edinburgh free walking tour reviews

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Edinburgh Free Tour

The best introduction to edinburgh, secure your space now.

The best-rated Edinburgh Free Walking Tour

• 10am, 11am & 1pm
• 154 High Street (Royal Mile)

No card info required

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.

Wonderful walking tour

"What a wonderful walking tour with Graeme. A beautiful summer day and an extremely engaging guide. Would definitely book again next time I visit Edinburgh."

Tricia Butterfield

Google (July 23)

It was worth every second

"I did three walking tours with City Explorers and it was worth every second! Definitely recommended. Ashlyn, Emma and Dr Rory were super fun and highly informative."

Sanyukta Desai

Highly recommended!!

"We had a PHENOMENAL ghost tour with Emma! We also had a AMAZING day time walking tour with Glen. Both guides were funny, knowledgeable, and friendly. Could not recommend these tours enough!!!"

Katie Cummings

Free Walking Tour of the Old Town

"Wonderful intro giving us enough info about where to spend our time as well as some great restaurant recommendations. Kenny was amusing, knowledgeable and easy to listen to so I highly recommend this walk."

Annelise Giddings

Google (June 23)

Tour Description

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).

We believe that everyone, no matter what is one's budget should be able to experience and enjoy what Edinburgh has to offer and we also believe that the price of a tour should correlate with your budget and how much you enjoyed it.

Our Edinburgh FREE Walking Tours are both informative and fun and offer something for everyone.

To ensure the highest quality of our Free Tours, groups of 15 or more people should book a Private Tour .

If you are arranging a booking for a School Group , please book a Private Tour .

This will allow us to give you a more personalized experience. Thanks for your understanding!

Secure your space now for the Edinburgh Free Tour!

Showing up is fine in most cases. However, you will have priority with a booking if tours reach their capacity.

Meeting Point

The FREE Tour starts on The Royal Mile just in front of a bar called Copper Still (154 High Street).

Look for the yellow umbrellas!

Related tours in edinburgh.

Free Ghost Tour

Every night @ 7pm

Duration: 1.5 hours

Discover the ghostly tales and sinister stories that will get you back to the terrifying past of old Edinburgh.

Free Harry Potter Tour

Every day @ 2pm

Explore the real people and places that inspired JK Rowling to create the Universe of Harry Potter.

Free New Town Tour

Saturday @ 2pm

Duration: 2 hours

Discover the finest part of town and the role Edinburgh played as a center of the Enlightment in Europe.

Edinburgh Castle Tour

Every day @ 10am, 12.15pm & 1.30pm

Get the best value of your visit to Edinburgh Castle and jump the queue with our skip-the-line tickets.

Fri & Sat @ 8pm

Duration: 4.5 hours

Meet amazing people from all over the world and enjoy Edinburgh nightlife at its best 7 nights a week.

Edinburgh Travel Guide

Useful information.

Travel tips you need to know before visiting Edinburgh.

Sightseeing

Discover the most unmissable attractions in Edinburgh.

Things to do

The ultimate guide to things to do in Edinburgh.

Food and drink

Edinburgh's best restaurants, bars and pubs.

Where to stay

Find out the best places to stay in Edinburgh.

Discover how to travel around Edinburgh.

Address 154 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1QS

Email [email protected]

Phone +44 (0) 7858 992030

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We will get in touch with you within 24 hours (most messages are answered within 2 hours during normal business times).

Edinburgh Free Walking Tours

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Edinburgh Free Walking Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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Edinburgh essentials - best historic free walking tour.

Do you want to do the best Tours in Scotland? Well this is your place. After several years working in the tourism sector for leading companies in different locations in the United Kingdom, I decided to embark on this adventure and create “We Are Scotland”, from where we carry out walking tours of Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow. This project is born from work, humility and experience in order to make people who visit Scotland feel part of its history and its legends, together with a team of experienced guides passionate about history who will make you want to return. to this wonderful country.

• Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
• Accepts electronic payment This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Over the centuries Edinburgh has become one of the most beautiful cities in Europe .

We will get to know the history of this medieval city , which is over 3000 years old, from the first tribes that populated it, the Picts , to the famous men in kilts ! We will talk about some of Edinburgh's most important buildings, such as St. Giles Cathedral, and Edinburgh Castle . We will walk along its most well-renowned streets such as the Royal Mile and Victoria Street, to name but a few.

