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Highlights of Edinburgh Walking Tour: A Free & Self-Guided Itinerary

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 9th March 2023

Categories Scotland , walking tour

Last Updated on 9th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Edinburgh is one of those places you could return to time and time again, and still never manage to scratch the surface of. Luckily, this guide and itinerary will help you understand the city on a more local level by offering you an Edinburgh Walking Tour that’s free, self-guided, and a trail you’ll actually want to follow!

Free and self-guided Edinburgh Walking Tour. Highlights of the capital of Scotland including Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, Royal Mile & More!

Highlights of Edinburgh Walking Tour: Tips & Tricks

Dean village, scottish national gallery, the writers’ museum, edinburgh castle, grassmarket, greyfriars kirkyard, drink a coffee in the elephant house, walk the royal mile, palace of holyrood, arthur’s seat, map for your self-guided edinburgh walking tour, enjoyed reading this highlights of edinburgh walking tour pin it now, read it again later:.

The Scottish Capital, like many European cities, is a place best enjoyed on foot and so you’ll want to allocate yourself a nice sunny day (if possible) to truly make the most of this walking tour.

Make sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring an umbrella in case of showers (there’s a reason Edinburgh is such a green city!)

This is especially when you take into consideration that you may be walking far more than the suggested walking time if you easily get distracted (like me) by quaint corners and side streets.

Much of Edinburgh is constructed on the remnants of ancient volcanic activity, meaning that there are lots of hilly roads and steep lanes in much of the city.

During this walk, the best place to grab a bite to eat are along the Royal Mile or in the Grassmarket, where you’ll find plenty of traditional Scottish Pubs. On a warm day, it’s also possible to enjoy a picnic in the calm area of Dean Village or atop the high and windy peak of Arthur’s Seat.

Walking time: 1 hour 42 minutes

Distance covered: 4.5 miles (7.3 kilometres)

Free and self-guided walking tour of Edinburgh. Must see attractions in the capital of Scotland including Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, Royal Mile & More!

Places to visit on this Edinburgh walking tour

Probably the most picturesque area of Edinburgh, Dean Village is an area of the city that shouldn’t be missed on any trip to the Scottish Capital! For this self-guided walking tour of Edinburgh, you’ll start your stroll in this stunning location.

First constructed for workers of the nearby mills, the Edinburgh district is now home to some of the prettiest and most exclusive real-estate in Edinburgh.

Just remember to bring your camera, you’ll likely want to snap a photo or two! Nearby, the river provides a quiet spot of calm in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s capital city.

Dean Village, a pretty hidden gem in Edinburgh, Scotland

After visiting Dean Village, you’ll embark on your first steep hill walk of the day (which will, unfortunately, be the first on many). Like I said, wear sturdy walking shoes!  Home to some of the best paintings to be found anywhere in Scotland, including iconic works by well-known Scottish artists, the Scottish National Gallery is open on a daily basis and is free to visit.

All of the priceless works date from the middle ages, right up until the present day and the museum is a must-see for any art lover. Those who fully want to explore the many paintings on offer may well want to dedicate at least an hour or two to understanding and admiring all of the works of art. All in all, a visit to the Scottish National Gallery is easily one of the best things to do in Edinburgh .

A Guide to Roslin, Edinburgh, Scotland. Things to do and what to see: Roslin Glen

From the National Gallery, it’s just a short walk until you stumble upon the Writers’ Museum. Tucked away in a little alcove and just metres away from the Royal Mile, this may well be the quaintest exhibition space the city has to offer.

Open from Wednesday through to Sunday, the Museum is just one of the contributing factors that led to Edinburgh being named the first ever UNESCO City of Literature back in the early 2000s.

The culture space is free to visit and most of the works are dedicated to three of Scotland’s leading writers; Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Within the museum, there are countless exhibitions comprising of photographs, notebooks, and more. Right next to the museum, you’ll find a lively outdoor bar by the name of ‘Wash Bar’.

writer's museum Edinburgh Scotland

Although I would have liked this walk to have started from the place where Edinburgh itself may well have begun, Edinburgh Castle, it’s best to enjoy the castle in the middle of the day when the sun is shining down and tourists still number less than those in the afternoon.

The aptly named mount of Castle Rock is home to Edinburgh Castle, where evidence suggests that people have been constructing fortifications since the Bronze Age, and perhaps earlier.

Although you have to pay to enter the castle, it’s easily one of the best attractions the city has to offer. Fun for all ages, Edinburgh Castle is open on a daily basis from 9:30 AM and is easily one of the best castles in and around Edinburgh .

To make the most of a castle visit (and get your money’s worth!), you’ll want to allocate yourself at least a couple of hours. Just outside the castle, an ice cream van sells refreshments throughout high season- perfect for picking up a quick snack along the route of this Edinburgh Walking Tour.

Book now: Edinburgh Castle skip the line and guided tour ticket

best castles in edinburgh, Scotland

Wander down the steps or road from the Castle (the steep steps being the quickest option), and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of Edinburgh, as well as the perfect shot for Instagram .

The Grassmarket is an ancient market space and place for events in the old part of the city. Today, the area is the perfect place to sample one of the many local beers on offer in one of the many traditional Scottish pubs which surround this centrally located square!

Best Castles in Edinburgh, Scotland: edinburgh castle

From the Grassmarket, it’s just a short walk eastwards before you stumble upon Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. Situated on the Southern edge of the Old Town, the ancient cemetery was established in the mid 16th-century.

When JK Rowling was writing the Harry Potter series in the nearby Elephant House, she would have likely looked out the window and seen Greyfriar’s Churchyard stretching out below.

Further on, and you can see the historic George Heriot’s School. Turreted and founded in 1628, it even has four Schools, just like Hogwarts!

Back at the graveyard, wander among the many gravestones and you’ll spot plenty of names on the headstones that are easily recognisable from the wizarding series; ‘Riddell’ and ‘McGonagall’ to name just a couple…

greyfriars kirkyard edinburgh

For fans of the wizarding series that is Harry Potter, I’m sure that the Elephant House will need no introduction. Famously the place where JK Rowling wrote many of the earlier books, today the Elephant House is understandably always busy!

Best seen earlier in the day so as to avoid the majority of the crowds, even if you don’t want a drink, you’ll need to pay a £1 entry fee to check out the toilets (a weird thing to say, but the graffiti covering the cubicles is truly unique!) and coffee shop interior. For more wizard-inspiration, check out our Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh!

The Elephant House Cafe: Edinburgh, Scotland: Harry Potter Inspiration around the city

Following the small detour to admire some Harry Potter locations and historical sites, it’s a quick wander back up the hill, and onto the Royal Mile! Spanning the stretch of street between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s Official Residence in Edinburgh, most of the action which can be found in Edinburgh is centred around this street.

Along the Royal Mile, you’ll find all manner of attractions; the city’s main cathedral, St Gile’s Cathedral, several covered marketplaces, and oodles of historic eateries can be found here.

Other points of interest include the entrance to Mary King’s Close (Edinburgh’s secret underground city- book a guided visit here ) , as well as the Museum of Childhood.

25 amazing free things to do Edinburgh, Scotland!

The official residence of King Charles in Scotland can be found at the end of the Royal Mile, in the form of the Palace of Holyrood. This is one of the final stops on this Edinburgh walking tour and the Royal Residence’s interior can be visited for a fee.

Open on a daily basis, you’ll want to give yourself at least an hour or two to admire the palace’s ancient abbey ruins, wander the Palace Gardens, and see various lavishly decorated Scottish interiors.

Nearby, the quirky structure of Queen Mary’s Bath House can be found, an unusual example of a 16th-century summerhouse or pavilion.

Although its tiny interior is closed to the public, the unusual exterior may well be the oldest surviving tennis pavilion in the world. Just a three minute walk away from the Palace of Holyrood, it’s also possible to admire the exterior of the ultra-modern Scottish parliament buildings.

Best Castles in Edinburgh, Scotland: holyrood palace

For the best views of Edinburgh (and a great place to enjoy a picnic), this walking tour of the city ends at Arthur’s Seat. There, you’ll find epic sights such as Holyrood Palace, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and onto the waters and rolling hills beyond.

Arthur’s Seat also happens to be one of the best spots in the city to enjoy the sunset thanks to its enviable vantage point. Contrary to popular belief, Arthur’s Seat is not named after the King of Celtic Legend.

Instead is likely a mispronunciation of its middle ages name ‘Àrd-na-Said’ (Heigh of Arrows in English). However, Arthur’s Seat won its name, you’ll want to dedicate around an hour to climb up and down its towering peak.

This time allocation will need to be more if you’re looking to picnic at the top (or simply wish to give yourself a quick breather). On the way down, it’s possible to wander the remains of a 14th-century chapel dedicated to St Anthony. For more information check out our guide on  hiking an extinct volcano in Edinburgh!

Hiking Arthur's Seat: Climbing an Extinct Volcano in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh guide/ free Edinburgh walking tour for your next visit to Edinburgh Scotland

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Monday 25th of March 2019

Hi! We are a 7 adults coming to Edinborough in May and we want to do a history walk. Though we want a guided tour. Do you know if any company has a similar walk to this to offer? It looks perfect!

Edinburgh Walk - One Day on and Around the Royal Mile

walking tour of edinburgh map

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Edinburgh's Royal Mile slopes down from Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock to the Palace of Holyrood House in the shadow of the mountains of Holyrood Park. Along the way, the route follows the eastern ridge of an extinct volcano - one of several in Scotland's capital.

The Royal Mile walk is one of those must-do experiences. Most people walk down it, from the castle to the palace, taking in the sights and architecture of the city's Old Town. However, you can buck the trend and walk up the Royal Mile. Here's why:

  • Every Edinburgh hill you walk down is paid for by one or two more you have to climb. In the context of this itinerary, walking up the Royal Mile is no more difficult than walking down it.
  • Some of the best sights are at the bottom. Start there and you won't feel you have to race down the hill to see them before they close.
  • Walking up the mile slows you down so you can pay more attention to the little details you might otherwise miss.

About This Walk

  • Distance: The walk takes in more than the Royal Mile itself - which is slightly longer than a mile. Depending upon how many side routes you take, this walk is between 3.25 and 3.5 miles. It may seem that's crammed a lot in, but this is a doable walk. I'm only moderately fit and I was able to finish - with all the stops - and still return to my hotel for some down time before dinner.
  • Time: The walk is planned to fill a day, from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including stops for lunch, snacks , and window shopping.
  • Facilities: It's an urban walk so there are plenty of places to have a sit-down, a drink or use restrooms. Some parts of the walk are along bus routes which I'll point out along the way.
  • Dress: Comfortable shoes are a must. Take along something to keep you dry in Edinburgh's changeable and unpredictable weather . But don't bother with an umbrella - it can be very windy.

Start the Walk - the View from Calton Hill

One of the best views of Edinburgh is from the top of Calton Hill looking south towards Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags. Edinburgh really is a city with mountains right in the middle.

But you don't have to go all the way to the top of Calton Hill to enjoy the view. It's just as beautiful from Regent Road at the base of the hill and the start of this walk.

Step-by-Step

  • From the end of Princes Street, continue east. and follow the main road as it curves off and climbs to the right into Regent Road (also known as the A1).
  • As the road curves uphill you will pass steps up Calton Hill, on the left, and a large Art Deco building on the right. This is St. Andrews House , home to the Scottish government offices.
  • After St Andrews House, the views open up to reveal Edinburgh's "mountain range". 
  • The large, and somewhat dilapidated neoclassical building above the road on the left is The Old Royal High School Building, also known as the New Parliament Building. In fact, this early 19th-century building is neither. It was rejected as a home for the new Scottish Parliament and is currently without a use.
  • Just beyond, on the right, is the Robert Burns monument, a small, circular pavilion. A path down to the Palace of Holyrood House and the Scottish Parliament starts downhill and to the right of this monument.
  • Follow this path down to the right and then left to down to Calton Road. Continue downhill on Calton Road to Abbey Hill. Turn right. There's a small roundabout. Just past it, you will see Abbey Strand and the entrance to Holyrood. 

Other Options

Getting there - If you'd rather skip this part of the walk, you can take a bus to the bottom of the Royal Mile. Lothian Buses 6 and 35 stop near Holyrood and the Scottish Parliament.

The Palace of Holyrood House - Home of Mary Queen of Scots

The Palace of Holyrood House is the Queen's official residence when she is in Scotland. (Different from her retreat at Balmoral which is her private property). It dates from a 12th-century Augustinian abbey founded by King David I of Scotland in 1128.

Parts of the Abbey still stand and can be visited during the summer. The palace itself has been built and rebuilt several times so it is a mixture of architectural styles. Because it is a working palace, very little of it is actually open to the public but what's there is fascinating.

  • The State Apartments reflect the history and tastes of the different Scottish monarchs who have occupied the palace. There are tapestries, portraits of real and legendary figures of Scottish history and the Scottish Throne Room.
  • The most romantic corner of Holyrood holds Mary Queen of Scots' chambers. She lived here when she returned from France where she was educated and raised. The suite of rooms includes her bedchamber, her prayer oratory, and her outer chamber. There, a year after her marriage to Lord Darnley, her Italian private secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered by her husband , in front of her.

The palace is also surrounded by gardens that can be visited.

If you're traveling with children old enough to complain but young enough to be bored by royal palaces, consider the Dynamic Earth attraction as an alternative attraction at the bottom of the Royal Mile.

  • Opening Hours: The palace is open from 9:30 a.m. every day except Christmas and boxing day. From April through October, closing time is 6 p.m., and from November through March, closing time is 4:30 p.m. When the Queen is in residence or entertaining state visitors, admission can be limited, so if you arrive toward the end of June or the beginning of July, be prepared to be turned away.
  • Admission: A range of ticket, some of which include tours, joint access to the Palace and the Queen's Gallery and access to the gardens can be booked online or purchased at the gate .
  • Audio tours are included with all tickets. The audio tour takes about an hour. An hour to an hour and a half is sufficient for your visit.

