Edinburgh: Small-Group Old Town Historical Walking Tour

Edinburgh’s Old Town holds a captivating history, and the Small-Group Old Town Historical Walking Tour promises to unveil its hidden gems. Led by expert guides, this 1.5-hour experience immerses visitors in the city’s vibrant past, exploring secret closes, wynds, and courtyards while uncovering tales of crime, culture, and politics. With a focus on captivating narratives, the tour offers a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s rich tapestry, leaving participants eager to discover more about this enchanting destination.

Key Points

• A 1.5-hour guided exploration of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, focusing on crime, politics, culture, and real-life stories.
• Led by expert guides through hidden closes, wynds, and courtyards, revealing the city’s lesser-known narratives and underworld.
• Insights into the cultural vibrancy, intellectual debates, and power struggles that shaped the area during the Scottish Enlightenment.
• Captivating storytelling experience with immersive exploration of atmospheric historic sites and the lives that shaped Edinburgh’s past.
• Suitable for most visitors, but not recommended for those with mobility impairments; children under 5 not permitted.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Edinburgh: Small-Group Old Town Historical Walking Tour offers a 1.5-hour guided exploration of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.

Explore the historic Old Town of Edinburgh on a 1.5-hour guided small-group walking tour.

Priced from $31.14 per person, this tour allows visitors to discover the hidden sites, stories, and secrets of the city’s Old Town.

Tours start at the Mercat Cross on The Royal Mile, and participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is wheelchair accessible but not suitable for those with mobility impairments, and children under 5 aren’t permitted.

Exploring Old Town Edinburgh

As visitors embark on the Edinburgh: Small-Group Old Town Historical Walking Tour, they’ll be immersed in the rich tapestry of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.

Led by an expert guide, they’ll explore hidden closes, wynds, and courtyards, uncovering the city’s complex past.

From crime and politics to culture and real-life stories, the tour offers a unique journey through the lesser-known narratives that have shaped this iconic Scottish destination.

With the aid of TourTalk audio devices, guests can immerse themselves fully in the experience, ensuring clear communication even in noisy environments.

Hidden Sites and Secrets

While navigating the winding streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the tour explores a trove of hidden sites and long-forgotten secrets.

Guides lead guests down closes, wynds, and courtyards, revealing the city’s underworld of crime, politics, and everyday life. Visitors uncover the hidden histories of historic homes, alleyways, and hidden gardens.

The tour delves into the culture and character of Old Town, sharing lesser-known stories that bring the past to life. With the aid of audio devices, guests can hear the guide’s narrative clearly, even in the bustling urban environment.

This unique journey offers a captivating glimpse into Edinburgh’s hidden world.

Closes, Wynds, and Historic Homes

Navigating the winding streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the tour takes visitors down closes, wynds, and courtyards to uncover the hidden histories of historic homes.

Participants explore:

• Unique architectural features of residential properties, like ornate doorways and stained-glass windows

• Intriguing stories of past residents, from nobles to notorious criminals

• Remnants of Edinburgh’s medieval past, preserved in the layout and design of the city’s oldest neighborhoods

These hidden gems offer a glimpse into the daily lives and challenges faced by the people who once called this ancient city home.

More Great Tours Nearby

Culture, Crime, and Politics

Though rich in history, Edinburgh’s Old Town was also a hub of cultural vibrancy and political intrigue. Lively taverns and theaters hosted performances and discussions, while back alleys witnessed the darker side of the city – illicit trades, criminal activities, and even body snatching. The Scottish Enlightenment flourished here, with philosophers and intellectuals debating the ideas that would shape the nation. Yet, power struggles and social divides also ran deep, as the tour reveals:

| Category | Details |

| — | — |

| Culture | Thriving arts, literature, and intellectual life |

| Crime | Illicit trades, body snatching, and dark underbelly |

| Politics | Scottish Enlightenment, power struggles, social divides |

Unique Storytelling Experience

The tour’s unique storytelling experience allows visitors to uncover Edinburgh’s captivating past through engaging narratives and vivid descriptions.

Tour guides, experts in local history, skillfully weave tales that bring the city’s hidden sites, stories, and secrets to life.

Participants explore:

• Atmospheric closes, wynds, and courtyards, seeing the ambiance of Old Town.

• Historic homes, uncovering the real people and their lives that shaped Edinburgh’s culture, crime, and politics.

• Unique perspectives on lesser-known stories, offering a fresh glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.

This intimate journey captivates the senses and sparks the imagination, leaving a lasting impression of Edinburgh’s fascinating past.

Practical Information

Visitors meet at the Mercat Cross on The Royal Mile (High Street), arriving 15 minutes before the tour start time.

The 1.5-hour walking tour costs $31.14 per person, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

The 1.5-hour walking tour costs $31.14 per person, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. The tour is wheelchair accessible but not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Children under 5 aren’t permitted. Audio devices called TourTalk are included, ensuring clear communication with the expert local guide.

Customer Testimonials

Travelers have praised the Edinburgh: Small-Group Old Town Historical Walking Tour for its exceptional guide and high-quality audio equipment.

As one reviewer, Kate from the UK, noted, "The use of headphones provided clear sound quality, even in noisy conditions."

Another customer, Alison from Australia, praised the guide and the comfort of standing without crowding.

Dipesh from India also highlighted the "excellent quality of audio equipment."

The tour’s customer ratings reflect its value, with a 4.5/5 rating for value for money and a 4.8/5 rating for the guide.

• Exceptional guide

• High-quality audio equipment

• Comfortable, uncrowded experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Bathroom Break During the Tour?

The tour information does not specify if there is a scheduled bathroom break during the 1.5-hour walking tour. However, participants can likely request a restroom stop if needed during the tour’s duration.

Can We Bring Outside Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring outside food and drinks on the tour, but they should be mindful of not consuming them in a way that disrupts the experience for others. It’s best to enjoy them during any breaks or before/after the tour.

How Many People Are in the Small Group?

The small group size is not specified, but it’s described as a "small-group" tour, suggesting an intimate experience with a limited number of participants. The exact group size is likely capped to ensure a personalized and comfortable walking experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Hearing Impairments?

The tour includes audio devices for clear communication, which can be beneficial for those with hearing impairments. However, it’s noted that the tour may not be suitable for people with significant mobility issues.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Photos and videos are generally allowed during walking tours, though participants should check with the tour guide beforehand. Guidelines may vary to ensure the comfort and experience of the group.

The Sum Up

The Small-Group Old Town Historical Walking Tour offers a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s storied past. Guided by experts, visitors explore hidden alleyways and uncover captivating narratives about the city’s rich cultural, criminal, and political history. This immersive 1.5-hour experience provides a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s vibrant heritage, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: