Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

Overview

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover the history Edinburgh's most historic quarter in a personal small group setting with an expert local guide. Most group tours of the Old town have up to 30 people, but not ours!

On this intimate 2 hour Walking Tour, you’ll find out how Edinburgh has evolved and developed over the past 2000 years. What were the major events that shaped it's development and who were the famous/infamous characters behind these events? We answer these questions and many more!

You'll see all of Edinburgh's most important landmarks, and some lesser known Old Town locations as well. This tour is perfect for the discerning traveller who wants the real history of the Old town.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchairs and Strollers can be used on this tour, but the Old Town is hilly and has cobblestones

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

This tour includes an expert local guide

What To Expect

Royal Mile

Traverse Edinburgh’s historic thoroughfare, see buildings dating back to the 1400s and hear some of the major events which shaped its history. We end the tour here.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Greyfriars

Explore Edinburgh’s world famous graveyard, hear how this site inspired renowned authors from Mary Shelley to J.K. Rowling contributed to medical science and the story of a certain very loyal dog.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Winter Schedule 2025/26

Summer 2026

Reviews

4.91

212 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

199

Great tour
923shand,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We loved this walking tour. It brought Edinburgh alive for us and gave it some meaning. The stories were great. Kieran was a great guide. Changed the tour so my elderly mother who struggles with stairs and large hills could do the walk. We really appreciated it. It was hard to find a walk that was not going up hills
Definitely worth the price and time!
levih937,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was absolutely lovely and the guid was an absolute blessing. Highly recommend for anyone interested in the history of the city over the years!
Very enjoyable tour!
Daryl K,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kerrigan was an amazing tour guide and he was very knowledgeable. Not only did he teach us the history of Edinburgh but her tough us about Scotland overall. He also enjoyed some fun history facts from his tour group.
The perfect start to our visit to Edinburgh
Scott H,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We took this tour the afternoon of our first day in Edinburgh. It was a wonderful introduction to the city, giving us the necessary understanding of the city’s history to enrich our own exploring as we continued our own sightseeing. Given that we hadn’t slept we were worried we weren’t up for the tour, but no worries our tour guide Madge was informative and entertaining, and was the perfect way to start our holiday.
Fantastic Tour and Amazing Guide
Alessandro C,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing time on the tour! Our guide Zander was knowledgeable, funny, and made the whole experience really enjoyable. We learned a lot and felt very well taken care of. Highly recommended!
Lovely welcome to Edinburgh
GuyGadoisSLO,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a two hour walking tour with Kieran. We started on Princes street, enjoyed the park, walked to the Royal Mile and heard about spots along the way. The tour was well paced and informative (without being overwhelming). It was a friendly introduction to Edinburgh to begin our trip. Thank you Kieran!
Great and fun historical overview of Edinburgh!
Carolyn B,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Madge runs a great tour! We were a large group, but she made sure to gather us around her and speak loud enough for all to hear, while still being aware of others trying to get around us. Her stories brought history to life and provided great context and appreciation for the sights around us. The two hours went by quickly and were an excellent way to spend our first jet lagged arrival day in Edinburgh. Thank you Madge!
Our Guide was funny and knowledgeable
Rhonda G,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Madge was fantastic I totally enjoyed her stories and she made it so interesting. Best story teller guide I have had so far.
Terrific!
A9841GVwendyc,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Shanna was a wonderful guide … informative, interesting, and friendly. The trip was a little challenging (we are both over 75) but very doable. Well worth it!
Informative relaxed walking tour
auniag2019,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the best walking tours we have been on. Authoritative clear guide, knew her facts, answered lots of questions and said when she didn't know. Great value & really great style.