique whiskey tasting experience in a vibrant location with experienced guide!”

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Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm) - Broad Street and the city’s public life
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Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm)

7.Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $19

Walk Stirling’s historic upper town with a local guide for about 90 minutes. Hear stories of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, witches, jails, churches, and old city life. The walk ends outside Stirling Castle, with guides such as Donnie, Diane, Georgia, Craig, Morgan, and Jane leading recent departures.

“Had a great time on the tour today. Tour guide Donnie was fantastic, he gave a lot of great information, cracked a lot of jokes, and definitely made the experience enjoyable. This is the tour you need to book if you’re visiting Stirling!”

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Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour - Princes Street and the first look below the Old Town
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Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

8.History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

This two-hour small-group walk links Princes Street, Greyfriars, Grassmarket, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Mile. Guides such as Madge, Kieran, Shanna, Zander, Katie, and Andrew bring Scottish history to life with stories of authors, body snatchers, hangings, and Greyfriars Bobby. Expect cobbles, city views, and a group of up to 18.

“We really lived this Tour! Zander was so full of information, he was able to answer any question that was asked! This is a definite must-do Tour! Thanks, Zander!”

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Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour - Views that connect Old Town and New Town
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Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour

9.Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Spend three hours walking Edinburgh’s Old Town with an English-speaking guide such as Ailsa, Luana, Reece, or Andre. Try Cullen skink, haggis bon bons, pie, Scottish cheese, and a deep-fried Mars bar while hearing stories about the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Edinburgh Castle, and local life.

“Our group was a small group but we had so much fun! We were able to talk to each other and get to know each other (our tour guide never rushed us just so she could speak to us about our tour). It was GREAT! We went to places we wouldn't have found on our own.”

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Edinburgh: Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour - St Giles’ Cathedral and the story inside
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Edinburgh: Old Town’s Highlights Walking Tour

10.Old Town’s Highlights Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $4Best value

Start at 130 High Street for a two-hour English walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town. Your local guide covers the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, William Wallace, and Grassmarket, mixing Scottish history, humor, songs, and practical tips. Guides may include Joe, Niamh, Julia, Charlie, or Alasdair.

“Absolutely great tour! Interesting n hilarious stories. Our guide, Sarah is a gem! Totally worth it!”

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Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town - Churchyards, Castle Rock, and the medieval Old Town
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Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town

11.Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Walk Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town with Gerry, a local guide who shapes the route around your interests. Expect Castle views, churchyards, closes, the Royal Mile, Calton Hill if arranged, New Town architecture, Harry Potter connections, local stories, and practical food and sightseeing tips. Pickup is available from central accommodation.

“Gerrard, our tour guide brought the history of Edinburgh alive, it was the best tour I've been on. When we return to Edinburgh, I'll book him again.”

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Edinburgh - Old Town Stories - Starting at West Parliament Square
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Edinburgh – Old Town Stories

12.Old Town Stories

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $20

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town for about two hours with guides such as James, Robert, David, or Edgar. Hear stories of St Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox, the Reformation, writers, the Covenanters, bodysnatching, and Greyfriars Bobby. The tour begins at West Parliament Square and ends at Greyfriars Kirkyard.

“Great tour of Edinburgh. Tour guide James was very knowledgeable! we visited some historical places in the city and it was just the right amount of walking!”

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Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Small Group Guided Tour - Greyfriars Kirkyard, Harry Potter, and a famous dog
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Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Small Group Guided Tour

13.Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Small Group Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Spend about three hours walking Edinburgh’s Old Town with a guide such as John, Sonia, or Charlotte, then enter Edinburgh Castle for a focused 50-minute visit. Expect religious history, graveyards, filming locations, castle views, stairs, and practical tips for food and further sightseeing. Groups are capped at 15.

“Minimal amount of sights were covered, a lot of pauses, lengthy pauses with a long historical synopsis provided. The guide must have received an award for the greatest number of words said in a moments time. It reached a point that she had to be tuned out. Oh well, her words were probably most interesting, important and relevant, but the rapid dialogue prevented oral dissimilation.”

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Edinburgh City Walking Tour, Discover Old Town, Royal Mile with a Local Expert! - Medieval Edinburgh Beyond the Grand Facades
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Edinburgh City Walking Tour, Discover Old Town, Royal Mile with a Local Expert!

14.Edinburgh City Walking Tour, Discover Old Town, Royal Mile with a Local Expert!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Join local guide Rishi at Camera Obscura for a roughly two-hour walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town and along the Royal Mile. You’ll see famous sights, narrow alleys, hidden medieval details, old street levels, city-wall traces, and Harry Potter-related spots before finishing near the Scottish Parliament. Kids under 12 join free.

“Richi was a great tour guide, would highly recommend. He certainly knows his stuff! Went over the 2 hours because he had so much to tell us.”

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PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tours - Old Town, Leith - Castle views and a bite beside a landmark
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PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tours – Old Town, Leith

15.PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tours – Old Town, Leith

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $241

Spend about three hours exploring Edinburgh Old Town with a private guide, visiting local restaurants, pubs, cheesemongers, and drink stops. Expect Scottish favorites such as beef, oysters, smoked salmon, haggis, dessert, and whisky, plus castle views. Guide John is praised for tailoring the experience and sharing useful food tips.

“An absolute delightful experience! Dining at locally owned restaurants was true Edinburgh, Scotland! Experiencing local favorite dishes and locally grown ingredients made the culinary experience amazing! Loved the fresh Vegi’s and that local beef was delicious. Our personal guide John had so much knowledge of the restaurants and city history. He shared the local favorite dishes…beef, oysters, smoked salmon all were fabulous. Thank you for the Introduction and sample of Haggi!! Just when I thought I couldn’t eat anymore, that dessert and whiskey stop was icing to this amazing evening! Thank you!!”

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New in Old Town Walking Tours

★ 5.0Stirling Castle and the Secrets of the Old Town Private Tour6 reviews
★ 5.0Private Stirling Old Town Tour8 reviews
★ 5.0Highlights from Edinburgh’s Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio TourFrom $114 reviews
★ 5.0Essential Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old TownFrom $1717 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided TourFrom $125 reviews

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