The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Old Town has plenty of grim tales, and Daniel Downie turns them into an entertaining walk, with jokes threaded through stories of medieval punishments, castle raids and bodysnatchers. He is a Scottish comedian with a background in Scottish history, and he leads the tour in a kilt.

I like two things in particular: the route links several major Old Town sights without taking you inside them, and Daniel’s personal, sometimes teasing style makes history feel less like a lecture. The main consideration is that the humor is adult and can be pointed, so this is not the best pick if you dislike being part of the joke.

At a glance

• A comic start at Monkey Barrel Comedy: Meet Daniel at the comedy club, pick up a little Scottish vocabulary, then set off.
• Old Town landmarks on foot: The route takes in the Royal Mile, Mercat Cross, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Writers’ Museum, Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirkyard.
• A castle view, not a castle visit: You stop for a panorama of Edinburgh Castle’s south side and hear about a daring 1314 raid.
• History with a sharp edge: Expect tales of public punishment, ghosts, bodysnatchers and literary figures, alongside jokes about the group.
• A small group and a brisk walk: There are no more than 20 people, but expect hills and steps along the way.
• For adults, and best in suitable layers: The tour is strictly for ages 16 and over, and the walk takes place outdoors.

A comedy club start, then straight into the Old Town

The meeting point is Monkey Barrel Comedy, at 9-12 Blair Street. Daniel begins by finding out a little about the group and introducing himself, then shares some Scottish vocabulary before leading everyone out into the Old Town.

That opening helps set the tone. This is not a formal history talk delivered at arm’s length. Daniel makes a point of engaging people by name and drawing them into the humor, so you may become part of the material. The teasing is a key part of the experience, not an occasional aside.

The tour is in English, and the small-group cap of 20 gives this style room to work. With a larger crowd, personal banter would be harder to manage. Still, you should be comfortable with adult humor and good-natured ribbing. The humor can touch on jobs, sports teams and nationalities, and no one is promised immunity.

The Royal Mile and Mercat Cross: public life, old and new

The first stretch brings you onto the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s most iconic historic street. The stop is brief, about 10 minutes, so think of it as a guided introduction rather than an in-depth account of every building along the way.

At Mercat Cross, the subject shifts to the city’s medieval public life. This was a place for trade, royal proclamations and punishments. That mix gives Daniel room to show how a single central spot could serve civic, commercial and punitive purposes.

These are short stops, but they help orient you. If you want a detailed architectural tour or time to explore shops and closes, plan to return on your own. The Comedy Walk’s strength is its pace and storytelling, not extended visits at each site.

St Giles’ Cathedral and the Writers’ Museum: faith and literary fame

St Giles’ Cathedral is described as the Old Town’s most significant religious site, with an important role in the Reformation. Daniel also brings in the swashbuckling figure known as the Great Montrose, whose resting place is here. The mix of religious change and colorful characters suits the tour’s approach: serious history is presented with a comic slant, rather than treated as a solemn recital.

You stop outside the Writers’ Museum for a humorous take on some of Edinburgh’s best-known literary figures. The focus is on the people and their stories, not an indoor museum visit. That distinction matters if you were hoping to see exhibits: the tour pauses outside, and admission to attractions is not included.

This part of the walk can be especially useful early in a stay. You get a quick sense of Edinburgh’s literary identity and historical cast of characters, then can decide which places deserve a longer visit later.

Edinburgh Castle from the south side

The castle stop offers a panorama of the south side of Edinburgh Castle, not entry to the fortress. Daniel tells the story of Sir Thomas Randolph’s daring raid in March 1314, giving you a specific episode to connect with the view.

I like this kind of pause on a city walk. A good viewpoint lets you take in the site without spending half the tour in queues or crossing the castle grounds. But if seeing the castle interiors, collections or ramparts is high on your list, this tour is not a substitute for a separate visit.

The stop is about 10 minutes, so bring your attention to the story and the view. The broader route keeps moving, and the history is served in compact portions rather than long lectures.

