
Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 154 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 $4 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 154 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (154)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $4 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
What you get
- Local English-speaking guide
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 en español - sin propinas
Tour without donation
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 154 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
154 verified traveler reviews for Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour!
Our guide was very informative and humorous. We learned a lot at the start of our trip which helped us understand more of the history of the city as well as navigating it. Highly recommend. Remember to tip you guide!
via Viator
Funny and informative, as you would expect from a local 🧡
Lovely tour, and wonderfully done by our guide James. Funny and informative. Definitely worth the time. Thanks, James 🧡
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring Edinburgh with James and found the tour both funny and informative. We're glad his local knowledge and storytelling made the experience worthwhile, and we hope to welcome you on another SANDEMANs tour in the future! Kind regards, Karla M SANDEMANs Team
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Brian was a great tour guide! I learned a lot and had a great time.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring Edinburgh with Brian and learned a lot along the way. It's great to know that his guidance made the experience both informative and enjoyable. We hope to welcome you on another SANDEMANs tour in the future! Kind regards, Karla M SANDEMANs Team
via Tripadvisor
Fun and informative
Bryan was so informative, and an absolutely great guide!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're delighted to hear that Bryan made your Edinburgh walking tour both informative and enjoyable. It's great to know you had such a positive experience exploring the city with us, and we hope to welcome you again on another SANDEMANs tour! Kind regards, Karla M SANDEMANs Team
via Tripadvisor
Spent 3+ hours and could have happily been longer
Appreciates the history and overview of points of interest to go back to.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the historical context and overview of Edinburgh's points of interest. We're glad the experience gave you ideas for places to explore further during your stay. We hope you had a wonderful time discovering the city! Kind regards, Karla M SANDEMANs Team
via Tripadvisor
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
- 54
- 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 76
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 $4 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 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 154 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 54 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 Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. 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.
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