We'll pay a visit to the sculpture of Bobby, Scotland’s most loyal guard dog , located right outside Greyfriars cemetery, where many mysteries and legends are hidden amongst the tombstones, and perhaps even some paranormal activity! Parts of the Harry Potter books were written in Edinburgh and their writer, JK Rowling, used the graveyard as a source of inspiration. Join us to discover where she wrote and what she used to influence her novels.

With so many centuries of history, the capital of Scotland is rich in both history and legends . You cannot miss this incredible visit to Edinburgh!

In this free tour we will visit:

• Historical introduction to Edinburgh
• Victoria Street
• Grassmarket
• Greyfriars Cemetery
• Mysteries about Harry Potter
• Mackenzie and paranormal activity
• National Museum of Scotland
• Writers Museum
• St. Giles Cathedral
• Presbyterianism
• Public executions
• Maggie Dickson
• Heart of Midlothian
• Mercat Cross
• Fringe Festival

What will we visit on this tour?

We will be at 361 High Street (Royal Mile), opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral with a BLACK UMBRELLA

• 1 Outside visit old-town
• 2 Outside visit Royal Mile
• 3 Outside visit St Giles' Cathedral Show 4 more stops
• 4 Outside visit Writers' Museum
• 5 Outside visit grassmarket
• 6 Outside visit Greyfriars Bobby Statue
• 7 Outside visit Greyfriars Kirkyard

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price , instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

Tour opinions (1623)

The best thing we did in Edinburgh!

Our guide, Tommy, was excellent Fun, informative and an enjoyable personality Don’t miss!

Who is this tour for?

What should you know, others tours from this guru, others cities to visit after edinburgh.

Find similar guruwalks in Edinburgh

Where are you traveling to?

• Santiago de Chile
• Santiago de Compostela

Free Tour of Edinburgh

Book the original Edinburgh free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guide

ABOUT THE Free Tour of Edinburgh

This 2.5-hour gratuity-based Edinburgh Free Tour will show you all the top attractions in the city. Local experts will take you to must-see spots such as the iconic Royal Mile, the famous Greyfriars Kirkyard (home of Greyfriars Bobby), and the charming Grassmarket. Explore the historic Edinburgh streets with the help of an expert local guide.

Your gratuity-based Free Tour of Edinburgh meets on 130 High Street (The Royal Mile). Join us on this introduction to Edinburgh, a great way to orientate yourself in the city and at a price to suit everybody’s budget.  We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.

A city of madmen...

The stories of Edinburgh are almost too amazing to be true, but as you join this entertaining walking tour with an expert local guide, you will discover tales that you simply couldn't make up. Hear the stories of the English kings and how the Edinburgh locals showed what they thought of them, discover the real-life Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde, and learn why leaving the pub at closing time in old Edinburgh was a particularly dangerous undertaking. These local tour guides bring Edinburgh's history to life as they take you to major landmarks in Edinburgh's Old Town like St Gile's Cathedral, the Scottish Writer's Museum, and the Grassmarket, where public executions didn't always go according to plan.

...and a city of geniuses

Of course though, Edinburgh's fascinating history is not just made up of madmen. Discover heroic men and women like William Wallace and the Stone of Destiny, learn about Scottish literary greats at the Scottish Writers' Museum (we promise you can name more of them than you think!), and even discover a sweet local dog who redefined the word loyalty at Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Gratuity-based Free Tour concept

The gratuity-based model of the Free Tour allows guests to support and reward only the highest quality tours, and to ensure that the tour fits within their expectations, and within their budget.

The gratuity-based Edinburgh Free Tour starts on 130 High Street (The Royal Mile), on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close

• Stroll up the Royal Mile, visiting St Gile’s Cathedral and other major landmarks
• Meet Scottish greats like William Wallace
• Visit the pub (and history!) filled Grassmarket
• Help to contribute to the local community at your coffee break at the Grassmarket Project
• See the National Museum of Scotland

TOUR SCHEDULES

Click on 'See more dates' to check availability

• Local English-speaking guide
• A break partway through the tour at a local charity cafe
• Gratuities for the guide (optional)
• Food and drinks at the break location
• Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
• All minors must be accompanied by an adult in order to join the tour
• Depending on the route, the tour may finish by the National Museum of Scotland, by Greyfriars Kirkyard or by The Writers' Museum
• Due to the old streets and uneven terrain, accessing parts of Edinburgh by wheelchair can sometimes be challenging. The Free Tour is wheelchair accessible when accompanied by a non-disabled participant

