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Discover Scotland's history on our award-winning Edinburgh tours  

~ Local Edinburgh guide            ~ Travellers' Choice 2023 winner        ~ 99% of reviews are 'Excellent'

Our recommended private tour of Edinburgh

Private New Town and Old Town tour 

Discover the history of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Site on this five-star rated three-hour private tour.  Start in the magnificent Georgian New Town, get some of the best views in the city (be sure to charge up your camera phone!), discover the history of the incredible Royal Mile, and let our award-winning Edinburgh tour guide take you into picturesque closes and wynds often missed by most visitors.

Top tip; the High Street and Lawnmarket sections of the Royal Mile can be very busy in July and August.  During those months, we highly recommend this tour because you'll spend more time in some of the quieter but equally fascinating parts of the historic Old Town. 

Prices start from £90

Your private tour starts at 10 am or 2 pm

5-star rated tour on Tripadvisor and Viator

"Local knowledge meant that on my tour I was shown the nooks and crannies, the hidden gems and the photo opportunities that I had expressed an interest in. 10 out of 10! What a great time, the perfect mix of fact and story telling and worth every penny and more!"  Cheryl C, Tripadvisor, October, 2022

Choose from our range of Edinburgh tours

Private Old Edinburgh tour

Get an intimate understanding of Edinburgh's world-famous  Old Town .   Learn about some of our most important buildings and explore evocative historic side streets, courtyards, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.  Your Edinburgh tour guide will use incredible archive images to help you imagine the capital as it was centuries ago!

Prices start from £85 for a private tour for one person

5-star rated tour on Tripadvisor

Viator Badge of Excellence winning tour

Private Royal Mile tour

Explore Scotland's most historic street on this  Royal Mile tour .  Visit picturesque little closes which most visitors miss and walk in the very places where so much of Scotland's history happened.  

Top tip: we recommend this tour during July and August.  You'll spend more time in the less crowded parts of the Royal Mile than on our Private Old Edinburgh tour.

Private Greyfriars Kirkyard tour

Our award-winning  Greyfriars Kirkyard tour  is perfect for anyone who wants to explore one of the world’s most famous burial grounds.  Learn about bodysnatchers, murderers, tortured lords, executed Covenanters and our famous wee dog.

Prices start from £70 for a private tour for one person

Bespoke tours for larger groups

Want a tailor-made Edinburgh tour?  We LOVE planning tours to suit larger groups.  We can offer tours to cover areas of interest and specific start/finish locations, and we can put together a tour for the time you have available. So please email us, and let's start planning your Edinburgh experience!  ​

Edinburgh tours for primary schools

Take your learning outdoors and into old Edinburgh!

We believe there's no better way to learn about old Edinburgh than to be IN the Old Town.   Our tours for Edinburgh schools have been expertly designed by our tour guide, a primary teacher with over 25 years of experience as a primary teacher.  Your learners will hear stories, see sights, and use archive maps, images, and documents.  We currently offer activity tours on Castles, Old Edinburgh, Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites, and also a tour which focuses on life for Edinburgh's poorest Victorians.  

£3 per pupil (some tours add an additional 50p payment to City of Edinburgh Council for the use of Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Led by a qualified teacher with PVG certification.

"The tour lasted for two hours but the time flew by with Mr Howie telling tales of old and providing the children (32 of them!) with a selection of primary and secondary sources so they could be the history detectives and investigate dark goings on with torture, body snatchers, ‘rubbish’ walls, explosions, Royal visits and quite a bit about poo too. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough for any educator studying the local history of this city with children at first or second level (ks1 and ks2). Reliable and unreliable sources? Check! Primary and secondary sources? Check! Compare and contrast society then and now? Check! Interpret historical evidence? Check! The tour that really does tick all the boxes. And it’s fun too!"  MsFMorse, Tripadvisor, March, 2022

What our guests are saying

Excellent attention to detail and helpful access.

I am a wheelchair user and my travel agent booked this tour because she knew I was a history buff. My experience with Robert I think started almost immediately. He started communicating with me via Viator and asking what I needed in terms of access and what interested me so that he could tailor the tour to my needs. We met at the hotel and he had a rough route planned out. He tweaked this slightly according to our needs. The end result was an informative and fun tour which we very much enjoyed. I don’t feel as if I missed out on anything and was very happy with our tour. 

