Edinburgh: Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 3 more

Start your tour near the Writer’s Museum, and follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s greatest literary figures such as Robert Burns. From there, you’ll explore the Royal Mile, hear stories about Mary Queen of Scots and take snaps of St Giles Cathedral.

Step inside Greyfriars Kirkyard, and find out how it inspired the Harry Potter series. Uncover the cemetery’s haunted past, such as the Mackenzie Poltergeist, before finishing your tour at Covenanters’ Prison. Don’t forget to ask your guide on the best local pubs for a pint or a bite to eat.

Afterwards, continue exploring the capital at your own pace with a city audio tour app.

What's Included

Live commentary in English, French or Spanish (select at checkout)
Edinburgh walking tour (2 hours)
Edinburgh city audio tour app in English
Guided access to Greyfriars Kirkyard
Certified Blue Badge Guide
15% Discount off Edinburgh Gin Distillery experiences (subject to availability)
Tips for the guide
Transportation
Entry to attractions
Headset and mobile device

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide outside Castle Rock Cafe, located at 453 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT. Your guide will be wearing a dark blue ‘VoxCity’ uniform and holding an umbrella. Please arrive 5 minutes early.

End point

This tour concludes at Covenanters’ Prison.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Meet your guide outside Castle Rock Cafe, located at 453 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT. Your guide will be wearing a dark blue ‘VoxCity’ uniform and holding an umbrella. Please arrive 5 minutes early.

    Admission ticket free
  • Writers' Museum (Pass by)

    Discover some of the greatest literary figures in Scottish history. This museum celebrates the works of Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, featuring personal items, portraits and more.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    In the corner of James' Court lies the former home of James Boswell. The Scottish lawyer and literary figure is best known for writing the biography "Life of Samuel Johnson." Philosopher David Hume also once lived in this court.

    Admission ticket free
  • Milne’s Court (Pass by)

    Built in 1690, this courtyard was located in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods to live in Edinburgh. Its vibrancy became the blueprint of other areas, such as James' Court. Today, Milne's Court is home to students of the University of Edinburgh.

    Admission ticket free
  • Edinburgh City Chambers (Pass by)

    Take a snap of the townhall which serves at the administrative centre of the city. Built in 1753, the building originally housed the Royal Exchange, before the Town Council relocated here in the 19th century. Fans of the film Braveheart will recognise the city chambers as the backdrop of a key scene.

    Admission ticket free
  • St Giles' Cathedral (Pass by)

    Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, St Giles' Cathedral is around 900 years old. The church played an important role in the tumultuous religious history of Scotland, such as being central to events leading to the Scottish Reformation and the Covenanters' Rebellion.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Enjoy the views of historic Edinburgh from this square, including St Giles Cathedral and Parliament House. Visitors will also spot statues of several key figures, such as Adam Smith, the philosopher and father of economics; and King Charles II.

    Admission ticket free
  • Victoria Street (Pass by)

    This charming cobblestone street is famous for its colourful buildings and unique architecture. Take a snap of the picturesque street and pass by the local boutiques.

    Admission ticket free
  • Grassmarket (Pass by)

    This historic marketplace is filled with fabulous scenery, including an iconic view of Edinburgh Castle towering above the picturesque architecture. Did you know its original purpose was to sell horses and cattle? Their grassy pens are what gave the market its name!

    Admission ticket free
  • Greyfriars Kirk (Pass by)

    Pass by this old parish church that was founded in 1620. The church was significantly damaged during the Anglo-Scottish war by Oliver Cromwell's troops. It also underwent significant reconstruction after the gunpowder store exploded in 1718 and destroyed a tower.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Finish your tour at Greyfriars Kirkyard, the famous haunted cemetery. Hundreds of Covenanters were imprisoned here in the 17th century, and their spirits are rumoured to still walk this area. Keep an eye out for the Mackenzie Poltergeist...

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please bring comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Scan the QR code on your voucher to download the Edinburgh city audio guide before arrival.
Supplied by Vox City International Ltd

Tags

Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Culture
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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