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
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
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.
Reviews
1,554 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour to learn about Scotland and Edinburgh!
Tina B,
Aug 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00It is an excellent tour! The knowledge of our guide was vast and he was an excellent storyteller. It makes you want to read more about Scotland and it’s history.
Dr Alison Duncan is a must book for her impeccable knowledge
Theresa S,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Alison Duncan was incredibly knowledgeable and very interesting to listen to. She really knows her history like she was there and she immerses you into the past before bringing you back to today all in a 3 hour tour. Just amazing, you must request her.
Great tour
Leslie M,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very knowledgeable guide - this was a great tour to learn the history of Edinburgh and ita notable personages.
Excellent tour with...
Rolanda P,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent tour with Stueart. Enjoyed his knowledge of the city and flexibility. You will enjoy this tour.
A Fun Walk Back Through Time
Randy R,
Aug 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00The most enjoyable and entertaining tour we’ve taken. If you have a limited amount of time in Edinburgh Alastair is the perfect tour guide. He provides a historical and entertaining walk through time using the actual buildings, cemetery, statues and ordinary artifacts around the Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile. You will walk away from this tour knowing more about the “real” history of Scotland, laughed and said “really” more times than you can count. This tour along with seeing the Royal Tattoo made our stop in Edinburgh very, very memorable.
Related Experiences
Operated by Edinburgh Guided Tour