The Canongate Tours and Tickets

Embark on a self-guided journey to explore Edinburgh's historic heart, from the panoramic vistas of Calton Hill to the majestic St Giles' Cathedral. Delve into the city's rich past as you stroll the Royal Mile, uncover the stories of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and marvel at the architecture of Edinburgh Castle (entry ticket not included). This tour invites you to discover at your pace, revealing hidden gems and iconic landmarks, including Grassmarket Square and Greyfriars Kirk, enriching your visit with culture and history.

Edinburgh’s dark and desultory past means its streets are haunted by restless souls and wandering specters. This ghost tour—perfect for those fascinated by the supernatural—takes you to two of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations. Under the cloak of darkness, descend to the Blair Street vaults to explore a shadow-shrouded underground world. Visit Canongate Kirkyard, the final resting place of famous characters, and listen to gruesome tales of torture, cannibalism, and murder.

Ah, Edinburgh! They don't call it "The Jekyll & Hyde City" for nothing. During the day, a respectable figure, with its astonishing architecture and wondrous history. But when the sun sets, it tells an entirely different story... Hear all about the darker history of Edinburgh: murderers, thieves, cannibals, hangings and decapitations, witches, the Plague and streams of human waste. Learn about the most notorious citizens of Edinburgh and how ghost stories are born. This is not a ghost tour: we don't need costumes or people jumping from behind the corners, Edinburgh's Dark History itself is enough to make your skin crawl. And oh, how we love to share it with our visitors...

Experience Edinburgh captivating history and hidden secrets at your own rhythm with our expertly crafted audio tour that transforms your smartphone into a personal storyteller. Unlike rushed group tours with rigid schedules, you control the journey pause to photograph stunning architecture, linger in atmospheric closes, or revisit fascinating locations that capture your imagination. Our meticulously researched commentary unveils exclusive historical insights, legendary tales, delivered through crystal-clear narration by professional storytellers whose engaging voices bring centuries of Scottish heritage to life. The superior flexibility allows you to explore during golden hour for perfect photos, avoid crowds by visiting popular sites at unconventional times, and dive deeper into locations that resonate with your personal interests, all while enjoying compelling storytelling that makes every step an adventure filled with "aha!" moments that traditional guidebooks simply cannot provide.

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.

Get the most out of limited time in Edinburgh with a tour that checks off the city’s royal highlights. Rather than waiting in long ticket lines, enjoy the ultimate stress-free day with Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets included. Also, benefit from having a guide to show you around, as well as an audio guide.

Discover the best of Edinburgh without the stress of public transit and massive crowds on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. With your 48-hour pass, hop aboard the double-decker, open-top bus for a panoramic sightseeing excursion. Great for kids and adults, this tour encompasses three route options with dozens of strategically placed stops. Have the added bonus of free entry to royal sights including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Step into the living history of Scotland’s most famous street with Voice of the Mile, an immersive GPS audio walking tour along Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile. Guided by the rich, commanding narration of acclaimed actor James Smillie, you will trace centuries of royal drama, bloody rebellions, and dark intrigue at your own pace. From the formidable Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle down to the majestic gates of Holyroodhouse, James Smillie brings the cobbled wynds to life. Uncover the secret world of 18th-century spy Daniel Defoe, stand where serial killers Burke and Hare targeted their victims, and walk the quiet courtyards that inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Powered by automatic GPS triggers, your audio plays seamlessly as you walk—no searching or reading required. Download the tour in advance on the VoiceMap app to explore entirely offline without using mobile data. Simply put on your headphones, press start, and let James Smillie guide you through the real story of the Royal Mile

The visiting schedule may vary depending on the Edinburgh port where your ship docks; however, all key aspects of the tour are included regardless of the docking or tendering port. After meeting your official guide, board an air-conditioned coach and begin with a Drive-By visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia ( Drive-By). Continue to Edinburgh Castle for stunning views and history (entry optional). Next, visit the Palace of Holyrood House and enjoy a guided stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, passing St Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, and historic alleys. Time is included for refreshments and photos. Your guide will provide commentary throughout. Ample breaks are included, and if the ship’s time in port is shortened, visits will be adjusted to ensure on-time return—typically one hour before sailing.

This tour is guided by a local, a professional architectural photographer, historian and author of "Hidden Edinburgh - A Walk Through Medieval History", and features both well-known and the more hidden features of Edinburgh's Old Town. Whist basic digital camera knowledge while shooting in Manual mode is assumed, advice is given on photographic best-practice and where the best places to shoot will be. In addition, signed copies of the book are available at a discounted price to tour participants.

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.