Tripadvisor review by Kirsty T  - August, 2023

BEST Tour Ever!

Our private tour of Old Edinburgh with Robert Howie was AMAZING! Best tour each of us has ever been on. Robert was engaging, knowledgeable, funny, and tailored the tour to our interests. We were hanging on his every word and didn't want the tour to end. So glad we saw Old Edinburgh this way. Thank you Robert!

Tripadvisor review by Ron H - September, 2023

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Every review you leave makes a huge difference to our company.  we're a very small company and the edinburgh tours market is incredibly competitive.  we really do appreciate your kindness in leaving a review on either tripadvisor or google.    please, a small plea from us; if you're thinking of booking a tour with us, please book directly on this website .  a direct booking with us (rather than on tripadvisor, allows us to use greater flexibility with any requests you may have and you have all the security and benefits you'd have if you booked through a third-party..

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 Edinburgh Tour Guides

We are a family run tour company that prides itself on providing private tours of Edinburgh and Scotland. With your time in Scotland we will show you the best views, locations and landmarks. All while providing historical background of Scotland and making each trip individual.

Every tour we operate is unique. From a Day Trip from Edinburgh to an Outlander Experience Tour or to a Multi-Day Tour of Scotland . Each experience is different, however we guarantee to make your trip memorable.

Our private premium service includes knowledgable local tour guide, bottled water and hotel pick up and drop off.

Make sure to check our gallery to see more of what we do! We look forward to taking you on a tour with us soon.

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15 Best Tours in Edinburgh [2024]

Boasting a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the most iconic castles on earth, elegant Georgian architecture and much more, the Scottish capital surely belongs on everyone’s bucket list. If you want to discover this enchanting city, then booking the best tours in Edinburgh is an easy and enjoyable way to do exactly that. 

This guide to the best Edinburgh tours is here to help you choose which tours you should take. From foodie or whisky tasting experiences to spooky, Harry Potter and hop-on hop-off tours, there really is so much scope in this stunning city. 

Edinburgh Castle Tour: Fast-Track Guided Tour in English

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $$ | Duration: 1.5 hours

Booking an Edinburgh castle tour can really help you make the most of visiting this famous location. I t also includes skip-the-line entry to save you precious time . 

The experience commences with a walk up the Royal Mile, before taking your guided tour of the famous fortress. This includes explanations of the castle dungeons, the iconic one o’clock gun salute and the Argyle Battery. 

→ Click here to check prices and availability

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

Rating: 4.5⭐| Price: $ | Duration: 1 hour

If the best underground tour in Edinburgh is what you want to find, check out this spooky tour of the city’s ancient underground vaults. It’s said that ghosts lurk here beneath the Old Town, and during the one hour tour your guide will regale you with gory tales about witchcraft and historic murders in the area.

Exploring the South Bridge vaults puts an entirely new spin on things, so don’t miss this if you want to see a different side to this elegant city!

Edinburgh: The Dark Side Walking Tour

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 2 hours

Another of the more quirky Edinburgh tours is this Dark Side walking tour. Expect to hear all about Burke and Hare, the city’s most notorious murderers, as well as the trials and even burnings that witches once endured. The practices of grave robbing and body snatching, plus stories of real life vampires and cannibals, are also discussed.

Sites visited during the tour include narrow, twisting alleyways, Calton Hill, the Old Calton Burial Ground, one of Edinburgh’s chilling cemeteries or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery. The tour finishes at a local pub near the Royal Mile where you can purchase a beverage to steady your nerves!

Edinburgh: Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour

Rating: 4.5⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 1 hour

If all that after-dark activity sounds a little too gruesome for your tastes, then the best ghost tour in Edinburgh to book might be a more light-hearted comedy horror trip. Your conductor will share tales of ghosts, murder, grave robbings and victims of the plague as you ride around town.

The tour takes you through both the ancient Old Town and the Georgian New Town. It all takes place aboard a restored and black-painted vintage double decker bus. This was the sole survivor of the Necropolis Bus Company fleet, following a rather mysterious 1967 fire. This is a fun, light-hearted tour and a perfect option if you’re travelling with teenagers!

Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

Rating: 4.8⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 2 hours

This highly rated city tour of Edinburgh allows you to truly explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the safe hands of your knowledgeable tour guide, you’ll stroll along the twisting streets of the historic Old Town.

