
Edinburgh - Old Town Stories
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 72 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh - Old Town Stories worth booking?
Edinburgh - Old Town Stories is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $25 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 72 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (72)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $25 per person
The perfect introduction to the city. Your guide will lead you through Old Town Edinburgh, where you'll be introduced not only to the most famous landmarks, but also to some of the hidden gems that make our beloved city so special. You'll learn about the origins of Scotland and Edinburgh, hear the stories of our illustrious citizens and (in)famous residents, wander among graves and through cobbled streets, always in the company of a knowledgeable and personable guide. Not to be missed!
What you get
About this experience
The perfect introduction to the city. Your guide will lead you through Old Town Edinburgh, where you'll be introduced not only to the most famous landmarks, but also to some of the hidden gems that make our beloved city so special. You'll learn about the origins of Scotland and Edinburgh, hear the stories of our illustrious citizens and (in)famous residents, wander among graves and through cobbled streets, always in the company of a knowledgeable and personable guide. Not to be missed!
What's included
Included
- In-person guide
What you'll see and do
Edinburgh Old Town
The perfect introduction to the history of Scotland and Edinburgh in particular. Wander around Old Town Edinburgh in the company of an expert guide, and hear about the origins of Scotland and its capital.
Pass by without stopping
St Giles' Cathedral
Walk around St. Giles Cathedral and hear about its history, John Knox and the Reformation, and how the Wars of the Three Kingdoms may have started.
15 minutes here
Mercat Cross
Hear about the architecture of the city, and the impact of the Great Fire of 1824.
10 minutes here
Royal Mile
Walk up the Royal Mile, and hear about important long-gone buildings, as well as some of the surrounding landmarks and statues.
Pass by without stopping
Writers' Museum
Hear about one of the city's oldest standing buildings, now home to the Writer's Museum, dedicated to some of the most famous Scottish Writers.
10 minutes here
Edinburgh Castle
Without a doubt the most imposing building in the city. Hear about its origins and importance.
Pass by without stopping
Grassmarket
Hear about the former gallows site, as well as some of the characters that met their fate there. Hear about the Covenanters and visit the Memorial.
10 minutes here
Greyfriars
Visit the gates of the Covenanters Prison, and hear about one of the most convoluted periods of history. Hear about the bodysnatching activity in Edinburgh and its impact in the studies of anatomy. Finally, listen to the heart-warming story of Greyfriars Bobby.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Our meeting point is in WEST Parliament Square, in front of St. Giles Cathedral. Search for the white umbrella with the logo of All-Star Guides.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- All-Star Guides
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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 72 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
72 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh - Old Town Stories. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Old Town Tour
Robert was a great guide. We lucked out and it turned out being just my wife and I on the tour, so Robert took a free form approach, asked us if there was anything of particular interest we wanted to do or know, He brought us all through Old Town and in different nooks and crannies down closes and through other different places. Great stories and great histories. Thanks Robert! Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Great walking tour of the city
Took this tour on my first full day in Edinburgh. James was so nice and knowledgeable. We covered a lot of ground in the city and he gave great recommendations for food, other sights, and shopping. Highly recommend taking this tour to help you acclimate to the city.
via Viator
Small Group with Knowledgeable and Conversational Guide
Booked this tour because I liked the framing of small group size and the focus on stories—and really glad I did (there were some huge other tours!). Our guide clearly knew his stuff and cared deeply, and he was great at being flexible and conversational while sharing information. He also answered our questions well and gave great recommendations for other things to do around the city. The only thing to flag is that it was a bit hard to find them, since there were many tours departing from the same place, and I hadn’t received the welcome email.
via Viator
Keiran was very...
Keiran was very knowledgeable about the history of Edinburgh. Was the only person on the tour and throughly enjoy it
via Viator
Excellent tour
The tour was excellent. Robert, the guide was personable, entertaining and knowledgeable. A bonus was that, in the very warm weather, he always knew where to find some restful shade!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- 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
- 25
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh - Old Town Stories: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh - Old Town Stories cost?
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Prices start at $25 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 Stories 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 Stories worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 72 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh - Old Town Stories?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Edinburgh - Old Town Stories 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 Stories?
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Around 25 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 Stories 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 Stories?
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Included: In-person guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh - Old Town Stories?
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Our meeting point is in WEST Parliament Square, in front of St. Giles Cathedral. Search for the white umbrella with the logo of All-Star Guides. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Edinburgh - Old Town Stories 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 Stories?
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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 Stories wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Edinburgh - Old Town Stories if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Edinburgh - Old Town Stories?
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Across 72 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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