Edinburgh Old Town Tours and Tickets

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

(2,246)

from $24

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.

(239)

from $24

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

1 hourFree 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.

(8,952)

from $33

Edinburgh - Old Town Stories

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.

(63)

from $22

Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.3

(2,903)

from $29

Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour

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

The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!

(1,673)

from $72

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(293)

from $20

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

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 Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

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.

(3,902)

from $33

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

(9,929)

from $26

Follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots to "the most besieged place in Great Britain”, Edinburgh Castle. See the majestic St Giles' Cathedral and the Royal Mile. Visit the historic castle courtyards. Available in English German, French, Italian and Spanish HIGHLIGHTS: - Discover the heritage of Edinburgh Castle with a 5-Star Private Guide - Save time with skip-the-line tickets to Edinburgh's top-rated attraction - Follow the historical Royal Mile and see the majestic St Giles’ Cathedral - Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots and other historical figures - Immerse yourself in Scottish history, culture and legends from past and present Edinburgh Castle is a cradle of Scottish history and Edinburgh’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take this private tour to explore the historic Old Town and Royal Mile, and visit the castle courtyards with an Expert Guide.

4.6

(492)

from $34

Skip-the-line Edinburgh Castle with Old Town Walking Tour

Skip-the-line Edinburgh Castle with Old Town Walking Tour

Price varies by group size

(4)

from $308

Special Offer

JK Rowling's Harry Potter Walking Tour in Edinburgh

I invite you on an extraordinary journey into the most hidden corners of the city. I will show you places that remain invisible to most visitors – spaces hidden between the walls of the Old Town, secrets you won’t find on maps or in guidebooks. Through photographs, I will reveal inaccessible corners and show you exactly where the city’s greatest secrets are hidden. We will travel back more than 500 years to the time of witches, dark legends, and robbers hiding in the underground passages of Edinburgh that have survived to this day. This is a journey into a world known only to a few. If you want to see the city from a completely different perspective, join me and discover secrets that have remained hidden for centuries.

Secret tours

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!

(4)

from $33

Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle Visit

Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle Visit

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Edinburgh’s history features intriguing tales, milestone events, and legendary characters, so its Old Town warrants more than an independent stroll. Give it detailed attention on a 2-hour walking tour with a guide in costume who knows it inside out. View famous buildings, a haunted cemetery, and film locations; and unravel the events that shaped the city without having to plan your own sightseeing. Choose from different time slots to suit you.

(408)

from $100

Rebel!Rebel! Jacobite Tour - Outlander's Scotland

Rebel!Rebel! Jacobite Tour - Outlander's Scotland

2 hours

Edinburgh Premium Food & Drink Tour with EatWalk Tours (3 hours)

(48)

from $34

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(624)

from $163

Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

(1,744)

from $40

Likely to Sell Out

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

If you prefer some independence to being driven around on a tour bus, create your own itinerary and explore Edinburgh at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You can board and disembark the bus anywhere you like along the route for the duration of your 48 hours ticket is valid. Your combined two-tour ticket can be used on both routes: the Edinburgh City Tour and Edinburgh Britannia Tour.

(278)

from $427

Per group

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

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

1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

4.0

(179)

from $41

Edinburgh Private Day Guided Tour in a Black Cab

5 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(32)

from $745

Per group

Likely to Sell Out

Edinburgh: Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

Edinburgh: Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

Small Group Ghost Tour incl. Underground Vaults & free drink in Megget's Cellar

(284)

from $60

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.

(644)

from $45

Edinburgh Half Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

Edinburgh Half Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

4 hours

Price varies by group size

(50)

from $271

Likely to Sell Out

Discover the best of Scotland’s capital on a semi-private tour designed for cruise guests who want to go beyond the typical sightseeing loop. With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and immersive experience led by a local guide who knows how to bring Edinburgh’s layered history to life. Your day combines a panoramic drive through the Georgian elegance of the New Town with a guided walking tour of the Old Town, where cobbled closes and historic landmarks reveal the city’s medieval past. From the Royal Mile to Victoria Street and the Vennel Steps, your guide shares fascinating stories that make the streets come alive. With entrance to Edinburgh Castle included, you’ll cap off the day with a self-guided visit to Scotland’s most iconic stronghold, complete with sweeping city views. This carefully curated itinerary offers the perfect balance of storytelling, scenery, and independence—far from the crowds of larger tours.

City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

(3)

from $295

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What are people saying about Edinburgh Old Town

Scott_B, Feb 2026

Great tour in Edinburgh old town by Ben C!

Easy to find starting point. Our guide was Ben C, he was very knowledgable and entertaining. He presented a good pace and gave just the right amount of information. There were children on the tour and he engaged brilliantly with them, he encouraged questions and chat amongst the group. He kindly looked after the group and ensured their safety on a busy day in Edinburgh. Basically, can’t recommend this trip enough.

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Kirsten_J, Jun 2026

Can’t miss!

Fantastic tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable and a great story teller. She gave us recommendations for places to visit after the tour and they were all great!

Allen_E, May 2026

Koffe was amazing! Definitely worth requesting.

This was a great tour! Super informative with hidden fun facts about Edinburgh… but the highlight by far was out tour guide Koffe! He was amazing, energetic and passionate. Highly recommend and if you can request him for any tour in Edinburgh, it will be well worth it!

Edinburgh - Old Town Stories

Ruth_T, May 2026

Will book again!

Really enjoyable tour, Kieran was engaging and able to answer questions, so many intersting facts, I'll have to opt for the three hour tour next time

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Nathaniel_K, May 2026

Informative & Fascinating

Our guide Shanna was great - informative, funny, easy to understand, really knows what she’s doing and clearly enjoys doing it. In addition to being an excellent guide, she had very recently studied Scottish history at the graduate level and was very knowledgeable in answering follow-up questions!

Brad_A, May 2026

Informative, Entertaining & Honest

This was an excellent tour led by Max of Little Fish Tours. He did an excellent job telling us about the history of Old Town Edinburgh, keeping us entertained while also being honest and vulnerable about the pro’s and con’s of the stories he told us - keeping it real! Thanks, Max for an educational experience along with a good sense of humor!