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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Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

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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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: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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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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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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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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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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Get a different perspective on Edinburgh as you embark on a quick and fun ride through the city's rich literary history. This literature-themed pub crawl through Edinburgh's Old and New Towns is led by a couple of actors who bring such figures as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson to vivid life as you journey in and out of Edinburgh's most atmospheric pubs, courtyards, and hidden alleyways.

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The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Terror Walking Tour in Edinburgh

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

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Edinburgh Premium Food and Drink Tour with EatWalk Tours

3 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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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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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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The Edinburgh's Harry Potter Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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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.

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Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

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Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

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Scotch Tour Edinburgh with a Local Expert: Private & 100% Personalized

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

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

If you prefer some independence to being driven around on a tour bus, you can 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 2-tour ticket can be used on both routes: the Edinburgh City Tour and Edinburgh Britannia Tour.

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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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Romantic Photoshoot Experience for Couples in Edinburgh

15 minutesFree 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 French German, Italian, Russain and Spanish HIGHLIGHTS: -Visit Edinburgh Castle with a 5-Star Guide fluent in your chosen language -Skip the line to explore Edinburgh Castle’s inner courtyards without waiting -Discover historic Old Town and Royal Mile with expert storytelling -Learn fascinating castle tales and enjoy photo stops at iconic spots -Enjoy private round-trip transport in a comfortable vehicle (in the 3-hour option) Step into Edinburgh’s rich history with Rosotravel. Enjoy Skip-the-Line Tickets and a Licensed Private Guide on a tailored journey through the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle. Experience exclusive stories and hidden gems on this regal adventure. Discover the wonders of Edinburgh with us today!

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

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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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.

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Edinburgh Half Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

Price varies by group size

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Edinburgh Bar Crawl: Six Bars, Club Entry and Seven Shots

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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What are people saying about Edinburgh Old Town

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Jody_H, Nov 2026

Walking tour

Great tour to do upon arrival in the city. Helps with getting oriented and understanding some local history. Our guide Jess was great. She took extra time and even gave us a brief tour of the famous cemetery.

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Thomas_R, Nov 2026

Great introduction to Edinburgh

It was my first time in Edinburgh and tour guide Max gave us a great introduction to the history of the city and told us the stories behind all those statues along the Royal Mile. It was a wonderful way to learn about the city and see the important attractions.

Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

Vedran_M, Oct 2026

Great tour guide to a great city

Out tour guide Wag is very knowledgeable and well spoken. He was a joy to listen to. I highly recommend this tour!

Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

Lesley_P, Oct 2026

Stuart was an extremely...

Stuart was an extremely personable guy and made our tour really interesting and fun. Gained so much information about buildings we’ve passed so many times and not looked at. A great couple of hours well spent.