Edinburgh is a city of legends and history. The city has a lot to offer and walking tours are one of the most popular activities to explore one of the world’s most culturally rich and beautiful cities. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, history enthusiast or on the ghosts haunting mission, there’s a walking tour in Edinburgh to suit everyone! Here’s our pick of the best Edinburgh’s walking tours.
Enjoy authentic local experiences with the best Edinburgh walking tours
One of the most enticing experiences of travel is the possibility of engaging with the local community. But, most of our trips last only a few days, so how we can find a true local experience?
Perhaps, to live like a local you have to take a root in the city or country for a few weeks or months but it’s easier to learn the local stories that were created with the expertise of the best in their field.
The best Edinburgh’s walking tours are run by local people and guarantee a great opportunity to discover the city’s architectural and historical heritage not just the most famous attractions but also hidden gems.
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Other sightseeing options in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the centre of cultural life and the arts and is particularly famous for its festivals. Among the other activities are the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, incredible Christmas markets and the Edinburgh Fringe, the world’s biggest cultural event.
Between best Edinburgh’s walking tours and these internationally known events, there are always plenty of other sightseeing options and entertainment opportunities here.
If you have limited time in Edinburgh then the Royal Edinburgh ticket is a perfect solution.
For the 48h, you can use all three City Tours (Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour and CitySightseeing Edinburgh) including entry to Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Perhaps, you would like to learn to cook traditional Scottish classics and enjoy a delicious dinner at the same time? Then a culinary class is a great option.
There are a few tasting tours to enjoy and Chocolatarium Tour, Tasting & Chocolate Making is definitely my favourite.
Want to do something different, then do afternoon tea in Edinburgh on a double-decker bus! Whilst you take in the stunning sights of Edinburgh, you can indulge in first-class traditional afternoon teas.
Fancy to see more and go outside of Edinburgh there is an option too. From one day tours searching a holy grail to multiday tours following Outlander steps.
If you are looking for an amazing tour, here are the top ten best Edinburgh walking tours that you can choose from.
Edinburgh Castle: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
This engaging castle tour enables you to skip the line into Scotland's most iconic fortification. The 90-minute tour in English will cover the 3,000-year history of Edinburgh Castle and the significant role it has played in shaping Scotland.
Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
Take a magical 2-hour walking tour of Edinburgh and discover the city where the world of Harry Potter was conceived. Test your knowledge with an audio-visual quiz, find out your Hogwarts House, and visit Tom Riddle’s grave.
Edinburgh: The Dark Side Walking Tour
Uncover the darker side of Edinburgh on a walking tour of the historic city center, and feel the hair on the back of your neck stand on end as you discover gruesome graveyards and hear about the secrets that lie down the narrow alleyways.
Edinburgh: History of Whisky with Tasting and Storytelling
This whisky and folklore evening is unique in Edinburgh. Visit an outstanding whisky venue where you will be served four classic single malt scotch whiskys and immerse yourself in the great cultural importance of whisky and storytelling in Scotland
Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town of Edinburgh. There you can explore its historic streets whilst having the history of Edinburgh come alive with the help of a talented tour guide.
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour
The secret Edinburgh’s underworld is located just under Tron Bar at Blair Street. Now, you can visit vaults with award-winning storytellers of Mercat Tours. They are the only walking company with exclusive access to the vaults.
Edinburgh: Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour
Take a guided afternoon stroll through Edinburgh's most famous cemetery and hear many surprising historical tales related to the individuals interred within its grounds.
Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour
This 3-hour walking tour of Edinburgh, led by Stuart or Richard Usher of Scotland's historic House of Usher or professional historian Dr. Alison Duncan, focuses on the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of the city.
Edinburgh: Palace of Holyroodhouse and Old Town Walking Tour
Tread the route of royals and discover rebellious Jacobites, colourful characters and the glorious Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore the picturesque Canongate before entering Her Majesty the Queen's official residence in Scotland
Edinburgh Private Tour: The Castle to the Arthur's Seat
Book a local Edinburgher for a personalised tour. Ditch the travel guides, decide where to go, what to see and what to do together with your private, personal, like-minded guide, with a friend who knows what you like the city will unveil its best to you
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Plan Your Trip To Edinburgh
- Get to and from the Airport: Save on airport transfers with HolidayTaxis. From only US$69.08
- Visit Edinburgh by train. Get Cheap Train Tickets from only $10
- The easiest way to get around Edinburgh is to use the City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Get Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets starting at US$22.48
FAQ
What is the best Edinburgh Underground Tour?
The tours are aimed at people who like ghost stories, mysteries and legends. The underground ghost tours are guided by actors, which create an immersive theatre experience for the audience.
Experience the history, legends, and tales from this unique perspective. Check out this article which highlights the best underground ghost tours in Edinburgh.
What should I not miss in Edinburgh?
Follow this self-guided tour for some of the best highlights of Edinburgh’s Old Town along with some spectacular hidden gems. With 11 main stops around Edinburgh’s Old Town, you can see the absolute best of the city in a short amount of time.
Use the guide as an Edinburgh itinerary, self-guided walking tour, or a bucket list of must-see spots in the Scottish capital.