The Scottish Parliament

TheScottish Parliament is both the dramatic contemporary building that houses the Parliament of the Scottish government and the body of its members, known as MSPs - Members of the Scottish Parliament. It was opened by the Queen in 2004.

From the moment it was proposed, in the 1990s, until its completion and beyond, the building designed by Spanish architect Enric Miralles, was controversial. The estimate of its cost, originally proposed at £10 million ($12 million), quickly escalated to £40 million ($46 million). By the time it was finished, it had cost £414 million ($506 million).

See for Yourself If It Was Worth It

Visiting the public areas of the Scottish Parliament is free. Don't miss the breathtaking, high tech debating chamber. A variety of free tours about Scotland's contribution to science, art, architecture, literature, and politics are available and can be booked online. It's worth joining one of the frequent, hour-long tours of the building itself to learn more about its craftsmanship, functions, symbolism, and architecture. If Parliament is in session, you can watch from the visitor's gallery.

The Parliament building is open Monday to Saturday and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. When Parliament is conducting business, Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, the building is open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Take a Break

Before moving on take a breather here. The building has comfortable, well-maintained restrooms. A family-friendly cafe sells inexpensive snacks and drinks from 11:30 to 2:30.

Dynamic Earth - A Family Alternative

Dynamic Earth is one of Edinburgh's most popular modern attractions. For families with school-age children, it's an alternative to the Palace of Holyrood House. Admission charges are similar to standard tickets for the palace.

It tells the story of planet Earth from the Big Bang onward. Fans of earth science, dinosaurs, underwater, jungle and space adventures will enjoy the break from history, politics, and hiking to have some fun.

Visitors experience interactive, multi-media and "4-D" features as they travel through time, space and climate zones. Short, family films are shown in the Show Dome, Scotland's only 360 ͦ, digital theater.

A visit should take about an hour and a half.

How to Get There

The attraction is southwest of the Scottish Parliament. Turn right at the exit from the Parliament building and follow the building around toward the right. After the reflecting pool, (on your left), look for the path around the grassy strip on the right. At that point, you should see a passage through to Dynamic Earth.

A Morning up and Around the Royal Mile

Now start your walk up The Royal Mile. Return to the traffic circle near the entrance of the Scottish Parliament, on Horse Wynd. On the side of a building near this, you will see a street sign for Canongate. That is the start of the Royal Mile. Turn left.

The Royal Mile has several different names. It's Canongate, High Street, Lawnmarket and Castle Hill. Relax, all of it is the Royal Mile. If you can follow a straight line, you won't wander off it.

Take Your Time

What's your hurry. If you stroll up the Royal Mile instead of marching up you'll be able to spot the genuine treasures amongst all the souvenir shops and tourist tat. Look for the strange street names on the closes - narrow pedestrian streets sometimes with steep staircases - that open out from the high street. They usually indicate the markets and trades that took place in those areas hundreds of years ago. From bottom to top, these are some of the highlights I found before lunch (you will no doubt find your own):

  • Canongate Kirk - This flat fronted, Dutch-style church is the parish church of Edinburgh Old Town and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Queen's granddaughter Zara Philips married her ex Rugby Union player husband Mike Tindall here. According to legend, David Rizzio, the murdered secretary of Mary Queen of Scots, is buried here. It is about a fifth of a mile up from the bottom on the right side.
  • The Museum of Edinburgh - Across from Canongate Kirk, you'll spot a bright yellow and red building. This is one of several 16th-century houses, arranged around a close, that make up the Museum of Edinburgh. The museum tells the story of the city from ancient times. If you are interested in decorative arts and craftsmanship, you really should stop here to see the collections of Scottish silver, cut glass, and woodworking. The museum is free and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays in August.
  • The Museum of Childhood - About a third of a mile further up is the world's first museum devoted to childhood. Your own children will enjoy the exhibits of toys of the past - Dinky cars, dolls houses, games, puppets, child-sized cars, model planes, children's clothes. The museum is free and opens the same hours as the Museum of Edinburgh. A Word of Warning: If you go in here with your kids, you probably won't have time to see anything else on the Royal Mile.

Wherever you find lots of tourists, you find touristy pubs and restaurants. So, what a pleasant surprise to find The Inn on the Mile when hunger pangs struck at the same time as the One o'clock gun.  Formerly a bank it's now a pub and nine-room, mid-priced boutique hotel. And it's hard to miss. It sits on an "island" on the High Street section of the Royal Mile, between wee Niddy Street and South Bridge Street, with impressive neoclassical columns and granite steps sweeping down to the road.

The former banking hall, with its large windows, high ceilings, and original features, is now the pub and dining room. It's relaxed and friendly with an inexpensive menu of well prepared casual food - soups, burgers, sandwiches, salads, chicken, steak, mac and cheese, and a kids menu for smaller appetites. 

I was staying elsewhere so I only I looked at the rooms, with their luxury bathrooms, free wifi, free minibars and huge windows over the Royal Mile or the bridges. It's definitely on my list for my next Edinburgh visit.

Afternoon of Window Shopping and Sentiment

After lunch, continue up the Royal Mile past St. Giles Cathedral and turn left on George IV Bridge Street for a detour and a change of pace. Turn right on Victoria Street and follow the curving street down the hill, exploring its colorful shops along the way. Stop at La Barantine , 89 Victoria, to pick up some rainbow-colored macarons for later.

Further down it turns into West Bow. At the first intersection, turn right on Grassmarket. This street is known for its restaurants, bars, and independent boutiques. There's a street market here every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit Greyfriars Bobby

The true story of   Greyfriars Bobby inspired a classic movie, one of the most unashamedly sentimental British movies ever made. The faithful Skye terrier pined at his master's grave, in Greyfriars Kirkyard, for 14 years until his own death. Locals fed him and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh paid for his license. After his death in 1872, the Lord Provost's daughter commissioned the statue of him that still stands today near Greyfriars Kirk.

To Get There - Retrace your steps up Grassmarket past the small monument at the bottom of West Bow. Bear right onto Cowgatehead and at the traffic circle continue right onto Candlemakers Row. The statue is outside the family and dog-friendly  Greyfriars Pub near the intersection with George IV Bridge Road. It's a distance of a couple of hundred yards.

You might want to step into the pub to whet your whistle and refresh yourself for the   climb back up George IV Bridge to the Royal Mile, now called Lawnmarket. At Lawnmarket, turn left and head for the Castle, just ahead.

Is Edinburgh Castle an Anticlimax?

I'm afraid it is. Enjoy Edinburgh Castle from the outside. Marvel at the impressive views of it from vantage points around the city center. But don't waste your money going inside.

I know that may seem a controversial point of view but it is based on two visits, the second more disappointing than the first.

Yes, there are fabulous views, but you can find views just as good, or better, from Calton Hilland Arthur's Seat - and they are free.

Yes, it has the Scottish crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, and the Stone of Destiny (formerly known as the Stone of Scone) on which the Scottish kings were crowned, but:

  • To get to the crown jewels you have to wind in and out of twenty minutes of small, claustrophobic rooms filled with dioramas and luridly painted plaster figures offering the story of the Scottish monarchy in a style so embarrassing, it's an insult to the history it relates.
  • The crown jewels, purported to be the oldest in Britain, consisting of a small crown, a scepter, and a sword. The build-up to get to their glass case is so long and complicated that they are bound to be a disappointment.

And yes, it has Mons Meg - a huge and ancient bombard canon; the Royal Palace where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI of Scotland, later James I of England; a great hall with an impressive hammerbean roof; a war museum and regimental museums with lots of medals.

But it is very disjointed. It's crowded during vacation seasons and basically, there is very little to see. It is simply far too expensive for what it offers.

For Scottish History Fans

Visit the National Museum of Scotland instead. It covers Scottish history, archaeology, and natural history and its many fascinating and often mysterious objects are yours to visit for free. The museum is just across the street from the little bronze statue of Greyfriars Bobby. So if you've taken that detour, stay a while longer to visit it. Use the time you'll save not wandering around Edinburgh Castle wondering why you've spent so much money to visit it.

The Mound and the National Galleries

The good news is, it's all downhill from here and there's probably a nice cup of tea at the bottom.

At the top of Castle Hill, a large paved area that looks like an empty parking lot forms a sort of prelude to the castle itself. This is known as the Esplanade and is where the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is staged.

Just inside the Esplanade, at the far end, opposite the castle entrance, turn right and head for the corner of the enclosure. A cream colored, multi-story building with tan trim around its windows is the last building on the right before a wooded path that leads downward.

Go through the opening in the wrought iron fence and down a few steps. Then follow the path downward, through the trees and parkland. The path is steep in places but is paved throughout and not very difficult. It will lead you to the garden entrance of the National Galleries and the end of this walk.

There's a coffee shop at the garden entrance of the National Gallery where you can rest your tootsies before taking in some of the Gallery's world-class collection of fine art. Don't miss the wonderful collection of Scottish paintings. Like most of Scotland's national museums, the gallery is free.

If by now you've walked your feet off - and if you've touched all the bases in this walk, you've covered 3.3 miles - you can easily catch a bus, a taxi or the Edinburgh tram on The Mound, in front of the gallery, or on Princes Street a few hundred feet north - and downhill.

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Edinburgh Guided Tour

Edinburgh Guided Tour

Private & group walking tours of edinburgh, scotland.

We now offer  virtual tours of Edinburgh  where our guide can link up to the client, using zoom or similar technology, whilst the guide walks and/or drives around the city giving a commentary as he/she does so. We have now done this, very successfully, for  educational establishments ,  companies  and  private individuals . If you wish to book a  virtual tour , or simply wish to know more, please contact us by using our contact form on our contact page , saying what you have in mind. 

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Group Walking Tours – Edinburgh

The tour focuses on the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of Edinburgh.

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Private Walking Tours – Edinburgh

Customisable tours to suit your taste. Our private tours allow your group to have an educated guide all to yourselves.

Our Walking Tour

Start your holiday with us and let us give you inside knowledge on what to see, where to go, and things to do.

The Walks focus on the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of Edinburgh. Most of the major historical sites of interest are covered, including the world-famous Royal Mile in the Old Town.

On our Group Walking Tours , we have an absolute maximum of 12 walkers to ensure you have a first-class experience. We feel strongly that tours of 30, 40 or 50 more, just cannot give you the same experience.

And where better to start those walks than the Usher Hall, Scotland’s premier concert hall, donated to the city in 1896 by Andrew Usher.

Alternatively, our Private Walking Tours allow you to see even more landmarks and sights around Edinburgh both in the Old and New towns and can even be altered to suit your personal tastes/interests, as you will be the only walkers on the tour.

Our guides are very carefully hand-picked for their historical knowledge and they share our love of history and the city.

Edinburgh Guided Tour is currently ranked number 8 out of 470 Edinburgh tours on Trip Advisor; an exceptional performance for our small tour company.

And, even better, in 2019 TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards had us ranked at #5 in the world for cultural experiences!

You can book your tour with us with confidence. If your plans change, you can always cancel the booking and get a full refund (apart from cancellations made with less than 24 hours to go). 

Father and son team, Stuart and Richard Usher, started Edinburgh Guided Tour in 2012 with one clear vision; to provide an intimate walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile that would enthuse their guests with its amazing history, its famous characters and its magnificently varied architecture.

Simply put, they want their guests to fall in love with Edinburgh!

59-stuart-and-richard

Introducing Professor John W. Frank MD, CCFP, MSc, FRCPC, FCAHS, FFPH, FRSE, LLD: John has held a Personal Chair in Public Health Research and Policy in the Usher Institute at the University of Edinburgh from 2017 to 2021, at which time he retired. John was born in Canada but has lived and worked in Edinburgh for almost 20 years. He is a keen history buff and, despite his lofty academic attainment is a genuinely down to earth, warm and immensely affable tour guide.

John W. Frank

Introducing Dr Alison Duncan: Alison is a Scottish history expert and a  professional historian and she can make the wonders of Scottish History come alive, in front of your eyes, as she takes you on tour.

Alison was recently interviewed by Channel Four’s Professor Alice Roberts as part of their episode covering Edinburgh, on the hit TV series, ‘Britain’s Most Historic Towns’. Please see the video on the right.

Introducing David Forsyth: David is a professional historian and, prior to his recent retirement after 25 years with the National Museum of Scotland, David acted as ‘Keeper’ (Manager) of the Museum’s Scottish History & Art & Design Departments. David will absolutely delight you with his stories about the city and its history.

David was recently featured on BBC’s ‘Art that made us’ and is shown here talking to the BBC’s Shaun Leane. Please see the video on the right.

Introducing Douglas Graham BD (Hons) MSt (Oxon.) DipPTP: After training for three years as a stage actor, Douglas read Theology at the universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Oxford. He is a keen student of History and a gifted storyteller. Douglas is a great addition to our team.

a man looking at the camera

Introducing Craig Goodman BDS; Born in Scotland, Craig’s love of history began as a child and, as a voracious reader, this continued over the years. After qualifying as a Dentist, his professional life took him to England and to Germany. Eventually, the pull of home brought him back to Scotland and his proximity to Edinburgh ignited his passion, not just to further expand his knowledge of its history, but to unfold to others the historical riches this wonderful city holds.

Craig

How do you pronounce EDINBURGH? Here is Stuart Usher, our senior guide, on Scottish TV’s news programme, giving the definitive and CORRECT answer.

Edinburgh Guided Tour Recognised Among Best In The World!

Viator Experience Award 2023 Winner

  • Edinburgh Guided Tour are extremely proud to announce that our Guided Group Walking Tour has won the 2023 Viator Experience Award ! It rates us among the Top Twenty Viator attractions in all of Northern Europe .
  • Viator is the world’s largest travel experiences marketplace with more than 300,000 bookable tours, activities, and excursions.
  • Our Guided Group Walking Tour is our most popular, best-selling tour and it is the original experience that started us off over 10 years ago!
  • This longstanding tour, focuses on the most important streets in Edinburgh and covers the most seminal people, buildings and events from Scotland’s history, and has grown from strength to strength and stood the test of time.

Other Plaudits for Edinburgh Guided Tour

  • In 2019, Edinburgh Guided Tour was ranked #5 in the World for Cultural Experiences in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. An outstanding achievement!
  • In 2016 we were selected as being one of Edinburgh’s Top Ten walks by the Guardian newspaper.
  • In 2019 we were selected as one of Edinburgh’s 7 best walking tours by The Scotsman newspaper

The Ushers of Edinburgh

Stuart and Richard’s family roots are steeped in the history of both Edinburgh and Scotland. Stuart’s great-grandfather, Sir John Usher Bt., and his great-great uncle, Andrew Usher, introduced blended whisky to the world. In fact, Andrew in particular is widely acknowledged as the Father of the Blended Scotch Whisky Industry. From the Usher Hall by Edinburgh Castle and the Usher Institute at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, to the Usher created North British Distillery near the city centre, the Ushers are as intertwined with Scotland’s Capital City as bagpipes and tartan are with this outstandingly beautiful country.

Andre-Usher

Andrew Usher, father of the modern Scottish whisky industry

"Excellent" on TripAdvisor 1138 times. That is over 94% of our travellers!

"Wide range of information on the history, architecture geology and people who contributed to Edinburgh. I learnt absolutely tons in 3 hours. Easy nuggets of knowledge delivered in a conversational style. Excellent introduction to the city from our guide Alison."

"Stuart was great and very knowledgeable! He also gave great advice on where to shop, eat, and drink."

"Starting at the appropriately named Usher Hall (you'll be told all about that), the tour progressed at a leisurely pace throughout the centre of Edinburgh. Stuart's knowledge is extensive, and his delivery humorous, leading to a hugely enjoyable and unique touring experience. Would highly recommend."

"Hugely informative and wonderful as an introductory tour in Edinburgh. Great trivia and historical information along with fantastic restaurant and shop recommendations. I would advise anyone to take this tour as it is a fantastic way to accommodate yourself to this city!"

"Lively and entertaining. Just the right mix of solid facts and amusing trivia. A fantastic introduction to the city."

"Alison was a brilliant tour guide. The tour was interesting, enjoyable and gave the right amount of information on the places we visited. We had a small group which was great so we could ask questions and get to know the other guests. Would highly recommend this tour."

"We walked privately with Stuart Usher through old & new town as well as the Royal Mile. It was absolutely excellent!! Not only was Stuart enjoyable company, but the tour provided a solid overview of the history of the mile and recommendations for food and shopping. Stuart pointed out fun details that I would've never otherwise noticed. It really gave me an appreciation for what this city has to offer. Plus, the information provided was the perfect balance between detailed v. general, old v. modern, etc. We loved it and will definitely use the service should we return to Edinburgh in the future!! THANK YOU STUART! :)"

"It was a joy to spend the day with Alison. She was passionate about the city and its history and struck the right balance between historical content and lay person human interest. She engages the group in a comfortable manner and flexes to meet the needs and interests of whoever she has with her that day. Highly recommend joining one of her tours."

"We loved Stuart Usher and what he brought to our understanding of Edinburgh and the special knowledge that he has of its history having been there for many generations. His family donated Usher Hall, a premiere music venue, to the city and that attests to the intimate viewpoint Mr. Usher has of not only the history but also the current condition of Edinburgh. We enjoyed his very insightful comments and also his recommendations of places to eat and go see. All in all, a very worthy experience and one that I would do early in your visit to the city to be able to go back to some of the places pointed out on the trip."

"Our guide for the tour of Edinburgh was incredible ... literally cannot write/speak enough of my praise. Guide was well versed in the history - woven in the details was a comprehensive reflection of the old compared with the new. Guide arranged the tour to our interests, using old maps and books for us to view ... a truly must guide to show you around the lovely city."

BudgetTraveller - Travel in style, on a budget. Discover the best hostels across Europe and the World with my guide to Luxury Hostels

A free, self guided walking tour of Edinburgh

Two good friends of mine recently visited edinburgh..

For those of you unaware, Edinburgh was home for almost 10 years.I guess anywhere you live so long, it becomes part of your DNA. I love living in Madeira. I’ve met someone special here, the people are wonderful and the island is a beautiful place with stunning natural beauty. Plus year round the weather here is beautiful. One thing I definitely do not miss about Edinburgh is the weather. You can experience 4 seasons in one day in Edinburgh. Sounds crazy but that’s what make the city and indeed Scotland unique.I was asked to create a walking tour of the city for my Madeiran friends highlighting  my 50 favourite haunts. I spent a few happy hours revisiting in my memory all my favourite haunts. This post is the end result. I thought I’d share with you in the hope that one day you may visit this beautiful city and see it through my eyes. It’s not your conventional walking tour of all the most famous sights. Sometimes you walk. Sometimes you will need to stop for a beer. A few beers. Sometimes you’ll need to hop on a bus. Sometimes I might have forgotten the odd place to mention and you’ll have to revisit the street again. PS: By the way, if you are looking for recommendations about my favourite budget places to stay in Edinburgh , check this post and also checkout my recent guide on how spend 48 hours in Edinburgh

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To supplement the guide I’ve created my own illustrated map of the city.

I was never good at art but I try. I hope the map gives you some sort of a visual idea of the places I’ve mentioned below.

I’ve started the guide with one of my favourite walks in Edinburgh which starts from my old house in the Canongate where I lived for many moons….right uptil Morningside. It can take a few hours so make sure you have a pair of good walking shoes. Edinburgh is a city best enjoyed on foot.

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Canongate is on the bottom half of the Mile and is right near the Queens Palace.

My first port of call on most days in Edinburgh would be 1.Starbucks on Canongate . You come all the way to Edinburgh and the first place I ask you to go is Starbucks. WTF!!!!! I know.  The coffee is OK, wifi is good and the baristas here are friendly. This cafe was basically my office in my early days as a travel blogger so I have an emotional pull towards this place. I loved pulling up a stool in the front of the cafe from where you could watch the comings and goings of people. You could easily spend an hour of just drinking the dull filter coffee ( Brings back memories drinking their filter coffee.)

Across the road, I would love to see the astonished look of people as they would stumble upon the 2. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Yes. A shop that celebrates Xmas 365 days of the year. Once upon a time Cliff Richard was here….. you may spot a dull yellow newspaper cutting glued to the shop’s display window with Cliff’s toothy smile burning through the paper. Here’s an interesting fact. Edinburgh has not one but three Christmas shops open year-round. So if you are the kind of person that wishes they could celebrate Xmas everyday of the year, you’ve come to the right city.

Right beside the Xmas shop you’ll find a little hidden alleyway that leads you into the 3 . Victorian Garden. Beautiful place. Perfect, to escape the crowds and where you can even have your own picnic with a fish and chip supper from Bene’s. ( See later) Royal Mile has many hidden beautiful gardens like this.

Besides the Starbucks is a narrow alleyway- Crichton’s Close. On the left is the 4 . Scottish Poetry Library . If you are lover of a poetry, like me, this library has a fabulous collection of poetry books. I would often pop in for readings from local poets and if you are keen to get feedback on your own stuff, bring your work along and share with fellow budding poets.

Do not leave Edinburgh without going to 5.Bene’s Fish and Chips  ( 162 Canongate. Opens for Lunch, 12-2pm and then 4.30 till 12pm ) which is at the bottom of the Royal Mile. If you are keen to sample the fabled deep fried mars bar, this is the place to come to. They also do deep fried pizza. Other specialities to try here included haggis plus they do a pretty mean fish and chips. When you order chips here or in fact anywhere in Edinburgh, make sure you ask for the right dressing: ’salt and sauce.’ No tomato ketchup. You want those thick cut chips ( fried in lard) smothered in vinegar, salt, pepper with a liberal drizzling of brown sauce. Oh god. I am practically drooling on my keyboard as I write. If Maria ( or Maria’s husband- His name is not Tony. Damn, I’VE FORGOTTEN HIS NAME. Spoke to him so many times. Shoot me ) are in the shop, say hello from me.

Right opposite Bene’s is the 6. Canongate Church. This is the Queen’s church. She attends service here in the summer when she is in residence in her palace down the road. I love wondering the graveyard here. Sounds morbid but the tombstones are beautiful here. It is a very atmospheric place with a beautiful view of Calton Hill and the old Scottish Parilament. On the left hand corner you’ll find the grave of none other than Mr Adam Smith , the father of economics.

Now, instead of walking up the Mile. Reverse.

Walk to the bottom of the Mile and you’ll come face to face with three key landmarks.

To your right is the 7. Scottish Parliament , a controversial building which cost almost £1 billion to make and still incurs the wrath of locals. The architect Enric Miralles, died before completing it. It has many complex motifs that draw inspiration from Scottish history but I have never got my head around them. Love it or hate it, definitely has a beautiful location right at the foot of Arthurs Seat.

In front of you is the 8.Queens Palace . Do not enter and pay to see this place: for the price you have to pay, better splurging on one key historic attraction:  9. Edinburgh Castle which is on the top of the Royal Mile. Purely to see the Stone of Destiny. The stone of destiny ( also known as the Stone of Scone) is the Coronation Stone, an oblong block of red sandstone that was used for centuries in the coronation of the monarch of Scotland and later the monarchs of England and the Kingdom of Great Britain. The stone of destiny is kept in the crown room at Edinburgh Castle alongside the crown jewels of Scotland. The last time the stone was used was in 1953 for the coronation of Elizabeth II. In keeping with Scottish tradition there are many myths and legends associated with this stone. Some say that this is not the original stone of Scone but a replica. On Christmas Day 1950, a group of four Scottish students removed the Stone from its then location, Westminster Abbey to bring it back to Scotland. When the stone was ultimately returned, many people disputed whether this was the original stone. Some say that the  original stone is buried beneath Scone Abbey, near Perth. It is a story that has always fascinated me and one very good reason why you should visit Edinburgh Castle. Time your visit to the Castle around the 1pm gun salute from the Castle. Also unmissable is the dreamy and beautiful St Margaret’s Chapel, a 12th chapel in the Castle grounds. It is still used for weddings and is the oldest building in Edinburgh. The views from the Castle, looking down onto Princes Street gardens and the elegant Georgian streets of the New Town are one of the most beautiful views you will ever see.

The souvenir shop at the palace which is open to the public has excellent Royal memorabilia like commemorative mugs of William and Kate’s wedding that maybe your mum would like. The other reason I go here is that they have excellent and clean public loo here.

In front of you lies one of the key landmarks of Edinburgh- 10. Arthurs Seat , an extinct volcano. The views you get of Edinburgh from the top are beautiful from here. On a clear day you can see as far afield as Fife.

If it is a clear day, I recommend you go for a climb to the top. There is an easy path that you can follow just a few footsteps from in front of Holyrood Park which is right behind the Queens Palace. If you never make it to the Scottish highlands, you can experience the feeling of the beautiful Scottish wilderness right in the heart of the city, here in Holyrood Park. It has an array of hills, 3 lakes or lochs as referred to in Scots,  glens (lakes), ridges, basalt cliffs, and patches of gorse. It has also has a beautiful ruin, the 15th century St Anthony’s Chapel that stands above St Margaret’s Loch. The latter is beautiful lake right at the end of Holyrood Park where you can see ducks, geese and the most graceful elegant swans you will ever see.

Ok. Enough of walking. Time for some beer and food.

The perfect Scottish breakfast for me ( Haggis included!) is at 11.Holyrood 9A which is on the beginning of Holyrood Road. They also have an excellent burger menu and also over 50 beers from around the world to choose from. To get to Holyrood 9A, you have to walk down the Royal Mile until you come to a crossing. To your left will be a pub called the 12. World’s End pub.

This pub does also excellent fish and chips plus serves excellent draft ales- I recommend you make a pit stop here for a pint of Deuchars IPA which is the local ale of choice.

The reason this pub is called the World’s End Pub is that this building used to mark the boundary of Edinburgh in the ancient period. You’ll see some brass bars in the ground in front of the pub which mark where the wall used to be.

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To get an idea of what the wall looked like walk up the staircase of John Knox’s house, ( home to the protestant reformer John Knox and also the (most impossibly pretty cottage you will see in the city ) on your left which is now home to the 13.Scottish Storytelling Centre. Scotland is the land of stories and storytelling is in the blood of all Scots. The centre is an embodiment of that wonderful tradition of storytelling and you can experience here live storytelling, theatre, music, exhibitions, family events and workshops all year round so check ahead for any events.

On the top of the staircase you’ll see an illustration of what the gate used to look like. The wall ( also known as the Flodden Wall ) is still intact in some part of the city. Turn right onto St Mary’s Street and a few hundred yards forward, you can see the remainders of the wall on your right hand side.

At the end of St Marys Street turn left onto Holyrood road and you are at the Holyrood 9A.

They have an excellent burger menu and also over 50 beers to choose from.

From St Mary’s Street if you turn right…you are onto the Cowgate. 

Cowgate is filled with many excellent pubs and bars- it gets very lively at night.

My top picks here are 14.Bannerman’s for their live music nights. Also next to Bannerman’s is the 15.Banshee Labryinth – a exquisite labryinth of 6 or 7 vaults , each vault has something going on including a pool table , jukebox room, a live music ‘dungeon’ and even a cinema.

