Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Edinburgh doesn't give up its best stories easily, but it does give them up over food.
On this 3-hour small-group tour, you'll move between the Georgian elegance of the New Town and the cobbled medieval closes of the Old Town, eating your way through five hand-picked stops that tell the city's story from the inside out. You'll try haggis in a way that surprises even the skeptics, warm up over a bowl of Scotland's finest smoked fish soup in a pub that's been here since 1823, and taste cheeses made by Scottish producers on a street that inspired one of the world's most famous fictional alleys (yes, we're talking about Harry Potter's Diagon Alley!).
No lost-in-the-crowd moments, no rushed tastings; just a small group, an expert guide with real stories to tell, and a route that reads like Edinburgh at its most essential.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour is for ages 7 and above. Children under 7 may be refused entry due to vendor restrictions.
This activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled or reimbursed.
Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.
What To Expect
New Town
Your tour opens in Edinburgh's grand Georgian New Town. In the morning, you'll head to a multi-award-winning bakery beloved by locals since its beginnings in Leith, and try freshly made scones with cream and jam; afternoon guests will try instead a bowl of warming, traditional smoked haddock soup, cullen skink.
Taking in breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, and Arthur’s Seat, you’ll learn about the rich tapestry of Edinburgh’s history and how it weaves together the stories of the Old and New Towns.
Options
Edinburgh Old Town Food & Drinks Tour
Fringe Festival Food Tour
Fringe & food: power couple: Learn the history of Edinburgh’s famous arts festival and enjoy an array of Scottish cuisine with the perfect lunch tour! Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Scottish Local Foods: Try some of the best Scottish delicacies, like haggis bonbons, fish & chips, local cheeses, and a deep-fried Mars bar. Edinburgh’s Fringe: Soak in the street performances of Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, and wander down Royal Mile and Victoria Street.
Private Food Tour
Private Guided Tour Extra: Glass of champagne at Cafe Royal
What‘s Included
Guided walk through Edinburgh's closes, the Royal Mile, and Victoria Street
Generous food tastings across Edinburgh's Old and New Towns
Local ale or Scottish soft drink paired with a savory tasting
Local English-speaking guide.
‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
Sweet finish at a beloved Edinburgh dessert spot
Gratuities / Tips for the guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Extra drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
218 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tasty food options and educational
eaglegal238,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Meg was welcoming, friendly, and a wealthy of information. The food variety was extensive and covered all main Scottish foods except teacakes (i still need to find those). It was an enjoyable walking tour despite the rain. Good for all ages as long as one can complete hill climbing and steps.
Food tour
OnAir728507,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on the food tour! Emery was a lovely guide
great time
deanamanda,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00loved the range of the food and Emery very informative both food and the experience.
Would do it AGAIN
michelemZ1217NG,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emery was very knowledgeable and helpful.
A Great way to see Edinburgh!!
BDunc08,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Helene provided a lovely tour! It was a good mix of interesting sites, history, and delicious food. She walked a pace that made sure we all stayed close and could hear her. I highly recommend Helene and her tour!!
Great food tour
Natalie D,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Helene was very insightful and knowledgeable
A great day in sunny Edinburgh
Stefanie S,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a nice walking tour through new and old city. Had the opportunity to taste local foods, soup, haggis and IRN BRO and delicious fund n chips with a tennent larger. Topped off with a cheese store stop and a bakery for a nice cookie dessert. Each stop at each restaurant was different and delicious. We learned a lot about the city and its history and some great folk tales. Wonderful afternoon
Edinburgh is tasty
HRHIntrvrtgal,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked this as part of my best friend’s birthday trip to Edinburgh and it was wonderful. She is a vegetarian and the dishes they made for her during the tour were a huge hit. Alisa was our guide and she was truly exceptional, highly recommend if you come to Edinburgh!
Edinburgh food tour
meggladon,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is my second food tour booked through Eating Europe. I absolutely love them. The stops offered vegetarian substitutions that were perfect. Ailsa was a fantastic guide! She told lots of history and fun facts along the tour. 10/10
Fabulous must do!
Kathy R,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Helen was a fabulous tour guide and we had the best experience trying different foods off Scotland!
Related Experiences
Operated by London Food Tours by Eating Europe