Scotland · WALKING TOURS

Edinburgh on Foot: The 15 Best Walking Tours

38 tours  ·  from $5 a head

The Old Town is a ridge of steep closes and wynds, best seen on foot. These 15 walks cover the Royal Mile, Greyfriars and the New Town, priced and timed, with a note on the hills.

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town - The stone circle and the haunted vault
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Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

1.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

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

Meet your English-speaking guide on the Lawnmarket for an hour-long Old Town walk into the South Bridge vaults. Hear about 18th-century hardship, criminals, and people who sought shelter below ground, then visit a former witchcraft temple and a vault associated with ghost sightings. Guides such as Louisa, Josh, James, and Kieran have been praised for lively storytelling.

“The tour was very interesting and Nick our guide, told the stories well and was so lovely and friendly. A really enjoyable experience. We would highly recommend.”

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Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket - An outdoor introduction to a complex castle
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Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

2.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51Top rated

Spend about 90 minutes on an English-language walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, with entry included and time afterward to explore its buildings on your own. Guides such as Joe, Sonia, Raj, and Valeria have led lively tours, though your guide will vary. The guided portion is outdoors, so dress for Edinburgh weather and bring time to stay inside the castle grounds afterward.

“This was my first time using a tour guide for anything and I must say that Sonia was phenomenal!! I didn’t think I would make it to the end of the tour because it was freezing, but Sonia made it well worth it! She was knowledgeable, funny and full of enthusiasm and I would honestly highly recommend her as a tour guide!!”

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English - How to use your independent time
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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

3.Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Meet Little Fish Tours on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a guided walk to the castle, where your guide explains its history, grounds, dungeons, and Crown Jewels. Skip the entry line, then explore the castle buildings on your own. Guides such as Steph, Euan, Greg, and Koffe have earned praise for lively storytelling and humor.

“Graeme was an incredible guide, keeping adults and children of all ages engaged. His accent makes the tour even better!”

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Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends - Choosing between two historic burial grounds
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Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

4.Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,862 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29

Starting on the Royal Mile at 6:30 pm, this two-hour walk pairs Edinburgh’s shadowy lanes with stories of murder, witch trials, body snatchers and hauntings. You’ll climb Calton Hill for city views, visit one of two historic burial grounds, and finish near the Royal Mile. Guides vary; names associated with the tour include Niamh, James, Brian and G.

“Just myself and my son on the walk, and our guide, Mr Davidson, was fabulous. He took us all over the place which suited us great - brilliant information and entertainment.”

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Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh - How spooky is it, really?
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Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh

5.Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,183 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Walk from the Royal Mile into Edinburgh’s underground vaults with an English-speaking guide. In about an hour, hear how the vaults were used, see a torture exhibit, and listen to stories of former inhabitants and reported paranormal activity. Guides have included James, Dom, Louisa, Aimee, and Brendan. Expect steep stairs and some grim history.

“Lots of steep steps. Some graphic historical torture things. We learned about edinbourghs darker side.”

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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh - A two-hour pace, with real streets underfoot
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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

6.Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

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

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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The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh - St Giles’ Cathedral and the Writers’ Museum: faith and literary fame
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The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh

7.The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,813 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $36

Daniel Downie leads this two-hour walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town, from the Royal Mile and St Giles’ Cathedral to a castle viewpoint and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Expect Scottish history, adult humor, playful audience banter and, often, Daniel’s dog Braan. The group is capped at 20, and the tour is for ages 16 and over.

“Daniel is very funny and super knowledgeable about Edinburgh's history. He makes an effort to connect with each guest, and can successfully poke fun at just about anyone! I really enjoyed the tour, and wish I was staying in town long enough to see his stand up act!”

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Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh - What $36.06 buys you
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Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh

8.Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,702 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Walk from the Lawnmarket through Greyfriars Graveyard, then enter the vaults beneath South Bridge with an English-speaking guide. Expect Edinburgh history, stories of famous dead residents and reported paranormal activity, with guides including James, Jordan, Diva and Darren. The 90-minute tour costs $36.06 and involves uneven walking and stairs.

“Fun end to Day 1 of first visit to Edinburgh. Diva was a great host and guide and it turns out that graveyard at night is an surprisingly calming place.”

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Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour - Closes and courts: a closer look at Old Town life
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Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

9.Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

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

In three hours, a guide leads you from Usher Hall through Grassmarket, Old Town closes, the Royal Mile and St Giles’ Cathedral, finishing by the Scott Monument. Groups are limited to 12. Guides have included Fiona, Stuart Usher, David Forsyth and Dr Alison Duncan. The castle is viewed from outside, not entered.

“An entertaining and informative tour with Douglas! A fun and fascinating walk through Edinburgh. There was no question that Douglas didn't know the answer to. We learned all about Edinburgh through stories and fun facts. Definitely recommend this tour.”

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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour - John Knox House and the Closes
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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

10.Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $70

Follow a guide along the Royal Mile, through narrow closes and old courtyards, past St Giles’ Cathedral and John Knox House, then up to Edinburgh Castle. The group is capped at 18, and the castle option includes a 45-minute introduction before free time. Guides have included Craig, Linda, Nicola, Marina, and Mally.

“Amazing tour guide and tour, Marina was well informed, so knowledgeable and made the tour fun, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would recommend attending sing this if you are visiting Edinburgh.”

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Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour - A dog cemetery, a small chapel and other surprises
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Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

11.Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,283 reviews · from $51

Meet a local guide on the Royal Mile for a roughly 90-minute walk into Edinburgh Castle, with priority admission and stories of its battles, Crown Square and dog cemetery. Guides such as Alasdair and Charles have led tours, though the exact route can vary. Afterward, stay to visit the Crown Jewels, St Margaret’s Chapel and the National War Museum independently.

“Charles was very informative on the history of the castle and Scotland itself. Great job Charles. The tour was held on the grounds of the castle but we did not enter anything inside as part of the tour.”

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Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour - What the route does, and what it does not promise
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Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour

12.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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Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included - Makars’ Court and Victoria Street
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Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

13.Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 894 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Follow Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from the Mercat Cross and St Giles’ Cathedral to Victoria Street, the Grassmarket and Edinburgh Castle. A local guide covers the Old Town and the castle grounds, with admission included and time to explore the castle’s indoor exhibits at your own pace. Guides have included Paul, Mark, James and Zenon.

“Paul was a fantastic tour guide. He had terrific knowledge of Edinburgh's history and presented it with a lot of fun, humour and energy. We'd highly recommend him.”

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Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group - Greyfriars Bobby, the kirkyard and the Grassmarket
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Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group

14.Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 676 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $112

Start in the elegant New Town and walk through Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars and Victoria Street before reaching Edinburgh Castle. A guide leads a highlights tour at the Scottish National Gallery and, from 1 April 2025, the Georgian House. Groups are limited to 15; guides include Ben, James and Mark.

“The guide was personable and very knowledgable. He seemed to enjoy sharing Edinburgh with us. I highly recommend this tour and this guide.”

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Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour - Lady Stairs House and Edinburgh Castle
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Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

15.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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Edinburgh, further in

Go under the Old Town, out to a distillery, or north into the glens.

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