Further down from Bannerman’s if you fancy checking out a few clubs, there is the 16.Bongo Club which has a few nice bars and always has a bunch of great club nights, playing everything from garage, techno, old school hip hop, soul and house.

Further down from the Bongo Club is 17. Espionage which is a kind of superclub with 5 different clubs. The drinks are a bit expensive and the bouncers on the door can be arseholes sometimes. This maybe due to the fact that being a free club it can attract a whole bunch of weird, idiotic ( stag and hen groups) and wonderful folk from all walks of life but once you do make it past them, a decent club night awaits. My friends in Edinburgh will slaughter me for recommending this place but I’ve had many good memories here with friends. The 5 different themed bars means you have a wide variety of music to choose from. It always gets packed and sweaty here so be prepared for that. My love for this bar dates back to my time as an international student in Dundee when we would come to the Burgh for a big night out with the rest of the international student society. Everyone would refuse to pay entry into any of the nightclubs so we would always end up here 🙂

Walk further and you are in the Grassmarket.

Grassmarket is the place where once upon a time people were publicly executed. You’ll find the spot where they would hang the people. Right in front is the 18. Last Drop pub . This is would be the place where they would have their last drop of beer before being hanged.

However if I was to be fussy, I would not go for a beer here.

On the corner of the Grassmarket , beside the Grassmarket Hotel, you’ll see 19. Hula Juice Bar.

They do the best smoothies ( my favourite was Sunshine in a Cup: Peach, mango and orange ) delicious soups and also lovely coffee. Plus FREE WIFI. Yay.

Tip: If you check in on the Yelp App here, you get 10% off.

If you do pop in, say hello to Susan and pass on my best wishes to her please.

Hula Juice Bar marks the beginning of the prettiest street in Edinburgh and in the world in fact : Victoria Street!

Before we walk up Victoria Street, let me point out a few more key landmarks here in the Grassmarket.

Grassmarket has two famous shops which specialise in Vintage clothing which attract people from all over Scotland. Pop into 21. Armstrongs which is in their own words ‘a cornucopia of vintage and retro delights.’ So if you are looking for your vintage clothing fix, this is the place to come to.

Every Saturday they have a fab street market here where you can find great street food, sustainably sourced produce as well as just-cooked street food, sweet treats and seasonal crafts and gifts from local makers.

Also from the 22. West End of the Grassmarket you have one of the most photographed views in the city: a great panoramic view of Edinburgh Castle. It is beautiful when it gets dark and the castle lights up.

Ok back to the prettiest street in Edinburgh and the world: Victoria Street

It has a bunch of lovely shops and restaurants.

In Victoria Street you’ll find one of my favourite pubs in Edinburgh called the 23.Bow Bar. Proper pub which does a lovely range of ales and beers on tap.

They serve this lovely chocolate and lime stout that is made with real dark chocolate.

Wind your way up Victoria Street back onto George 4th bridge. Turn left and you are on the Royal Mile. Turn right and walk up George 4th Bridge.

On your right soon after 500 yards you’ll find yourself in front of the famous 24. Elephant Cafe. This is where JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter Novel. JK Rowling still has a home in Edinburgh and still frequents many cafes around this area so keep your eyes peeled.

At the back of the cafe which in doubt will be crowded with people looking for a seat you’ll find a huge table and a bay window. Look through it and you will see probably the real-life model for Hogwarts: ‘ St George’s Heriot Watt School’

Once you come out of the Elephant Cafe…walk further. You’ll soon come to a statue of a dog: 25.Greyfriars Bobby. You probably know the story of this dog? His grave is right in front of the entrance of the Greyfriars Bobby Kirk. Beautiful graveyard which has great views of the Castle. Some people say this is a haunted graveyard and ghost tours come here at night.

Come out. In front of you is Forrest Road, where I first lived when I came to Edinburgh.

I often started my night with a pint at 26.Sandy Bells (25 Forrest Road) which is a small wee pub that specialises in traditional music nights. It always has a great atmosphere with a mix of tourists and locals. They have a good selection of whiskies and beers at decent prices so do pop in here.

On your left is a place called 27.Mums ( used to be called Monster Mash) where they do an epic breakfast of 3 types of sausages with mash. I would go for their lamb and mint, the herby, pork and apple sausages sitting on a bed of delicious horseradish mash, smothered in a tomato and thyme (gluten free) gravy. Cost: £8/ Good hearty food, perfect for a cold winters day. Will keep you going for hours.

Forrest Road has one of my favourite charity shops run by the charity called 28. Shelter They always have decent clothing labels and selection of books so worth a good rummage.

To your left from Shelter you’ll see 29. Doctors -this is the pub which all the University of Edinburgh medical students frequent and has a nice ambience. Great selection of ales and ciders on tap and they do nice sharing platters. In front of the huge building you will see the medical school which marks the beginning of the University of Edinburgh campus. A certain Arthur Conan Doyle went to university here and also the doctor who discovered the anesthetic.

If you fancy a nice coffee, look straight ahead and you will see the beginning of the green lung of Edinburgh, 30. The Meadows . The air is heavy with the smell of BBQ’s and the grass is glowing with yellow and red cans of Tennents. At the beginning of the Meadows on your right you will see a few shops. The one right at the end is 31.St Peters Yard, a Swedish style bakery and coffee house. Coffee here is lovely and their bread has won many awards.

Before you enter to the Meadows , look straight ahead and on the right you’ll get a broad panoramic view of George Heriot school.

Opposite the gates of the school, you’ll see a  huge glass building which is the HQ for 32. Skyscanner So many an evening I have spent on the Skyscanner app looking for flights from Edinburgh and Madeira to everywhere in the world.

Ok. From here. If you still feel like walking. Walk past George Heriot, Skyscanner HQ on your left. You are now walking along Lauriston Place. On your right you will be seeing the Edinburgh School of Art.

105 Lauriston Place is home to the 33.Brauhaus Pub which has a great selection of beers from all over the world , especially Belgian and German beers.

Another few hundred yards, untill you come to the 34. Tollcross Junction . In the middle of the Junction don’t miss the distinctive ironwork pillar clock which has been one of the city’s landmarks since 1901.

If you walk to your left you are in Tollcross. This is a nice neighbourhood and has probably my favourite cinema in Edinburgh, 35.The Cameo.

If it is a typically blustery day/ rainy day and you need respite from the wind and the rain, escape here for a few hours.

They have a lovely bar , walls adorned with classic film posters. Wine is decent. They serve sausage rolls in a pint glass.The popcorn is excellent plus they have Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream. What more could you want?

If you still have the energy to walk…if you keep walking, you’ll be walking past by the Meadows (to your left) and come into Marchmont which then leads onto 36. Morningside, probably the most elegant  neighbourhood in Edinburgh.

The people of Morningside allegedly have their own medium posh accent so see if you can spot the difference. JR Rowling used to once upon a time live here, nearby Alexander McCall Smith and Ian Rankin, both key literary figures in their own right.

They are two gastronomic highlights of this area. You will find the cheesemonger, 37 IJ Mellis (330 Morningside Road) that does a heavenly range of cheeses from all over Europe. Talking about cheese, before you leave Scotland, try the cheddar from Isle of Mull. At the end of most meals in decent restaurants in Edinburgh you can order a cheeseboard where they will serve you oatmeal biscuits and cheese.

The other place not to miss in Morningside is the 38.Canny Mans Pub ( 239 Morningside Road) which serves probably the best bloody mary in Scotland. Plus they also sell Salmanazars (nine-litre bottles) of champagne! This place is an institution and another eccentric oddity of Edinburgh. Moment you walk in, you’ll know what I mean. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.

So. Telling you way too much. Or maybe I am missing out a whole bunch of places. There is only so many places you can fit into a trip to Edinburgh.

Other key things to remember when you visit Edinburgh. On the Royal Mile , right in the middle there is a trio of pubs that do fantastic live music. My pick is the 39 Whiski Bar which does decent food too. Other great live music joints include 40 Whistle Binkies ,  a subterranean cave just off Royal Mile that showcases the best local bands and attracts a quirky mix of students and classic rock, blues devotees. Also just beside Whistle Binkies is the 41.Oz Bar. It is your typical bottle bar with cheap beers ( £1.25 for a bottle of Carlsberg) cheap shots and they show Live Premier league and La Liga matches here.

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If you have some time to spare don’t leave Edinburgh without a trip to the Shore and a walk down the Water of Leith. In front of the John Knox house- you’ll see the number 35 bus stop. Direction The Shore, Leith. Get a day ticket. Think its £4.

Ask the bus driver to drop you off in the Shore.

There you have a range of amazing bars and places to eat. My favourites are the Shore pub and diner and also Fishers (same owners) which offers the best seafood in town.

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From here you can start you walk down the Water of Leith which is for me Edinburgh’s best kept secret where you come across gems like the quaint, historic 42 Dean Village .

Dean Village. A photo posted by Kash Bhattacharya (@budgettraveller) on Apr 6, 2014 at 4:56am PDT

The bridge in the village is probably my favourite part of the city. I feel like I have walked back in time when I come hre. Back in the day the village was the centre of the grain milling trade. At one point there were 11 working mills here , driven by the force of the strong currents of the water of Leith. Tranquil, peaceful, and an oasis of calm, walking down by the canal you will feel far removed from the city.

Walking past Dean Village you will come to 43. Stockbridge which is beautiful little neighbourhood. This is charity shop heaven. I could easily spend a day around these shops, gathering dust on my nose as I delve into the thousands of second hand books, classic records on their shelves. Pop in for a drink at 44.Hector’s before a sunset walk through the beautiful 45.Royal Botanical Gardens — 70 acres of beautifully landscaped greenery.

I’ve completely neglected Princes Street and George Street here. For good cocktails I would go to the 46. Dome on the east end of George Street, formerly the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. The 1930’s bar has great ambience ( they have the best Christmas tree display ever) and they do a mean Long Island Iced Tea.

For the best views of the city, I would climb to the top of 47. Calton Hill.

My favourite museums in the city are 48 National Gallery of Scotland on the Mound, off Princes Street which has a brilliant selection of impressionist works from Van Gogh, Monet and Degas. Also pop into the newly refurbished 49. National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street ( right across from Greyfriars Bobby) where under one roof you can enjoy the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology, and Scottish history. It’s a great day out for the kids, and the best thing is that it’s free, just like the National Gallery.

Ok. My last and 50th tip. I forgot to mention. For the best bacon sandwich in town I used to go to the 50.Larder ( 15 Blackfriars Street) which is Old Town’s best-kept secret. With its emphasis on high quality and local ingredients this is a truly special place. The prices are not cheap but the food here is an excellent value for money. I love their delicious streaky, smoked bacon from Ramsay of Carluke (which won the Gold Taste Award) in a fresh roll (£3.50).

There are so many amazing places I haven’t mentioned here. However, I hope this mini tour gives you a flavour of how magical and amazing this city is. Please feel free to leave your tips below and feedback. Thanks for reading!

PS: If you are in Edinburgh on a Friday, my good friend, Tania Pramschufer runs a fabulous marketplace inside Waverley Train station on Platform 2 where you can find wonderful food and gifts from local and international producers, all ethically sourced and made with love. Give Tania a hug from me if you do meet her.

Looking to book a tour for your stay in Edinburgh? I recommend Get Your Guide

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Hi I am Kash aka the BudgetTraveller I'm the Luxury Hostels guy and for the last 11 years are sharing ways of how you can travel in style on a budget. Say hello to me here or on Instagram/Twitter. Lets connect!

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12 comments.

I really like your map Kash. I’ve been to Edinburgh many times, as it’s one of favourite places but your map looks more interesting than your typical walking tour. Love it!

Ta Victoria! Sorry we didn’t get a chance to have a proper chat at TBEX but was good to see your briefly.

Hi Kash! Great article – thanks for sharing your tips. Will check them out as I will be in Edinburgh beginning of August as a starting point for my Scotland holiday 🙂 Many greetings from Graz / Austria

Wheyyyy! Hope article came handy? Love to hear about how your trip went.

I totally disagree with you about the weather. I love the weather in Edinburgh. I was there once in early November and it was in the high 70’s. I also enjoy mild, cooler weather. If you don’t like this kidn of weather, um, don’t live in the UK. Don’t diss it. Some of us LOVE the weather in Edinburgh and I’m here to stand up for it! I dont’ want 80 degree humid weather. YUCK! I want people in great clothing, snuggling and having a great time.

Did I say I hated the weather in Edinburgh? I must admit it has its moments and the ‘four seasons in one day’ is one of the unique charms of visiting the city and Scotland. I am glad you stand for the weather and everything about Edinburgh but some people may not find it easy to handle given that they come from warmer climes. People enjoy the warmth and hospitality they find in the pubs and cafes which they seek refuge in because of the bad weather. So see, every cloud has a silver lining?

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Love the map and all the pointers!!! How many day would you recommend to explore all our main points. Will definitely try and use some of this for my trip

Glad you loved my hand drawn map-art was never my strength at school but I tried 🙂 I would leave 2-3 days to comfortable fit in all the sights. You could dedicate a good few hours to walking the Water of Leith from Leith all the way to the Gallery of Modern Art. Please do tell me how you get on and if the tips delivered plus any personal tips of your own. Thanks for dropping by and stay in touch

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8:00am — Breakfast

Tropical vibes at the Hula Juice Bar in Edinburgh

9:00am — The Royal Mile

Saint Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

10:00am — Arthur’s Seat

Kristof enjoying the view over Edinburgh at the top of Arthurs Seat

11:30am — City views from the National Museum of Scotland

The iron cast interior of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh

12:30pm — Lunch

2:00pm — the grass market / victoria street.

