Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Small Group Guided Tour

Edinburgh , Scotland

Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Small Group Guided Tour

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(31 reviews)

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About this experience

Discover the rich history and charm of Edinburgh's Old Town on our walking tour through the city's most significant places and monuments including Edinburgh Castle!

Our tour begins on the historic Royal Mile where your guide will issue you with our bespoke map and begin to lead you along the cobbled streets and down the hidden closes to uncover Edinburgh's most fascinating tales.

You will cover all of the Old Town's major sights including; The Royal Mile, St Giles' Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard, The Writers Museum, The Grassmarket, and Victoria Street.

Your guide will then lead you into Edinburgh Castle. Here they will share the highlights of the 3,000 year old fortress, from stories of daring midnight raids, deadly banquets, the birth of a king, and the death of a queen

Your tour will conclude in the royal heart of Edinburgh Castle where we recommend setting aside further time for independent exploration of the museums and galleries which are not accessible during the tour.

Available options

Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Small Group Guided Tour

What's included

Admissions to Edinburgh Castle

Professional Guide

Detailed itinerary

Our meeting point. You will meet your guide here where a short introduction will take place before setting off.

Stop 2 Pass by

This is where you will learn of the tumultuous history of religion in Scotland

Here you will learn of the crosses purpose and of the events that have taken place here throughout the centuries

Edinburgh's most haunted graveyard, home to many Harry Potter "inspirations" and a famously good dog!

Stop 5 Pass by

The vibrant quarter of the Old Town which has played host to some of the darkest moments

Stop 6 Pass by

The most beautiful street in Edinburgh? We think so, but there's more than meets the eye with this street

Stop 7 Pass by

The ancient approach to Edinburgh Castle

Stop 8

Here you will enter the castle with your guide who will share with you the highlights of Edinburgh's most impressive fortress.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility

Meeting point

We meet at The Statue of David Hume on The Royal Mile. Look out for our Black and White "EDI Tours" umbrellas.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture