Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Explore Scotland’s ancient capital and see a side to the city many visitors miss on this private 2.5-hour Edinburgh walking tour. Follow a private guide through the streets and alleyways to discover UNESCO–listed attractions and hidden gems. Stroll from the Old Town to the Royal Mile and take in key sites of interest such as the Grass market and Victoria Street. Hear tales from Edinburgh’s dim and distant past, and hear how historic events shaped the city we see today.
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
Tours leave from the main entrance of St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile. You will recognize your guide from the name badge around their neck
Please arrive at least five minutes early
Please dress for the Edinburgh weather, which can be very irregular
What To Expect
St Giles' Cathedral
See the outside of the building and hear about the interesting characters from it's past, how they shaped the most read book of all time and how that influenced the witch trials.
Royal Mile
See some of the highlights of Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile on foot with your guide stopping to tell you about the must know facts, funny history and quirky stories. We will also point out the places locals like to eat and drink if you want such info.
Options
Private tour
Don't just be another face in the crowd of a large group tour, have your own intimate experience seeing the sights of Edinburgh with a local guide who will open your eyes to the best of Edinburgh.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
94 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Edinburgh historic tour
Dipa C,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We toured Edinburgh with Adrian the evening we arrived. He was fun to talk to and full of interesting facts about Edinburgh and its history. The tour was a great way to get our bearings in a new city and to hit the very busy highlights of Edinburgh without feeling overwhelmed. Highly recommend.
Royal Mile Walking Tour
John A,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Keiren was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of Edinburgh. Great tour.
Wonderful for families!
Corey R,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kieran was THE BEST tour guide for our private Edinburgh walking tour. Our family of 8 from ages 4 - 72 was engaged the whole time. He was funny, informative, and caring! We wish we would have booked a longer tour because it was so great!
We had an exceptional...
Benjamin A,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an exceptional experience with David! He worked to ensure the tour was targeted to the things we wanted to see and spent ample time at each stop explaining the history and significance with our two teenage boys. I would highly recommend a tour!
Highly recommend this tour
Rodney H,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00well worth booking. Very informative and interesting. Our guide Kieran really knows his history and took us to places we would have never found on our own!
Great tour of Edinburgh with David, sights most tourists don't see!
janetmcelhanon,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Toured new town with local sights. David our guide was very knowledgeable about the area history, and architecture. Visited Charlotte Square, Dean Village, St Bernard's well, Saint Stephen Street, Circus Lane and Stockbridge ending at the train station.
Kierin was knowledgeable....
Kim K,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kierin was knowledgeable. Entertaining, and full of love for his country. This was an enjoyable experience.
Edinburgh Old Town Tour
Paul F,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Shanna provided us with a customized tour of Old Town that was informative and entertaining. Her knowledge of Edinburgh history - both of the royal families and its famous and infamous citizens made for a wonderful to both Edinburgh and Scotland ad well. Shanna and this tour are highly recommended!
Exceptional walking tour.
Patti S,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Shawna was a great tour guide very knowledgeable. We learned a great deal. Edinburgh has a lot to offer. Make sure you wear a comfy shoes for the tour.
Loved having our own guide
Debra R,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is filled with people and large tour groups. It was wonderful for my husband and I to see all the highlights of Old Town while avoiding most of the congestion. Our guide, Adrian was knowledgeable, entertaining and made it a great experience. We definitely recommend him.
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Operated by Iconic Tours