Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 52 4.6 · 11 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $388
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Outty Ranking

52/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour worth booking?

Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $388 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
52 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (11)
Duration
2 hours
From
$388 per person

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh. Spend a couple of hours strolling through the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town. Hear about Edinburgh's history, characters and events that shaped this wonderful city. The Royal Mile leads down from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. If you have a special interest let us know we can tailor for you. Harry Potter, Outlander or the Jacobite's or a mix of everything, history, architecture and people from the past.

What you get

    About this experience

    Make the most of your time in Edinburgh. Spend a couple of hours strolling through the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town. Hear about Edinburgh's history, characters and events that shaped this wonderful city. The Royal Mile leads down from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. If you have a special interest let us know we can tailor for you. Harry Potter, Outlander or the Jacobite's or a mix of everything, history, architecture and people from the past.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • Private tour
    • Professional guide

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Castello Di Edimburgo

      Views of Edinburgh Castle from the outside.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Gladstone's Land

      Fine example of one of Edinburgh's oldest houses.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Writers' Museum

      now a museum this building has a fascinating past

      Pass by without stopping

    4. St Giles' Cathedral

      The building and it's history will be discussed from outside, however if you would like the guide will be happy to give you a brief introductory tour of the inside. Donation is requested.

      20 minutes here

    5. Mercat Cross

      See the site of Proclomations and executions, punishments and markets.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. John Knox House Museum

      Vied from the outside hear the history of this interesting House and it's new use.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Canongate Kirk

      Viewed from the outside, you will walk around the church hearing about it's history and the history of some of the burial grounds interesting inhabitants.

      5 minutes here

    8. The Scottish Parliament

      A modern piece of Architecture built on the site of an old brewery. Hear about it's history.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. Palace of Holyroodhouse

      The end point of our tour is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, here you will view the palace from the outside, hear about Mary Queen of Scots, James the IV and David I and the Augustinian Canons

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Bakehouse Close

      A brief stop to see some interesting architecture, hear stories of the people who lived here and about some filming that took place here.

      5 minutes here

    11. Dunbars Close Garden

      Discover a spot of tranquility in the centre of the city in one of the Old Towns hidden gems, laid out as a 17th C garden

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Edinburgh

    The Hub is a former Church with huge red front doors. Please meet your guide outside the venue at the front of the building. Beware of following your maps blindly, they take you to the private side entrance. Look for the guide in a Kilt or Baseball had with a Castle Logo on the front.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour will end outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse unless an alternative end point has been agreed prior to the tour departure date.

    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 Tour 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
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    White Horse Close one of the Royal Mile's Hidden Gems., Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking TourSt Giles Cathedral., Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking TourRemember to look up! Red Kite and Rat above the entrance to Gladstone's Land., Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking TourJosh the guide, in his Kilt, outside Gladstone's Land, Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking TourThe Mecat Cross in the Heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking TourPaisely Close, Royal Mile remember to look up!, Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Small groups

    4 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    11 verified traveler reviews for Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    8
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    dianacF9060TO · October 2024

    Private Outlander Tour

    Our best day yet. We booked a private Outlander Tour for the day . No complaints. Everything was perfect. They were on time . Took us to 5 Outlander film locations. I highly recommend

    via Tripadvisor

    johnwL4442DT · October 2024

    Great Tour of the Royal Mile with Sam of Edinburgh Tour Guides

    We took the private Royal Mile Walking Tour with our guide Sam. There were four of us and the tour was a highlight of the visit to Edinburgh. The tour was 3 hours and took us into side roads and alleyways we never would have explored without Sam’s guidance. Her historical knowledge of every nook and cranny of the Royal Mile was impressive and made it a very entertaining way to learn some of Edinburgh’s incredible history. Highly recommend this.

    via Tripadvisor

    Nanjac2010 · September 2024

    Walking tour of New Town.

    I changed the tour from Royal Mile to New Town at the last minute because I had seen Royal Mile already on my own. The guide wasn't happy about the change but she switched gears & gave me a good tour of New Town. We walked through the central park & saw many beautiful buildings & streets. We ended at the Georgian house museum which was lovely and then I went to the Portrait Museum on my own. After a rough start, it was a good day.

    via Tripadvisor

    O5260VEheidim · September 2024

    Private tour of Royal Mile

    My first impression when meeting our guide was unpleasant. Sam was quite abrasive and not welcoming and it felt like we got off on a bad start. A pleasant welcome would have been appreciated. But, we enjoyed our tour of the Royal Mile with our very knowledgeable tour guide, Sam.

    via Tripadvisor

    AnonATL · May 2024

    Good experience for family that loves history

    Our family had a great time on this tour. We had a short time in Edinburgh, and Sam provided us with a great overview of the history of the city. She clearly loves her home and was able to answer all of our questions. Time well spent!

    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
    4
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 52

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)31
    Booking momentum (14% weight)23
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)40
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.

    How much does Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $388 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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour take?

    +

    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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 11 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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour?

    +

    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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour?

    +

    Around 4 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour 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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour?

    +

    Included: Local guide; Private tour; and Professional guide. Not included: Food and drinks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour?

    +

    The Hub is a former Church with huge red front doors. Please meet your guide outside the venue at the front of the building. Beware of following your maps blindly, they take you to the private side entrance. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour?

    +

    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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour 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 Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour?

    +

    Across 11 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Old Town, Edinburgh Walking Tour.

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