Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour

5.0
(212 reviews)
Edinburgh, Scotland

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Edinburgh doesn't give up its best stories easily, but it does give them up over food.

On this 3-hour small-group tour, you'll move between the Georgian elegance of the New Town and the cobbled medieval closes of the Old Town, eating your way through five hand-picked stops that tell the city's story from the inside out. You'll try haggis in a way that surprises even the skeptics, warm up over a bowl of Scotland's finest smoked fish soup in a pub that's been here since 1823, and taste cheeses made by Scottish producers on a street that inspired one of the world's most famous fictional alleys (yes, we're talking about Harry Potter's Diagon Alley!).

No lost-in-the-crowd moments, no rushed tastings; just a small group, an expert guide with real stories to tell, and a route that reads like Edinburgh at its most essential.

What's Included

Guided walk through Edinburgh's closes, the Royal Mile, and Victoria Street
Generous food tastings across Edinburgh's Old and New Towns
Local ale or Scottish soft drink paired with a savory tasting
Local English-speaking guide.
‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
Sweet finish at a beloved Edinburgh dessert spot
Gratuities / Tips for the guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Extra drinks

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Paddington Bear Statue

Meet your guide in St Andrew Square by the Melville Monument. Your guide will be wearing a purple tote bag and will be standing by the bench with Paddington Bear.

End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    New Town

    Your tour opens in Edinburgh's grand Georgian New Town. In the morning, you'll head to a multi-award-winning bakery beloved by locals since its beginnings in Leith, and try freshly made scones with cream and jam; afternoon guests will try instead a bowl of warming, traditional smoked haddock soup, cullen skink.

    35 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Scott Monument (Pass by)

    Taking in breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, and Arthur’s Seat, you’ll learn about the rich tapestry of Edinburgh’s history and how it weaves together the stories of the Old and New Towns.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Cockburn Street

    A cozy café-restaurant renowned for serving the best haggis in town. Enjoy a tasting of haggis bon bons with raspberry whisky marmalade paired with an iconic Scottish soft drink.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stand in the heart of Edinburgh’s most famous street, the Royal Mile. Stretching between Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle, this historic street marks where the city of Edinburgh began over 900 years ago.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stroll along the colorful and winding Victoria Street, one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque and iconic streets, often said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Situated right beneath Castle Rock, enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle from below and hear the fascinating story of one of Scotland’s most infamous women, Maggie Dickson.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Grassmarket

    Step inside this beloved local spot and discover their chilling legend! Named after a woman who survived her own execution, it’s the perfect place to enjoy fish and chips with a half-pint of local ale.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Old Town

    Visit this tiny family-owned cheesemonger that serves Scottish cheeses from local farm producers. Here, you'll try a selection of local Scottish cheeses.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    To finish the tour, visit a sweet stop that’s both delicious and scenic, that offers a modern twist on a classic Scottish treat. Savor a freshly baked stuffed cookie while taking in stunning views of the Royal Mile!

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by London Food Tours by Eating Europe
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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Beer & Brewery Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Small Group
Food & Drink
Excellent Quality
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 212 212 reviews
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