What’s the best way to experience Edinburgh Old Town?

There are plenty of ways to experience Edinburgh Old Town. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Edinburgh/Famous-Underground-Ghost-Tour/d739-36194P8" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Edinburgh/Underground-Walking-Tour-in-Edinburgh/d739-8752P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Edinburgh/Edinburgh-Darkside-Haunted-Walking-Tour-Mysteries-Murder-and-Legends/d739-6785EDGHOST" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder, and Legends</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Edinburgh/Free-Walking-Tour/d739-69714P7" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Edinburgh/Ghostly-Underground-Vaults-History-Tour-in-Edinburgh/d739-2934P17" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh</a></li></ul>

How much does it cost to visit Edinburgh Old Town in 2025?

While it's free to visit Edinburgh on your own, there are plenty of affordable tours that can help you learn more about the neighborhoods in the company of an expert guide—and have some fun along the way. Walking tours start at $22; and hop-on hop-off bus tours start at $36.

What is the duration of a typical tour in Edinburgh Old Town?

The duration of a tour of Edinburgh Old Town depends upon which tour you choose. Typically tours are between one and two hours long, though some might take longer. More specialized tours, such as those focused on food and drink, or private tours, can last from three to four hours.

Do I need to book tickets in advance for Edinburgh Old Town tours?

You don’t necessarily need to book tickets in advance for Edinburgh Old Town tours. However, for your own peace of mind, it is advisable to book your tickets as far in advance as possible, especially during the busy summer season when some of Edinburgh’s most popular tours are likely to fill up.

What are the must-see attractions in Edinburgh Old Town?

A list of the must-see attractions in Edinburgh Old Town would include the historic Royal Mile, which runs through the Old Town from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse; St. Giles’ Cathedral, which is known for its stunning Gothic architecture; and the modern Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood.

Are there any themed tours available, such as ghost tours or historical tours?

Yes, many themed tours of Edinburgh Old Town are available, including ghost tours and historical tours. This is a place with a long—and often grisly—history, so ghost tours are very popular, especially those that take you underground into the vaults. History-focused tours reveal the events and people who shaped the Old Town.

Edinburgh Old Town Tours and Tickets

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Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

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.

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Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

1 hourFree Cancellation

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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.

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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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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.

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Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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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.

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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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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.

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Edinburgh - Old Town Stories

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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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.

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The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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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.

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Edinburgh and Underground Spanish Ghost Tour

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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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!

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Harry Potter Tour and Edinburgh Castle Visit

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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Edinburgh Premium Food and Drink Tour with EatWalk Tours

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

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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.

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Edinburgh: Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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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.

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

1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

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Terror Walking Tour in Edinburgh

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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The Edinburgh's Harry Potter Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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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.

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Greyfriars Kirkyard and Edinburgh Castle Private Guided Tour

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Edinburgh Darkside Ghost Tour of Mysteries and Murder and Legends

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening 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 and Canongate Kirkyard to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

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Edinburgh Darkside Ghost Tour of Mysteries and Murder and Legends

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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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.

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

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Rebel!Rebel! Jacobite Tour - Outlander's Scotland

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.

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Rebel!Rebel! Jacobite Tour - Outlander's Scotland

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Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

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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!

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Edinburgh City 4 Hour Private Guided Taxi Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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Pub Crawl in Edinburgh

6 hoursFree Cancellation

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Take a deep dive into Scottish cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. You’ll sample some of the most iconic Scottish dishes along with some of our very own 'chubby recommendations' in some of Edinburgh’s favourite eateries, pubs and shops whilst being guided by one of our expert local guides who is a true foodie! During the experience you'll feast on: World famous Scottish beef, Scotland's national dish (with a twist!) at an iconic pub, A sweet treat with some smokey refreshment from a local institution, A sampling of traditional Scottish cheeses from a famed cheesemonger, A tasting of whisky smoked salmon at an exclusive Whiskey Society paired with a wee dram and a controversial dessert (you will be converted!) from a true local spot/ You'll sip on: Cocktails, Whiskey, Traditional Scottish ales/lagers or Non-alcoholic alternatives.

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PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tours - Old Town, Leith

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What are people saying about Edinburgh Old Town

Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

Alexandra_K, Sep 2026

Informative and a great mix of sites

Jack was a great guide, very informative! Took us to several cool sites and had a lot of local history to tell us.

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Jerome_B, Sep 2026

First time in Scotland!

We all thoroughly enjoyed the tour. If this is your first time in Edinburgh I highly recommend that you take a walking tour. You get information you would not get otherwise! Sonia was terrific!

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

miaflormich, Sep 2026

Have your own Scottish writer to give you a tour.

Graeme was an absolute delight. He is full of historical facts embellished by a writer’s imagination delivered in a Scottish accent with the requisite politeness which did not waver even as we stood under a tree to let the rain pass. He is so enjoyable that we are planning to book his whiskey tour on our way through Edinburgh next week.

Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

Melissa_C, Sep 2026

Great overview

Shanna was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She offered a great overview of Edinburgh's history and helped us orient ourselves to the city and its stories.