Customer reviews

I had already done the Free Tour of Edinburgh some years ago and was really happy with the service, so when I decided to do it again with a friend who didn't know the city yet, I knew I could expect good quality. We were on Adam's tour last Thursday, and frankly, I was blown away by how good it was and by how much better it was than the tour I had already done and that I had actually really liked. Even my friend, who hadn't been particularly keen on doing a guided tour, absolutely loved it and said that the 2.5 hours had passed much too quickly. Adam was fun, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. He was more than happy to answer all questions, tried to connect to all members of the group individually and helped us out with great pub and restaurant recommendations. It was hands down the best tour I've ever been on! Highly recommend! If you get the chance, try to get Adam as your guide.

Wonderful tour

I went last week to Edinburgh and I wanted to do a free tour, I have done few in different European cities but this one with Ryan was amazing! I really enjoyed the tour and the history and stories that he shared with us were mind blowing! Highly recommended :)

Excellent Free Tour

Excellent option to learn a lot about Edinburgh. Stuart was a very informative and approachable guide. He was very knowledgeable about the area and had many stories to share! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city.

Free Tour in the Old Town with Greg

It was a very interesting tour thanks to Greg, who make it really amusing. We learnt a lot about the old town, time passed super quick. We strongly recommend it!

Great introduction to the city

We went on this tour after reading the reviews. Did not disappoint at all. Lachlan was amazing and knowledgeable about the local history here. A remarkable storyteller, he brought a lot of energy into the tour. Thanks a lot. Brilliant thing to do on your first day in Edinburgh.

Amazing tour, very informative and so many cool places to see! Our guide Alisdair was such a legend. Super funny and friendly, he had me laughing the whole time. He was very interactive with the group and clearly very passionate about the city. He made me fall in love with Edinburgh, the history and made me realize how much more there is to see. I had such a good time! Thank you Alisdair for the best afternoon.

What is a gratuity-based Free Tour?

The gratuity-based Free Tour is the best introduction to Edinburgh! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 2.5 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.

The gratuity-based Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!

We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Edinburgh's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.

Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?

• The route covers many of Edinburgh Old Town major landmarks
• The meeting point is centrally located at 130 High Street
• The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
• The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN EDINBURGH

• Select Tour
• Private Tour

Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour

Our top-rated walking tour of the iconic Edinburgh Castle includes skip-the-line entrance

Edinburgh Dark Side Free Walking Tour

No ghost stories - Edinburgh's true history is scary enough!

Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour

Discover the magical world of Harry Potter with a walking tour in the city where J.K. Rowling wrote ...

Edinburgh New Town Tour

Travel back in time and discover the history and the people of Edinburgh's New Town

Edinburgh Pub Crawl

Enjoy a great night out in Edinburgh with the SANDEMANs Pub Crawl!

Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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2-hour Edinburgh Highlights Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover Edinburgh's top attractions with your private tour guid ...

3-hour Edinburgh Private City Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Edinburgh's fascinating history and must-see sites with your priva ...

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

Free Tour of Dublin

Free Tour of London

Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community

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Discover Edinburgh with the best Tour Guides

Best-rated Tours in Edinburgh

Choose the leading free walking tour company in scotland.

Edinburgh Free Tour

Every day @ 10am, 11am & 1pm

Duration: 2 hours

Explore the most fascinating spots of the amusing old city of Edinburgh.

Free Ghost Tour

Every night @ 7pm

Duration: 1.5 hours

Come to the FREE 1.5 hour Ghost Tour to discover the dark side of old Edinburgh.

Free Harry Potter Tour

Every day @ 2pm

Discover the relationship between Edinburgh and JK Rowling.

Free New Town Tour

Learn about the greatest transformation of Edinburgh.

Castle Tour

Every day @10am, 12.15pm & 1.30pm

Get the best value of your visit to Edinburgh Castle and skip-the-line tickets.

Fri & Sat @ 8pm

Duration: 5 hours

6 bars & clubs, 6 shots, free club entry. Edinburgh nightlife at its best!

Edinburgh Bike Tour

Every day @ 11am

Duration: 3 hours

Your guide will take you through some of the most iconic spots of Edinburgh.

1-day Loch Ness Tour

Every day @ 8am

Duration: 12.5 hours

Loch Ness, Glencoe, Inverness and the Highlands departing from Edinburgh.