Expect to be enjoyably entertained throughout this tour, as your guide shares all the stories you’ll want to hear about the Scottish capital. Sights to see include the old pubs of Grassmarket, places that inspired J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, St. Giles Cathedral and more. 

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $$ | Duration: 2 hours

Should you be seeking fun Edinburgh tours for the whole family, this Harry Potter locations tour could be spot-on. As well as sites associated with the books and movies about the boy wizard, you’ll also visit key Edinburgh landmarks such as Princes Street, the Old Town and the castle.

J. K. Rowling wrote much of the books in Edinburgh, and during the tour you’ll see sights that inspired her works. These include the Castlehill graveyard that doubles as Voldemort’s final resting place, and winding lanes that Diagon Alley was based on. 

Edinburgh: JK Rowling’s Edinburgh & the Writing of Harry Potter

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $$ | Duration: 4.25 hours

Another contender as best walking tour in Edinburgh for a Harry Potter fan is this magical guided tour with Sam. Discover the many Edinburgh locations that inspired JK Rowling. You’ll also get the chance to find out which Hogwarts house you’d be placed in. As well as whether you’re a muggle, a squib or a pure-blood witch or wizard. 

It’s worth noting that this is a long tour lasting over 4 hours so if you’re short on time or prefer a shorter walking tour, check out the other Harry Potter tour listed above.

Edinburgh: Comedy Walking Tour with Professional Comedian

Rating: 4.9⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 2 hours

This walking tour led by a professional comedian has to be among the most entertaining tours in Edinburgh. Setting out from the Monkey Barrel Comedy Club in the Old Town, you’ll learn all sorts of fun local facts and trivia during the two hour walk.

Expect some swearing, adult humour and a strong Scottish accent from your guide, which is why this tour is intended for over-16s only. If you want to know why the gun salute takes place every day at one o’clock or other city facts, this could be your chance to find out. This recent review says it all:

“BEST SIGHTSEEING TOUR EVER! Seriously guys, if you’re thinking about booking any of the walking tours through Edinburgh, THIS ONE is the one to go for! Daniel is not only incredibly funny, but also really knows his Scottish History!”

Edinburgh: 24-Hour Family-Friendly Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Rating: 4.5⭐ | Price: $ | Validity: 1 day

As with many cities across the world, some of the best tours of Edinburgh are jump-on, jump-off bus tours where you can travel when you please. This one is especially family friendly, and tickets are valid for 24 hours. 

With stunning city views throughout, this tour allows you to see places like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, the New Town, Castle Rock and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You can hop off whenever you like to explore further, before boarding another bus to take you somewhere else. 

Edinburgh: Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Rating: 4.8⭐ | Price: $$ | Validity: 2 days

Royal Edinburgh is the focus for this hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Tickets include three fast-track entrance tickets for the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle as well as flexible transport for up to 48 hours.

To simplify things even further, your pass includes use of buses operated by three different hop-on-hop-off bus tour companies. These are Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour and Edinburgh City Sightseeing.

Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

You simply cannot come to Edinburgh as an adult without sampling the famous Scottish tipple! This whisky tasting and tour allows you to do exactly that. Your guide will also teach you about the five Scottish whisky-making regions. 

Comprising close to 3,500 bottles, one of the largest whisky collections on the planet also forms part of this tour. Single malt and blended whisky tastings are also included, and you’ll also get a crystal tasting glass to keep as a souvenir. 

Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

Another option for whisky lovers! If you’re looking for something to do in Edinburgh during the evening, how about this whisky tasting experience? It includes local history and folklore tales, so you can learn about the city while sipping for single malts.

The tour takes place on the atmospheric Royal Mile, after meeting your guide at the aptly-named Hot Toddy. With the whole of the first floor reserved for your group, there’s plenty of space to stretch out in while learning about Scottish whisky production. You’ll also sample four distinctive single malts from different distilling regions of Scotland. You can also choose to do the tour with no drinks included.

Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour

Rating: 4.8⭐ | Price: $$ | Duration: 3 hours

Whether you’re searching for unusual tours in Edinburgh because you’re a second-time visitor or because you really like to get under the skin of a city, this secret food tour can tick that box. Lasting for three hours, you’ll make half a dozen stops to sample Scottish delicacies.

Food and drinks to taste during the tour include haggis, neeps and tatties (mashed swede and potatoes), local cheeses, scones with butter and jam, gin and of course single malt whisky. The secret dish might also tickle your tastebuds. 

