Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

Edinburgh’s Old Town hides a captivating past, and the Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour is the perfect way to uncover it. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this 2-hour exploration delves into the rich heritage of the UNESCO-listed area, revealing historical tales behind iconic landmarks. With an impressive 4.8 rating, the tour offers an immersive experience that’s not to be missed. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the city’s past, this walking tour promises to…

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Key Points

The 2-hour guided walking tour explores the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Edinburgh, highlighting key landmarks like Mercat Cross and St. Giles Cathedral.
Knowledgeable local guides provide historical context and insights into Edinburgh’s rich heritage, including the Scottish Enlightenment and Harry Potter connections.
The tour covers the winding streets and alleys of the Old Town, offering an immersive experience focused on the area’s history and culture.
Pricing starts from $23.35 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and an option to reserve now and pay later.
The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, and children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

Edinburgh’s Old Town Walking Tour provides visitors with a captivating exploration of the city’s historic heart.

Priced from $23.35 per person, the 2-hour tour takes guests through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, uncovering its winding streets and iconic landmarks like the Mercat Cross and St. Giles Cathedral.

Along the way, the live English-speaking guide shares tales of "Auld Reekie," the Scottish Enlightenment, and Harry Potter inspirations.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this walking tour offers a convenient and engaging way to experience Edinburgh’s rich history.

Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in Edinburgh

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour is priced from $23.35 per person.

The 2-hour guided tour provides excellent value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it a convenient option.

The 2-hour guided tour provides excellent value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it a convenient option.

The tour explores the UNESCO World Heritage site of Edinburgh’s Old Town, showcasing its winding streets, historic landmarks, and fascinating tales.

Whether you’re interested in Scottish history, architecture, or Harry Potter inspirations, this walking tour offers an immersive experience led by knowledgeable local guides.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Town, the walking tour showcases the city’s winding streets and alleys, where visitors can discover a wealth of historic landmarks.

Highlights include the Mercat Cross, a symbol of Edinburgh’s medieval past, and the imposing St. Giles Cathedral, known for its Gothic architecture.

Delving into the city’s colorful history, the tour covers topics like Auld Reekie, the Scottish Enlightenment, and Harry Potter inspirations.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, guests gain a deeper appreciation for Edinburgh’s rich heritage and the stories that have shaped this captivating city.

Itinerary and Landmarks

As visitors embark on the walking tour, they’ll witness the city’s winding streets and alleys, which serve as the backdrop for a journey through Edinburgh’s rich history.

Winding streets and alleys serve as the backdrop for a journey through Edinburgh’s rich history.

The tour highlights include:

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Edinburgh’s Old Town, where the group will discover iconic landmarks like the Mercat Cross, St. Giles Cathedral, and Grassmarket.
Learning about the city’s intriguing past, from its dubious "Auld Reekie" nickname to the Scottish Enlightenment and Harry Potter inspirations.
Engaging with a live guide who provides in-depth historical context and local insights throughout the 2-hour walking experience.

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Meeting Point and Accessibility

Until March 31st, the meeting point for the Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour is Hot Toddy, located at 15 – 19 Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DR. From April 1st, the meeting point shifts to 192 High Street (Royal Mile) next to the Adam Smith Statue, outside Caffe Nero.

| Meeting Point | Until March 31 | From April 1 |

|—————|—————|————–|

| Location | Hot Toddy | 192 High Street |

| Address | 15 – 19 Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DR | Next to Adam Smith Statue, outside Caffe Nero |

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

How do the reviews and ratings for the Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour shape up? Based on over 1,700 customer evaluations, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Notably:

The tour guide quality has been praised, earning a stellar 4.9 rating.
Participants have found the tour to offer excellent value for money, with a 4.8 rating in this category.

Glowing reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness, knowledgeability, and ability to engage the audience, making the walking tour a must-do activity in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.

What to Bring and Important Information

Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for the Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour.

Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for the Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour.

The itinerary may be subject to change. The tour includes a guided walking experience, but food and drinks aren’t provided.

After the tour, guests will be near bars, restaurants, cafes, and transport links, making it easy to continue exploring the city.

Accessibility is limited, as the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Getting to the Tour

The Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour’s meeting point changes seasonally.

From April 1st onward, the tour departs from the 192 High Street (Royal Mile) next to the Adam Smith Statue, outside Caffe Nero.

Until March 31st, the meeting point is at Hot Toddy, located at 15 – 19 Jeffrey Street, EH1 1DR.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Additionally:

Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
The tour includes a guide and walking tour, but food and drinks aren’t included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Conducted in Any Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is conducted in English only. There’s no information provided about it being offered in other languages. The focus seems to be on exploring Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with a live English-speaking guide.

Do the Guides Provide Any Historical Artifacts or Props During the Tour?

The guides don’t provide historical artifacts or props during the tour. The focus is on sharing stories and information about Edinburgh’s Old Town through the guided walking experience.

How Large Are the Tour Groups Typically?

The tour groups are typically small, with an average size of 15-20 participants. This allows for an intimate and interactive experience with the guide, who can provide personalized attention and respond to questions throughout the walking tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly offer discounts for students or seniors. However, some tour operators may provide reduced pricing or special offers, so it’s best to check with the specific tour provider for any available discounts.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private or Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private or group bookings. Customers can contact the tour provider to request customizations like specialized themes, smaller or larger group sizes, or additional duration. Pricing may vary based on the requested changes.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour offers an immersive 2-hour experience that allows visitors to explore the rich heritage of the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour provides an engaging exploration of the area’s landmarks and historical tales, making it a highly recommended activity for anyone interested in discovering Edinburgh’s captivating past.

You can check availability for your dates here: