
Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 161 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh worth booking?
Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh is a 2.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $5 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 161 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (161)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $5 per person
Embark on a journey through the heart of Edinburgh with our captivating Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour. Your adventure begins on the iconic Royal Mile at 130 High Street, where the past meets the present. Traverse the enchanting cobblestone streets as we guide you to Edinburgh's crown jewels, including the renowned Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, and the vibrant Grassmarket. This isn't just a tour; it's a narrative woven with threads of madness and genius. Delve into Edinburgh's colorful past as our expert guides regale you with stories that defy belief. Immerse yourself in the literary legacy of Scottish greats at the Scottish Writers' Museum and, don't miss the heartwarming story of a loyal local dog who etched its name into the annals of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Your Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour promises not just sightseeing, but a journey through the soul of Edinburgh. Are you ready to walk the path of legends?
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a journey through the heart of Edinburgh with our captivating Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour. Your adventure begins on the iconic Royal Mile at 130 High Street, where the past meets the present. Traverse the enchanting cobblestone streets as we guide you to Edinburgh's crown jewels, including the renowned Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, and the vibrant Grassmarket. This isn't just a tour; it's a narrative woven with threads of madness and genius. Delve into Edinburgh's colorful past as our expert guides regale you with stories that defy belief. Immerse yourself in the literary legacy of Scottish greats at the Scottish Writers' Museum and, don't miss the heartwarming story of a loyal local dog who etched its name into the annals of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Your Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour promises not just sightseeing, but a journey through the soul of Edinburgh. Are you ready to walk the path of legends?
What's included
Included
- Local English-speaking guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Royal Mile
Begin your journey at 130 High Street on the Royal Mile, a historic and vibrant thoroughfare. As you stroll, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of street performers, charming shops, and historical landmarks that line this iconic street. Take in the architecture and learn about the Royal Mile's central role in Edinburgh's history.
45 minutes here
St Giles' Cathedral
Explore the majestic St Giles' Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Inside, witness the intricate stained glass windows and learn about the cathedral's historical and cultural significance. Your expert guide will provide insights into the stories and events associated with this iconic landmark.
15 minutes here
William Wallace Statue
Hear tales of Scottish heroism as you encounter the stories of legendary figures like William Wallace. Learn about the life and legacy of this national hero who played a pivotal role in Scotland's fight for independence. Your guide will share anecdotes and historical context to bring these figures to life
15 minutes here
Grassmarket
Descend into the history-filled Grassmarket, a dynamic square surrounded by pubs, shops, and historical buildings. Discover stories of the area's past, including its role as a public execution site.
30 minutes here
Greyfriars Kirk
Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and hear the unforgettable true story of Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh’s most loyal resident.
15 minutes here
National Museum of Scotland
Depending on the route, the tour may finish by the National Museum of Scotland or by The Writers' Museum.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour starts on 130 High Street (The Royal Mile), on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The Edinburgh Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour starts on 130 High Street (The Royal Mile), on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close
Options you can book
Tour in English
Tour en español
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sandemans Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 161 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.
Traveler reviews
161 verified traveler reviews for Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Edinburgh with Niamh
What a fabulous experience. Niamh did an incredible job of bringing Edinburgh stories to life. Highly recommend her and this tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Dave, Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you had such a fabulous time exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town and that Niamh brought the city’s stories to life in such a memorable way. We’ll be delighted to share your kind words with her. Our guides are at the heart of what makes our walking tours special, and it’s lovely to know Niamh made your experience one to recommend. Thank you for choosing SANDEMANs, and we hope to welcome you on another tour soon! Kind regards, Karla S. | SANDEMANs Tours
via Tripadvisor
Fun and entertaining!
Naimb was a wonderful tour guide - full of lots of information on a wide range of Scotish topics. She had a fun way of sharing information and telling stories. It was a fun and entertaining tour, though maybe we could have seen a few more places of interest but we did hit most of the highlights. I would highly recommend, especially since the basic cost is so low and you tip based on your satisfaction!