Edinburgh: Silent Disco Adventure Tour

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 1 hour

If you want to experience Edinburgh in a truly unique way, then surely this Silent Disco tour is unbeatable! It’s not for shy and retiring types, though, as you’ll need to sing and dance your way through the city streets.

Moving through the historic Scottish capital to hits from several decades, you’ll pass lots of famous landmarks en route. It’s a different way to see the city, that’s for certain. 

Edinburgh: Chocolatarium Tour, Tasting & Chocolate Making

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 1.5 hours

A tour of Edinburgh’s Chocolatarium also provides visitors with something different to do while visiting the city. During the 90 minute experience you’ll discover how chocolate is produced, from South American cacao plantations to the finished bars available from Scottish chocolate makers.

You can even make your own chocolates, including the flavours of your choice, as part of the tour. Sampling Scottish and global chocolates is also included, with options ranging from chilli to whisky. I took my daughter here for something a little quirky to do together and we had such a fantastic time!

Whether you prefer the idea of dancing and singing your way through the streets, laughing until your sides split or visiting a Chocolatarium, we hope you’ve enjoyed discovering 15 of the finest Edinburgh city tours!

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The fun never ends in Edinburgh! Enjoy one of our private tours to the spellbinding Edinburgh Castle, the photogenic Royal Mile or the historic Victoria Street. Discover the incredible things to do in the city with the local of our choice.

Top 10 things to do in Edinburgh

Make your stay in Edinburgh complete with these things to do

1 The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh

2 City Escape: Loch Ness Day Trip

3 Empowering Change: Uncover History with a Crime & Punishment Storytelling Tour

4 Treasures of Edinburgh: Ghosts, myths and legends Tour

5 Highlights & Hidden Gems of Edinburgh

6 City Escape: Highlands Day Trip

7 The History of Edinburgh: Robert Louis Stevenson Tour

8 Support Reducing Homelessness with a Royal Mile Tour

9 City Escape: St Andrews Day Trip

10 Beautiful East Lothian Beaches Private Day Trip

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The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh

City escape: loch ness day trip, empowering change: uncover history with a crime & punishment storytelling tour, treasures of edinburgh: ghosts, myths and legends tour, highlights & hidden gems of edinburgh, city escape: highlands day trip, the history of edinburgh: robert louis stevenson tour, support reducing homelessness with a royal mile tour, find experiences by category.

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Magical city

"Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen, beside the amazing architecture, history and stories are the very important part of its character so the proper walking tour with the local tour guide is the best way to experience this beautiful city. Our tour guide Alec was a good storyteller and very knowledgeable. We had so much fun walking and talking and learning about all aspects of Edinburgh. I highly recommend him :) "

Great tour with Monica!

"We had such a fantastic tour with Monica! She was incredibly friendly & knowledgeable. She got to know us and showed us things based on our interests. We could've spent the whole day with her! Thanks Monica!"

History of Edinburgh

"Marvellous Edinburgh city and its history introduced by highly educated and friendly local Alec - highly recommended! Jana and Lukas"

Great overview

"We really enjoyed our morning with Alice exploring Edinburgh and hearing stories. Although it was foggy and misty, we really feel like we had a great tour of old town and learned a lot of history and tales. "

Personalised insider’s guide

"I can not recommend Alec and his hidden gems tour enough. He had the hard task of impressing my three teenagers and deftly managed to balance impressive broad historical points (including a sense of scale that resonated with the kids) with fun quirky facts and personal anecdotes which captivated the teens. I’m already recommending Alec to fellow travellers planning their next edinburgh trip! Thank you Alec! "

Fantastic tour

"Alex is the best. His deep knowledge of the area, especially the history, is without peer. We had a great time. DO NOT eat before tour. The food was plentiful and delicious. Highly recommend. "

An Amazing Guide in Edinburgh!!

"Alice was such a fantastic guide!! She is such an amazing storyteller and made our introduction to Edinburgh so enjoyable. She has so much knowledge about local stories and hidden gems and is a natural in presenting them that it made our 3 hour tour fly by despite the weather not always cooperating. I would highly recommend Alice to anyone traveling to Edinburgh. She was the best!!!!"