1-day Stirling Tour

Wed, Sat & Sun @ 9am

Duration: 9.75 hours

Stirling, Loch Lomond and a distillery departing from Edinburgh.

Scotland Tours

1-3 Day Tours of Scotland to the Highlands departing from Edinburgh.

Private Tours

Enjoy a unique experience with a personal tour guide all around the city of Edinburgh.

Food & Drink Tours

Explore the best Food and Drink Tasting Tours in Edinburgh.

Meeting Point

All our FREE Tours start on The Royal Mile just in front of a bar called Copper Still (154 High Street).

Look for the yellow umbrellas!

Edinburgh travel guide, useful information.

Travel tips you need to know before visiting Edinburgh.

Sightseeing

Discover the most unmissable attractions in Edinburgh.

Things to do

The ultimate guide to things to do in Edinburgh.

Food and drink

Edinburgh's best restaurants, bars and pubs.

Where to stay

Find out the best places to stay in Edinburgh.

Discover how to travel around Edinburgh.

Address 154 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1QS

Email [email protected]

Phone +44 (0) 7858 992030

Leave us a message

We will get in touch with you within 24 hours (most messages are answered within 2 hours during normal business times).

Share it straight to social media with your campaign ID and name

Edinburgh Free Tour

• 9.40 / 10 820 reviews | 7,803 travellers A guide capable of capturing everyone's attention with very nice stories 8 Giuseppe

Discover Edinburgh's Old Town with this free walking tour of one of Scotland's most beloved cities. If you love history and legends or are a fan of Harry Potter , this tour is perfect for you. What are you waiting for?

• St. Giles' Cathedral
• The Writers' Museum
• Victoria Street
• The Grassmarket
• Greyfriars Kirkyard

Edinburgh Free Walking Tour

At the scheduled time, we'll meet on the Royal Mile in the middle of Edinburgh to begin this free walking tour of this charming city rife with history and legends! We'll explore Edinburgh's Old Town by visiting some of the city's most emblematic streets, such as Victoria Street .

The tour will kick off at St. Giles' Cathedral , one of Scotland's most important medieval parish churches. You may also hear this 900-year-old church being referred to as the "Mother Church of World Presbyterianism" due to its role in the Scottish Reformation and the Covenanters's Rebellion .

Afterwards, we'll make our way to The Writers' Museum , which is found within Lady Stair's House just off the Royal Mile. This small, yet incredibly impactful museum recounts the lives of 3 giants of Scottish literature: Robert Burns (1759-1796), Walter Scott (1771-1832), and Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894). The museum is home to portraits, works and other personal items which once belonged to these renowned writers.

Continuing onwards, we'll make our way to Victoria Street , one of the most photographed spots in the whole city. This street oozes a fun and youthful vibe, with many tourists flocking here to capture photos of the colourful shopfronts and eclectic architecture . Victoria Street was also the inspiration for the famous wizarding street of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter film series!

At the end of Victorua Street lies the  Grassmarket , a marketplace which dates back to the 14th century. This bustling square was also the site of public executions and one of Edinburgh's most notorious riots. These riots were known as the Porteous Riots and took place during April 1736.

Lastly, we'll end up at Greyfriars Kirkyard , considered the world's most haunted graveyard! Here, we'll hear all about the paranormal happenings, including the story of the MacKenzie Poltergeist . However, not all of these stories are to be feared. We'll also learn of Scotland's most treasured K9, Bobby the Skye Terrier!

Also, located not too far from the cemetery is the Elephant House Café, where J.K Rowling wrote  Harry Potter  while sitting in a window seat overlooking a rather Hogwarts-esque school!

Finally, this tour will come to an end after 2 hours of exploring this magical and unique city. Until next time!

Groups of more than 10 people are not permitted on the tour.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Not included

Entrance fees

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation. An accompanying person is required.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.
• Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
• Has a gender equality policy.
• Promotes local employment.

Somos Escocia Show more

Corporate name: SOMOS ESCOCIA LTD

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

369 High Street (Royal Mile), opposite St. Giles' Cathedral

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Edinburgh Free Walking Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour

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.  

You can expect to walk nearly 2 miles or just over 3.2 kilometres.

Below is the abridged version. You can get the full version with directions by downloading this map, PDF version , or downloading our audio tour (see below).

Click the map to enlarge it or to download it to your smartphone.

GPS-Enabled Audio Tour

We also offer an audio tour of historic Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.

Here’s a sample.

