Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group

4.9
(656 reviews)

5 to 6 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Join our small-group walking tour and visit Edinburgh in one day!
Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, New Town, the National Gallery of Scotland. You’ll learn about the history, culture and heritage of the Scottish capital, and there will be a break for lunch.

What's Included

Edinburgh Castle entrance ticket and guided tour
Local Tour Guide
The Georgian House: entrance and ticket (from 1st April 2025 ).
Scottish National Gallery guided tour (highlights)
Lunch
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

You will meet your guide on the corner of Princes Street, outside of Johnnie Walker and near the Binns Clock. Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time to check in.The guide will be holding a Navy Blue Umbrella

End point
Edinburgh Castle

The tour ends inside Edinburgh Castle.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 to 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Charlotte Square

    Our tour will start in the West End of Edinburgh where we will introduce the city and its neighbourhoods. In Charlotte Square, we'll admire elegant examples of neoclassical architecture and understand why Edinburgh is known as the ‘Athens of the North’

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Georgian House

    In Charlotte Square we will talk about the most iconic mansion of the New Town, the Georgian House. We will understand what the layout of Georgian townhouses looked like and what high society life was like in 18th and 19th century Edinburgh.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Princes Street Gardens

    Princes Street Gardens is one the main parks of Edinburgh, and we’ll cross it from the east to west. We'll stop to admire the Ross Fountain and other examples of public art. You will also enjoy a great view of the castle and the castle rock from the gardens.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    National Galleries Scotland: National

    In the Scottish National Gallery we will discover the artworks of some of Scotland’s most famous artists including Sir Henry Raeburn, Alexander Nasmyth, and the Glasgow Boys.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    We will walk towards the Royal Mile where we will stop for lunch. This area is renowned for its pubs and restaurants and you will have the opportunity to try some delicious Scottish food.

    50 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Mercat Cross

    After lunch we will walk along the Royal Mile where we'll see the Mercat Cross. This was once used for public announcements and public punishments. We will also explain why the unicorn appears at the top of this structure.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    St Giles' Cathedral

    In front of the Mercat Cross we will see St. Giles Cathedral. We'll talk about the architecture of the most important church in Scotland, and discover the history of the Presbyterian religion. We will also walk to West Parliament Square to talk about the Act of Union.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Heart of Midlothian

    On the other side of St. Giles we will see the Heart of Midlothian, a landmark that marks the spot where the Old Tolbooth once stood.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Royal Mile

    Leaving St. Giles behind us, we will stroll along the Royal Mile. Here's we'll learn what its medieval cobbled lanes, called closes, were and how they were used. There will also be the opportunity to talk about the city’s cultural scene, including its festivals.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Greyfriars Bobby

    We will walk along George IV bridge. It is time to meet Edinburgh's most famous and loyal dog, Bobby! We'll also see the dog statue located just outside of the graveyard.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Greyfriars

    Behind Bobby, we will find the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard. This historic graveyard we will understand what the Mortsafes are, and learn about the connection between the Scottish Covenants and the George Mackenzie Mausoleum.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Grassmarket

    After the graveyard we will find the Grassmarket, famous for its pubs and its dark past.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 13
    Victoria Street

    From the graveyard, we will walk to the Grassmarket an area famous for its pubs and its dark past. From the Grassmarket we will walk up Victoria Street, the most picturesque and colorful street of Edinburgh.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Writers' Museum

    Back on the Royal Mile, we'll find the Makars’ Court. Here, with the Writer’s Museum as a backdrop, we will talk about Scotland’s most important writers, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Castello Di Edimburgo

    After leaving Makars' Court, we'll walk for a few minutes along the top part of the Royal Mile until we reach the Castle Esplanade. Before entering the castle, we will enjoy stunning views of the city and see where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 16
    Edinburgh Castle

    It is finally time to enter Edinburgh Castle. Once inside, we’ll delve into the history and secrets of this building, and recall the fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles and sieges. After the guided tour you will have the opportunity to explore the indoor areas of the castle at your own pace.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please wear comfortable shoes, Edinburgh is a hilly city. We also recommend a windproof and rainproof jacket.
  • You will have free time during the lunch break. There will be cafes, pubs and restaurants for you to choose from with vegan and vegetarian options available.
Supplied by Edinburgh Walking Tours

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Cancellation Policy

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

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