Incredible Storyteller & Guide

"Alice is the type of person that you think you’ve known for a long time. Her ease with conversation is a gift. She listens as much as she story-tells. The tour was a delightful way to learn about the many characters of the city. We learned so much from our three hours with Alice. There’s no way we could have learned all that we did without her. Booking her was the highlight of the trip! David & Michael -Connecticut "

It’s like having a friend show you around!

"I recently experienced a delightful private food tour in Edinburgh, Scotland, and it exceeded my expectations. The knowledgeable guide led us through charming streets, introducing us to hidden culinary gems. From traditional haggis to artisanal Scotch whiskies, each tasting was a sensory delight. The personalized attention and insider stories made the tour truly memorable. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a unique and flavorful journey through Edinburgh's culinary landscape."

We really enjoyed our time with Monica

"Monica was super nice and really knew allot of the history of the spots she showed us. She even took the time to stop at one of the shops so we could ask the merchant about their wool jumpers (we later went back and bought one). She gave us some great recommendations about which pubs had the best music and gave us great advice on some good restaurants to go to. We highly recommend her, she helped make our trip to Edinburgh a memorable one!"

Enjoy the Best of the Edinburgh Like a Local

Incredible activities at every turn in edinburgh.

Take in the sights of the city like a local and discover precisely where to go in Edinburgh for an exhilarating journey. From enchanting architecture to fascinating history, you will be enthralled by the captivating things to do in Edinburgh. Follow the lead of your friendly local host to have an unforgettable experience in Edinburgh. History buffs will be captivated by the riveting stories of the city’s past and architecture lovers will be amazed by the gorgeous designs in Old Town and New Town. Taking a stroll down the cobblestone streets of the Royal Mile is one of the most fascinating things to do in Edinburgh. Your local host will show you exactly what to do in Edinburgh if you wish to uncover all the city’s vibrant history among its hidden alleyways. When looking for mesmerizing activities in Edinburgh, look no further than a visit to the glorious Edinburgh Castle. This breathtaking fortress has stood the test of time and has watched over the city for centuries. If you are ever stuck on what to do in Edinburgh, just waltz down the famous Victoria Street for lovely shops and some of the most colorful images in town. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is one of the most spellbinding things to see in Edinburgh. If you are searching for unforgettable activities in Edinburgh, a private tour is a wonderful way to make your adventure 100% customizable. Just tell your local host of your interests and they will take care of everything for you!

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We had a wonderful visit to Scotland. Our tour guide took us throughout the Royal Mile. We learned many hidden secrets about this amazing city. He made sure that we made all the stops on our list. He also pointed out many beautiful spots that as a tourist you might miss with knowing where to look. I would highly recommend this private tour.

We had a lovely time. We learned so much about Edinburgh history, enjoyed a walk through the Royal Mile and a few sips of whiskey along the way. Lovely afternoon.

She was the best storyteller ever. Showed us such amazing history things. Loved her!!!

My entire family enjoyed our day with Gee! He was adept at conducting our outing to keep my kids interested but my husband I still felt engaged. He chose a restaurant for lunch and we all enjoyed our food. Even though we'd just met that day, the conversation flowed; his company was a pleasure. I would definitely recommend booking a family friendly tour with Gee!

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Private Tours in Edinburgh Whether you have a full day, half a day, or just three hours, it’s more than enough time to experience the best things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland’s storybook capital, on a private tour with City Unscripted. Led by a local guide who’s already uncovered every inch of their hometown, our personalized tours of Edinburgh let you explore the best of the city beyond its tourist sights. It’s no secret that Edinburgh is overflowing with attractions that span centuries, from Gothic architecture and towering spires to old lamplit streets lined by medieval tenements. But on a private tour of Edinburgh, our insiders give you an authentic snapshot of the local lifestyle that can’t be found at the city’s tourist traps. A walking tour of Edinburgh’s winding cobbled streets reveals everything that makes the city special to the people who call it home. With our wide range of city tours of Edinburgh for every type of traveler, it’s never been easier to see the city through a local lens. Private tours in Edinburgh will open the city up for exploration in ways that a guidebook never could – simply tell us what a dream Edinburgh experience looks like to you, and we’ll make it happen!

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A Local’s Guide to Edinburgh & Lesser-Known Recommendations

13 Aug, 2021

If you’re seeking a truly local guide to Edinburgh, we are more than happy to help. Edinburgh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. That means there’s an abundance of guidebooks and blogs telling tourists where they should visit. Many of these guides are great… but some are also a little too mainstream for visitors looking for the quintessential Edinburgh experience.