View of Edinburgh Castle from one of the Grass Market sidestreets

2:30pm — Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh Castle glooming above Princess Street Garden

3:30pm — Dean Village / Circus Lane

Peace, quiet and a village feel in Edinburgh Dean Village

5:00pm — City views at Calton Hill

Views from Calton Hill in Edinburgh

6:00pm — The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile at sunset in Edinburgh

7:00pm — Dinner and drinks

Got more time to spare.

So what do you think, is Edinburgh worth it?

walking tour of edinburgh map

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walking tour of edinburgh map

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Please be advised that it is “Princes’ Street Gardens” and NOT “Princess”.

Thanks for pointing that out!

I’m looking for a place to stay. Character, beauty. Any recommendations? Thank you!

YES! We are always looking for accommodation that has lots of character and is ideally located in an ancient building. In Edinburgh we looooooove Eden Locke (hotel) and Porteous Studio’s (Airbnb). I’m sure you’ll love both suggestions!

Marlo & Kristof xxx

One (of the many) thing I love about Edinburgh is that you can cover it all on foot. So much to explore.

You’re so right Melanie!

We also love to explore cities on foot: it’s healthier, cheaper and better for the environment.

Hugs, Marlo & Kristof

hi i just came across your post, was it hard to do all these things in one day? if were here for two days could you prefer a way we can split it up?

thanks 🙂

It wasn’t hard to stick to the schedule but it’s more a schedule to see the highlight and not so much do them. The walking part of the tour takes about 3hours at slow pace, the rest of the time is for enjoying the sights. If you like time for some serious shopping on the Royal Mile or would like to visit Edinburgh Castle on the inside or explore the collections at the National Museum of Scotland, an extra day would be needed.

You could split it up as follows: Day 1 – entire morning to visit Edinburgh Castle – shopping on The Royal Mile – Victoria street & grassmarket – Dean Village & Circus Lane

Day2 – Calton Hill – Arthur’s Seat – National Museum of Scotland – Princess Street Gardens

If you split it like this you’ll definitely be able to do everything on our schedule at a very leasurely pace and maybe have time for some whiskey tasting as well 😉

Enjoy your stay in Edinburgh, it really is one of the best city escapes we’ve recently had in Europe!

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I will be headed to Edinburgh this August 2018! Can’t wait.

You’re going to have so much fun in Edinburgh Carol! This Edinburgh walking tour takes you along all the highlights, perfect for a 36h stay!

Wonderful tips. I’m planning a trip to Edinburgh in a few months and will add two of your insights to my visit. Thank you!

Hi Cynthia! So happy you enjoyed some of our tips for Edinburgh. Hope you have a wonderful time and you try out oyr Edinburgh walking tour!

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7 Fabulous Things Not To Miss In Edinburgh During A Self-Guided Walking Tour

walking tour of edinburgh map

  • Destinations
  • United Kingdom

Built on seven hills like Rome, Edinburgh might seem like a challenging city for walking. While it’s true that there are some pretty steep hills to contend with and that you can’t go far without encountering daunting steps rising with the land or winding snaking hills that make your calves ache, it is a stunning city to explore by foot.

The only real alternative anyway is to nip about by taxi, and while it is also a very drivable city, I find walking much more satisfying. There’s so much to see along the way that you miss while in a car. All those little alleys, the closes, the tucked away tiny museums, and the interesting little bars and cafes would be missed if you aren’t walking. To help you plan a walking tour of the city, here are seven fabulous things not to miss while exploring Edinburgh by foot.

Edinburgh Castle

1. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a great place to start a walk around Edinburgh as it’s central and can be seen from just about everywhere in town. Whether you choose to take a tour inside the castle or not, it’s a focal point and a great place to get an overview of where you are. Perched high up on the hill, the castle grounds gift visitors incredible views over the city, and just viewing the castle from the outside is awe-inspiring. Inside the castle, the Stone of Destiny and the Honors of Scotland are the displays most visitors want to see.

The castle gets extremely busy, and tickets are often sold out on the day, so if you do want to go inside it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, you can wander around at your own pace and eat lunch inside the castle in the tea rooms or café, but if you want to do more with your day and not spend it all here, leave a couple of hours at least to do the castle justice.

The 16th-century Greyfriars Kirkyard

2. Greyfriars Kirkyard

As part of a walk around Edinburgh, you can walk right through Greyfriars Kirkyard, the graveyard of Greyfriars Kirk (or church) from one side to the other. Enter from the back entrance on Candlemaker Row and make your way up through the churchyard towards the church and the main entrance, where you can exit. Or the other way around. It’s said to be one of the most haunted graveyards in the world, following many reports of spooky happenings, mostly at George Mackenzie’s mausoleum.

Some people have reported blacking out once inside the mausoleum and waking up with scratches on their arms. These ghostly goings-on got so bad that you can no longer enter the mausoleum — but you can peek inside. You can also look out for the graves that inspired some of the names in the Harry Potter books, including the graves of the Potter family and the grave of Tom Riddle.

The church itself is a lovely serene place to spend a few moments in contemplation. At the entrance to the churchyard is the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye terrier dog who spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner after their death.

Seek out the grave of William McGonagall, known as the worst poet in Scotland and sometimes even the worst poet in the history of the English language, which seems a little harsh!

Inside the National Museum of Scotland

3. The National Museum

Many of the museums and art galleries in Edinburgh are free to enter, so you can continue your walk around the city uninterrupted by walking into and around the museum. The National Museum of Scotland is a large building with four floors full of interesting exhibitions and artifacts.

You can easily lose hours of your time wandering around and discovering everything the museum has to offer. The galleries include fashion exhibitions, natural history displays, science and technology, and the history of Scotland. There are interactive displays and daily guided walking tours for anyone wanting to be shown the highlights.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but give yourself enough time to get around all of the exhibits. On my first-ever visit, I showed up at 3:30 and quickly realized I wouldn’t get around much of it in the time I had.

Inside The Royal Yacht Britannia

4. The Royal Yacht Britannia

A walk down to Leith — the port district of Edinburgh — gives visitors a lovely change from the busy city center. There are lots of cool cafes, bars, and restaurants in this area, and there’s a lovely river walk that takes you past the backs of some very grand-looking houses.

But the star of the show down here has to be The Royal Yacht Britannia , the former royal yacht of the Queen. The yacht was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a major tourist attraction. A visit to the yacht is a fascinating insight into what it was like to be a royal aboard this most regal of ships.

Visitors wander around at their own leisure, but there’s lots of information to tell you what each room was used for and complimentary audio guides are handed out when you arrive.

The Royal Deck Tea Room is an especially lovely place to eat lunch, take tea, or enjoy a champagne cream tea. The staff treat everyone like royalty, and you really feel like you’re meant to be on this royal yacht. The food is really good too! If you visit at Christmas time, complimentary mulled wine and shortbread are handed out.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens

As part of a good walk around the city, The Royal Botanic Gardens make a peaceful and beautiful stop-off and a lovely walk within themselves. You can book a guided tour of the gardens, with a knowledgeable guide to tell you about the history and the running of the gardens, and daily guided walks are also available in the gardens.

Or you can take your time on your own walk around the gardens and enjoy the woodland, the rock gardens, the Chinese hillside, and the glasshouses. The glasshouses include a tropical palm house and an orchid house, showcasing some artful plants and flowers.

Note: at the time of writing this the glasshouses are closed for renovations.

There’s no need to book ahead for entry into the Royal Botanic Gardens unless you want to book a specific event. Tickets are available when you arrive, and it’s rarely very busy. Even in summertime, you can amble around the gardens without much in the way of crowds.

The Scott Monument in Edinburgh, Scotland

6. The Scott Monument

Located on Princes Street just a few strides away from the train station and opposite the high street shops, The Scott Monument is a gothic tower dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the Scottish novelist and historian. It’s an impressive-looking monument that locals and regular visitors probably pass multiple times a day without giving it a second thought. But it’s more than just something interesting to look at. Inside the moment are 267 steps that take you up to the top of the tower. It’s a spiral staircase that narrows the higher you go, so it’s not for anyone with a fear of heights or unsteady on their feet. Once at the top though, the views are amazing and it definitely feels worth the climb. The monument closes during high winds and bad weather.

If 267 steps sounds like a lot, it is, but there are viewing platforms along the way so anytime you feel like you need a breather you can duck out of the staircase and enjoy the views for a while. Take your time if you need to, no one is in a hurry.

Holyrood Parliament

7. Holyrood

If you walk right down to the bottom of The Royal Mile , the old street full of shops, bars, and restaurants that slopes down from the castle, you arrive at Holyrood. Holyrood is basically the seat of power in Edinburgh, as the castle once was. This is where the Scottish Parliament is and it’s also where you can explore Holyrood Palace .

Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the monarch of Britain, so it’s now the official residence of King Charles while he’s in Scotland. It is open to the public and you can take a tour, viewing the state apartments, the throne room, and treasures, but do book tickets ahead of your visit as it’s usually booked up quite far in advance.

Take a picnic down to Holyrood and sit outside the parliament in the gardens. It’s a lovely quiet spot to sit and take some time out. The hills rise behind you dramatically and it’s hard to believe you’re still in the city it’s so much stiller and quieter. It’s also interesting to sit right next to parliament and wonder at what might be going on inside while you enjoy a picnic.

Related Reading:

  • 4 Reasons This Classic, Luxurious Hotel Is A Must-Visit
  • 7 Can’t-Miss Authentic Pubs In Edinburgh
  • The Unique Cocktail Bar In Edinburgh Where You Can Stay The Night

Image of Samantha Priestley

Travel writer, author, and playwright, Samantha loves historic buildings, quirky hotels, woodland walks and literary trails, specializing in food and drink, luxury travel, retreats, spas, and anything arts based. Samantha is based in Yorkshire, the UK, where she lives with her artist partner. Learn more on her website .

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Dean Village Walk | A True Edinburgh Hidden Gem

Heather Arbour

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Dean Village is a lovely thirty-minute walk from the city center of Edinburgh. The Dean Village walk is what makes reaching Dean Village all the more special as it takes you along the Water of Leith Walkway, a hidden gem in itself. There are many Edinburgh tours that take you to Dean Village, but honestly, you don’t need a tour to see the Edinburgh Dean Village!

Now, you can reach Dean Village by taxi or taking the city bus (more on that below) but honestly, the best way to experience this area of Edinburgh is by doing the Dean Village walk from Princes Street, to Stockbridge, then down the Water of Leith walkway to Dean Village. There’s a map of the direct route below.

Edinburgh, Scotland, Dean Village, ArboursAbroad

SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS DEAN VILLAGE IN EDINBURGH?!

In the 1880s, Dean Village was a water milling site. The Edinburgh World Heritage restored the building that housed the water mill workers making it now probably the most photographed area of Dean Village. 

mint door, orange building, Dean Village, Edinburgh, Scotland, ArboursAbroad

The village as a whole is super charming, and the historic buildings right on the water are a sight to see.

Visiting Dean Village can be done as just a nice walk, or as we recommend, by making it an afternoon affair. Pack food and drinks and enjoy the walk to Dean Village, then, picnic at the Dean Gardens before wandering around the village. 

Dean Village Walk to the village with mint doors | ArboursAbroad

Alternatively, pop into an outdoor market in Stockbridge before making your way down the Water of Leith walkway, spending extra time in another super cute area of Edinburgh.

READ MORE | 21 Things to do in Edinburgh

THE DEAN VILLAGE EDINBURGH WALK

As you walk down the Water of Leith walkway towards Dean Village, you’re greeted with this view just as you enter Dean Village.

Dean Village Walk from Water of Leith Walkway, Edinburgh, Scotland, Village on the Water

Continuing the Dean Village walk, you’ll find yourself inside the village itself, just taking in the charm of the old buildings and darling colors!

Edinburgh's charming village, Dean Village, ArboursAbroad

After wandering around the inside of the village, don’t miss walking back over towards the water. Here you’ll find the views that make Dean Village such a popular place.

Edinburgh's Hidden Gems, Edinburgh secrets, Edinburgh, Scotland, arboursabroad, visitscotland, Dean's Village

From here, continuing your walk through Dean Village, taking the Dean path and bridge over the Water of Leith. But.. don’t forget to stop and take photos on the way!

Dean's Village, Edinburgh, Scotland, arboursabroad, villages

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE DEAN VILLAGE WALK

  • There are no bathrooms at Dean Village or along the Water of Leith Walkway. Be sure to use that bathroom before heading down to explore Dean Village.
  • Likewise, there are no restaurants at Dean Village. It’s a residential area of Edinburgh, so don’t think you’ll be able to pop into a restaurant to use the loo. Eat before or after your walk to and through Dean Village!
  • While many residential areas have small shops, Dean Village does not. Be prepared by bringing something to drink and snacks with you in case you want to spend more time in the surrounding area!
  • You can continue down the Dean Path past Dean Village and walk to two different art galleries, the  Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art,  one and two. We aren’t too huge on museums, so we didn’t visit this place, however, the reviews are great!

Dean Village, Water of Leith, Historic Scotland, Edinburgh secrets, visit Scotland, arboursabroad

DEAN VILLAGE WALK MAP

If you couldn’t tell already, we  highly recommend walking to Dean Village.  The map below shows the route that we suggest taking to get to Dean Village from Princes Street in Edinburgh. This route takes you through the very popular Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, and right down  Circus Lane, a hidden gem in Edinburgh .

Dean Village Walk map, Dean Village from Edinburgh, ArboursAbroad, Water of Leith Walkway

Here are more views of Dean Village and the surrounding area you get to enjoy when doing the Dean Village walk…

Dean Bridge and Cathedral, Edinbugh

GETTING TO DEAN VILLAGE

Walking (most recommended).

