9 Old Town Walking Tours in Edinburgh We Would Walk Twice

1.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

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

Meet near Edinburgh Castle for a short Old Town walk before entering the South Bridge vaults. Guides such as James, Josh, Louisa, Kieran, and Aimee bring stories of poverty, crime, ghosts, and witchcraft to life. Expect a chilly, dim setting, uneven ground, tight spaces, and a steep entrance.

“Great tour that gives a great insight into the history of the vaults as well as being slightly spooky. We couldn't have asked for a better tour guide than Kieran. He was knowledgeable, entertaining, funny and friendly!”

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2.Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,361 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Spend two hours walking Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with an English-speaking guide. Expect medieval streets, folklore, Scottish Enlightenment stories, Harry Potter connections, and stops near Mercat Cross, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Grassmarket. Guides such as Koffe, Max, Euan, Ben, and Graeme are known for lively storytelling and local tips.

“Mr G was very informative, friendly, and accommodating. We would absolutely recommend him. We would never have seen this city in such detail and short amount of time had we not have taken the tour. 5 stars!”

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3.Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

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

Walk Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with a local guide for about two hours. You’ll see St Giles Cathedral, Mercat Cross, George Heriot School, and Edinburgh Castle from outside while hearing lively tales of Scottish history. Guides such as Max, Greg, Angus, Jule, and Ben bring their own stories and humor. Comfortable shoes and weather-ready clothing are essential.

“A very nice Edinburgh Old Town tour. I learned a lot, and Max guided us in a clear and engaging manner.”

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4.Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,671 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with guides such as Sonia, Jen, Tommy, Gavin, and Nick, hearing stories of witch trials, the Black Death, Burke and Hare, Scottish faeries, and graveyard legends. The two-hour route visits Canongate Kirkyard and Old Calton Cemetery, with English, German, and French tours available.

“it was amazing, really interesting our tour guide was called Ignas, he was brilliant, full of some amazing history and facts, and was very funny too! Overall a brilliant experience”

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5.Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

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

Walk from Usher Hall through Edinburgh Castle viewpoints, Grassmarket, historic closes, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Mile to the Scott Monument. English-speaking guides include Stuart Usher, Fiona, David Forsyth, and Dr Alison Duncan. Expect three hours of stories, cobbles, modest hills, and a maximum group of 12.

“Stuart was very knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. Good walking tour that wasn't too strenuous for an older family member.”

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6.Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour

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

Meet your professional guide at 10:30 a.m. on Edinburgh’s High Street for a two-hour walk through the Old Town. Expect medieval and modern history, legends, top landmarks, and lesser-known details before finishing at Greyfriars Kirkyard. The tour is listed in English, with French also offered in the tour description.

“German tour with Urs was full of historical places, explanations and fun. The best tour during our stay.”

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7.Old Town History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 528 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a live guide in English, French, or German. The two-hour route covers St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Edinburgh Castle viewpoints, Greyfriars Cemetery, and Bobby’s statue, with stories about Scotland, local legends, and J.K. Rowling’s Edinburgh inspirations.

“very interesting and enjoyable walking tour of old town Edinburgh.”

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8.Multi-Sensory Old Town Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 290 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $32

Spend 90 minutes walking Edinburgh’s Old Town with a Mercat Tours Storyteller. Hear clearly through provided audio devices as your guide connects Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns, rebellion, religion, crime, and daily life to the Royal Mile, closes, courtyards, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Mercat Cross, and Edinburgh Castle.

“The Old Town of Edinburgh is simply magnificent. Excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable about the history of the city and its past inhabitants.”

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9.Old Town Stories – Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 86 reviews · 2 hours · from $20Best value

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with an English-speaking local guide such as David, Robert, James, Joe, or Lydia. Expect major sights, a 16th-century kirkyard, stories of kings, writers, notorious residents, and Scotland’s past. Small groups may allow a more personal route, though cobbles and weather call for sensible shoes and a rain jacket.

“Our guide Joe ( a student) was cool. We heard a lot about Edinburgh and many interesting facts and stories. We enjoyed the tour very much. Thanks.”

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