Purchase our Audio Tour of Edinburgh

Additionally, you can also take free guided walking tours that run multiple times each day. These tours are in reality pay-what-you-wish tours.

Edinburgh is one of the most historic cities in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom.

In addition to its medieval history, this city’s history of education and learning has also affected our modern lives.

Whether it be the contributions that Adam Smith made to our modern understanding of a free market economy or the inspiration pulled from Edinburgh for the Harry Potter series, the people and the atmosphere of this city have contributed to the world in many important ways.

This tour will lead you through some of the most influential and popular landmarks in Edinburgh with plenty of sightseeing on the way.

In addition to historic sites, I’ll also point out some options for food, museums, art, and other ways to make the most of your time in Edinburgh.

This tour will begin at Edinburgh Castle and continue downhill, mostly following the Royal Mile, with a few turns onto other streets.

Once you’ve made your way to the castle gates, you’ll be ready to begin this tour.

Edinburgh Castle

This is the most historically significant landmark in all of Edinburgh, and there have been people living in the area since around the second century CE.

The castle itself became a royal residence in 1124, and it has been through a total of 26 sieges throughout its history.

This makes Edinburgh Castle the most besieged location in Scotland and one of the most attacked structures in the whole world.

This is the home of the Honours of Scotland, also known as the Scottish Crown Jewels. Entry is ticketed, and you can visit every day of the year.

The Castle is open from 9:30 am - 18:00 (6 pm) daily from April - September and from 9:30 am - 17:00 (5 pm) daily from October - March.

Tickets are £17.50 for Adults, £14 for Seniors and Unemployed, and £10.50 for Children. Visit the website .

Kids under 5 get in for free with an Adult. Alternatively, you can save money on tickets using either the Edinburgh Explorer Pass or the Royal Edinburgh Ticket.

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.

• Purchase an audio tour (£2.30)
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

The Witches’ Well

This monument was erected in memory of the more than 4,000 alleged witches who were burned at the stake in front of Edinburgh Castle from the 15th - 18th century.

The plaque features symbolic imagery including a foxglove plant which represents the use of herbal medicine, two heads representing evil and good, and a snake that is representative of both treachery and wisdom.

Many in Edinburgh would like to see an even better memorial, as this one is fairly small and has fallen into disrepair.

Castlehill Attractions

Castlehill is filled with notable attractions, but there are three, in particular, you may want to visit:

• The Scotch Whiskey Experience
• The Witchery
• Camera Obscura & The World of Illusions

The Scotch Whiskey Experience has one of the largest collections of Scotch Whiskey in the world, and it also has a ride that allows you to experience how this drink is made.

The Witchery is an interesting restaurant with 9 theatrical suites that are designed to look medieval. Although prices are high, this is a very popular location for tourists.

Camera Obscura & The World of Illusions is a family-friendly attraction with multiple interactive exhibitions.

It's also home to the Camera Obscura, which reportedly projected moving images 40 years before the motion picture was invented.

Princes Street Gardens & Museums

These beautiful gardens are located right alongside Edinburgh Castle, and there are a lot of great monuments to see in the area.

This is also the location where several local events and festivals take place every year.

Located across from the Prince Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery and Royal Scottish Academy are both beautiful art museums which you can visit for free.

The Scottish National Gallery is especially worthy of a visit because it houses works by Raphael, Claude Monet, and Paul Gauguin.

Museum on the Mound

This is the Head Office of the Bank of Scotland, and it was originally built in 1806.

Although it’s still used by the bank, there is also an interesting museum inside which is free to visit.

The museum focuses on the history of economics in Edinburgh, as well as the money and coinage used in the city over many centuries.

One of the most interesting exhibits is a £1 million note from the Bank of England.

The Museum on the Mound is open from Tuesday - Friday from 10 am - 17:00 (5 pm).

It’s also open on Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 13:00 (1 pm) to 17:00 (5 pm), and admission is free.

The Writer’s Museum

Housed in a historic building known as Lady Stair’s Close, this museum is dedicated to the lives and works of 3 well-known and beloved Scottish writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Robert Burns is known for poems like Halloween and Auld Lang Syne .

Sir Walter Scott is known for the poem The Lady of the Lake and novels like Rob Roy and Ivanhoe .

Robert Louis Stevenson is known for novels like Treasure Island and the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde .

The collection on display here includes portraits, written works, and personal objects owned by the three writers. Admission is free and the museum is open daily.

The Writer’s Museum is open daily from 10 am - 17:00 (5 pm) and admission is free.

Gladstone’s Land

This 17th-century tenement house is one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile.

And it has been restored to remain faithful to its roots so that visitors can experience what life was like hundreds of years ago.

Although admission isn’t free, it is fairly affordable and open daily throughout most of the year.

Check out the official website for more information.

High Court of Justiciary

This is the supreme criminal court of Scotland, and even to this day, they hear cases of both criminal trials and appeals.

One of the most interesting things to see here is the statue of David Hume, a philosopher who once coined the phrase “reason is the slave of the passions.”

Hume was inspired by the likes of Sir Isaac Newton and John Locke, and he saw philosophy as something that could be scientifically tested and experimented.

Hume inspired many notable figures, including people like Adam Smith and Benjamin Franklin.

The Heart of Midlothian Mosaic

This used to be the site of the Old Tolbooth, an administrative building that was also used as a prison and a site of public executions.

The mosaic that exists here now is named after the Midlothian county, of which Edinburgh was the county town.

It memorializes the location of the jail, and there is an odd tradition of spitting on it for good luck. 

While there’s no law against doing this yourself, it’s certainly not the most delightful of customs.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Although it was founded in the 12th century, this church became an important historical location in the 16th century during the period of the Reformation.

John Knox served as a minister when St. Giles’ became a protestant church in 1559, and he brought the language of the bible to everyday Scots, making it more accessible to the common man.

Although St. Giles was granted cathedral status from 1661-1689, it has been a Presbyterian church since then and is no longer technically a cathedral, but it’s still colloquially known by that name.

The most recent addition is the Thistle Chapel, built in 1909.

This chapel is fairly important, as it is the site of the ceremony where the Queen selects new members of The Order of the Thistle every other year.

The Real Mary King’s Close

This close was a pretty important location during the 17th-century, and it was the site where George Rae once treated victims of the plague using the suit that has since become known as the “plague doctor” attire.

Although parts of the close were demolished and buried during the 18th century, you can now visit daily and tour the close for yourself to see and learn about the area.

Many hauntings have been reported at Mary King’s Close over the years, and as a result, it has become a subject of fascination for believers of the supernatural.

Nowadays, you can get a fully guided tour of the close which is offered daily from 9:30 - 18:00 every 15 minutes.

Tickets are £17.95 for adults.

Adam Smith Statue

Built in 2008, this is the newest statue on the Royal Mile, and it depicts one of the most important Scottish figures in the history of the country.

Adam Smith is well known as one of the fathers of modern free trade economics, and he’s also the author of The Wealth of Nations, which would quickly become influential in American politics.

American founding fathers James Madison, James Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson all spoke very highly of Adam Smith’s ideas.

And it’s clear to see that his economic concepts were important both here in Scotland and in other parts of the world as well.

Mercat Cross

This was once the site where civic proclamations were publicly read to citizens by a town crier, and it was also used for many punishments including hangings and other public executions.

Although the original cross dates back to 1365, it has been damaged and altered multiple times over the years.

Today, a royal unicorn sits at the top with a Scottish flag beside it.

The Mercat Cross is lined with the royal arms of Britain, Scotland, England, Ireland, Edinburgh, Leith, the Canongate, and the University of Edinburgh.

Statue of James Braidwood

Although this figure may not appear familiar, he was actually a pretty important person in the history of Edinburgh and the United Kingdom as a whole.

James Braidwood not only founded the first fire service in the city, but he was also the first director of the London Fire Engine Establishment which would come to be known as the London Fire Brigade.

Braidwood is credited with developing modern fire fighting principles that are still in use today.

And he was recognized for acts of heroism during the great fires of Edinburgh in 1824 and London in 1830.

Parliament Square and Old Scottish Parliament

Located behind St. Giles Cathedral, this public square was formed in front of the Parliament House in 1632.

An equestrian statue of Charles II of Scotland stands at the entrance to the Old Supreme Courts of Scotland which is next to the Parliament House on the right.

The Parliament House would only be in use from 1639 - 1707 when it was dissolved as a result of the Acts of Union.

The Acts of Union led to the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Edinburgh City Chambers

As you come out from behind St. Giles’ Cathedral, you’ll see the memorial to the 5th Duke of Buccleuch ahead of you and the Edinburgh City Chambers on the left.

This is the meeting place of the City of Edinburgh Council, and these chambers have existed under one name or another since 1753.

