Edinburgh’s walking tours pack centuries of history, mystery, and culture into manageable chunks.
The History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour hits all the essentials while weaving through the medieval streets and Royal Mile. For spine-tingling thrills, the Haunted Vaults Walking Tour ventures underground into the city’s most notorious spaces.
I especially love the Edinburgh Whisky Walking Tour, which combines fascinating history with tastings at authentic Scottish pubs. The Private Harry Potter Walking Tour is perfect for fans, showing the real places that inspired the books.
These tours stay focused, avoid tourist traps, and come with knowledgeable local guides who know their stuff. Most run 2-3 hours and accommodate various group sizes and mobility needs.
Let’s explore the cream of the crop – our favorite Edinburgh walking tours.
Key Points
Edinburgh offers a diverse range of walking tours catering to various interests, including historical, ghost, food, literary, and cultural tours.
Tour highlights and features include duration, group size, accessibility, and some offering skip-the-line access or exclusive access to haunted sites.
Underground tours, castle tours, Royal Mile experiences, night tours, themed tours, and dark history tours are popular options for visitors.
Food and drink tours, such as cheese tasting and whisky walking tours, provide an immersive culinary experience.
Advance booking is recommended, and physical fitness is advised due to the city’s cobbled streets and hilly terrain.
Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh
The Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh’s Old Town offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s hidden secrets.
Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd, this 2-hour tour takes participants through ancient vaults, dark passageways, and a former witchcraft temple, providing insights into 18th-century city life and diseases.
With over 6,600 reviews and a 93% recommendation rate, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable, entertaining, and engaging guides.
However, some travelers find the tour not worth the price.
Suitable for those aged 5 and up, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may contain distressing historical content.
Advance booking is recommended, and participants must arrive 5-10 minutes early as the tour departs promptly.
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Skip-the-Line Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour
Operated by Sandemans Tours, the Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour offers visitors a chance to bypass the queues and explore the historic Edinburgh Castle.
The 1.5-hour tour includes skip-the-line access, a local guide, and admission to the National War Museum. Highlights include seeing the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the world’s smallest shrine, and an official dog cemetery.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most visitors, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With over 1,200 positive reviews, this tour is an excellent way to learn about Edinburgh’s rich history and experience the castle’s top attractions.
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Small Group Royal Mile Walking Tour With Optional Entry to Edinburgh Castle
Explore Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile on a small group walking tour that offers optional skip-the-line entry to the city’s historic castle.
Led by award-winning local storytellers, this 2-hour experience blends immersive audio and a maximum of 18 travelers for an intimate look at key sites like St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament House, and John Knox House.
The tour culminates at Edinburgh Castle, where fast-track entry allows you to spend 45 minutes exploring this impressive landmark.
With a 95% traveler recommendation rate, the tour provides an engaging and efficient way to discover the best of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
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Small Group Edinburgh Night Walking Tour With Underground Vaults
Enjoy Edinburgh’s supernatural history on this small group night walking tour.
With a maximum of 18 travelers, you’ll explore the city’s haunted past, visiting sites of hangings, spirit hauntings, and notorious characters. Guided by award-winning storytellers, you’ll learn about a wizard burned at the stake and the notorious bodysnatchers who sold bodies to medical schools.
The highlight is an exclusive tour through the Blair Street Vaults, where you’ll hear poltergeist legends and dark deeds by candlelight.
This adults-only tour earns high praise for its engaging guides and immersive experience, though some wish for more historical content.
With year-round availability, it’s a must for those seeking an eerie adventure in Edinburgh.
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Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh
Travelers venturing along Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile can embark on a guided walking tour that unveils the city’s captivating history and architectural gems.
The 3-hour Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour, with a maximum of 12 participants, is a highly recommended experience, boasting 1,453 reviews and a 96% satisfaction rate.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores key landmarks, including St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Scott Monument, while providing insights into Edinburgh’s renowned writers, poets, and inventors.
Though not wheelchair-accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and suitable for those with a moderate fitness level.
With gratuities included and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this walking tour offers an engaging and convenient way to discover the rich heritage of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
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Terror Walking Tour in Edinburgh
Those seeking a thrilling journey into Edinburgh’s dark past can embark on the Terror Walking Tour.
This 4.5-star rated experience takes guests through the city’s haunting history, led by knowledgeable guides known for their engaging storytelling.
Covering spooky sites like the Bank of Scotland and Niddry Street vaults, the tour offers a balance of humor and suspense.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues or under the influence, the Terror Walking Tour is recommended by 90% of travelers.