As Inspiring Travel specialises in tailormade Scotland tours , we make it our mission to know all of the best spots in Edinburgh. Many of our guests begin or end their Scotland trips in Edinburgh. That’s we ensure we know every top spot in the capital to provide unique recommendations for each traveller.

Whilst we can’t give away all of our secrets, we can still share plenty in this local’s guide to Edinburgh!

A Visitor’s Guide to Edinburgh

To get started, you’ll probably want to read our guide on the best time to visit Edinburgh . We’ve also written about hotels in Edinburgh and even covered the famous tourist spots in Edinburgh . If your interests are particular to any of those specific topics, feel free to browse those details.

The following information helps those looking for popular spots with unique insights. After all, as locals, we have favourite places in Edinburgh that aren’t as well-known!

Explore the Royal Mile’s Closes and Hidden Secrets

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is actually a series of consecutive streets. You might spot signs for Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate, and Abbey Strand. Altogether, they make up approximately a mile of road between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

The Royal Mile is arguably the most famous street(s) in the city. You could (and should!) spend several days exploring its shops, churches, and secret closes.

Here are some lesser-known highlights on the Royal Mile…

Scotland has a bloody, but fascinating, history with witches. You may like to check out the Witches’ Well, just beyond Edinburgh Castle’s gate. The Witches Well is a plaque on the site where hundreds of witches were burnt during the 16 th and 17 th centuries.

You’ll find the Heart of Midlothian on the High Street section of the Royal Mile. It’s located just outside St Giles Cathedral, which graces Edinburgh’s Old Town skyline. The Cathedral is an architectural beauty and well worth a wander inside.

Back outside, the Heart of Midlothian is a heart shape made from granite paving stones. It marks the spot of an old tollbooth, or former prison.

You may see people spitting on this spot (but rarely, as Scots are quite polite!) as it is supposed to bring them good luck. However, luck wasn’t the original purpose for spitting on this spot. The Heart of Midlothian marks the door to the old prison and spitting was originally a way for passersby to show their contempt.

Wander the Closes and Wynds

The many closes on the Royal Mile are little alleyways leading to enclosed or walled areas away from the hustle and bustle. Don’t be intimidated by them — see them as secret passageways with stories to tell.

As you walk down the Royal Mile, look left and right for the closes. Venture down any that strike your fancy.

Old Assembly Close is the site of the biggest fire in Edinburgh’s history. The fire took place in 1824 and it took five days to extinguish the flames.

Visit Riddle’s Court to learn the story that coined the term ‘got off scot-free’. Seek out Dunbar’s Close to find a beautiful hidden garden.

And visit Brodie’s Close, which has a groove cut into a step made by a Jacobite soldier sharpening his sword. There are so many different closes to explore, each with its own story to tell.

A Guide to Edinburgh & Whisky

As you might expect from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is a whisky lover’s paradise. You’ll find numerous whisky bars scattered around the city. There is also the very popular Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile.

There are simply too many whisky bars – and too much to say about whisky – to possibly cover in this guide to Edinburgh. But you can use this guide to everything you need to know about whisky before you visit Scotland ! 

If whisky is one of the reasons you’re interested in visiting Scotland, then you might also be interested in our Whisky Trail by Luxury Train & Taste of Edinburgh package .

See the Penguin Parade at Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh has one of the best zoos in the United Kingdom. It has a dazzling array of exotic animals, including lions, chimpanzees, greater one-horn rhinoceros, and the UK’s only two giant pandas.

However, one feature of Edinburgh Zoo seems to thrill locals and tourists alike. That is the Penguin Parade each day at 2 pm. The skilful keepers have managed to teach Gentoo, King, and Rockhopper penguins to take a short walk around a portion of the zoo.

These charming waddling birds get up close and walk through the pathway made by visitors lined up on either side of the parade. The penguin parade is as charming as it sounds. It’s a must for anyone who visits Edinburgh Zoo.

If you’re eager to see the penguins and can’t wait until you visit Edinburgh, check out the live Penguin Cam !

A Guide to the Edinburgh Festivals

Commonly called the Edinburgh Festival, a collection of festivals all take place in August. For one month, Edinburgh transforms into the biggest arts, comedy, and theatre festival in the World.

