Edinburgh Walking Tour
Edinburgh walking tour: Scotland’s fascinating capital through the eyes of a historian guide.
We take your group on a journey through more than 8,000 years of history, starring kings and queens, nobles, religious dissenters, inventors, merchants and peasants. As we walk the streets, gardens and famous closes of Edinburgh, your specialist local historian guide will share gripping stories of the Scottish and British monarchy, rebellions, torture and public executions, the Protestant Reformation, the Black Death and the harsh living conditions of the city’s people over the centuries. In addition, you will learn about the Industrial, Scientific and Cultural Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, Edinburgh’s fascinating geology and unique architecture, as well as tales of witches, ghosts, mysteries and curiosities that shaped the city’s identity — proving that history really doesn’t have to be boring!
For a longer tour, we can spend more time exploring Edinburgh’s New Town and its elegant Georgian architecture, take a relaxing stroll through Dean Village, a true oasis of calm in the heart of the city, or enjoy a more detailed guided visit to its wonderful museums, full of historic artefacts and fascinating works of art. We can adapt the route and length of the tour to your needs and interests. The options are endless — the only limit is your time.
Highlights of the Edinburgh walking tour
- Edinburgh Old Town
- Edinburgh New Town***
- The Royal Mile and some of its historic closes
- St Giles’ Cathedral*
- Edinburgh Castle*
- Palace of Holyroodhouse, the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland*
- Grassmarket
- Greyfriars Bobby, the most loyal dog in history
- National Museum of Scotland*
- National Gallery of Scotland*
- Calton Hill**
- Dean Village****
Notes
- * Outside only on our 3-hour walking tour.
- ** We may or may not climb it, depending on the weather and the group.
- *** Only a brief overview on a 3- or 4-hour tour.
- **** Only on a tour of 6 hours or more, or a tour focused on the New Town.
Recommendations
We recommend comfortable footwear and, if possible, a waterproof jacket or umbrella (on days without wind!), as the weather in Edinburgh is very changeable and can be cold and wet even in summer.
What's included
- Private, tailor-made tour at your own pace
- Professional tour guide & local historian
- Tour in your language (English, Portuguese or Spanish)
- Secret corners of Edinburgh off the tourist trail
- Meeting point at your hotel (if in central Edinburgh)
- Statutory insurance
This tour is ideal for leisure, educational (school) and corporate groups.
Recommended minimum time: 3 hours.
Walking not your thing? Why not discover Edinburgh by Minibus?