Available languages
2 hours 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle!
Step into Edinburgh’s secrets and discover the heart of Scotland’s capital, beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved to this day, in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its ancient volcanic rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it.
Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Mercat Tours Storyteller and from the Royal Mile you’ll walk over the drawbridge and straight past the ticket line – leaving the queues behind and continuing your journey into Edinburgh’s history uninterrupted.
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
Please note: Edinburgh Castle will not admit visitors with bags larger than a 25litre capacity
Please note that we cannot accept babies or children under the age of 5 on this tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Exclusive multi-sensory experience; with master Storyteller guides
Enhanced, hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh, delivered through TourTalk audio devices
Small group experience
Fast track, skip the line entry into Edinburgh Castle
St Giles' Cathedral
View the exterior and hear the history.
Parliament House
View the exterior
Castle entry fee included
Maximum group size of 18
Walking tour including castle
1,478 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lana Y,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
Mally was Great!! His passion for sharing the history of Edinburgh was infectious!! I want to come visit again, there's SO much to see & do!!
Charon S,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
The information and pictures Linda had were amazing. She was the best and was so intuned to the group and how different things would be more interesting to us.
Mary G,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
There is a lot of walking on this tour, and a significant part of it is uphill. But I would retake the tour, because the guide was very knowledgeable.
KATHRYN J,
Oct 10, 2025
- Viator
It was excellent. It was very informative and the history is incredible. The tour guy was excellent and very informative.
skjdt7wp69,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
Great overview. Entertaining and informative tour guide. I don’t like that Viator makes me leave a longer review than I want, but don’t want to harm a great tour guide.
Operated by Mercat Tours