Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour is led by Edinburgh Guided Tour — a small team of exceptional Guides, including PHD Historians, a Professor, and a Museum Manager. Each guide handpicked for their intelligence and warmth. Their passion for Edinburgh shines through in every story they tell, from royal scandal to Enlightenment genius, from Harry Potter to historical rogues.
We keep our group size small — never more than 12 guests — so every participant enjoys a personal experience. No straining to hear in a crowd of 30!
Our guests consistently give us amazing reviews. These are not your average guides. They will Make History Come Alive.
• Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Mile and surrounds
• See the secret closes and wynds and all of the major sites
• Learn of the famous writers, poets, and economists who have made Edinburgh their home
• Visit famous landmarks such as St Giles Cathedral, Grassmarket, and Greyfriars’ Kirkyard
• Take the opportunity to capture some amazing photographic opportunities
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children under 12 are free
Children 12-16 pay 75%
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Small group (maximum 12 participants)
Professional guide
Gratuities
What To Expect
Usher Hall
View this Baroque "Beaux Arts" masterpiece in the Heart of Edinburgh, the Usher Hall. Donated to the people and the City of Edinburgh by Stuart Usher's great great uncle, Andrew Usher.
Edinburgh Castle
Behold and view (from the outside) the towering, majestic pile of Edinburgh Castle from various vantage points. Learn all about its history (good, bad and downright ugly), the Scottish Wars of Independence, the Stuart dynasty, the Union of the Crowns and much more!
Options
Daytime tours
Morning Departure: A guided walk of up to 3 hours (subject to your requirements) around the centre of Edinburgh with one of our guides.
Evening Tours
Duration: 2 hours
Evening Departure summer only: A guided walk of up to 2 hours (subject to your requirements) around the centre of Edinburgh with Stuart or Richard Usher. Start time 6pm
Reviews
1,596 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
One of a kind tour
Maria M,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was the best three hours spent in Scotland. Our guide (and professional historian!), Dr Alison, told us lots of fascinating stories, and most importantly she made the tour feel like an acquaintance with Edinburgh. Also she adapted to us: asked us what we already know and what we are most interested about.
An absolutely fascinating...
Caroline S,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An absolutely fascinating tour, learnt so much about Edinburgh's place in history and the people who shaped it. We were lucky enough to be guided by a son of Edinburgh, thank you.
Great overview of Edinburgh
Laura B,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lots of fun. Fiona was a great tour guide. She had a fun sense of humor and obviously loves her job. She told us a lot of history and took us on a really good sightseeing tour of Edinburgh.
Take this Tour....
Daniel M,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was one of the best of our cruise. I was able to see the home of one of my ancestor's home. (Jenny Geddes). What a thrill! Lots of great stories.
Alistair's knowledge of...
Gary D,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alistair's knowledge of Edinburgh and stories about the past history were phenomenal! This is a must do during your visit and provides a great background in the Old Town history.
Wonderful Tour !
Sandra S,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour with Stuart was an absolute delight! We learned so very much about the history and architecture of Edinburgh. Stuart had charming and informative and fascinating anecdotes at each turn of the way. A most wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon in the fair city of Edinburgh - well worth the time and money spent. Thank you to Stuart !
Great tour!
Laura B,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Allison did a great job of sharing her endless knowledge of the area. Her expertise and anecdotal stories really gave us a true picture of the life and times of Edinburgh.
A peek back in time
OntarioTraveller73,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful afternoon tour led by Dr. Alison Duncan! She started by asking us for our interests, and she then catered the sights and information to these, covering topics such as architecture, daily life, and some fascinating history. Clearly, she is an actual historian, and her enthusiasm and vast knowledge shone through! Thank you from Canada, Alison!
Very informative ...
Joanna R,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative Guide was personable and approachable Highly recommend as an overview on city’s history
5***** Edinburgh tour
Sharon P,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stewart was FANTASTIC!! His knowledge of Edinburgh was great. He was informative as well as entertaining. Great chap to wander about town with.
From £35.00
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Operated by Edinburgh Guided Tour