Walking to Dean Village is the best part of seeing Dean Village. The walk takes roughly thirty minutes, leading you through other hidden gems in Edinburgh – Circus Lane and The Water of Leith Walkway. The “Dean Village Walk” down the Water of Leith Walkway has multiple stops with old water mills, statues, and wells, truly making you feel like you’re outside the city!

Circus Lane, Edinburgh, Dean Village Walk

City Bus (cheapest alternative)

You can hop on many of the city buses from Princes street heading out of town (opposite of Calton Hill) to get to Dean Village. The Lothian buses run every 10 minutes, so there’s not much scheduling or planning you need to do to take the bus.  Check here for bus routes and which bus number you want to take .

You could always walk to Dean Village and then take the bus back to the city centre if you need to get back quickly. Just find a bus heading to Princes Street, you’ll be dropped right below Edinburgh Castle.

Taxi (closes drop off point)

Taxis will allow the closest drop-off point to Dean Village and allow you more time to walk around Dean Village itself. Obviously, this alternative will not allow you to walk down the Water of Leith Walkway. However, this is a great option if you are only interested in seeing Dean Village itself.

If you do want to do the entire Dean Village walk along the water, have the taxi drop you off at Stockbridge Market. From there you’ll have about a short walk (about 15-minutes) along the water, straight to Dean Village.

bridge over water of leith walkway, Scotland

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walking tour of edinburgh map

WHAT ELSE TO SEE IN EDINBURGH + SCOTLAND

50+ Castles in Scotland | Opening Times + Price + Photos 

READ MORE | 7 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh

LEARN MORE | 21 Things to do in Edinburgh (including our favorite places to eat)

LEARN MORE | 15 Foods + 2 Drinks You MUST Try in Scotland

LEARN MORE | Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Fish and Chips

The Best Time to Visit Scotland

The Best Chippys in Scotland  

Still planning your trip to Scotland? Save this post here.

DEAN VILLAGE WALK, Edinburgh, Scotland, ArboursAbroad

Heather is the co-founder of Arbours Abroad, and a full time travel writer with over ten years of travel experience across 39 countries. She’s lived in five different countries, and traveled by van in the United Kingdom and Europe for two and a half years.

Heather and her husband currently live in a van with their cat, Georgie, traveling and finding nature escapes all over the western United States while sneaking in trips abroad when they can.

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Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh

No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting Edinburgh, its inspiring capital, a cosmopolitan town teeming with genius and culture. On this 2 hours FREE Tour your expert guide will show you the most attractive spots of this seductive city.

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Greyfriars Bobby statue in Edinburgh's Old Town

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The FREE Walking Tour starts every day at 10 am, 11 am and 1 pm on The Royal Mile , just in front of a bar called Copper Still (154 High Street).

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Explore the Treasures of History, One Step at a Time …

Are you ready to embark on a journey back in time, discovering the hidden gems and untold stories that lie within the heart of our beloved Old Town? Old Town Walking Tours invites you to experience the captivating blend of history, culture, and charm that makes our city truly unique.

Why Choose Old Town Walking Tours?

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At Old Town Walking Tours, we are not just guides; we are passionate storytellers, eager to share the fascinating tales that have shaped our community over the centuries. Our carefully crafted tours take you on a delightful adventure through cobbled streets, iconic landmarks, and lesser-known alleys, all steeped in the rich tapestry of history.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Expert Local Guides: Our team comprises enthusiastic local experts who have an unwavering passion for our city’s heritage. They bring a wealth of knowledge and captivating narratives that you won’t find in any guidebook.
  • Small Group Experience: To ensure an intimate and personalized journey, we keep our tour groups small, allowing you to ask questions, interact with your guide, and truly immerse yourself in the stories.
  • Customizable Tours: Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or a food lover, we have tailored tours to cater to your interests. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll create an unforgettable experience just for you.
  • Costumed Guides: Our guides arrive dressed in fully authentic historical costumes.
  • Hidden Gems Unveiled: The Old Town holds many hidden gems that only locals know about. Our tours will lead you to these lesser-known spots, unveiling their intriguing stories and adding a sense of discovery to your adventure.

Discover the Past, Create Memories for the Future

A walk through Old Town is not merely a stroll; it’s a voyage through time. Our tours cater to all ages and interests, making it an ideal activity for families, friends, school groups, and solo adventurers. Whether you’re a visitor or a longtime resident, Old Town Walking Tours promises a fresh perspective on the place you call home.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable expedition into the past? Browse our selection of tours, check availability, and secure your spot for an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Let Old Town Walking Tours be your gateway to a captivating blend of history, culture, and memories waiting to be made.

Join us and let the ancient streets whisper their stories in your ear.

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Edinburgh Outlander Locations: Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour

Newshailes Estate in Musselburgh, Edinburgh in Scotland

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer here .

Outlander is one of Scotland’s most seminal TV shows at the moment. Heck, author of the books Diana Gabaldon even won a Scottish tourism award . You would think there are tons of Edinburgh Outlander  filming locations, right? Considering it’s Scotland’s famously picturesque capital city?

Not as many as you might think. But that means you can easily see most (or all!) of them on your own Outlander  tours of Edinburgh!

Most of the scenes from Outlander shot in Edinburgh city centre are in Season Three. This was when our flame-haired Highlander Jamie Fraser lived in the capital as a printer and where Claire returns to him after 20 years apart. But there are some more Outlander  Edinburgh locations just on the outskirts of the city that feature in Season One and Season Four and are easily accessible by local buses from Edinburgh.

If you don’t have time on your trip to venture on a Scotland  Outlander  tour to the more well-known locations, this self-guided walking tour will satiate your Outlander thirst. All Edinburgh locations are on this Google Map and I have listed them in the order that (I think) makes sense to visit them. So, where is Outlander filmed in Edinburgh? Let’s find out!

Where Was Outlander Filmed in Edinburgh?

Every Edinburgh Outlander Location: Edinburgh City Centre

Bakehouse close.

  • “Freedom & Whisky” – Episode Five, Season Three
  • “A. Malcolm” – Episode Six, Season Three
  • “Creme de Menthe” – Episode Seven, Season Three

We’re starting at one of the most sought-after Edinburgh  Outlander locations! Just off the  Royal Mile , tucked away behind the Museum of Edinburgh   is Bakehouse Close in Edinburgh. It stood in as  Carfax Close  where Jamie Fraser lived as Alexander Malcolm, a printer-slash-smuggler-slash-anarchist. He hid his real identity for fears of his Jacobite past catching up with him and sought to live out the rest of his days as a “bachelor” in Auld Reekie.

Of course, they only used the exterior of this  Outlander  location for Jamie’s print shop. The stairs lead to the entrance of his print shop, and they would have set-dressed the whole street so it would more closely resemble the 1760s.

Bakehouse Close in Edinburgh, Scotland Edinburgh Outlander Location

The World’s End Pub

I’m cheating a little with this place, as  The World’s End Pub   on Edinburgh’s  Royal Mile was not one of the locations for  Outlander . BUT it is (strongly) connected to the TV show and the time period.

In days gone by, Edinburgh was a walled city that required residents to pay a toll to leave or enter. The Flodden Wall surrounded Edinburgh from the 16th to the 18th century. The World’s End  dates back to the 16th century and one of its walls formed part of the Flodden Wall, hence the ominous name.

So, there is a scene from Outlander  where Jamie and Claire head into this pub (they mention it by name) to meet their pal, Mr Willoughby. And later in the same episode, Fergus and Ian celebrate selling the barrels of creme de menthe here. Of course, the real pub no longer looks as it did in the 16th century so the production team used a set for these scenes. But I still think it’s well worth a visit, considering these connections.

The World's End Pub on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

Tweedale Court

Just down a sidestreet from  The World’s End  is Tweeddale Court . It’s a tiny, unassuming, quiet alley off one of the busiest streets in Edinburgh. It appeared in just two Season Three episodes as the main shopping street near Carfax Close . In the Outlander  scenes, it is bustling with stalls, sellers and buyers, and looks nothing like the slice of serenity it is today.

Tweeddale Court in Edinburgh, Scotland Edinburgh Outlander Location

Consulate General of France

  • “Of Lost Things” – Episode Four, Season Three

Wander further up the  Royal Mile  and you will reach Parliament Square . This is one of the brief, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it filming locations of  Outlander . In Season Three, Bree, Claire and Roger head to the  National Archives of Scotland  to search for records of Jamie Fraser’s existence after the Battle of Culloden. The exterior for this  Outlander  scene is the  Consulate General of France.  I mean, it is a rather attractive and official-looking building.

Consulate General of France in Parliament Square, Edinburgh in Scotland

The Signet Library

  • “The Bakra” – Episode 12, Season Three

Turn around, and you’ll see the next Edinburgh  Outlander  location! At the end of Season Three, our protagonists sail across the Atlantic ocean to save Young Ian from the hands of The Bakra AKA Geillis Duncan. Claire and Jamie attend a ball at the Governor of Jamaica’s residence and the interior of his home is The Signet Library , an exquisite Georgian building. You can discover this location for yourself by booking an afternoon tea there.

Since it’s £40 and I was travelling solo in Edinburgh at the time, I decided to skip this location for now. So, this is a photo of St Giles’ Cathedral (also in Parliament Square) instead.

St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

Summerhall Lecture Theatre

  • “Surrender” – Episode Two, Season Three

The last  Outlander  filming location in Edinburgh’s city centre is a 20-minute walk south of the Royal Mile . Take a walk down Old Fishmarket Close and keep straight down  West College Street ,  Potterrow  and so on. Eventually, you will reach  Summerhall .  It is one of Edinburgh’s best arts venues, though I think it used to be a school or maybe part of the University which is how it came to be an Outlander  location. One of its performance spaces stood in as the lecture theatre at Harvard University  where Claire meets her BBF Joe at her first Anatomy lecture.

Summerhall in Edinburgh, Scotland

Every Edinburgh Outlander Location: Outskirts of Edinburgh

Craigmillar castle.

  • “All Debts Paid” – Episode Three, Season Three

Though it appeared in only one episode,  Craigmillar Castle   is one of  Outlander ‘s most popular locations for visitors because of how prolific it was in that episode. Plus, it’s just a great place to visit generally! It stood in for the fictional  Ardsmuir Prison  where the Redcoats lock Jamie, Murtagh and many of their clansmen after the Battle of Culloden. This is where Jamie and Lord John Grey’s friendship blossoms before he transfers Jamie to Helwater Estate and Murtagh to the Colonies.

It’s a brilliant ruined castle with tons of historic connections, even some to Mary, Queen of Scots. And it also appeared as a location in Outlaw King (2018) . It’s so great that I’ve written an entire guide dedicated to this location which you can read via the link below.

Read next: Craigmillar Castle Outlander Location: A Complete Ardsmuir Prison Guide

Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland

Glencorse Old Kirk

  • “The Wedding” – Episode Seven, Season One

Ah, “The Wedding”. Everyone’s favourite  Outlander  episode of all time. While Claire and Jamie got married at a church somewhere in the Highlands on Clan MacKenzie lands, the real location was Glencorse Old Kirk . This is a disused church on the grounds of  Glencorse House Wedding Venue . It is not open to the public, but I did email during my visit to Edinburgh to ask if it was possible to see the church but I received no response. You could contact the venue yourself to try your luck. Let me know if you succeed!

If you manage to book a tour,  Glencorse Old Kirk  is a 40-minute local bus ride from Edinburgh city centre. You can hop on the X62  service from  Princes Street  and alight at the  Golf Club bus stop. Then, take a right down a small track (follow Google Maps) for 15 minutes. At the moment, all single bus journeys on Lothian Buses are £1.80 but check the Lothian Buses  website for up-to-date ticket and timetable information.

Roslin Glen Country Park

  • “The Reckoning” – Episode Nine, Season One

Roslin’s most famous filming location is not this  Outlander  one. It is actually  Rosslyn Chapel , which appeared at the end of  The Da Vinci Code  (2006). But the  Outlander  location is worth a visit, too! In this scene, Jamie and his men have just freed Claire from the hands of Black Jack Randall. They stop to give the horses a drink, and they do so in the River North Esk in Roslin Glen Country Park . But in the world of the TV show, the setting would be somewhere in the Highlands.

The park is quite big, so instead of following directions just to Roslin Glen, follow them to  Roslin Gunpowder Factory.  The location is right next to this ruined building, there’s no way you’ll miss the location (the photo below is the exact location). Roslin Glen is 50-minute bus ride from Edinburgh city centre. Get on the N.37 bus to Penicuik on  Princes Street  and get off at  Roslin Road . Then, follow Google Maps to the Gunpowder Factory  which is approximately a 20-minute walk. Be mindful that you might lose phone signal the further you get into the country park.

At the moment, all single bus journeys on Lothian Buses are £1.80 but check the Lothian Buses  website for up-to-date ticket and timetable information.

Read next: Visiting Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh: The Da Vinci Code Location

Roslin Glen Country Park in Roslin, Scotland Edinburgh Outlander Location

Flotterstone, Pentland Hills Regional Park

  • “Sassenach” – Episode One, Season One

Like the Consulate General of France location earlier in this post, this is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it  Outlander  filming location. And it’s not one I’m 100% sure on the exact location thanks to the use of CGI. During Frank and Claire’s drive through the countryside of Inverness during the pilot episode, he tells her a story about Cocknammon Rock  during the 1700s. We only see this hillside location for a second, and it is in the Flotterstone  region of the  Pentland Hills Regional Park . The “rock” part of the hill is merely cinematic trickery.

To get to this part of the Pentlands, you will need to take a 45-minute bus ride from Edinburgh city centre. From Edinburgh Bus Station , hop on the 101 bus service to Dumfries and alight at Flotterstone Inn . This is a  Stagecoach West   service so check their website for up-to-date information on ticket prices and timetables.