Grassmarket: Edinburgh’s darker public square

Grassmarket is introduced as a center of law and disorder, once a lively market area where public executions took place. The contrast between its role as a marketplace and a place of punishment gives the stop its bite.

This is where the tour’s darker stories become more pronounced. If you enjoy grim historical detail delivered with comedy, the subject matter is a good fit. If executions and criminal history are not for you, expect a few uncomfortable themes rather than a gentle sightseeing stroll.

The stop lasts about 10 minutes. You will get a concise account and a chance to take in the setting, but not a long, detailed examination of every event connected with the square.

Greyfriars Kirkyard: ghosts, bodysnatchers and Bobby

The walk ends at Greyfriars Kirkyard, with about 15 minutes devoted to the site. Its stories range from bodysnatching and ghosts to Harry Potter and Edinburgh’s famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby. It is a fitting finish for a tour that moves freely between serious history, local lore and comedy.

Daniel’s own dog, Braan, is a popular part of the experience when he is along. If you like dogs, that can be a welcome bonus, but the tour’s core offer is the guide and the walk, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

The stated end point is Greyfriars Kirkyard, though the route and finishing point can change. The finish will remain in the Old Town, which keeps you well placed to continue exploring on foot.

What the humor adds, and who will enjoy it

The most praised feature of this tour is the blend of comedy and history. Daniel has a master’s degree in Scottish history, and his background helps give the stories substance beneath the punchlines. You are not choosing between a comedy set and a history walk; the point is to have both at once.

His approach is direct and personal. He makes an effort to learn names and involve people, often finding a comic angle in the group itself. That can bring strangers together and make details easier to remember. It can also feel uncomfortable if you prefer to observe quietly or do not want jokes aimed your way.

This tour suits adults who enjoy irreverent humor, want an entertaining first look at Edinburgh’s Old Town, or have already seen enough conventional walking tours. It is also a strong choice for a rainy or windy day if you are prepared to walk outdoors. The tour is reported to go ahead in wet weather, though the activity may be canceled in poor conditions under its stated weather policy.

It is strictly for ages 16 and over. The route includes hills and steps, so wear shoes you can walk in and bring layers, especially in winter. The walk lasts about two hours, with several short stops; much of the time is spent moving between them.

Is $36.06 good value?

At $36.06 per person, this is a paid walking tour rather than a budget way to get from one landmark to another. The value lies in the combination of a guide with a comedy background, Scottish history, a route through several recognizable sites and a small group capped at 20.

You do not pay for entry to the attractions as part of this experience, and the stops are mostly brief. If you want to go inside St Giles’, the Writers’ Museum or Edinburgh Castle, budget separately and allow extra time. If your priority is a full historical lecture or detailed monument visits, another tour may suit you better.

For an engaging introduction with a distinct personality, the price is easier to justify. The tour is commonly booked well ahead, on average about 35 days in advance, so it is sensible to reserve early if your dates are fixed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Should you book the Mountebank Comedy Walk?

Book it if you want to learn some Edinburgh history while laughing, can take a joke, and are happy to cover the Old Town on foot. Daniel’s comic delivery, the castle viewpoint and the grisly Greyfriars stories make this a memorable alternative to a standard city walk.

Skip it if you want a quiet, formal tour, need in-depth time inside the major sights, or would rather not be singled out for a joke. If the idea sounds fun but you are unsure about the tone, go in expecting adult humor and a lively guide, not a neutral lecture. For the right audience, it is a lively way to get your bearings and leave with a few stories worth retelling.

FAQ

How long is the Mountebank Comedy Walk?

The tour lasts about two hours. It includes several short stops and walking time between them.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Monkey Barrel Comedy, 9-12 Blair Street, Edinburgh. The planned finish is Greyfriars Kirkyard, though the route and finishing point can change. The tour always finishes somewhere in the Old Town.

What is the price?

The listed price is $36.06 per person. Admission tickets to the stops are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. The tour is strictly for ages 16 and over, and its humor is adult.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

What language is the tour in?

The tour is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.