John Knox House Tours and Tickets

Swap the rush of standard group tours for the chance to explore Edinburgh's history-packed Royal Mile at your own pace. Open this audioguide on your smartphone and let it lead you to the most-important landmarks while filling you in on the stories behind each. With your personal guide in hand, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles' Cathedral, and Edinburgh Castle, and explore narrow medieval lanes and a unique double-level street.

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.

As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh packs historical monuments, regal landmarks, cultural destinations, and more—and this hop-on hop-off bus tour provides a thorough introduction to the city’s top sights. Board and disembark as and when you wish. On-board commentary will share the stories behind landmarks such as the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and more.

Taken in Edinburgh’s famous sites while hearing the history and folklore of witchcraft on this affordable self-guided walking tour. • See where the Wizard of West Bow lived and walk in the footsteps of the women sentenced to death for witchcraft • Hear from producer Katrina Milne who’s lead over 2000 clients on our tours since launching Travel Kat Tours in 2018 • Do it all in 75 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before and after your booking date • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline. Please note that this is a hilly walk.

A Funny History of Edinburgh Walking Tour: With A Professional Stand-Up Comic Join one of Scotland’s funniest historical tour guides for a light hearted look at the history of the most iconic thoroughfare in the country, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. We will cover the history of the royals, power, innovation and the most important thing - the remarkable people that made this city (with extreme bias!) the most wonderful place on earth. Beginning at the top of the mile next to the longest continuously occupied fortress in Scotland that dominates the skyline, your tour guide/comedian will tell you stories of great battles over the centuries, before making our way down the glorious mile. We will finish outside the current official Royal residence, the magnificent Holyrood Palace. In between be prepared for some breathtaking tales, dark nights, bright moments, all the time you will be laughing as well as learning.

Enjoy a fully-guided tour of Old Town Edinburgh and its must-see highlights. Explore the city streets with our local guide discovering the heart of the city, its culture, history, the Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of the Old Town and a recognised World UNESCO Heritage site, and enjoy all the thrilling Harry Potter landmarks. This tour offers one of the most unique and truly memorable visits to the historical heart of Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital offers an incredible mix of historical highlights including castles, churches, Abbeys and remarkable architecture and one of the best museums in the British Isles, The National Museum of Scotland. Visit spellbinding locations and landmarks dotted throughout this Magical Kingdom that will transport you to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that featured in the Harry Potter films. The tour is narrated by a Wizard who is also an expert local guide and will lead the group on a fascinating walk of discovery.

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.

This Edinburgh city sightseeing tour offers a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus experience with an open-top double-decker bus and audio commentary in multiple languages. Hop on and off at key stops including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. Buses run every 20 minutes with tickets valid for 24 hours from first use, providing flexible sightseeing at your own pace.

Explore the rich tapestry of Edinburgh’s history on a three-hour walking tour that delves into the city’s political, social, and cultural evolution. Journey along the Royal Mile to uncover hidden closes, visit significant sites like St Giles’ Cathedral and John Knox House, and discuss the Scottish Enlightenment's impact. With a maximum group size of five, enjoy a relaxed pace that fosters engaging conversations and deeper insights into the city’s past. The tour concludes with stunning views from Calton Hill, providing a fitting reflection on Edinburgh’s enduring character. The tour is not suitable for toddlers or young children; however, pushchairs or strollers can be brought on the tour. - 3-hour small-group walking tour (max 5 guests) for personalized experience - Discover the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and Edinburgh Castle - Focus on storytelling, context, and human experiences behind landmarks - Receive a souvenir photo and local recommendations after the tour

Led by your Blue Badge guide, explore Edinburgh’s historic streets on a private walking tour. Skip the long lines at Edinburgh Castle and walk the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament. Discover hidden closes and courtyard parks while learning about the city’s vivid history.

While there are lots of walking tours exploring Edinburgh’s rich history and culinary tours where you can sample Scottish food and drink, you’d usually have to choose between them. This half-day small-group guided tour combines both experiences, letting you roam Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, sample authentic whisky, and enjoy a traditional Scottish feast.

On this self-guided tour, you'll unravel the mysteries and murders surrounding Scotland’s most famous monarch. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Edinburgh's old town. Have you ever wondered what life was like in Edinburgh during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots? On this walking tour, we’ll explore the hidden corners and the major landmarks in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town through the eyes of Scotland’s most famous monarch. You'll find a new story on every corner while weaving in and out of the narrow, closed, and cobbled streets. I’ll tell you about the murders and mysteries surrounding Mary and how these tragic events unfolded right here in Scotland’s capital. Along the way, I’ll tell you about two of Mary’s three husbands, Lord Darnley and the Earl of Bothwell, and her lover, David Rizzio. I’ll show you the John Knox House, where the leader of the Reformation is buried, outside St Giles Cathedral. You’ll also hear about his conflict with Mary.

