Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Mountebank the original and best comedy walking tour of Edinburgh and the only tour of the city led by a professional, award winning stand-up comedian and historian with a Master degree in Scottish history. Since starting in 2019 Mountebank's success has attracted copy cat 'comedy' tours but Mountebank is the original, best and only tour led by an actual stand-up comic and historian!
Your guide is Edinburgh based stand-up comic and historian Daniel Downie - and his trusty sidekick Brahan the dog! Daniel has brought several sell-out shows all about Scotland to the Edinburgh Fringe. He has been described as 'outstanding' and 'must see' by the Scotsman newspaper and his show about Mary Queen of Scots was named 'Best History Show' at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Mountebank is all about the hysterical and ridiculous nature of Scotland's history, people, language, weather - all things Scottish basically! So come along and laugh a lot while you learn a little :)
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
*Strictly for ages 16 and over
What To Expect
Monkey Barrel Comedy
The tour starts at the world famous Monkey Barrel Comedy club where I find out a little about you, you learn a little more about me (more than you probably care to know!) I teach you some of my favourite Scottish vocabulary and then we set off on our Old Town adventure..!!
Royal Mile
Edinburgh's most iconic and historic High Street
Options
Mountebank Comedy Walk
What‘s Included
Guide
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,914 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun, Funny and InFormative! Great experience and highly recommended!
S2818ONmarkb,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time and tour. Daniel is not only very informative he is very funny.
Best Ever Walking Tour!!!
wekclk,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When in Edinburgh, this is a MUST SEE walking tour!! Daniel is hilarious and very knowledgeable about Scottish history. We learned a lot and laughed the entire 2 hours. He personalizes each tour to the group. Do not miss this!!
Best Guide and Time in Edinburgh
302kathrinee,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am usually skeptical about booking walking tours through these big activity companies, but I have been pleasantly surprised. I booked two tours in Edinburgh, and they ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. There is no better way to learn about the city and its history than by walking its streets and hearing the stories behind it all. Daniel was charming, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. He is clearly a historian who loves what he does, and his enthusiasm made the tour both interesting and entertaining. His jokes are pretty funny too. Our whole group of family and friends had a fantastic time walking, learning, and laughing together. If you get Daniel as your guide, you are in for a treat. And definitely ask him to do his American accent. It was absolutely mind-blowing and had all of us laughing. Highly recommend!
Highly entertaining city tour
Connie M,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Daniel is a stand-up comedian, historian and tour guide so be prepared for an entertaining tour of Edinburgh. He shares some fun facts while delivering a very funny tour. Be prepared to be picked on but that’s part of the fun.
History with laughs.
beverleyd278,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I found the tour very funny and entertaining, especially as he didn’t pick on me. Despite the ranting you feel he is a thoroughly nice chap. Seems to know his history well and I saw parts of the city I hadn’t seen before. If you want a tour with a difference this one is for you. If you are easily offended, or have no sense of humour then maybe not. Please note you will be required to do some walking.
Fun introduction to Edinburgh
cathyhip,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great intro to the city. Danny is brilliant. He’s witty and informative. My friends and I started our vaca with lots of laughs. What could be better?
This is a must do...
Joan B,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a must do activity for adult visitors of Edinburgh. Daniel and his dog, Bran, escorted us through the city streets and provided appropriate breaks along the way. The historical facts were presented in a comical way, and Daniel made sure to get to know his audience. Daniel knows his history and shared a lot of interesting facts and tidbits about the history of Edinburgh and Scotland. I would recommend this tour for adults only. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Time well spent
sam c,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Daniel and Brahan (the dog) turned up on the dot and he proceeded to entertain me and make me laugh for 2 hours. We were lucky that therr were only 6 of us . I learned a lot about E , its history and architecture His perspective was that of someone interested in progressive politics which might not suit a Reform supporter. Time well spent
Brilliant
Elizabeth M,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is a must, we had such a laugh, I was with 5 friends from all over England and we all enjoyed it. Scottish humour was brilliant, everyone loved it. The tour was different to the other tours we did that week, we saw different places and the stories were a bit different, very funny. Anyone who doesn’t like this tour, can’t have a sense of humour. Thank you for making our last day in Edinburgh very memorable.
Fun and Informative walking tour!
dirtcorpsdiva,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was in charge of organizing a group of friends to Scotland for my husband’s milestone birthday. We lucked out with a beautiful warm sunny day! Daniel was a funny and knowledgeable guide which made seeing and learning about Edinburgh all the more fun. My group of friends were so happy as well. Daniel made me a rockstar among my friends. All 8 of us highly recommend this tour!
Related Experiences
Operated by Mountebank Scotland