
Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 285 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour worth booking?
Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour is a 3.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $429 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 285 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (285)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $429 per person
This private guided walk with our unique guides (Stuart Usher or his son Richard, Professional Historians such as Dr Alison Duncan or David Forsyth, other prominent guides such as Prof. John Frank), will both entertain and enthral your group. Your party (up to 12 people) will be the only visitors on the walk. Stuart Usher's family have historic connections with Edinburgh (his great-great Uncle, Andrew Usher, donated the magnificent Usher Hall to the city, where the tour normally starts) and his deep knowledge of the city's cultural, historical and architectural aspects means he has a unique perspective. You can book a morning tour (9.30am to 1.00pm), an afternoon tour (2.00pm to 5.30pm) or our full-day tour (9.30am to 4.30pm) You can have flexibility on itinerary should you choose, e.g. if you have special interests in certain aspects of Edinburgh, and we can even arrange a starting point to suit you (e.g. your hotel) as long as it is in the city-centre.
What you get
About this experience
This private guided walk with our unique guides (Stuart Usher or his son Richard, Professional Historians such as Dr Alison Duncan or David Forsyth, other prominent guides such as Prof. John Frank), will both entertain and enthral your group. Your party (up to 12 people) will be the only visitors on the walk. Stuart Usher's family have historic connections with Edinburgh (his great-great Uncle, Andrew Usher, donated the magnificent Usher Hall to the city, where the tour normally starts) and his deep knowledge of the city's cultural, historical and architectural aspects means he has a unique perspective. You can book a morning tour (9.30am to 1.00pm), an afternoon tour (2.00pm to 5.30pm) or our full-day tour (9.30am to 4.30pm) You can have flexibility on itinerary should you choose, e.g. if you have special interests in certain aspects of Edinburgh, and we can even arrange a starting point to suit you (e.g. your hotel) as long as it is in the city-centre.
What's included
Included
- Private tour
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off if requested
Not included
- Cost of food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Edinburgh Guided Tour
The starting point of the tour (if not your hotel) is the splendid Usher Hall, a wonderful Concert Hall gifted to the city by Stuart Usher's great-great-uncle. We do not normally go inside.
10 minutes here
Edinburgh Castle
Gusts will see the majestic Edinburgh Castle (exterior only) and your guide will talk you through its tumultuous history and the lives of the many Scottish Kings and Queens who lived there. If you wish to see inside the castle this can be arranged but there will be an extra charge (£19 per head) for admission.
15 minutes here
Edinburgh Old Town
Walk with our accredited guide throughout the many 'closes' and 'wynds' of Edinburgh's Old Town and see the buildings associated with many seminal moments in Scottish history.
150 minutes here
Royal Mile
Walk with our accredited guide throughout the many 'closes' and 'wynds' of Edinburgh's Royal Mile in the 'Old Town' and see the buildings associated with many seminal moments in Scottish history.
150 minutes here
St Giles' Cathedral
Guests can visit inside the cathedral which is the 'mother church' of Presbyterianism. Stunning architecture and amazing internal detail.
15 minutes here
New Town
On the full-day tour, see the splendid 18th-century architecture of this Unesco Designated World Heritage Site that boasts the largest continuous expanse of Georgian-era buildings in the world
45 minutes here
Palace of Holyroodhouse
On the full-day tour, guests will see and hear about this Palace which is the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. You would not normally go inside but this can be arranged (admission £17 per head).
60 minutes here · Admission not included
National Galleries Scotland: National
Normally visited if weather inclement but it is the client's choice whether or not to go in and see the splendid array of 'old masters'.
50 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Please meet your guide outside the central entrance of the Usher Hall.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 2 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Tour will normally end near the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens but we can vary that to end at e.g. guest's hotel
Options you can book
Private tour - mornings
a 3.5 hour private tour
Private tour - full day
A full day (7 hour) guided walking tour of Edinburgh.
Private tour - afternoons
A 3.5 hour private afternoon tour
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
- Edinburgh Guided Tour
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Wheelchair possible but there are hills and steps
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 285 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
285 verified traveler reviews for Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Our guide was very...
Our guide was very personable and friendly with lots of stories. The morning is definitely the time to go as it just gets more and more congested later on in the day.
Response from the operator: Dear Kimberly Thank you for your Review of your Tour with our personable and friendly guide. We totally agree with the your suggestion that the earlier a Tour is taken the better because of the heaving mass of tourists later on in the day. Thank you! Best wishes Stuart Usher.
via Viator
Alison is amazing
The tour was excellent!! Our guide Alison was extraordinary. Her knowledge was endless and her ability to keep our varied group of 13 engaged was priceless. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Dear Getawa A thousand thanks for your superb Review of your Tour with our super Guide, Dr Alison Duncan! She is a wonderful Guide with a good knack of keeping groups of people fully engaged. Also thank you for your highly recommending us so nicely. Best wishes Stuart Usher.
via Tripadvisor
Don't visit Edinburgh without a tour from Douglas!
Douglas is an absolute scholar. We had enough knowledge of European history to ask pointed questions, and he always had detailed answers. He was charming polite and very entertaining. Exceeded all expectations. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Dear James Many thanks for your absolutely stellar Review of your Tour with our equally stellar Guide, Douglas! Your Tour with him exceeding all your expectations is very high praise indeed. We thank you again for your high recommendation! Best wishes Stuart U.
via Viator
Chris Walker! We love you!
Chris Walker from Local Eyes Walking Tour was grand. He easily accommodated 3 feisty, crazy, old American women on a delightful 3.5 hour walking tour of the Royal Mile. We saw all the nooks and crannies and heard the ancient tales of folly and greatness. We recommend him to everyone who visits Edinburgh!
Response from the operator: Dear 663mwb, Thank you kindly for your excellent and superb recommendation of Chris Walker! He is a top-notch guide and a wonderful Scotsman to tour Edinburgh with :) We're over-the-moon you had such a wonderful time with Chris and hope you thoroughly enjoyed the rest of your stay in Scotland's capital city! Best wishes Stuart U.
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Edinburgh walking tour!
Our walking tour was incredible. Fiona was knowledgeable, friendly and flexible. She showed us parts of Edinburgh that we wouldn’t have known about on our own. We highly recommend Fiona and this walking tour to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Response from the operator: Dear paula Many thanks for your superb Review of your Tour with Fiona! She is indeed a wonderful Guide. We also very much appreciate your high recommendation of our Tours. Thanks again. Best wishes Stuart U.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $429 to $495
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 100
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $429 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 Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 285 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 Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour?
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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 Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour?
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Around 100 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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guided Edinburgh Private Walking 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 Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour?
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Included: Private tour; Professional guide; and Hotel pickup and drop-off if requested. Not included: Cost of food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 65 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh. Be ready about 2 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Guided Edinburgh Private Walking 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 Guided Edinburgh Private Walking 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 Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Wheelchair possible but there are hills and steps. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Guided Edinburgh Private Walking 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: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour?
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Across 285 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Private tour - mornings, Private tour - full day, Private tour - afternoons. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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