Response from the operator: Dear Linda_W, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a fun and entertaining time exploring Edinburgh with Niamh. It’s wonderful to know that her storytelling made the tour enjoyable while giving you such a broad range of information about Scottish history and culture. We’re also glad that you were able to see most of the Old Town highlights and appreciate your suggestion about including a few more places of interest. We’ll be very happy to share your kind words and feedback with Niamh. Thank you as well for highlighting the value of our free tour model — we’re always pleased when guests feel they can enjoy a great introduction to the city and then tip their guide according to how much they enjoyed the experience. Thank you again for choosing SANDEMANs and for recommending the tour. We hope to welcome you back to Edinburgh again soon! Kind regards, Karla | SANDEMANs Tours
via Viator
Very interesting and a lot of fun
Tour guide James was very charismatic and well informed. Explored all over Old Town and covered a lot of Edinburgh history and culture so there's something for everyone and will give you ideas of things to see in Edinburgh.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an interesting and enjoyable time exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town with James. It’s wonderful to know that his charismatic style and knowledge made the tour so engaging, while giving you a great overview of Edinburgh’s history and culture. We’re especially glad that the tour also gave you ideas for other places to discover during the rest of your stay — that’s exactly what we hope a good introduction to a city can do. We’ll be very happy to share your kind words with James. Thank you again for choosing SANDEMANs and for taking the time to recommend the experience! Kind regards, Karla | SANDEMANs Tours
via Tripadvisor
Great walking tour
It was fun and informative. Niamh was a great story teller and added substance to the tour. The walking was easy too.
Response from the operator: Dear Susan_T, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Edinburgh Old Town walking tour and found it both fun and informative. It’s wonderful to know that Niamh’s storytelling added so much to the experience. Edinburgh’s Old Town is full of fascinating characters, history and little details that can easily be missed, so having a guide who can bring those stories to life really makes the walk special. We’re also glad to hear that you found the walking comfortable and easy. We’ll be very happy to pass your kind words on to Niamh — we’re sure she’ll appreciate knowing that her storytelling made such a difference. Thank you again for choosing SANDEMANs, and we hope to welcome you back to Edinburgh for another great tour in the future! Kind regards, Karla | SANDEMANs Tours
via Viator
Fantastic introduction to the Old Town, full of interesting tidbits & a sampling of a full on Glaswegian accent
Fabulous introduction to the Old Town for my friends who were there for the first time and lots of new stuff for me, even though I had been before and done such tours. The coverage - from basics for those who didn't know much about Scotland or Edinburgh to niche stories and jokes ("human lasagna") were spot on. The family tartan trousers were a special touch as was the handling of the Harry Potter elements which could have been really commercial but ended up being gently teasing the fan mania. Despite there being a road race potentially disturbing the usual route, excellent impromptu changes to ensure that we didn't notice at all. And of course the taste of the Ghosts and Witches tour at the end was absolutely delicious!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a fantastic and detailed review! We’re delighted that the Old Town Highlights Walking Tour offered something for both first-time visitors and someone already familiar with Edinburgh. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the mix of Scottish history, niche stories, humour, and, of course, the Glaswegian accent! We’re especially glad the route changes worked seamlessly despite the road race, and that the family tartan trousers and playful Harry Potter stories added a little extra character to the experience. We love hearing that you also enjoyed the introduction to our Ghosts and Witches tour at the end! Thank you for exploring Edinburgh with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another SANDEMANs tour someday. Karla | SANDEMANs Team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 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
- 56
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Sandemans Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.0 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Sandemans Tours runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh cost?
+
Prices start at $5 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 Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh take?
+
Plan for about 2.5 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 Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 161 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 Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh?
+
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 Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh?
+
Around 56 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?
+
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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh?
+
Included: Local English-speaking guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh?
+
The Edinburgh Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour starts on 130 High Street (The Royal Mile), on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh offered in?
+
It is offered in English and Spanish. 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 Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh?
+
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 Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
+
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 Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh?
+
Across 161 reviews averaging 4.8 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 Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Tour in English, Tour en español. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh.
Pick your date




