Edinburgh Old Town Tours and Tickets

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(234)

from $25

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

4.9

(2,229)

from $25

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

5.0

(62)

from $22

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

4.7

(8,856)

from $33

Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle Visit

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 & Edinburgh Castle Visit

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(388)

from $101

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.

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Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle - Small Group Walking Tour

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(1,634)

from $72

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, 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.

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

1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

4.0

(176)

from $37

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

4.3

(2,880)

from $29

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.

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Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(3,895)

from $33

Terror Walking Tour in Edinburgh

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(414)

from $35

The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(293)

from $20

The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(492)

from $34

Edinburgh Half Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

4 hours

4.9

(49)

from $273

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

Edinburgh: Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

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

4.9

(281)

from $60

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

4.7

(9,797)

from $26

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

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(605)

from $164

Edinburgh Private Day Guided Tour in a Black Cab

5 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(29)

from $749

Per group

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

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

5.0

(4)

from $310

Price varies by group size

JK Rowling's Harry Potter Walking Tour in Edinburgh

2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(549)

from $24

Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

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

4.7

(1,729)

from $40

Edinburgh City 4-Hour Private Guided Taxi Tour Experience

4 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(7)

from $572

Per group

Edinburgh City 4 Hour Private Guided Taxi Tour

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

5.0

(5)

from $375

Per group

Likely to Sell Out

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(278)

from $430

Per group

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

2 hours

5.0

(48)

from $34

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What are people saying about Edinburgh Old Town

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

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.

Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

Erika_O, May 2026

Great way to get an overview of Edinburgh!

This was a great way to kick off our trip to Edinburgh! We got a great lay of the land and learned a ton in our two hour tour. Highly recommend!

Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

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!

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Matt_L, May 2026

Great tour, learned a lot...

Great tour, learned a lot of Edinburgh and Scottish history about a variety of topics and time periods. Koffe was a great guide, entertaining and knowledgeable.

Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

martinlockhartp, May 2026

Great Experience

Guide Toni was extremely knowledgeable about the historical information presented and was enthusiastic about sharing that knowledge. In fact, perhaps a budding teacher of history? Took care to ask if everyone was following presented information/had questions or was able to navigate the varied walking surfaces and inclines. We enjoyed the castle and tour enhanced the experience greatly.

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

Martha_P, May 2026

Fun walking tour!

Jess has a passion for her town's history. This was a fabulous, friendly, fun tour. I wish my history teacher expressed as much knowledge and fun stories during class. I would have learned a lot more! Highly recommend this tour. We walked through alleys and around the Royal Mile. We got recommendations for future shops, restaurants, and museums. We had a great tour.

Edinburgh: History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

Justin_B, May 2026

A well paced and engaging...

A well paced and engaging walking tour. Our guide, Shanna, took on board our particular interests and, as we were just a party of four,(two others did not arrive), we had a very bespoke tour. As a mediaevalist, she was in her element, but, it should be said, she thrilled us with the many ups and downs of Jacobite history as well as tales of canine fidelity. After two hours, we were left wanting yet more!