With a maximum group size of 32, this 45-minute to 1-hour tour can be booked in advance, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
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Private Royal Mile Walking Tour – Discover the History of Our Most Famous Street
Set out on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s most famous thoroughfare with the Private Royal Mile Walking Tour.
Led by the knowledgeable and engaging guide, Robert, this 2.5-hour walking tour showcases the rich history and hidden gems of the Royal Mile.
With a 100% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour promises an immersive experience tailored to your group’s interests.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour is well-suited for all fitness levels.
Guests rave about Robert’s storytelling and the opportunity to savor local cuisine, including haggis, along the way.
Discover the value of a guided tour versus self-exploration, and leave with a deeper appreciation for Edinburgh’s captivating past.
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Scotlands Dark Secrets Walking Tour – Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh’s darker past on the Scotland’s Dark Secrets Walking Tour. This true crime walking tour takes visitors on an engaging journey through the city’s spookiest districts, revealing tales of witch trials and hauntings.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour includes interactive elements like games and quizzes, immersing participants in the historical insights. Visitors will explore eerie locations and learn about notorious figures, with a maximum group size of 40 travelers.
Starting at 7:00 PM from the William Chambers Monument, the tour ends at Mound Place. Accessible to strollers, wheelchairs, and service animals, the tour is praised for its engaging guides and educational value, making it a unique way to experience Edinburgh’s unsavory history.
Read our full review: Scotlands Dark Secrets Walking Tour – Edinburgh Review
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History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour
For those eager to uncover Edinburgh’s rich history, the History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour offers an immersive experience.
Led by expert local guides, the 5-star rated tour takes visitors on an engaging journey through the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. With a maximum group size of 15, the intimate experience allows for personalized storytelling and ample opportunities to ask questions.
Highlights include the Greyfriars Cemetery, stunning city views, and insights into local customs.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour covers cobblestones and hills, making it a must for first-time visitors seeking an informative and entertaining exploration of Edinburgh’s captivating past.
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Private One Hour Harry Potter Walking Tour
Tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh, the Private One Hour Harry Potter Walking Tour invites visitors on a spellbinding journey through the city’s enchanting literary landscape.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars with 28 glowing reviews, this private tour is highly recommended by 100% of travelers.
Led by an engaging guide, the tour visits key sites that inspired J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series, offering a unique opportunity to take in the magic of the Wizarding World.
Priced at $124.57 for groups of up to 8 people, this accessible tour is wheelchair-friendly and near public transportation, making it a must-do for Harry Potter fans visiting Edinburgh.
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Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh
The Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh invites visitors on a chilling exploration of the city’s dark past.
Led by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd, this highly-rated tour (94% recommended) takes guests through the haunted vaults and historic graveyards of Scotland’s capital.
With a maximum group size of 32, the tour includes a professional guide and promises an immersive experience filled with eerie ghost stories and fascinating historical insights.
While not suitable for those with walking difficulties or young children, the tour is a must-do for adventure-seekers, promising an evening of spooky thrills and intrigue.
Advance booking is recommended, with cancellations allowed up to 24 hours prior.
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Outlander Walking Tour of Edinburghs Old Town
Embarking on the Outlander Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town, visitors are immersed in the captivating world of the beloved book and television series.
Led by a professional guide who’s an Outlander fan, the tour takes participants to both film and novel locations, providing historical context and insights into the series.
With a rating of 4.5/5 from 13 reviews, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour covers ground in the city’s Old Town.
While some find the experience less engaging in fall and winter due to darkness, the tour’s overall feedback highlights the importance of reading the description to set appropriate expectations.
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Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh
Departing from the enchanting world of Outlander, visitors to Edinburgh can now explore the city’s darker past on the Haunted Vaults Walking Tour.
With over 1,990 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, this tour immerses guests in the grim history of Edinburgh’s underground vault system.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour features chilling ghost stories, insights into the city’s past, and a creepy atmosphere.
While not recommended for the faint of heart or young children, the tour’s moderate physical demands and free cancellation policy make it an accessible option for history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Visitors can expect an informative and entertaining experience, though some note a decline in the tour’s excitement factor over time.
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Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
Visitors seeking a personalized exploration of Edinburgh’s rich history and landmarks can embark on the Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour.
Available in 3.5 or 7-hour durations, this highly-rated private walking tour whisks participants through the city’s cultural highlights, from the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the picturesque Scott Monument.