The building here was originally designed to be the Royal Exchange, which led to the partial demolition and burying of Mary King’s Close, as we discussed earlier.

The Royal Exchange was never very popular among merchants, so the Town Council eventually took over the Northern part of the building and used it as the City Chambers starting in 1811.

By 1893, they had taken over the whole building, and it remained home to the city’s council of state for most of the years since.

Its other most important function was as a filming location for the movie Braveheart.

You can also find plaques on the ground with handprints of famous Scots, including J.K. Rowling. This is also a stop on our self-guided Harry Potter Tour .

The National Library of Scotland

Although it was initially opened in 1689, this library would not officially become the property of the nation until the 1920s, at which time it became the National Library of Scotland.

There are more than 26 million items of historic relevance here, and it’s also the home of Scotland’s Moving Image Archive which has over 46,000 videos and films.

Items of note in the library include a letter from Charles Darwin, a Gutenberg Bible, the First Folio of Shakespeare, and more.

Edinburgh Central Library

This was the first public library in Edinburgh, and it was initially built and opened in 1890 with the help of funding from Andrew Carnegie, the wealthy Scottish-American industrialist turned philanthropist.

Upon Carnegie’s insistence, the motto “Let There Be Light” was placed above the entrance.

Above the inner doorway, you’ll find the lintel from the home of Sir Thomas Hope, the owner of the home that was once located on this site before the library was constructed.

The Elephant House

Even though this cafe isn’t particularly old, it has still become a quite notable location in Edinburgh thanks to the famous people who have visited.

Perhaps most notably, JK Rowling is said to have worked on her first Harry Potter novel right here at the Elephant House, and you’ll see all kinds of signs that have been left there by fans.

Authors Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith also frequented the Elephant House, which makes this a popular stop for budding writers and fans of their work.

National Museum of Scotland

This is a relatively new museum just East of the Greyfriars Kirkyard which combines both the Museum of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Museum.

While the building of the Museum of Scotland opened in 1998, the connected Royal Scottish Museum building opened all the way back in 1866, which is why the museum includes such different architectural styles.

The focus of this museum is the achievements of Scotland and its inhabitants, including examples of art, science, technology, and historical artifacts.

Exhibits include Dolly the sheep -- the first successfully cloned mammal, one of Elton John’s suits, a kinetic sculpture known as the Millennium Clock, and many more.

Admission is free and they are open daily from 10:30 - 16:30 (4:30 pm). Advanced online booking is required.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Although this graveyard dates back to 1562, it has more recently become known as one of the locations where JK Rowling may have gotten a few ideas for the names of her characters.

This is also the location where the dog that would come to be known as the Greyfriars Bobby would stay by the gravestone of his deceased owner for 14 years until he also passed away.

Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, loyal dogs, or historic headstones, there’s plenty to see and experience at Greyfriars Kirkyard and it’s open from Monday - Friday.

Admission is ticketed , but it is very affordable.

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Edinburgh Castle Tour

“Edinburgh Castle is a great and ancient fortress, with the city growing around it like a shell.” – William Ewart Gladstone 

On this tour you will be guided around Edinburgh castle, with specific stops assigned by the castle authorities. No tour company is authorized to guide inside the buildings. After the tour you will have time to explore all of the buildings inside the castle until its closure.

Begin your unforgettable journey through Edinburgh Castle, the iconic symbol of Scotland’s capital, meeting your guide at the historic Royal Mile. As you explore the ancient fortifications, the castle’s rich and storied past will come to life, unveiling captivating tales of battles, kings, queens, and legends that have shaped the country’s history, including the inspiring story of William Wallace, the hero portrayed in the film “Braveheart.”

From the 12th-century St. Margaret’s Chapel to the breathtaking views of the city from the Argyle Battery, this comprehensive tour will showcase the best that Edinburgh Castle has to offer. Discover the castle’s many treasures, including the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, a symbol of Scottish monarchy and power, used for centuries in the coronation ceremonies of Scottish and later British monarchs. As you delve into the castle’s storied past, learn about its pivotal role in Scotland’s turbulent history, and marvel at the architectural beauty and military might that have made it a symbol of Scottish pride and power. You will also uncover tales of love, betrayal, and intrigue that have echoed through the centuries. From the fateful reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, to the daring exploits of Bonnie Prince Charlie, you will be captivated by the extraordinary lives and events that have shaped Edinburgh Castle’s history.