Newhailes House & Gardens

  • “America the Beautiful” – Episode One, Season Four
  • “Common Ground” – Episode Four, Season Four

Hopping from Season One to Season Four where these two final  Outlander  locations sub-in as grand estates in the US of A! Well, almost the USA. The War of Independence hasn’t happened yet. Newhailes House & Gardens  in  Musselburgh  stands in as Governor Tryon’s residence in North Carolina. In “America the Beautiful”, Jamie and Claire attend a dinner party in the very dining room that is pictured below. And in “Common Ground”, Jamie visits the Governor in his study.

I believe you can only see the inside of this wonderfully preserved home on an organised guided tour (which is what I did). You can find up-to-date information on opening times and ticket prices at the National Trust for Scotland’s website . Newhailes Estate is a 35-minute bus ride from Edinburgh city centre. Hop on the N.30 bus service to Musselburgh from  Princes Street  and alight at the  Newhailes Roundabout . From there, the estate is only a 5-minute walk. There is a visitor’s centre but you likely won’t need to spend longer than 60-90 minutes here.

Newhailes Estate Dining Room in Musselburgh, Edinburgh in Scotland Edinburgh Outlander Location

Arniston House

  • “Wilmington” – Episode Eight, Season Four

Finally, the last  Outlander  location in Edinburgh is  Arniston House   which stood in as the exterior, entrance and lobby to the  Wilmington Theatre in Season Four. This is one of the few locations I haven’t managed to visit thanks to COVID-19 restrictions during my last trip to Edinburgh.

This is one of the most difficult locations to reach from Edinburgh city centre, but only because the others are so easy! There are so many different methods to reach Arniston House but the easiest is to hop on the  N.31  bus from  Princes Street  to Polton Mill and alight at the  Park Road  bus stop. From there, you can get the  R5 bus to  Braidwood Bridge  and walk 20 minutes (following Google Maps) to Arniston House. The whole journey takes around 80-90 minutes.

Check the Lothian Buses  website for up-to-date information but be mindful this journey likely won’t fall under their £1.80 single-journey fare.

Arniston House in Edinburgh, Scotland

Book Your Place on an Outlander Tour in Scotland

Of course, you could visit many more filming locations by booking a place on one of the Outlander  tours in Scotland as I did! And there are some great Outlander tours from Edinburgh I went on the Haggis Adventures One Day Outlander Trail and it was amazing. Less than £50 and we visited Linlithgow Palace, Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland and Midhope Castle. Our guide and driver was also fun, energetic and knowledgeable about Scotland we listened to some Scottish folk music on the ride, too.

Some other great Scotland  Outlander  tours I’ve heard of include  Rabbie’s Outlander Adventure One Day Tours  from Glasgow or Edinburgh. Plus, Rabbie’s do three-day tours if you want to visit  Outlander  locations from the books as well as filming locations for  Outlander  the TV show.

Check Out My Other Outlander Filming Location Guides

Midhope Castle as Lallybroch  |  Hopetoun House as Helswater (& more!)  |  Culross as Cranesmuir

  Doune Castle as Castle Leoch  |  Falkland as 1940s Inverness   |  Blackness Castle as Fort William

Linlithgow Palace as Wentworth Prison  |  Culloden Battlefield

Outlander Filming Locations in Glasgow   |  Craigmillar Castle as Ardsmuir Prison

Glasgow University Cloisters in Glasgow, Scotland

And those are all the Edinburgh  Outlander  locations so you can do your own self-guided walking tour around the city! Have you watched Outlander or visited any of the filming locations? Let me know in the comments below!

Edinburgh Outlander Locations: Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour | almostginger.com

Hey! I wrote this. And I'm the human (and hair) behind Almost Ginger. I live for visiting filming locations, attending top film festivals and binge-watching travel inspiring films. I'm here to inspire you to do the same! Get in touch by leaving a comment or contacting me directly: [email protected] .

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Free Harry Potter Walking Tour Edinburgh

walking tour of edinburgh map

This post is a free, 13-stop, self-guided tour of Harry Potter book and movie sights in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, along with a map and route.

Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours are popular, but with our version, you can stick to your own itinerary as you wander the streets.

This was put together by Free Tours by Foot's resident Muggle, Margaret, who you can watch virtually right now.  

You can expect to walk nearly 2.2 miles or just over 3.6 kilometres while following the Harry Potter trail around Edinburgh.

You could also elect to take this as a GPS-led audio tour (see below).

Harry Potter Tour Route Map

Click the map to enlarge or download

The tour will last, on average, just under 90 minutes.

Although this may change depending on your walking pace or the stops you wish to make along the way.

You can use the map or this (PDF) to get the written directions. 

Note that for people wishing to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct (which the Hogwarts Express travels over), it's on the other side of Scotland, through the highlands.

It's nearly a 4-hour drive or a 5-hour train journey from Edinburgh.

GPS-Enabled Audio Tour

We also offer an audio tour of Harry Potter sights in Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.

Here’s a sample.

  • Purchase an audio tour.
  • Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
  • Enjoy the tour(s).

You will also find an audio tour that covers the history of Edinburgh.

Be sure to check out our other self-guided tours and free guided tours of Edinburgh .

We also offer Harry Potter tours, both guided and self-guided in London and Porto .

1. The Dog House

The Dog House is one of the few places on Earth where you can drink Butterbeer.

Dog House Edinburgh

In the Harry Potter series, Butterbeer is sold at a multitude of pubs, but primarily in The Three Broomsticks and The Hog’s Head.

Although Butterbeer is consumed by adults and kids alike in the books, the one served at The Dog House is definitely for adults only, one of the ingredients being - you guessed it - beer.

Although the Elephant Cafe usually claims the title of the “birthplace of Harry Potter” we know that Spoon played just as large a role in the creation of the legendary series.

Spoon Edinburgh Harry Potter

(And as an aside, it tends to be less busy than Elephant Cafe’ so this may be a good way for you to avoid the crowds!)

In 1997 Spoon was known as Nicolson’s Cafe and it was owned by JK Rowling’s brother-in-law, Roger Moore.

At the time, Rowling didn’t have much money so she would hide out in cafes, ordering a coffee now and again as she worked on the groundbreaking first book of her Potter series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone . 

Walk and Listen - POTTERROW

We couldn’t let you walk next to Potter Row and not mention it!

This street bears the name of the world’s favourite Wizard, and it would make sense to think that the name perhaps inspired JK Rowling when she was naming her main character.

However, she says it’s just a coincidence. When giving her first-ever interview in America in 1999, JK was asked about the name of her hero and how she chose it.

Her reply was, “ ...he had several different surnames before I chose Potter. Potter was the name of a brother and sister who I played with when I was very young.”  

3. George Heriot School

Originally built in 1628, George Heriot’s school was opened as an orphanage and hospital for boys and today is a co-ed primary and secondary school.

You’ll notice the four grand towers that top the building, which many said were the inspiration for the towers atop Hogwarts Castle.

George Heriot School

The school also has four houses that students are divided into and they all do, in fact, compete for a house cup!

The school is easily visible from the locations Rowling used to write in and walk along so it’s very easy to see why, for so many years, Potter buffs believed this building to be the inspiration for her wizarding school.

4. National Museum of Scotland

Ron Weasley taught Harry to play Wizard’s Chess.

This is just like regular chess except the pieces are enchanted and can be directed like troops - they also literally knock each other down when taking a square! 

National Museum of Scotland Lewis Chessmen

It would seem that when Rowling was creating Wizard Chess, she was also thinking of the Lewis Chessmen.

This is a group of distinctive 12th-century chess pieces that were discovered in a hoard on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland in 1831.

Eleven of the over ninety chess pieces are held at the National Museum of Scotland and are viewable to the public.

Author's Note: This museum is incredible in its' own right with unique exhibits like Dolly the Sheep and the flags flown at the Battle of Culloden. Consider making the time to visit it either during your walk or at another time!

5. Elephant House

This unassuming cafe is a destination for thousands of Harry Potter fans every year - as well as fans of Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith who were well-known patrons.

Elephant House

You’ll notice a sign on the Cafe which erroneously claims that this is the “birthplace” of Harry Potter.

Rowling herself addressed this sign and is quoted as saying:

“ I’d been writing Potter for several years before I ever set foot in this café, so it’s not the birthplace, but I *did* write in there so we’ll let them off! ”

Also, make sure to take a trip to the loo!

The walls are covered in Harry Potter graffiti with messages and drawings left by fans who have traveled from all over the world to come here.

6. Greyfriars Kirkyard

You are now standing outside the iconic - and haunted - Greyfriars Kirk - kirk being a Scottish word for church.

The name Greyfriars is in reference to the Franciscan friary which previously stood here, whose friars wore grey habits. 

Greyfriar’s Kirkyard

As the kirkyard is not far from the cafes JK Rowling used to frequent, she would occasionally walk through the rows for inspiration.

Here you will find the tombs of Thomas Riddell (NOTE SPELLING) , who lent his name to that of the Dark Lord Himself.

Thomas Riddell

You will also find William McGonagall a poet who shares a surname with the head of Gryffindor House and a Mrs. Elizabeth Moodie who perhaps gave her name to a certain Mad-Eyed Professor.

The kirkyard is almost always open to the public, as is the church from April to October for tourism and year-round services.

To get to the graves we mentioned above, simply walk straight past the church, along the left of the building.

You will find them in the back towards the right, behind the remains of the old Flodden Wall, the remains of a 16th-century wall that surrounded the city.

Author's Note: This is another must-visit while you are in Edinburgh so take the time to explore the graveyard or consider signing up to one of the tours that takes you through after the sun has set!

7. Museum Context

Known by some locals as ‘Diagon House,’ Museum Context is a (VICTORIA ST) fascinating shop, spread over two stone vaults and looks exactly like the Diagon Alley shops as depicted in the Harry Potter films.

Museum Context

Absolutely every inch of the place is covered in interesting and quirky treasures to take home.

Given that Victoria Street is heavily associated with Diagon Alley, it makes sense to find such a treasure trove of Potter memorabilia in this location.

Make sure to hit the top floor where you’ll find a wizarding desk with a hat that you can wear to snap a selfie while you’re visiting!

8. Victoria Street

So as far as we are concerned, this is Diagon Alley - or Victoria Street as the case may be!

This gorgeous, curving road looks just like the twisting and topsy-turvey thoroughfare in the Harry Potter films.

Free Walking Tours Edinburgh

All these ramshackle, colourful buildings are tucked close together, with oddly shaped windows and roofs adorning each one.

Just around the corner is Candlemaker Row, lined with cobblestones and filled with whimsical structures holding just a hint of magic. 

It’s also worth pointing out the AHA HA HA along the curve of the street at No. 99 West Bow - perhaps a precursor to Fred and George’s joke shop, Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes?

Author's Note: This is a great place to spend some time browsing the shops and there are excellent options for lunch and dinner nearby on Grassmarket.

9. The Witches Well

The Witches Well is a small cast-iron fountain - which no longer flows - and a plaque, honouring all the Scottish people who were burned at the stake for witchcraft between the 15th and 18th centuries.

The Witches Well

Throughout the centuries, more than 4,000 alleged witches were put to death in Scotland - and a great deal of them right here.

Now get back onto Castlehill and face the Castle itself.

10. Edinburgh Castle

An imposing, sprawling structure of strength and mystic design at the end of the Royal Mile that surges out of a great rock into the sky, it’s easy to imagine this building filled with hundreds of witches and wizards studying, playing, and living inside.

Edinburgh Castle

In fact, Rowling commented that now,”... I’ve come to live in the shadow of what could be a lot like Hogwarts, except Hogwarts has a lake. ”

So aside from the missing lake, this castle essentially showcases most of the features and details of Hogwarts that Rowling describes in her books!

As a side note, there is a canon that fires at 13:00 every day (except for Sundays) which means the Castle is very busy.

So we’d recommend coming either when the castle first opens, or in the late afternoon! For those wanting to visit virtually, check out Margaret's video below.

11. The Writers’ Museum

This fabulous building is called Lady Stair’s House; a faux-medieval structure designed by architect Stewart Henbest Capper in the 1890s which now houses a museum.

Edinburgh became the first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004 and this Museum shows why.

The Writer's Museum Edinburgh

Primarily focused on Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns, there are also occasional temporary exhibitions.

One of which was dedicated to JK Rowling and included a first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with annotations and drawings by the author herself! 

12. Edinburgh City Chambers

The beautiful building standing before you now holds the Edinburgh City Chambers.

For the purpose of our tour, you will want to head to the quadrangle in front of the building.

Here, under your feet, you will find flagstones displaying golden handprints.

City Chambers Edinburgh JK Rowlings

These handprints are those of people who have won the Edinburgh Award - given to those who have made, “outstanding achievements and contributions to the city.”

Set up in 2007, the first winner was Ian Rankin, and the second, in 2008 was JK Rowling, whose own handprints are immortalised here.

13. Balmoral Hotel

JK Rowling began writing her iconic book series in a number of cafes, but she would write the final words of the series in one of the finest hotels in the city, Room 552 of The Balmoral Hotel - marking the end of a true rags to riches story.

Balmoral Hotel JK Rawlings Suite

Today, the room has been re-named the JK Rowling Suite, and the room contains a marble bust of Hermes (now contained in a glass display case), scribbled with the following, written in JK’s own hand:

“JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room on 11th Jan 2007.”

Author's Note: The Balmoral is super posh and very expensive but consider a visit to the bar for a drink as a way to get the luxury experience without having to break the bank!