Perhaps the biggest part of the festival is The Fringe. It offers an array of comedy and theatre shows by aspiring amateurs and big celebrities. Take a look at our Brief Introduction to the Edinburgh Festival if you’d like to learn more.

Other festivals in August include the International Book Festival, International Festival, and the Art Festival. You also won’t want to miss The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Our guide to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo will tell you more.

Beyond August, Edinburgh hosts a variety of other festivals. Hogmanay is New Year’s Eve in Scotland, and Edinburgh boasts an extraordinary celebration. The Jazz Festival, Science Festival, and others are quite popular as well. Explore all of Edinburgh’s Festivals to find your favourites.

Edinburgh Guide to the Water of Leith Walkway

Many tourists miss one of the most beautiful walks in Edinburgh. The Water of Leith Walkway offers tranquillity alongside historic neighbourhoods. You won’t want to miss it!

The Water of Leith is the main river that flows from Edinburgh to the port of Leith. Walking along any city’s main waterway usually guarantees picturesque views. But along the Water of Leith Walkway, you’ll find fascinating attractions and stopping points along the way.

Stop by Pretty Dean Village

The walkway passes through beautiful Dean Village (pictured below). The former mill cottages and homes proffer some of the most impressive buildings in Greater Edinburgh.

Dean Village gives visitors a glimpse of what many people imagine Scotland to look like. You won’t be disappointed.

Wander Stunning Stockbridge

Following the Walk, you will also pass by Stockbridge. This beautiful area boasts some of Edinburgh’s most lovely buildings. You’ll also enjoy the mews, curved streets with particularly impressive architecture.

You’ve likely seen images of the picturesque Circus Lane on Instagram. This cobbled, curved lane has become quite the popular stop for photographers in Stockbridge!

Stockbridge also holds one of Edinburgh’s most impressive farmers’ markets on Sundays, from 10 am.

Enjoy Modern Art

The Water of Leith Walkway also passes by Modern Two. This is one of two buildings that make up the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. It is often just referred to as Dean Gallery. Here, you’ll find many of the most impressive modern art exhibitions in Scotland — and it’s completely free! If you want to, however, you can make a donation.

Obviously, we could write several books about all of Edinburgh’s hidden — and not so hidden — gems. We hope that this brief guide to Edinburgh has been a helpful start. If you’re considering other places to go, perhaps consider the best cities to visit in Scotland .

And, of course, we would be delighted to help you plan the perfect custom Scotland itinerary . Please don’t hesitate to get in touch . 

This post was originally written in July 2018 and updated in August 2021.

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Edinburgh Family Tours and Experiences

From Kings of Europe to King Penguins, Edinburgh (Scotland’s capital city, built on an extinct volcano and borne of fire and stone with its beautiful Gothic buildings, cobblestoned Royal Mile and an imposing 12 th -century castle keeping watch from high on a hill) is generally the first stop on a trip to Scotland and is an easy 4.5hr train ride from London.

Do you have limited time and don’t know where to start to discover the very best of this magical city? Don’t worry, we have you covered with our four fantastic tours incorporating fun and engaging family activities with our kid- and teen-friendly guides . These awesome tours will tell you everything you need to know, and more, about one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world.

Treat yourself with 4 Edinburgh family tours done with kids-experts!

We handpicked our guides for their expert and quirky knowledge of every inch of the city’s famous and historical haunts, and believe us, there is a lot to learn about Edinburgh!

So, whether you want to see where JK Rowling started her Harry Potter novels, discover the strange and very secret history of the Old Town and New Town, or take a spooky night-time trip back to the 19 th -century while learning about medicines, murder and mysteries through the eyes of Sherlock Holmes, we have the tour for you!

It’s not easy keeping the whole family happy, but with its buzzing social scene, wide variety of restaurants and fun entertainment, Edinburgh balances the (very) old with the new and provides something for all the family – like our exciting treasure hunt through Edinburgh Castle where you step into 800 years of history and can enjoy your own ‘Game of Thrones’ moment!

So come, join us, and experience a world of witches and wizardry, walking and wonder and find out why a King Penguin at Edinburgh zoo was knighted by the King of Norway!

If you aren’t finding exactly what you’re looking for in our list of activities, just contact one of the members of our superhero team- we love crafting memorable family experiences!

We can’t wait to see you in one of our Edinburgh family tours!

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