Tune into ancient and modern Scottish tales on one of Europe’s oldest streets with this affordable walking tour and the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app. • See historical sights along all four sections of the Royal Mile and find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it traveled • Hear from producer Martin Donnelly, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Edinburgh local • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it ️• Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Feast your senses on the diverse cuisine of Edinburgh during a private food tour that allows you to tailor your itinerary according to personal tastes. As well as receiving undivided attention from a food-obsessed local host, you’ll discover eateries and restaurants that you may otherwise have missed, and collect food recommendations for the rest of your vacation.

Soak up Edinburgh’s ineffable ambiance, and discover many of the city’s top landmarks, when you embark on an evening walking tour. Exploring after dark won’t just reveal another side of the city—it will also help you bypass the daytime crowds, and enjoy a more relaxed way to sightsee. Meet your guide at Gladstone’s Land (one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile), and set off on foot. In just a couple hours, you’ll see the Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and much more.

Experience Edinburgh Old Town’s highlights in your own way with this self-guided audio tour. Download the app onto your smartphone, and set off when it suits to discover the streets and sights: stopping, lingering, and restarting whenever you wish. Wander cobbled closes, stroll parks, and admire grand buildings as you discover history and detail you might otherwise miss. Lifetime access to the tour also means you can enjoy it at home any time in the future.

Explore the enchanting city of Edinburgh at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour. Covering 3.2 km, the tour takes you past iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles' Cathedral, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Engage with the city through interactive quizzes and captivating audio guides that unveil fascinating stories. Perfect for solo adventurers or groups, this flexible tour can be enjoyed in any weather and is designed for those who enjoy a mix of learning and fun. - Self-paced 3.2 km walking tour through Edinburgh's historic sites - Interactive quizzes and audio guides to enhance your experience - Ideal for solo travelers or teams, available daily at any time - Complete the tour at your leisure with a ticket valid for 2 years

What’s reported to be the most haunted place in Edinburgh? What inspired the story of Dr Jekyll and My Hyde? What happened to witched in medieval Edinburgh? Where is Voldemort buried? All these questions answered and more! Walk with me through the uneasy history of Edinburgh’s dark side. We’ll start at Edinburgh’s most infamous cemetery and then walk the footsteps of criminals, witches, tragedy and maybe even ghosts. You’ll learn about the city’s blood soaked past through locations, anecdotes and stories - and some hidden gems. You’ll be guided through the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town at a gentle pace to see some amazing locations and be shown pictures on a screen to bring the history to life. You’ll get a specially designed souvenir map, a tour guidebook and the opportunity to win a prize. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and be aware that there are no public toilets on the route. Some topics may be unsuitable for young children.

Explore the secrets of Scotland’s captivating capital as you stroll through its ancient streets on a 1.5-hour private Old Edinburgh walking tour. Listen to tales—some true, others imagined—about this city's rich history. Stroll past hidden gems like Riddle's Court; gain spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle from old city wall vantages points; visit historic sites such as Writers' Museum or Gladstone's Land (the latter being one of Edinburgh oldest buildings); hear stories about Greyfriars Kirk, Grassmarket, Lawnmarket and more.

Embrace the best that Edinburgh has to offer on a private walking tour of the Royal Mile. You’ll cover everything along the famous route, starting in the Lawnmarket and following it down to Holyroodhouse and Scottish Parliament. Listen as your guide tells you the little-known stories of the city’s most important people and events, before returning to a central location.

This activity is ideal for families or for travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace. During this tour, you’ll learn fun facts about the city’s history. Your mission (should you choose to accept it): Jackson Wilde, the famous city explorer, needs your help… Help him solve quizzes to gather as many points as possible. With this activity, you will be guided through the following locations: Dean Village, Ross Fountain, Castle, Bobby's Statue, St Giles' Cathedral, John Knox House, Scott Monument, Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace Download the app on Android or iOS (or access it directly through your browser) to get access to a fun mission, multiple quizzes, as well as city guides about each monument. So, are you ready to explore Edinburgh?

Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and its past far beyond your visit. Take the Story Home: evoke the memories: - Listen to the tour playlist Step into Edinburgh’s secrets and discover the heart of Scotland’s capital, beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved to this day, in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Take a journey through time, as you explore the lives of Edinburgh residents from generations past and gone – from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots, to the everyday folk who never left the city’s walls their entire lives. With every step along the Royal Mile, echoes of the past surround you — stories of royalty, rebellion and culture brought vividly to life by our masterful Storytellers, and historic evidence that still stands today.

Explore the Old Town of Edinburgh with a private guide leading the way during this walking tour. Hear stories about the people, history, and politics that shaped the city of Edinburgh. Go for a walk along the Royal Mile and see local landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Scottish Parliament.