Where to Walk: the 9 Best Old Town Walking Tours in Edinburgh

1.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,506 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide on Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket, walk part of the Royal Mile, then descend beneath South Bridge into chilly stone vaults. Expect stories of poverty, crime, witchcraft, and reported hauntings, with guides such as Josh, Louisa, Kieran, and James bringing the hour to life.

“First it wasn't advised that the tour walking on uneven ground and very high steps which was difficult to get up. Also about feel enclosed in confirmed space if I was advised of this I would of not gone on the tour as some of my party couldn't do the tour. Lisa who was our guide was very informative and interesting. I was very disappointed not what I thought.”

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2.Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,361 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Spend two hours walking Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with guides such as Koffe, Max, Euan, Ben, or Graeme. Expect medieval stories, folklore, Scottish Enlightenment context, Harry Potter connections, and practical tips for pubs, cafés, and further sightseeing. Bring good shoes and clothing for rain.

“our guide Max was very interesting. i liked the tour very much . thank you. Marianne”

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3.Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24Top rated

This two-hour English walking tour introduces you to Edinburgh’s Old Town through cobbled lanes, closes, legends, and major sights. Guides such as Max, Greg, Jule, Angus, and Ben bring different stories and humor. Expect a gentle overview, outside views of Edinburgh Castle, and useful food tips.

“Excellent tour, interesting and informative.Georgia was very good, very engaging. Tour was just the right length with well timed stop for hot drinks. Thank You”

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4.Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,671 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Join guides such as Jen, Sonia, Tommy, Gavin, or Niamh for a two-hour English, German, or French walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town. Expect graveyards, plague stories, witch trials, Burke and Hare, Scottish faeries, local jokes, and views from the Calton Hill area.

“The overall length of the tour was good, however and a bitterly cold evening maybe a couple more places to visit as it felt very cold while listening intently. This though is not a criticism as each stopped was fairly detailed. Jen the tour guide was very knowledgeable and descriptive.”

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5.Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,596 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Spend about three hours walking Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile with a guide such as Fiona, Stuart Usher, David, or Dr Alison Duncan. Expect Scottish history, local stories, castle views, closes, pubs, tenements, and a small group capped at 12 people.

“An absolutely fascinating tour, learnt so much about Edinburgh's place in history and the people who shaped it. We were lucky enough to be guided by a son of Edinburgh, thank you.”

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6.Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,016 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Start on the Royal Mile at 10:30 am and walk Edinburgh’s historic center for two hours with a professional guide. Expect major sights, overlooked details, legends, and practical tips. Tours are offered in English or French, with guides including Gavin and Urs.

“This was a great 2 hour tour that hit the highlights and got us comfortable to explore more on our own. Thanks to Gavin, we were cared for, entertained, and left with great ideas on what to do next.”

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7.Old Town History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 528 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a live guide in English, French, or German. In two hours, you’ll see St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Greyfriars Bobby, and the cemetery linked to Harry Potter. Guides such as Jen, Tommy, Ross, and Valeria bring the stories to life.

“We had a fantastic time on the tour, we went with my partner's parents who are German and they loved being able to discover Edinburgh with a German-speaking guide. Urs was fun and kept the tour exciting.”

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8.Multi-Sensory Old Town Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 290 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $32

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a Mercat Tours Storyteller guide, tracing royalty, rebellion, religion, crime, and culture from Mercat Cross to Edinburgh Castle. Headsets keep every word clear on the noisy Royal Mile. Expect cobbles, hills, historic closes, and plenty of memorable local detail.

“Simon was wonderful. Enjoyed the history and storytelling that brought it to life.”

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9.Old Town Stories – Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 86 reviews · 2 hours · from $20Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide beneath the white All-Star Guides umbrella at St. Giles Cathedral. Over two hours, walk Edinburgh’s Old Town, hear stories of kings, writers, infamous residents, and Scotland’s origins, and visit a 16th-century kirkyard. Guides include David, Robert, James, Joe, Lydia, and others.

“This tour was very interesting, I absolutely recommend it! I learned a lot and I had a lot of fun! The guide, James, was very good at telling and explaining all the stories and history, even added many side stories. English isn't my first language and he took the time to explain things again when I didn't understand. A great tour made even better by a great guide, thank you so much!”

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