Edinburgh Old Town Tours and Tickets

This walking tour of Edinburgh is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings of the city and learn more about its history. By exploring the city with a guide, you’ll be able to stop looking at a map and focus on enjoying the sites around you. Your guide will teach you about secret places locals love, as well as the Old Town’s most famous sites. Highlights include St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Castle, and much more.

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Step off the tourist trail and explore the Scottish capital’s hidden secrets on this underground walking tour in Edinburgh. Follow a guide from the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town down below street level, where a series of ancient vaults lie. As you explore the dark passageways, learn why the vaults were built, hear of the poor souls who sought refuge in the depths and discover a hidden witchcraft temple. Gain insight into city life during the 18th century, and learn of the deadly diseases which threatened Edinburgh’s inhabitants.

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

1 hourFree Cancellation

Delve into Edinburgh’s horrific history on this evening ghost bus tour. With your spooky local guide, visit the city’s most terrifying locations, haunted by infamy and restless spirits! From your seat in a double-decker vintage bus, gaze at eerie sites such as Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, and the Royal Mile. Throughout the trip, hear anecdotes and facts about Edinburgh’s chilling past, replete with bloody executions, unspeakable tortures, and murder.

Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover the historical and cultural wonders of Scotland that lie hidden within Old Town Edinburgh on this 2-hour journey. Your personable guide will lead you through time as they share stories about illustrious citizens and infamous residents while taking in iconic landmarks such as The Royal Mile, Mercat Cross, St Giles Cathedral (outside), Greyfriar's Kirkyard, and Calton Hill—all sure to provide a captivating insight into the history of this beloved city. This is an unmissable introduction to understanding more about Scotland.

Edinburgh - Old Town Stories

See the best of medieval Edinburgh—without the hassle of putting together your own sightseeing itinerary—on this walking tour, which includes skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle. As you walk, listen as your guide shares the history of this formidable city with ancient Roman roots and UNESCO-listed historical attractions. Explore atmospheric cobbled walkways along the Royal Mile, then breeze into Edinburgh Castle to witness royal opulence.

Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Edinburgh Premium Food and Drink Tour with EatWalk Tours

3 hoursFree Cancellation

They will be driven by the dark past of Edinburgh and its surroundings including the most enchanted cemetery in the world. The tour will end with a visit in our underground vaults. Your guide will delight you with horrifying stories of ghosts, torture, witchcraft, executions with a little humor from time to time. Enjoy our underground vaults, where you can see strangers walking upstairs. This is possible thanks to our specially equipped window. This tour is suitable for families, children over five years old and brave adults under 100 years old.

Edinburgh and Underground Spanish Ghost Tour

Edinburgh boasts a unique brewing heritage that’s often overshadowed by Scotland’s whiskies. This small-group tour throws the spotlight on the capital’s now-resurgent beer scene, with visits to several top pubs and beer bars. Stroll the Royal Mile and discover Old Town highlights as you learn how Edinburgh was once the world’s leading bottled beer exporter. As you go, stop for a range of tastings, and learn the stories behind each brew.

Edinburgh: Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

Edinburgh is known for its dark past, and this evening walking tour is the original one to showcase the city's historically sinister and spooky side. Discover the hidden ‘wynds’ (alleys) and closes of the Old Town as you learn their mysteries and horrors; visit the ghost-ridden Greyfriars Kirkyard; and explore the city’s underground vaults to uncover their spirits and secrets. Your tour is led by a creepily costumed guide to get everyone into the spooky spirit of things.

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

See more of Edinburgh with 48 hours of unlimited hop-on hop-off sightseeing across both the City Tour and Britannia Tour routes. If you prefer some independence, create your own itinerary and explore Edinburgh at your own pace. You can board and disembark the bus anywhere you like along the route for the duration of your 48-hour ticket. This flexible pass makes it easy to experience the best of Edinburgh over two days.

Big Bus Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off City and Britannia Bus Tour

1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

Set off on a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then, enter the incredible Edinburgh Castle! Starting at Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, we first head to historic Waverley Station. Then head to Edinburgh University Old College - a famous old campus which provided lots of inspiration for JK Rowling’s creations. We continue through the atmospheric Old Town, stopping at Greyfriars Kirkyard which inspired Tom Riddle's Grave and passing by the Elephant Café where JK Rowling sat for many hours dreaming up the world of Harry Potter! Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street - said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley - and we finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll learn about JK Rowling’s impact on the city. After the tour, you'll be given your tickets to explore the beautiful Edinburgh Castle!

Harry Potter Tour and Edinburgh Castle Visit

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Terror Walking Tour in Edinburgh

The Edinburgh's Harry Potter Walking Tour

Step into the haunted heart of Edinburgh and hear ghost stories, royal tales, and literary legends at Greyfriars Kirkyard. 2H: Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour (No Transport) Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh’s most haunted graveyard, and see landmarks like George Heriot’s School and the Grassmarket. Hear ghost stories, history, and legends. 3H: Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour & Transport Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and the historic Old Town with private round-trip transport. See sites linked to ghosts, royals and Harry Potter. A seamless, story-filled experience. 4H: Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh Castle (No Transport) Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and Skip the Line to Edinburgh Castle for stories of Mary Queen of Scots, sieges, and royal treasures. See Old Town gems on your way. 5H: Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh Castle & Transport Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and Skip the Line to Edinburgh Castle with round-trip private transport. Explore royal courtyards, ancient legends, and Old Town streets.

Greyfriars Kirkyard and Edinburgh Castle Private Guided Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Edinburgh to St Andrews private driving tour

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening or night-time walking tour. Experience the ghastly histories of monsters, madness, and murder that cast a dark shadow on Scotland’s capital. See where witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions took place, then visit the chilling Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

Edinburgh Darkside Ghost Tour of Mysteries and Murder and Legends

See more of Edinburgh without navigating crowded public transportation or following a fixed group itinerary. This private half-day tour in a premium minivan offers a more flexible and personalized way to explore the city, with direct access to your guide throughout the experience. Customize the route around your interests and visit highlights such as the Royal Mile, Old Town, Grassmarket, and Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Half Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

Price varies by group size

The Blair Street Vaults shouldn’t be missed when visiting Edinburgh—especially for fans of the spooky and macabre. But independent visits aren’t allowed, so you’ll need to a guide to gain access to this restricted underground area. On this ghoulish walking tour, descend into the darkened depths of the vaults and hear vivid retellings of torture, murder, and body snatching from your guide.

Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

All tours are private and in the comfort of a 6 seater Mercedes Edinburgh Licensed Taxi with a driver/tour guide and are totally bespoke putting you in control of where we stop and what you want to see! The aim is to introduce you to the simply unmissable beauty of Edinburgh on a 4 hour private tour that visits Edinburgh's iconic attractions and viewpoints and is guaranteed to leave you with a thirst for further exploration of this magnificent World Heritage Site!

Edinburgh City 4 Hour Private Guided Taxi Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

WHY CHOOSE US? More than an audio tour - your complete Edinburgh city guide in one app. Some audio tours cost a little less. With CityAppTour, you simply get more: 37 richly detailed stories, audio & written text, photos, spoken navigation, practical city information and carefully selected local tips. Follow our 4.8 km route through Edinburgh's dramatic historic centre and discover the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Kirkyard, medieval closes and stories of kings, writers, body snatchers and Scottish intrigue. Our stories go beyond short facts, giving you the background, details and context that bring Edinburgh to life. - 37 richly detailed stories in audio & text - Spoken navigation between stops - Photos, city info & food and drink tips - Works offline - Yours to keep - the tour never expires - Explore at your own pace More stories. More information. More freedom.

Edinburgh: City Walk Audio Guide in 7 Languages on your Phone

2 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

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What are people saying about Edinburgh Old Town

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Annu_S, Sep 2026

Great tour of Edinburgh

The tour guide was very personable and open to answering our questions and not just rushing through the tour. Shared some funny stories with us!

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Yana_W, Sep 2026

Strongly recommend

Fantastic tour! Shanna is an amazing story teller and made the tour very interesting and informative.

Amy_M, Sep 2026

Enjoyable way to learn your way around

Matthew was fantastic. Very knowledgeable but also funny and entertaining. Good way to learn about the city and get your bearings before wandering on your own

Joe_C, Sep 2026

Stuart’s walking tour is a 5 star!

We would strongly recommend Stuart…. He was informative and went at a pace for everyone to learn and enjoy.