The Canongate is the hidden gem of historic Edinburgh. The lower, less visited part of the Royal Mile used to be Edinburgh’s neighbouring town. Monks and farmers lived here first, then aristocrats in their splendid mansions, and eventually the destitute workers of the industrial age. Like Mary Queen of Scots and Adam Smith before us, we will walk the cobbled streets and discover 900 years’s worth of history. The tour is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. Dogs are welcome. This is a guided walking tour of the Canongate, entry to the palace and/or any museums is NOT included.

Edinburgh is steeped in history, much of it macabre—this private walking tour immerses you in the city's rich myths, legends, and ghost tales and allows you to understand how they have formed the city's distinctive character. You'll hear the stories behind such attractions as as Greyfriars Kirkyard and St. Cecilia's Hall and gain a new perspective on Edinburgh from your local host, who sets the pace according to your speed.

Take a stroll down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and step right into one of history’s wildest political dramas with this self-guided audio tour produced by History Hit. On this GPS-guided tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots, weaving through the same closes, kirkyards, and cobblestone streets she once knew. The tour starts at the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you’ll hear about baby Mary’s daring escape to France after Henry VIII’s army torched the place. From there, you’ll head up the Royal Mile and into medieval Edinburgh. You’ll wander past Canongate Kirkyard and St Giles’ Cathedral, before ending the tour at Edinburgh Castle. This isn’t your typical tragic queen story. On this 45-minute tour, you’ll see Mary as a tough, savvy ruler who played a nearly impossible game. Come ready for some seriously dramatic history – and a whole new perspective on Scotland’s most misunderstood queen.

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 stories, bright moments, all the time you will be laughing as well as learning. Our main guide, Ross Leslie, is a 5-time Scottish Comedian of the Year finalist and an historical tour guide for several years.

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.

Explore centuries of drama and intrigue on this self-guided walking tour along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where you'll uncover the stories of royals, rogues, and reformers that shaped the city’s history. Starting at Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade, the tour takes you through the Royal Mile’s four sections—Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, and Canongate—down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, you’ll encounter landmarks tied to figures like John Knox and Robert Fergusson, and hear about the city's haunted alleyways, notorious figures like William Brodie, and the darker side of Edinburgh’s past. Ending near the Scottish Parliament Building, this tour offers a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s royal and rebellious history.

Go on a discovery tour of Edinburgh. Discover the most important and famous locations of the city. Search for the city's treasures with your family or friends. Can you complete the assignments? Will you get the top score in the city? This E-scavenger hunt will give you a fantastic day in Edinburgh. Decide for yourself when you start, pause and end. It's your party only and you'll get to know the city in a unique way. Instructions for starting the tour will be given after booking. You can do this tour whenever you choose.

Turning Edinburgh Into an Adventure Playground! Get a unique perspective of Old Town/Royal Mile on this self-guided, interactive treasure hunt. It's the best way to explore the city! On your adventure, unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles and completing challenges, earning points along the way. During your Quest you will not only discover the city's highlights but explore hidden gems, learn some fun facts about the places you visit and see things that most people just pass by. As the activity is all self-guided through the app, you can start your Quest when you want (must be played during daylight hours), there are no set starting/ending times. No groups to follow. You can go at your own pace, stopping for longer in one location, taking a break or having a snack in one of the many cafes and pubs along the trail OR you can make it a race and try to get to the top of the city leaderboard! Instant acess with nothing to print from home. Will you conquer the Quest?

On our outdoor puzzle tours you will only reach your goal if you can solve a series of tasks. The private detective communicates with you via text and audio clips via an encrypted messenger service and deals with one or the other challenge on your scavenger hunt. Only if you solve the orders will you receive the coveted awards. Start solving the puzzles at any time after booking, conveniently with your mobile phone

Why was a pet blackbird arrested in 1736? What did a washerwoman insist on before she would pull philosopher David Hume out of a swamp? Why was Robert the Bruce Edinburgh Castle’s most deadly enemy? You really couldn’t make up the history of Old Edinburgh! Seldom in the world can there have been so many odd events and strange goings-on in one town’s story as in Edinburgh, and telling these curious tales is what this tour is all about! Local doctor Moray Grigor is an Edinburgh native and lover of the city, and has been collecting some of the best of its stories to bring to you. Starting just below the Castle, we’ll be touring down the world-famous Royal Mile, ducking into alleys and back courts as we go, and we’ll be hearing the most outlandish, amusing and fascinating anecdotes of the Old Town, many collected by Edinburgh publisher and author Robert Chambers right back in 1824. In Edinburgh, truth really is stranger than fiction – as Dr Grigor will be delighted to show you!

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.

On this evening walk you will discover Edinburgh's dark side. Hangman's noose and witches' brew, heinous deeds and restless spirits - the closes of the Old Town will reveal their horrible secrets to those brave enough to listen. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! This tour can be anything from mildly spooky to full-on disturbing - just let me know!