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walking tour of edinburgh map

Stephen Pickhardt

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A Willy Wonka-inspired experience ‘scam’ was so bad that people called the cops

People who attended a Willy Wonka-inspired “Chocolate Experience” in Glasgow, Scotland, were promised “extraordinary props, oversized lollipops, and a paradise of sweet treats” — all promoted with dreamlike, candy-colored images on its website .  

When ticketholders arrived at the event over the weekend, they instead found a sparsely decorated warehouse with nothing resembling the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” franchise the event invoked in its advertising.

“It was just ridiculous. I mean, just very amateurish. Absolutely nothing like what was described,” said Alana Lockens, who paid £35 per ticket, or $44.40 , to take her two young kids to the experience. “For the sake of my children, we were trying to be happy and smiley so that they wouldn’t pick up on the disappointment and just tried to make the best of a bad situation.”

House of Illuminati's "Willy's Chocolate Experience" event

Outraged attendees immediately began posting their experiences online, calling the event underwhelming and a “scam.” Some people quickly likened the event to the infamous Fyre Festival , a chaotic and pricey island concert that was falsely advertised as a “once-in-a-lifetime musical experience.”

By Saturday afternoon, the experience had been canceled and local police confirmed to NBC News that they were called to the scene after attendees who felt conned began demanding refunds. And further examination, along with interviews of people hired to work the event, hints that artificial intelligence-generated media may have played a key role in creating its veneer.

The event website touted interactive exhibits, and images shared on the site couldn’t be found elsewhere on the internet through reverse image searches. Some bore known hallmarks of AI creation, most notably strange and nonsensical lettering.

Two actors hired for the event who spoke to NBC News said they were promised £500 to perform in themed costumes that weekend. They each said the script they were given appeared AI-generated because of its “gibberish” wording. And when they showed up for rehearsal Friday night, more alarm bells went off.

Michael Archibald said he heard back the same day he applied to the acting gig, which was listed on the jobs site Indeed. When he showed up to rehearse the day before the event, the warehouse still looked barebones beyond a few props, and he said costumes weren’t delivered until rehearsal was nearly over.

Things didn’t look much better when he arrived the next morning.

“I thought, this is where dreams go to die,” he said of his reaction upon walking into the warehouse Saturday. “I already could feel the embarrassment. … I knew the script was AI-generated, as well. I was like, this isn’t normal human writing.”

House of Illuminati's "Willy's Chocolate Experience" event

The event was hosted by the London-based event company House of Illuminati, which was incorporated just three months ago, according to the U.K. government agency Companies House. It describes itself as “a realm where fantasy and reality converge to create unparalleled immersive experiences.” The company didn’t respond to a request for comment Tuesday. 

In the hours after the event’s abrupt cancellation, House of Illuminati posted a now-deleted statement on its Facebook page promising to return attendees’ money.

“Today has been a very stressful and frustrating day for many and for that we are truly sorry. Unfortunately last minute we were let down in many areas of our event and tried our best to continue on and push through and now realise we probably should havd cancelled first thing this morning instead,” the post said. “we fully apologise for what has happened and will be giving full refunds to each and every person that purchased tickets.”

It isn’t entirely clear whether the company used AI to generate its promotional images and character scripts, and the company hasn’t addressed the topic. 

Ever since the ongoing explosion in generative AI technology made it easy for internet users to instantaneously create web copy and images from text prompts, many sellers and services have begun using AI-generated content in their marketing . Deepfakes of celebrities and influencers advertising certain products have also circulated in recent months, tricking some potential buyers.

Paul Connell, another actor hired for the event, said some scenes in the script were “absolute nonsense” and impossible to replicate without special effects. The actors said event organizers soon told them to scrap the scripts and just improvise as the characters they were supposed to play.

At one point, Connell said, the actors began to suspect that the event was a sham and that they were unlikely to receive payment for their work. But after they discussed the situation among themselves, he said, they decided to stay and try to entertain the children as best as they could.

Paul Connell in his Willy Wonka costume

“I just thought of it as I just want the kids to have a good time. So I’m going to be silly and take photographs with them and play little games with them,” Connell said. “There was a little girl dressed as an Oompa Loompa that was just really upset, because she’d expected Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and got a dirty warehouse in Glasgow.”

Connell said the situation began to deteriorate soon after the event began. He said he took a lunch break as his “sanity was starting to go” — and returned to see chaos unfolding.

“There was just a mob of people outside and inside. It was carnage,” Connell said. “I joked when I walked back in, ‘I’ve been at lunch an hour, what’s happened?’ And there was people just running everywhere, shouting, threatening the organizers.”

By then, the Police Service of Scotland had been called to the scene. A spokesperson said in an email that it wasn’t a police matter but that officers offered advice to frustrated attendees.

Lockens said she has received an email confirming her refund but hasn’t yet received the money in her account, which House of Illuminati’s post said can take up to 10 working days.

The company’s director, Billy Coull, appears to have wiped most of his online presence since he drew backlash for the event. Coull didn’t respond to requests for comment through his Instagram page. 

Disgruntled attendees have also created a Facebook group called “ house of Illuminati scam ” to share their experiences at Willy’s Chocolate Experience and organize efforts to secure refunds.

Box Hub, the event venue that rented out its space to House of Illuminati, said in an email that it has been in contact with several parents about offering its venue as a space to host another event for the families who were dismayed by last weekend’s.

“We would love to offer our venue completely free of charge as a gesture of apology on behalf of House of Illuminati, who either have no regards for the families and young children they have disappointed or are too embarrassed to comment,” operations manager Matt Waterfield wrote. 

He reiterated that Box Hub had no involvement with House of Illuminati’s event beyond renting out the Glasgow venue and said the company was “shocked to see the way this event had unravelled after being led to believe this event would be a ‘fully immersive showcase.’”

For Lockens, purchasing five tickets for her family made a sizable dent in her wallet. But she said she thought the experience would be worth it for her children, who are major fans of all things Willy Wonka. (The event’s website said it had no official affiliation with Warner Bros., which owns the rights to the Willy Wonka character.)

“It’s just not what I expected at all, and it certainly was not worth £35 per ticket,” she said. “In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis in the U.K., that’s money that most families won’t be able to afford to part with for something that was just so terrible.”

walking tour of edinburgh map

Angela Yang is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.

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COMMENTS

  1. Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour (Map, Route, + Audio)

    GPS-Enabled Audio Tour. We also offer a 25-stop audio tour of historic Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides, that you could take whenever you wish. Here's a sample. Purchase an audio tour (£2.30) Get a confirmation email with .mp3, pdf, and embeddable Google Map. Enjoy the tour (s).

  2. Free Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour: Highlights & Overlooked Gems

    The free self-guided Edinburgh walking tour covers a total distance of approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). The tour starts at the Balmoral Hotel and terminates on Calton Hill. Edinburgh is a hilly city and the walking route takes you up and down hilly streets and stairs so be sure to wear comfortable footwear.

  3. 14 Self-Guided Walking Tours in Edinburgh, Scotland + Maps

    Self-guided walking tours in Edinburgh, Scotland. Follow these 14 expert designed self-guided walking tours to explore the city on foot at your own pace. All Cities; ... Each walk comes with a detailed tour map as well as photos and background information for the featured attractions. The app's navigation functions guide you from one attraction ...

  4. Edinburgh Walking Tour: A Free & Self-Guided Itinerary

    Dean Village. Probably the most picturesque area of Edinburgh, Dean Village is an area of the city that shouldn't be missed on any trip to the Scottish Capital! For this self-guided walking tour of Edinburgh, you'll start your stroll in this stunning location. First constructed for workers of the nearby mills, the Edinburgh district is now ...

  5. A Self-Guided Walk up Edinburgh's Royal Mile

    Time: The walk is planned to fill a day, from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including stops for lunch, snacks, and window shopping. Facilities: It's an urban walk so there are plenty of places to have a sit-down, a drink or use restrooms. Some parts of the walk are along bus routes which I'll point out along the way.

  6. Interactive Edinburgh Map

    Find food and drink recommendations, local facilities, links to blog posts and starting points for my fixed-route Edinburgh walking tours with my interactive Edinburgh map. ... INTERACTIVE EDINBURGH MAP. Use the map below to explore city attractions (in green), food and drink recommendations (in red), blog posts that may be of interest ...

  7. Edinburgh Self-Guided Walking Tour

    1. Ross Fountain. Start your Edinburgh self-walking tour at Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens. This iconic cast-iron fountain was first installed in 1872 and later restored in 2017 and 2018. It's a beloved spot by both locals and tourists and also boasts magical views of the Edinburgh Castle. Ross Fountain. 2.

  8. Walking in Edinburgh: The Essential Self-Guided Tour

    To walk across Edinburgh, taking in all the main attractions, will take some time due to stops, but to give you an idea of walking times (without stopping), here are a few distances and times below. 👣 Dean Village to Duddingston Village: 3.6 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes. Dean Village to Duddingston Village.

  9. PDF E di n b u rg h C a s t l e

    I t s t a r t e d i n 1 1 2 4 a s t he r oy a l r e s i d e n c e of Da v i d I , K i n g of Sc ot l a n d . I t s e r v e d t ha t r ol e u n t i l 1 6 3 3 , w he n i t s t a r t e d t o be u s e d a s a m i l i t a r y ba r r a c k s ,

  10. Free Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour: Highlights & Overlooked Gems

    Explore Edinburgh for all self-guided walking tour! With a map and run directions. Includes highlights, overlooked gems and lesser-known Edinburgh facts!

  11. Edinburgh Guided Tour

    In 2019, Edinburgh Guided Tour was ranked #5 in the World for Cultural Experiences in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards. An outstanding achievement! In 2016 we were selected as being one of Edinburgh's Top Ten walks by the Guardian newspaper. In 2019 we were selected as one of Edinburgh's 7 best walking tours by The Scotsman ...

  12. A free, self guided walking tour of Edinburgh

    Plus year round the weather here is beautiful. One thing I definitely do not miss about Edinburgh is the weather. You can experience 4 seasons in one day in Edinburgh. Sounds crazy but that's what make the city and indeed Scotland unique.I was asked to create a walking tour of the city for my Madeiran friends highlighting my 50 favourite haunts.

  13. Our free, self guided walking tour to see Edinburgh!

    2:30pm — Princes Street Gardens. Besides Arthur's Seat, Ediburgh has a lot more green to offer. The beautiful Princes Street Gardens are the perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream for desert in the shadow of - come on, guess - Edinburgh Castle. Gracefully people watch while resting your feet between the rose bushes of Princes Street Gardens.

  14. 7 Fabulous Stops In Edinburgh During A Self-Guided Walking Tour

    4. The Royal Yacht Britannia. A walk down to Leith — the port district of Edinburgh — gives visitors a lovely change from the busy city center. There are lots of cool cafes, bars, and restaurants in this area, and there's a lovely river walk that takes you past the backs of some very grand-looking houses.

  15. Edinburgh Walking Tour, Edinburgh, Scotland

    More. Length 4.6 miElevation gain 393 ftRoute type Point to point. Head out on this 4.6-mile point-to-point trail near Edinburgh, Edinburgh. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 51 min to complete. This trail is great for walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.

  16. Free Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour: Highlights & Overlooked Gems

    Explore Edinburgh on this self-guided walking tour! With a map and walking directions. Includes highlights, forgotten gems and lesser-known Edinburgh facts!

  17. Old Town Walking Tour (Self Guided), Edinburgh

    Guide Name: Old Town Walking Tour. Guide Location: Scotland » Edinburgh (See other walking tours in Edinburgh) Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing) # of Attractions: 11. Tour Duration: 2 Hour (s) Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles. Author: Helen.

  18. Dean Village Walk

    Walking to Dean Village is the best part of seeing Dean Village. The walk takes roughly thirty minutes, leading you through other hidden gems in Edinburgh - Circus Lane and The Water of Leith Walkway. The "Dean Village Walk" down the Water of Leith Walkway has multiple stops with old water mills, statues, and wells, truly making you feel ...

  19. Edinburgh FREE Tour

    Address. 154 High Street. Edinburgh EH1 1QS. Email. [email protected]. Phone. +44 (0) 7858 992030. The Edinburgh FREE Tour starts every day on The Royal Mile.Our Edinburgh FREE Walking Tours are both informative and fun and offer something for everyone.

  20. Discover Edinburgh's History and Charm with Old Town Walking Tours

    At Old Town Walking Tours, we are not just guides; we are passionate storytellers, eager to share the fascinating tales that have shaped our community over the centuries. Our carefully crafted tours take you on a delightful adventure through cobbled streets, iconic landmarks, and lesser-known alleys, all steeped in the rich tapestry of history. ...

  21. Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour (Map, Route, + Audio)

    This post is a free, self-guided tour of Edinburgh, along with a map and route, put together by local tour guides for Free Tours by Foot. ... Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour. Visitas a pie. Hop On Hop Off Bus. Cosas que hacer. Descuentos. Updated: 11 noviembre 2023. By Stephen Pickhardt.

  22. Edinburgh Outlander Locations: Self-Guided Walking Tour

    Linlithgow Palace as Wentworth Prison | Culloden Battlefield. Outlander Filming Locations in Glasgow | Craigmillar Castle as Ardsmuir Prison. Glasgow University Cloisters. And those are all the Edinburgh Outlander locations so you can do your own self-guided walking tour around the city!

  23. Free Harry Potter Walking Tour Edinburgh with Map and Route

    This post is a free, 13-stop, self-guided tour of Harry Potter book and movie sights in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, along with a map and route. Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours are popular, but with our version, you can stick to your own itinerary as you wander the streets. This was put together by Free Tours by Foot's resident Muggle, Margaret ...

  24. A Willy Wonka-inspired experience 'scam' was so bad that people called

    A Willy Wonka inspired 'Chocolate Experience' in Glasgow, Scotland, was 'where dreams go to die,' one actor hired for the event said.