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Offered languages
- German
- English
Discover the profound duality of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. While the main thoroughfare showcases grand processions and royal power, the narrow, hidden closes branching off it reveal a secret world of cramped tenements, unsolved murders, and the resilient lives of ordinary people. Join Max and local historian Elisa as they guide you down the spine of the Old Town, from the imposing fortress of Edinburgh Castle to the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, uncovering the architectural evolution and dramatic social stratification of this ancient city.
- A 3.0 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 116 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Edinburgh's main station, take local public transport toward Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. Get off at the nearest stop and walk the final few minutes to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
From Palace of Holyroodhouse, walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Edinburgh's main station. The departure point is Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1Edinburgh Castle
The historic fortress that birthed the city, setting the stage for the royal history that anchors the top of the Royal Mile.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Riddle's Court
A hidden 16th-century courtyard revealing the opulent lifestyle of early Edinburgh merchants and the legacy of urban renewal.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3The Real Mary King's Close
An underground warren of 17th-century streets, preserved beneath the City Chambers, revealing the grim reality of tenement living and plague.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Advocate's Close
One of the steepest alleys in the city, offering stunning framed views and telling the story of Edinburgh's legal class.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Tweeddale Court
A quiet, historic courtyard that was the site of the infamous, unsolved 1806 murder of bank porter William Begbie.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Bakehouse Close
A beautifully preserved close featuring a 16th-century archway, illustrating the Canongate's shift from wealth to working-class industry.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Dunbars Close Garden
A hidden gem opening into a recreated 17th-century garden, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling Royal Mile.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Palace of Holyroodhouse
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, concluding the tour with a stark contrast to the hidden closes.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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