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Essential Walking Tour of Edinburgh's Old Town

7 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 7 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Edinburgh, Scotland

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3 hours (approx.)
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Overview

What better way to acquaint yourself with the layout of Edinburgh's medieval Old Town than a private tour with your own experienced guide.

In 3 hours your guide will cover all of the highlights of the Old Town as well as the hidden gems that the unwary visitor misses.

Your guide will scratch under the surface of each location helping the visitor to understand why the city has such a gruesome history. Although many people think it is just about the Castle, it is much more than that. It is about the people who lived and died in the Old Town.

You will hear stories of body-snatchers, of witches and the religious zealots that sent them to their deaths. We will explain how Scotland went from independent country to becoming part of the United Kingdom and its impact on Edinburgh

The 18th century was a period that saw the rebirth of Edinburgh through learning and education. This period became known as the Scottish Enlightenment. Come on this tour to be entertained and enlightened.

What's Included

  • Private guide
  • Pay-to-enter attractions.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Grassmarket
Edinburgh EH1 2JU, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Abbey Strand
Edinburgh EH8 8DU, UK

The Palace of Holyrood House is at the eastern end (the bottom end) of the Royal Mile.

What To Expect

Greyfriars Kirkyard

We will walk through one of the oldest graveyards in Edinburgh and will tell tales of some of its most famous inhabitants.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grassmarket

Brief photo stop.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Castle

We will stop here for approximately 15 minutes to allow your guide to explain about the Castle and the surrounding landmarks. We do not enter the Castle.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Royal Mile (Pass By)

The Royal Mile stretches from the Castle to the Palace and we will walk our way downhill stopping at numerous locations listed below.
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St Giles' Cathedral

The area of St Giles Cathedral was considered to be the very heart of medieval Edinburgh. We will spend approximately 30 minutes here while your guide "paints a picture" of life in this area.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mercat Cross

Considered to be the main public meeting place for the townspeople of Edinburgh but here we will tell you the other significant features of this area.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

John Knox House Museum

Commonly believed (mistakenly) to be the property of Scotland's most famous Protestant reformer, John Knox. This is the oldest building on the Royal Mile and here we will tell you who really lived here.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Museum of Edinburgh

This free-to-enter museum is housed in another of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile and is a treasure trove of historic artefacts related to the history of Edinburgh's Old Town.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Canongate Kirk

We will take a brief look inside the Canongate Kirk (when open). This has been a place of worship since 1688 and is where our present Queen Elizabeth II goes when she is in residence.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Palace of Holyroodhouse

This is the official residence of our Queen when she is in Edinburgh. However, its history stretches right back to the early 1500s but the abbey adjacent to it dates back to the early 12th century. Let your guide explain the most important periods in history associated with the Palace.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 8 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • We will follow any COVID-19 measures that are recommended by the Scottish Government at the time of your tour.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Essential Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-62330P10

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
7 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
7
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Private guide
  • Pay-to-enter attractions.

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • We will follow any COVID-19 measures that are recommended by the Scottish Government at the time of your tour.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please note that this tour operates as a private tour only. We believe this is essential particularly whilst social distancing measures are in place.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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