The 13 Best Royal Mile & Old Town Tours

1.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,506 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33Our pick

Join an English-speaking guide in Edinburgh’s Old Town for a one-hour walk beneath South Bridge. You’ll hear why the vaults were built, how criminals and homeless residents used them, and stories of hauntings and witchcraft. Guides such as Joshua, Louisa, James, Kieran, and Aimee are praised for bringing the dark tales to life.

“The tour of the vaults was very interesting. Our tour guide Joshua was very knowledgeable and engaging. He kept the attention of everyone and was very nice.”

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2.Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24Top rated

Join Little Fish Tours for a two-hour English walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town. Guides such as Max, Greg, Angus, Jule, Ben, and Euan bring streets, churches, schools, and local tales to life. Expect a gentle pace, outdoor sights, cobbled lanes, and a route that ends within five minutes of the Royal Mile.

“Great tour with Jess - she was friendly and so knowledgeable, weaving facts with interesting stories around some key locations in the city centre. She kept the group engaged and made us laugh. Pace was good and a really lovely way to see new things in the city. We have lived here for years and learned so much! Thanks Jess”

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3.Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,596 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $48

Spend about three hours walking from Usher Hall through Edinburgh’s Old Town and along the Royal Mile to Scott Monument. A guide such as Fiona, Stuart Usher, David, or Dr Alison Duncan may lead the small group, sharing stories about castles, reformers, writers, criminals, and daily life. Expect cobbles, some steps, outdoor sightseeing, and no included admission tickets.

“Our guide Stuart Usher was an astonishing guide with wide knowledge and enthusiasm. His great uncle Andrew Usher is an important guy in Edinburgh’s history and it was a privilege to have Stuart as a guide coming with strong roots to the city.”

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4.Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,574 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with guides such as Holly, Chihon, Emily, and James, then descend into the Niddry Wynd and South Bridge vaults. Expect Scottish history, local stories, Canongate Kirkyard, and plenty of time for questions. The group is capped at six, but bring sturdy shoes for stairs and uneven ground.

“Holly was amazing! Funny, engaging, and extremely knowledgeable. Honestly, wish it could’ve lasted longer!”

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5.Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $70

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with guides such as Craig, Linda, Nicola, and Mally, hearing stories in hidden closes and courtyards before entering Edinburgh Castle. The roughly 2-hour-15-minute tour covers St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square, John Knox House, Castlehill, and the castle’s main sights. Expect hills, cobbles, and up to 18 people.

“The information and pictures Linda had were amazing. She was the best and was so intuned to the group and how different things would be more interesting to us.”

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6.Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,016 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Meet at 10:30 am on Edinburgh’s High Street for a two-hour guided walk through the Old Town. Your guide may be Gavin or Urs, both praised for humor, useful local tips, and clear historical storytelling. The route ends at Greyfriars Kirkyard. English is offered, with French also listed in the tour details.

“Very informative. Now I see the city with different eyes. History and places were a good match. There were also many tips.Auto-translated”

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7.Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 894 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Follow Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from Mercat Cross to the Grassmarket, then climb to Edinburgh Castle with a local guide. Expect Scottish history, writers, closes, royal tales, and a chance to see the One O’Clock Gun firing. Guides may include Paul, James, Mark, Zenon, or Alistair. The castle’s museums and indoor rooms are explored at your own pace.

“It was a great experience… whether solo or with a group. I learned a ton and thoroughly enjoyed myself. James had a wealth of knowledge and a great wit to boot!”

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8.90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Meet at John’s Coffee House & Tavern for a 90-minute whisky tasting in The Lost Close, an underground Old Town venue. A guide such as Mark, Dan, Haley, or Eleanor explains whisky making, regional styles, and tasting technique while you sample four drams. Intermediate and high-end options are also available.

“Great setting, patter & whiskey tasting for a beginner. 4 interesting whiskeys from different regions tried and explained”

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9.Stirling Old Town Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $19

Walk Stirling’s historic upper town with a local English-speaking guide, often including Donnie, Diane, Georgia, Craig, Jane, or Morgan. In 90 minutes, you’ll hear stories of Mary Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce, William Wallace, witches, graveyards, and royal life while seeing Stirling Castle from outside. The route is uphill, but it gives you a useful first look at the city.

“Diane was very professional and knowledgeable Love Stirling! So much history!!! The Castle was my main attraction!!!”

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10.History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $24

Spend about two hours walking from Princes Street through Edinburgh’s Old Town with guides such as Madge, Kieran, Zander, Shanna, and Katie. Expect stories about graveyards, writers, body snatchers, royal events, old pubs, and medieval life, ending on the Royal Mile. The pace is relaxed, but good shoes are essential.

“If you want a good historical overview and exposure to Edinburgh, this tour is for you. David does a great job presenting history in an interesting and entertaining story form. This is definitely worth the price of admission.”

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11.Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $134

Spend three hours walking Edinburgh’s Old Town with guides such as Ailsa, Emery, Luana, Reece, Rhys, and Andre. Stop for Cullen skink, haggis bon bons, pie, Scottish cheese, and a deep-fried Mars bar while hearing stories about the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Edinburgh Castle, and local life. Tastings are included, but stops can change.

“Awesome tour with Emery! She greeted us in a Philadelphia Eagles hat (go Birds!), so I knew it was going to be a great day :). Emery was very knowledgeable about Edinburgh and its history, and you can tell has a real passion for the city. Her narration and explanations were all very detailed, and her personality really made the tour fun. As for the locations and food itself, I enjoyed everything. The venues were all high quality with really interesting and authentic foods. The tour length of three hours was perfect (especially in hilly Edinburgh), and I highly recommend it.”

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12.Old Town’s Highlights Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $4Best value

Spend about two hours with a local English-speaking guide exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town. Walk the Royal Mile, visit St Giles’ Cathedral, hear the story of William Wallace, and descend to the Grassmarket. Guides such as Joe, Niamh, Julia, and Charlie bring history to life with humor, songs, local tips, and sharp storytelling.

“Amazing tour with Niamh. It was best and most entertaining and informative walking tour I have ever taken! And I’ve done a lot! Why? Engaging, humorous, fantastic storyteller weaving history with interesting facts. Stellar!”

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13.Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Walk Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town with Gerry Dorian, a local guide who adapts the route to your interests. Expect castle views, churchyards, closes, Harry Potter connections if requested, grand Georgian streets, and practical advice on food and sightseeing. Central accommodation pickup is available.

“Gerry was amazing! First, before we ever met he asked what we would like to see. W asked to see many things, including work done by my mother's cousin a key architect in the rebuilding of New Town. He did it! One the pictures you will see me next to the sign for Desmond's group! Gerry picked us up first thing in the morning at Hillary's (our B&B) and off we went to Calton Hill where we enjoyed amazing views while Gerry got us oriented to the city and it's history. Everywhere we walked, Gerri paid attention to match our pace and make sure we were safe (e.g. crossing streets…”

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