Top Edinburgh Crime Tours in 2026

Experience the magic of the world’s most famous wizard—and discover insider sights and stories you'd miss if exploring alone—on this Harry Potter–themed walking tour of Edinburgh. Alongside your Potter-mad guide, stroll the city's winding streets, and spot the mysterious alleys and atmospheric landmarks that inspired the wizarding world.

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.

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.

"Award-winning 2-hour dark walking tour through Edinburgh's sinister UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Led by expert guide in authentic handmade costume, uncover chilling true crimes behind St Giles Cathedral's witch trials, Royal Mile's infamous hangings, and Grassmarket's body snatchers Burke & Hare. Discover Deacon Brodie's double life inspiring Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, Victoria Street's Wizard of West Bow Major John Weir, Parliament Square's execution sites, and Greyfriars' grave-robbing horrors. Meet Dr Robert Knox's anatomy secrets, the cannibal son of Marquis of Queensberry, and George IV Bridge's criminal underworld. Experience bagpipe music while exploring Edinburgh's darkest secrets. Perfect 5-star reviews, intimate small groups. This isn't just sightseeing - it's investigating real murders, body snatching, and supernatural crimes that shocked Scotland. Book your authentic Edinburgh crime investigation today!"

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 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.

Solve A Mystery is a self-guided murder mystery city tour in Edinburgh for friends and family! Simply purchase online, collect it at our pick-up spot, and begin your adventure any time that suits you. The murder mystery takes place in central Edinburgh. The start destination is outside Tron Kirk on High St. The final destination is Grassmarket. Walking distance: 4 miles. The year is 1968. You are the only Detective Constable on duty due to a anniversary celebration of the Edinburgh police department, when suddenly the body of a dead woman is discovered. You must serve justice to those guilty of this hideous crime. Much is at stake! Throughout the experience, you will be guided around Edinburgh, while solving tasks and riddles related to the historical surroundings. You must gather sufficient evidence and indict the right suspect to ensure the peace of Edinburgh's citizens. Good luck and happy solving! PLEASE NOTE: This mystery is only available in ENGLISH!

This self-guided audio tour uncovers Edinburgh's darkest history, narrated by a former Detective Sergeant with 27 years of policing experience. Starting where Cockburn Street meets the Royal Mile, you'll trace centuries of crime and punishment through the Old Town. You'll walk past the feared Calton Jail and Greyfriars Kirkyard, once stalked by grave robbers who supplied Burke and Hare's victims to the city's anatomy schools. In the Grassmarket, where public executions once drew crowds, you'll hear how Half-Hangit Maggie survived her own hanging, and the true story of Deacon Brodie, the respectable tradesman turned burglar who inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. You'll also learn how the 1977 World's End Murders were solved decades later by DNA evidence, before ending on the Castle Esplanade, once used for witch burnings. This tour is perfect for true crime fans and history buffs. After booking, install the VoiceMap app and enter your ticket code to download and start touring.

On Christmas Eve 1828, a jury was locked into an Edinburgh courtroom and not released until it decided who would hang. Tonight, that jury is you. Sworn in beneath the floodlit castle, you carry the name of a real victim through the dark side of the Old Town as your storyteller unravels the West Port murders. Stand where Burke and Hare's lodging house stood. Climb the Vennel to the old city wall for the best night view of the castle. Follow the money to the anatomy schools that paid cash for bodies and asked no questions, and pass the building where William Burke's skeleton stands in a case tonight. On a silent street the ghost tours never find, hear the roll of the Sixteen called through the gates of Old Surgeons' Square. Then take your place where the real trial ran all night and cast your verdict on the man the law let walk free. A ghost tour told straight: real hauntings, real history, no costumes leaping from closes. Every stop is in the open air, and somehow that makes it worse.

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.

Explore the ghost stories of Edinburgh, famous for its imposing gothic architecture with tales of hauntings, witchcraft, local legends, and historic scenes of torture, butchery, and bloodshed!

Step into the shadows of 19th-century Edinburgh, a city split between Enlightenment brilliance and desperate, grinding poverty. On this immersive true-crime journey, you will trace the bloody footsteps of William Burke and William Hare, two men who turned murder into a highly profitable business. Discover how the insatiable demands of the medical establishment created a black market for human corpses, and explore the chilling ethical lines crossed in the name of science. This is not just a story of serial killers; it is a tale of class, complicity, and the forgotten victims of the Old Town. - A 2.7 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 94 min - Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Social Fabric & Everyday Life - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

If you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time and want to get to know the city then this tour is for you. This tour is perfect for solo travellers who want a local guide showcasing bonnie Edinburgh. On this privately guided tour we will explore Edinburgh (Old and New Town) on foot. Your tour will help you get quickly acquainted with the city and you'll know of where to go, hidden gems and local genuine recommendations of where to eat and drink,

Skip the rush of big group tours and discover the highlights and history of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on this private walking tour with a local guide in traditional Scottish attire. Walk from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle, seeing top landmarks and hidden gems along the way, while learning about the characters and events that shaped Scottish history.

Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife on a large-scale pub crawl through Old Town’s hidden pubs and lively bars. Visit seven bars with six shots and one bomb included, enjoy drink discounts, and skip cover charges with VIP entry. Led by local guides, this tour offers an authentic Scottish night out where you can meet new people and discover the city’s best-kept secrets.

Discover the Scottish Highlands on a leisurely 2-day trip from Edinburgh that includes overnight accommodation at a hotel or bed & breakfast. Visit two of Scotland’s most popular spots—Loch Ness and Inverness—during scenic drives among pine forests, dramatic castles and charming villages, with an optional boat ride on Loch Ness. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group limited to 16 passengers for a personalized experience with your informative guide.