Led by knowledgeable and adaptable guides, the tour is tailored to individual interests, touching on hidden gems and iconic sites alike.
With 251 reviews and a 5.0 rating, the tour offers an immersive, insightful experience for those keen to explore Edinburgh’s captivating past.
Though not wheelchair-accessible, the tour accommodates various needs, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.
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Edinburgh Whisky Walking Tour
Ideal for whisky enthusiasts, the Edinburgh Whisky Walking Tour takes participants on a captivating 3-kilometer journey through the city’s cultural landmarks and iconic pubs.
With a duration of approximately 3 hours, the tour offers a minimum of 4 Scotch whisky serves in renowned venues, complemented by a light snack paired with 1 Scotch whisky.
Guests can expect a diverse tasting experience, from Jura single malt with haggis filo pastry to a Deanston Virgin Oak whisky mule.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides insights into whisky history and Edinburgh’s culture, all while maintaining a fun and easygoing atmosphere suitable for all age groups.
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Edinburgh Cheese Tasting Foodie Walking Tour
The Edinburgh Cheese Crawl takes enthusiasts on a delectable journey through the city’s thriving culinary scene. This cheese-themed walking tour, led by knowledgeable guides, offers generous tastings at local cheesemongers.
Participants can savor a variety of Scottish cheeses paired with prosecco as they explore the city’s neighborhoods and learn about its small businesses. With a maximum group size of 15, the tour provides an intimate and informative experience for cheese lovers.
While the primarily outdoor nature of the tour means dressing appropriately for the weather is advised, the opportunity to engage with the guides and discover new favorite cheeses makes this a must-do activity for foodies visiting Edinburgh.
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Edinburghs Amazing Harry Potter Walking Tour Kids Free
For Harry Potter enthusiasts visiting Edinburgh, the Amazing Harry Potter Walking Tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s wizarding connections.
This 2-hour tour takes groups of up to 15 travelers, including kids who can join for free, to explore iconic locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s magical world.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour highlights spots like Victoria Street, the alleged inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Participants can expect an engaging experience filled with Harry Potter trivia while also learning about Edinburgh’s rich history.
With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 96 reviews, this tour provides an enjoyable and enlightening way to discover the city’s ties to the beloved series.
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Edinburgh 3 Hour Walking Tour With an Italian Tour Guide
Seeking an immersive and educational tour of Edinburgh’s historic landmarks? The Edinburgh 3 Hour Walking Tour with an Italian Tour Guide offers an engaging experience.
This 3-hour tour, starting at 9:30 AM, takes you on a journey through the city’s iconic sites, from the High Street to the National Museum of Scotland.
Led by a knowledgeable Italian guide, you’ll explore Edinburgh’s rich history and culture.
With a maximum group size of 25 and a minimum of 2-3 participants, this tour provides a personalized touch.
While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate fitness level required ensures an accessible experience.
Reviewers praise the guides’ professionalism and storytelling abilities, making this tour a must-consider for your Edinburgh explorations.
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Edinburgh 3 Hour Walking Tour Spanish Tour Guide
Frequently praised by travelers, the Edinburgh 3 Hour Walking Tour with a Spanish Tour Guide offers an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Covering the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the tour takes guests to must-see sites like Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles’ Cathedral, while a passionate guide recounts historical tales.
With a maximum group size of 25, the tour ensures personalized attention and clear communication in Spanish.
Dress appropriately, as the experience operates in all weather conditions.
Travelers have lauded the knowledgeable guides, though a few noted the importance of a truly engaging presentation.
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Edinburgh: Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault
Delving into Edinburgh’s haunting past, the Edinburgh Witches Old Town Walking Tour & Underground Vault takes visitors on a captivating journey through the city’s dark history.
This highly-rated tour boasts an impressive 99% traveler recommendation, with a Badge of Excellence to boot. Led by an entertaining character guide, the experience includes a guided walking tour and exclusive access to the Vaults at The Lost Close.
Suitable for families, the tour provides an engaging and informative perspective on Scotland’s witch trials, blending humor with the region’s darker themes.
With a maximum of 25 travelers, the tour offers an intimate experience, though physical fitness is required to navigate the cobblestones and steps.
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Break Down
Edinburgh offers a wealth of walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s rich history and culture. From underground tunnels and haunting vaults to the iconic landmarks of the Royal Mile, there’s a tour to suit every interest. Whether you’re interested in Harry Potter, witches, or simply want to take in the sights, Edinburgh’s walking tours provide an immersive and engaging way to experience the city.