Edinburgh is one of the most historic cities in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom and should be on your bucket list.
The city's rich past, royal legacy, and elegant medieval streets will make you wish you never had to leave. The well-known spots are also close together, which makes it a perfect walkable city.
We are a group of local walking tour guides who lead daily walking tours in Edinburgh. We have also written several self-guided walks and recorded two city audio tours. Our local partner is experienced and well reviewed.
SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS
And, in the video below, Margaret, one of our local guides, takes you on a virtual walk of Edinburgh's Old Town.
More Tour Options? More tours are available in the individual tour sections below.
The schedule above is for English tours. Click here for tours in other languages, such as Spanish, German, or Italian.
According to TripAdvisor reviews, most people give €5 to €20 per adult to the tour guide when they like the tour.
These free tours are usually well-reviewed and as good as any other walking tour in Edinburgh.
OLD CITY AND ROYAL MILE TOUR
This section provides information about each of the pay-what-you-like Edinburgh tours, which cover the older parts of the city. It includes historical details to show how Edinburgh became such a notable location.
You can expect to see the following sites during these tours:
- Historical Introduction to Edinburgh: Start your adventure with a captivating introduction to the city's rich past, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration.
- Royal Mile: Walk along this historic thoroughfare, which stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, soaking up centuries of history and culture.
- Victoria Street: Discover the charm of one of Edinburgh's most picturesque streets, with its vibrant shops and stunning architecture.
- Grassmarket: Learn about the bustling marketplace that has been a central hub for trade and public gatherings for centuries.
- Greyfriars Cemetery & Bobby Dog: Visit the resting place of many notable figures and hear the heartwarming tale of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who kept vigil by his master's grave.
- Mysteries About Harry Potter: Delve into the magical world of Harry Potter and uncover the city's connections to J.K. Rowling's beloved series.
- Mackenzie and Paranormal Activity: Listen to spine-chilling stories of Mackenzie and other paranormal activities rumored to haunt the city.
- National Museum of Scotland: Learn about the exhibits that showcase Scotland's diverse history, from ancient artifacts to modern innovations.
- Writers Museum: Celebrate the lives and works of Scotland's literary giants, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
- St. Giles Cathedral & Presbyterianism: Visit the stunning St. Giles Cathedral and learn about the origins and impact of Presbyterianism in Scotland.
- David Hume: Pay homage to one of the greatest philosophers of the Enlightenment and discover his influence on modern thought.
- Public Executions & Maggie Dickson: Hear the grim tales of public executions and the incredible story of Maggie Dickson, who survived her own execution.
- Heart of Midlothian & Mercat Cross: Uncover the significance of these historic landmarks, symbols of the city's rich cultural heritage.
- Fringe Festival: Get a glimpse of Edinburgh's vibrant arts scene and the world-famous Fringe Festival that transforms the city every August
Beyond these highlights, our tour includes a variety of other fascinating stops that paint a comprehensive picture of Edinburgh’s vibrant history.
If you want to learn more about these locations, please consider taking our GPS-led audio tour one of the pay-what-you-wish walking tours listed below.
GPS-Enabled Audio Tour
We also offer an audio tour of historic Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides, that you could take whenever you wish.
Here’s a sample.
- Purchase an audio tour
- Get a confirmation email with .mp3, pdf, and embeddable Google Map
- Enjoy the tour(s).
FREE HARRY POTTER EDINBURGH TOUR
Did you know that Edinburgh was one of the biggest influences on the Harry Potter franchise?
Many of the locations from the book are inspired by real-life places in this city.
To learn more about these sights or to visit on your own, take a look at our self-guided tour of Potter locations in Edinburgh.
In the video below, Margaret, our local Edinburgh Muggle, takes you on a virtual tour of Potter locations in the city.
Discover how Edinburgh became the birthplace of this young prodigy wizard who would eventually take the world by storm.
At least two companies currently offer pay-what-you-wish walking tours covering the many ties between Edinburgh and Harry Potter.
You can expect to see and learn about some of the following locations on this tour:
- The Original Diagon Alley
- The Inspiration for Hogwarts
- The Elephant House
- Where Lord Voldemort Was Buried
- Cafes and Hotels Which Inspired J.K. Rowling
- Discover the Origins of Quidditch
- And more!
If these sites and subjects are interesting, consider taking one of the following free walking tours.
GPS-Enabled Audio Tour
We also offer an audio tour of Harry Potter sights in Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.
Here’s a sample.
- Purchase an audio tour
- Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
- Enjoy the tour(s).
FREE EDINBURGH GHOST TOUR
There are a few free haunted tours in Edinburgh, but for some reason, Google doesn't want us to mention that here, so we've created an entirely new post focusing specifically on this subject.
If you want to learn more or book one of these outings, please read our new article about free Ghost Tours in Edinburgh.
Free Tours with Tourist Passes
If you're planning to explore multiple attractions in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh City Pass may be your best value for the trip.
With this pass, visitors can access free walking tours at no additional cost, including:
- Edinburgh Castle Tour: Explore the majestic Edinburgh Castle atop Castle Rock. This historic fortress offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Scotland's storied past. Learn about the legendary Stone of Destiny, the Crown Jewels, and the many sieges this iconic castle has withstood.
- The Royal Yacht Britannia: Step aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating palace of Her Majesty The Queen. Discover the grandeur of royal life at sea as you tour the Sun Lounge, State Apartments, and the Engine Room. This is a unique opportunity to glimpse the royal family's maritime life.
- The Scotch Whisky Experience: No trip to Edinburgh is complete without indulging in The Scotch Whisky Experience. Embark on a guided tour that takes you through the fascinating process of whisky making. Sample some of the finest Scotch whiskies and become a connoisseur by the end of your visit.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: Visit the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Wander through the grand State Apartments, the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the beautiful palace gardens. Feel the weight of history in the halls where many significant events unfolded.
- Edinburgh Bus Tours: See the city in style with our Edinburgh Bus Tours. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city's landmarks from the comfort of an open-top bus. With informative commentary, this is the perfect way to get an overview of Edinburgh's rich heritage.
- Auld Reekie Tours: Dive into Edinburgh's darker side with Auld Reekie Tours. Explore the city's hidden underground vaults and hear spine-chilling tales of its ghostly past. This tour is a must for those interested in Edinburgh's history, which has eerie and mysterious aspects.
- Edinburgh Zoo: For a change of pace, visit the world-renowned Edinburgh Zoo. Home to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals, including the famous giant pandas, this is a delightful stop for animal lovers of all ages.
- Museum of Edinburgh: This hidden gem houses an impressive collection of artifacts chronicling the city's fascinating history. From decorative arts to archaeological finds, there's something to pique the interest of every history enthusiast.
By purchasing the Edinburgh City Pass, you not only gain access to these amazing spots of the old city of Edinburgh but also enjoy the best value of your visit without the need to queue.
Whether engaging with local history or uncovering sinister stories, this pass offers a more personalized experience for your Edinburgh exploration.
We have a guide to the Edinburgh City Pass to help you decide if it is a good deal for your trip.
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