
Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour worth booking?
Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $12 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $12 per person
See the best of Edinburgh Old Town, learn all about its history—and explore totally independently, without worries of crowds—on this private, self-led audio tour. The creator of this amazing experience is Jule, who will be your audio voice and "virtual" companion during the whole experience. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone and use when, and as often, as you’d like. You’ll see neighbourhoods and landmarks like The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Grassmarket, the Writers Museum and much more, and will learn behind-the-scenes stories from the audio narration of a Local Expert. Please note: when booking, you will get an email with instructions on how to download our app and unlock the tour.
What you get
About this experience
See the best of Edinburgh Old Town, learn all about its history—and explore totally independently, without worries of crowds—on this private, self-led audio tour. The creator of this amazing experience is Jule, who will be your audio voice and "virtual" companion during the whole experience. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone and use when, and as often, as you’d like. You’ll see neighbourhoods and landmarks like The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Grassmarket, the Writers Museum and much more, and will learn behind-the-scenes stories from the audio narration of a Local Expert. Please note: when booking, you will get an email with instructions on how to download our app and unlock the tour.
What's included
Included
- Jule will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
- Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
- You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour
- Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
- Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
Not included
- In-person Guide
- Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour
What you'll see and do
Royal Mile
Our tour starts at the Royal Mile, the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Royal Mile is actually made up of four different streets: Castlehill and Lawnmarket at the top, the High Street and Canongate at the bottom. You will discover why it is called "the Royal Mile" and all there is to know about it.
10 minutes here
Edinburgh City Chambers
The City Chambers of Edinburgh were built in 1760 and are the meeting place of the City of Edinburgh Council. They are also a popular wedding spot in Edinburgh.
5 minutes here
Mercat Cross
The original Mercat Cross was erected in the 12th century. The Mercat Cross used to be the place for medieval punishments: learn all about its past and why today it is still an emblem of the city.
5 minutes here
Learn all about the past history of Scotland, England and their Parliamnets. Why is there still a parliament in Scotland? You will understand everything at this stop.
Pass by without stopping
John Knox Statue
Learn all about John Knox, his past and his relationship with the city of Edinburgh.
Pass by without stopping
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles Cathedral is named after the patron saint of Edinburgh, Saint Giles (b. 650-d. 710) and it was originally built in the 12th century.
10 minutes here
Heart of Midlothian
Understand what's myth and what's reality about this beautiful cobblestone heart in the middle of the street.
Pass by without stopping
Estatua David Hume
Understand everything about this influential philosopher who lived during the Scottish Enlightenment. Why is he so important to the city?
Pass by without stopping
This magnificent church is a defining aspect of Edinburgh’s landscape and can be seen from all around. Immerse in its amazing story.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, perched on top of Castle Rock, is the longest-inhabited place in Edinburgh. Discover the amazing stories behind this incredible settlement!
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Grassmarket
Discover the past and amazing stories behind one of the most lively and touristic venues of the city, and probably from Scotland.
10 minutes here
Looking across Princes’ Street Gardens, you will be able to see a huge Gothic spire. This is the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the largest monument to an author anywhere in the world. We will explain what is this monument doing here and what is its relevance.
Pass by without stopping
Writers' Museum
Learn about the three famous Scottish writers that the Scottish Writer’s Museum features. You will discover why Edinburgh was named the first UNESCO World Literature City in 2004 and has been called home by countless successful authors.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Greyfriars Bobby
Discover the story behind the most famous dog in Scotland!
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
All our tours are self-guided. You will be led by the GPS in the app. Remember to check the "Before You Go" Section of your ticket and give Pandemic Tours App access to your location!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This is the end of the tour, you'll be free to wander around the Old Town afterwards!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Exploro Limited
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Viator tours
I booked tickets on viator for Castle tour couldn't find where to meet little fish tours tried their best to help but couldn't find meeting point or tour operator be careful who you book with
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review. Just to help clarify for future travelers: as mentioned in the title and in the description, this is an app-based, self-guided tour of Edinburgh's Old Town, with the Castle being just one stop along the walk. Because it is completely self-guided, there is no in-person guide to meet up with and admission tickets to attractions are not included, as noted in the "What's Included" section. We hope you were still able to enjoy exploring the historic streets!
via Viator
Yucky weather - couldn’t go
Unable to do due to weather - really wish we could have explore at are own pace but definitely will on our next adventure here.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your positive spirit despite the yucky weather! It's a shame Edinburgh didn't show its best side for your visit. We're eagerly awaiting your next adventure here, and we promise our tour will be ready to help you explore at your own pace, come rain or shine! Here's to better weather and great adventures ahead!
via Viator
An informative way of seeing Edinburgh
An interesting and very informative tour of the history of Edinburgh’s old town. A perfect way to see the sights at my own pace.
Response from the operator: Thanks for taking the time to leave a review Mark! We are really excited to see you enjoyed the experience, we will tell Jule about it. Hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Great way of exploring Edinburgh
This was a great self-guided tour, 10/10 would recommend! Lots of information that we would have never known without the tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much! We are really happy you had an awesome experience. We will tell Jule you loved her tour as well!
via Tripadvisor
Grate Tour !!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Old Town tour. Very complete and with very interesting information. The app worked perfectly and very intuitive.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much! We are really glad to hear you enjoyed the tour around the Old Town and we hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Exploro Limited, who run 8 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.7.
See everything Exploro Limited runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour cost?
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Prices start at $12 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour?
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Included: Jule will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!); Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need; You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour; Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app; and Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour. Not included: In-person Guide; and Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour?
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All our tours are self-guided. You will be led by the GPS in the app. Remember to check the "Before You Go" Section of your ticket and give Pandemic Tours App access to your location! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the overall experience. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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