The 15 Best History Tours in Edinburgh

1.Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24Our pick

Explore Edinburgh’s Old Town on a guided, two-hour walk through cobbled streets and narrow lanes. The route may vary by guide, with stops near St Giles Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, George Heriot’s School and Edinburgh Castle, viewed from outside. Guides such as Max, Greg, Jule and Angus bring history to life with stories, humor and practical tips.

“I took my 16 year old to Edinburgh for a birthday weekend and we loved this tour when we went in January despite the weather. Not much walking really and the guide was great.”

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2.Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,574 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Spend about 90 minutes walking Edinburgh’s Old Town and entering an exclusive section of the South Bridge vaults. A guide with Scottish history expertise leads the way, with time for questions and stops including Tron Kirk and Canongate Kirkyard. Guides such as Holly, Chihon and Emilie have brought the city’s stories to life for past groups.

“Lagre group. A lot of information. To many tiny details about persons? Good guide. Nice walk. No problem with kids 10 and 12 years.”

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3.Multi-Sensory Small-Group Historic Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,384 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Meet your guide at Mercat Cross for a 75-minute walk through Old Town lanes, the Blair Street Underground Vaults, and Mercat Tours’ Vaults Museum. Hear about vault businesses, hardship, and Edinburgh’s darker past, then see historic artifacts. Groups are limited to 18; the chambers are dim and the floors uneven.

“Linda was very knowledgeable - kept us all entertained for whole time. Enjoyed it and would recommend”

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4.Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour

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

Walk Edinburgh’s historic center with a professional guide, from the High Street to Greyfriars Kirkyard. In about two hours, you’ll hear stories spanning medieval to modern Edinburgh and get pointers for exploring on your own. The tour is listed in English or French; guides named in traveler accounts include Gavin and Urs.

“Urs war super, unterhaltsam, gut auf die Gruppe acht gegeben. Weiß absolut Bescheid! Keine absolute mainstream Geschichte, achtet auf Details.”

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5.Dark History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 814 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $22

Follow Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from West Parliament Square to Canongate Kirk on a roughly two-hour walk about executions, plague, notorious citizens, and graveyard lore. Guides including Robert, Joe, James, Kieran, and Lydia have led the tour. Expect historical storytelling with humor, outdoor stops, and a finish among old graves, not a dedicated ghost hunt.

“Learned so much on this tour. Be prepared for lots of walking and weather changes - but that's a given in Scotland. Would definitely recommend!”

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6.Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 632 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a theatrical guide such as Juniper, Hazel or Angelica, hearing about the North Berwick Witches, accused women, a warlock and the city’s grim execution history. The 70 to 75-minute route links St Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Mile, Victoria Street and Grassmarket. Expect cobbles, steep streets and lively storytelling.

“Juniper was our guide today and not only was she beyond knowledgeable, but an absolute delight! I'm from Massachusetts and very familiar with the witch history of Salem, and was able to be given more insight on that history through Juniper. The weather was a bit rough today with the storm, but I was so engaged and with Juniper and hanging on her every word, I barely noticed the hurricane like winds. What a truly great and insightful Tour. Thank you again Juniper!”

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7.Golf Origins and Old Course History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 1h 15m · from $20

Walk from Hotel du Vin to the Old Course with a local guide, learning how St Andrews shaped golf and the Open. See the 1st tee, 18th green and fairways, then stop for photos at the Swilcan Bridge when tournaments are not in play. Guides such as Richard bring course knowledge, local history and good humour. The walk ends at the Jigger Inn.

“Richard was amazing! Informative, friendly and funny! My family and I loved learning about the history of St Andrews Old Course and the town. We had the best day!”

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8.Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 266 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $63

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a guide such as Wag, Iain, Christy, or Sara, stopping at local pubs to taste Scottish beers, including traditional cask ales. The two-hour tour also takes in Canongate, Cowgate, and historic university and market landmarks. Tastings are included, and groups are capped at 12.

“Great! well worth the money. A must when traveling to Edinburgh for the first time. Ian was knowledgeable and easy going.”

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9.History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

In about two hours, Local Eyes Tours takes you from Princes Street into Edinburgh’s Old Town, with stories at Greyfriars, Grassmarket and St Giles’ Cathedral. Expect history with humor, time for questions, and guides such as Madge, Shanna, Kieran or Zander, depending on the date. The group is capped at 18; cathedral admission is not included.

“This is a great walking tour to start a vacation in Edinburgh. Fun way to learn history and the layout of the town. Katie kept it fun and was very knowledgeable.”

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10.St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 150 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $25

Follow local guide Richard around the Old Course for 75 minutes of golf history, course lore, and stories from his caddie years. See the first and 18th holes, hear how the course developed, and stop for a photo at the Swilcan Bridge when tournament play allows. Groups are capped at 15.

“Excellent tour! The guide was very knowledgeable about all things St. Andrews, and the history of golf. Well worth the trip!”

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11.St Andrews Tours: Town, Golf and Old Course History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $27

This 1-hour-45-minute walk links St Andrews’ university, cathedral and castle with the Old Course, ending at the Swilcan Bridge. A local English-speaking guide covers town and golf history; Richard, who has led many tours, is an author and former caddie. Expect a brisk route, some uneven walking and a chance to cross the course’s first and 18th fairways.

“Private tour...such great information. We could ask questions as they arose. We walked around the city and onto the course. Our guide gave recommendations for what to do after the tour as well.”

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12.Private Greyfriars Kirkyard history tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Robert Howie leads a private, 90-minute walk through Greyfriars Kirkyard, sharing stories of its buried characters and Edinburgh’s darker past. He can tailor the tour to your interests and sense of humour, and carries a small projector to help bring details to life. The walk stays within the kirkyard, not the church.

“The enthusiasm and knowledge of the tour guide was brilliant and made us feel very comfortable in his presence.”

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13.Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $20

Trace Edinburgh’s coffee trade through Old Town alleys with a guide, then enter the Lost Close, an underground 18th-century coffee house once used by prosecutors and pirates. The 90-minute tour starts at 10:00 am, includes coffee, and is limited to eight people. Guides have included James, Sara, Sarah, and Ross.

“So unique and so authentic- not a tourist trap! We learned a lot about the history of the close and the coffee trade. James was amazing!”

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14.St Andrews, Fife Coast Walk & Historic Abbey Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $110

Leave Edinburgh at 9 am in an air-conditioned vehicle for a guided day through Fife. Walk the coast near Lady’s Tower, explore St Andrews Cathedral and town, and visit Dunfermline Abbey. Guides including Perry, Magnus and Pete are praised for their stories and flexibility. Lunch and entry fees are extra.

“Magnus did an absolutely phenomenal job taking us around today. He offered great commentary and history about Scotland, the culture, and the areas we visited. He was flexible in the time we spent at the various locations and offered so much appreciated background and context. 5-Stars!! Super highly recommended.”

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15.Edinburgh Historical Gems Tour with Whisky & Local Flavours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.) · from $55

This two-hour Edinburgh walk starts near Mercat Cross and follows the Royal Mile into Canongate, ending at Holyrood Palace. Your English-speaking guide points out lesser-seen corners and shares local history, with tastings of Scottish tablet, haggis, and whisky. Guides named in past tours include Darcy and Katie. Palace entry is not included.

“Edinburgh’s history is fascinating but walking down the Royal Mile without a good guide and one would miss numerous intriguing stories. Dorsy was an excellent guide. Our group was small so it was possible to have an on-going discussion with her for the complete two hours. Wonderful!”

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