Whether you are a history buff or simply seeking to experience the magic of Scotland’s capital, your visit to Edinburgh Castle promises to entertain, educate, and leave you in awe of this incredible fortress. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey into Scotland’s past hidden within the walls of Edinburgh Castle.

During the tour, you will see and discover:

• The iconic Portcullis Gate
• St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh
• The Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny
• The Royal Palace and the birthplace of James VI of Scotland and I of England
• The impressive Great Hall
• The panoramic views from the Argyle Battery
• The captivating stories of Edinburgh Castle’s history, including the tale of William Wallace, the “Braveheart”

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This tour is also available as a Private Tour.

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Bobby's Tours

Top rated free walking tour of edinburgh with a famous dog, are you ready to discover edinburgh on this top rated free tour with a world famous dog by your side.

There is no better way to get to know Edinburgh than by experiencing this unique walking tour with a professional local guide. 

We offer top rated free and private tours in the Old Town of Edinburgh and blend our incredible history with our own personal recommendations. 

Have you heard the legend of Greyfriars Bobby? Back in the 1800s, this world famous Edinburgh dog sat by his master’s grave for 14 years in an astounding display of loyalty. 

There is no scientific evidence to back this up but we think our dog Rowie could be Greyfriars Bobby’s great, great, great, great, great (with a few more greats) granddaughter!

Edinburgh is a city of dog lovers and, on this unique tour, Bobby’s ‘ancestor’ will guide you through our magnificent city.

Book Free Online Today!

Simply select your date and time slot below, enter the number of tickets you require and your details.

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Timezone: Europe/London April 2024

Contact details, edinburgh walking tour highlights.

• Check out St Giles Cathedral, our 900 year old church at the heart of the Royal Mile where John Knox once preached.
• Follow our dog as she leads you through Edinburgh's famous 'closes' that take you to our best kept secrets.
• Witness Edinburgh's most foul secret as you discover the Heart of Midlothian and it's grim past.
• Learn the tale of Deacon Brodie, Edinburgh's most notorious thief and inspiration for a Robert Louis Stevenson classic.
• Relish in some traditional Scottish music as we share a snippet from a Robert Burns song.
• Hear stories from Edinburgh Castle, our world famous fortress. Learn about royalty, witchcraft and ancient relics.
• Your tour guide will provide you with the best recommendations for food and drink in the city.
• Harry Potter fans will enjoy wandering through Victoria Street or as we nickname it in Edinburgh, Diagon Alley.
• Finally, you will learn the story of Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh's most famous dog who even Walt Disney admired.

30-34 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, UK

I will meet you next to the Greyfriars Bobby Statue outside the Greyfriars Bobby Pub. Look out for my FREE TOUR umbrella and scruffy little black dog!

Outside visit Royal Mile Our high street, with many famous sights from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.

Outside visit St Giles Cathedral

Our 900 year old Cathedral in the beating heart of the Old Town.

Outside visit Writers Museum

Learn about some of our most influential writers.

Outside visit Victoria Street

Welcome to Diagon Alley.

Outside visit Grassmarket

A vibrant street with many great pubs but the place most famous for public executions.

Outside visit Greyfriars Kirkyard

A famous graveyard with history relating to Harry Potter, gravedigging and the world's most iconic dog.

Our Tour Hot Spots

Top rated walking tour of edinburgh.

Callum and Rowie were amazing tour guides! Callum was very professional and highly knowledgeable about the city especially for food, drinks, and live entertainment. He was also really funny and charismatic which made the tour easy to follow. Rowie is also the sweetest and friendliest dog! Would 100% recommend doing this tour!

The tour was very entertaining and full of memorable stories and history bits of Edinburgh. Calum is very knowledgeable and approachable, ready to answer any questions you may have throughout the tour. Don’t miss the chance to see the city in this awesome tour

We had a wonderful time on our tour with Callum and Rowie! Callum has lots of fun and interesting stories to tell about the city, gave lots of great recommendations for food and drink, and even did some Burn’s singing for us! Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an insightful intro to Edinburgh.

This tour with Calum and Rowie was definitely a surprise – they are both very cool and friendly. Calum is an exceptional guide, he knows and loves the city and it shows; Rowie is such a sweetheart and she absolutely makes the tour better just with her presence. It was a pleasure to meet them […]

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Would you prefer a private tour?

Contact us below and we’d be delighted to arrange this!

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Edinburgh Free Walking Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Edinburgh Free Walking Tours

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EDINBURGH FREE WALKING TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go