The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh

Outty Ranking 95 5.0 · 2,016 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $3590+ Club
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

95/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 2,016 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh worth booking?

The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $35 per person. It scores 95 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2,016 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
95 / 100
Rating
5/5 (2,016)
Duration
2 hours
From
$35 per person

Mountebank the original and best comedy walking tour of Edinburgh and the only tour of the city led by a professional, award winning stand-up comedian and historian with a Master degree in Scottish history. Since starting in 2019 Mountebank's success has attracted copy cat 'comedy' tours but Mountebank is the original, best and only tour led by an actual stand-up comic and historian! Your guide is Edinburgh based stand-up comic and historian Daniel Downie - and his trusty sidekick Brahan the dog! Daniel has brought several sell-out shows all about Scotland to the Edinburgh Fringe. He has been described as 'outstanding' and 'must see' by the Scotsman newspaper and his show about Mary Queen of Scots was named 'Best History Show' at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Mountebank is all about the hysterical and ridiculous nature of Scotland's history, people, language, weather - all things Scottish basically! So come along and laugh a lot while you learn a little :)

What you get

    About this experience

    Mountebank the original and best comedy walking tour of Edinburgh and the only tour of the city led by a professional, award winning stand-up comedian and historian with a Master degree in Scottish history. Since starting in 2019 Mountebank's success has attracted copy cat 'comedy' tours but Mountebank is the original, best and only tour led by an actual stand-up comic and historian! Your guide is Edinburgh based stand-up comic and historian Daniel Downie - and his trusty sidekick Brahan the dog! Daniel has brought several sell-out shows all about Scotland to the Edinburgh Fringe. He has been described as 'outstanding' and 'must see' by the Scotsman newspaper and his show about Mary Queen of Scots was named 'Best History Show' at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Mountebank is all about the hysterical and ridiculous nature of Scotland's history, people, language, weather - all things Scottish basically! So come along and laugh a lot while you learn a little :)

    What's included

    Included

    • Guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Monkey Barrel Comedy

      The tour starts at the world famous Monkey Barrel Comedy club where I find out a little about you, you learn a little more about me (more than you probably care to know!) I teach you some of my favourite Scottish vocabulary and then we set off on our Old Town adventure..!!

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Royal Mile

      Edinburgh's most iconic and historic High Street

      10 minutes here

    3. Mercat Cross

      The spot where trade occurred in medieval Edinburgh as well as everything from royal proclamations to punishments

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    4. St Giles' Cathedral

      The most significant religious site in the old town it played a key role in the reformation and is the resting place of swashbuckling characters such as the 'Great Montrose'

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Writers' Museum

      We stop outside the Writers museum for a comic take on some of Edinburgh's most famous literary figures

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. Edinburgh Castle

      We stop for a stunning panorama of the south side of Edinburgh castle and learn about the daring raid of Edinburgh Castle by Sir Thomas Randolph in March 1314

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    7. Grassmarket

      Edinburgh's centre for law and disorder a bustling market place where justice was handed out in the form of public executions.

      10 minutes here · Admission not included

    8. Greyfriars

      Our final stop is Greyfriars Kirkyard steeped in historical significance, gruesome stories of Edinburgh's bodysnatchers, ghosts, Harry Potter and of course Edinburgh's most famous dog Greyfriars Bobby

      15 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Edinburgh

    The meeting point is 'Monkey Barrel Comedy Club' on Blair Street in the Old Town, I'll be the guy dressed in a kilt with a big fluffy dog :) - Please note the tour is strictly for ages 16+ - Fluent English is necessary to enjoy the tour fully, I have a Scottish accent some find hard to understand

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Finishing point is subject to change, route may change but finishing point will always be in the Old Town

    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 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Mountebank Scotland

    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
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • *Strictly for ages 16 and over

    Photos

    The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, photo 2The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, photo 3The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, photo 4The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, photo 5The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, photo 6Buckfast on the Mountebank Tour..!!, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,016 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    2,016 verified traveler reviews for The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1,970
    4 star
    32
    3 star
    4
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    9
    Sort
    willyboy · October 2026

    One of the best walking tours EVER!

    The Mountebank Walking Tour is truly one of the best walking tours ever! Daniel was funny, very informative and interactive, allowing us to ask a lot of silly questions! Daniel is also extremely knowledgeable ( he has a master's in history) and is very interactive with participants developing a close personal bond with each person. We loved everything about this tour, especially Daniel and everything we learned about Edinburgh and Scotland! We highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Edinburgh and laugh along the way, hard to beat!

    via Tripadvisor

    Joan_S · October 2026

    Wonderful in Every Way

    Mountebank Comedy Walk 5 stars Very informative and great fun! This was a highlight of our Edinburgh trip. David is an educated historian and snarky comedian. He walked us through Edinburgh sites, explaining Scottish history with humor and a rant or two. David led us through the crowds and aimed jokes our way. I used a mobility scooter, and he made sure to include me. I really appreciated that. We laughed the whole time. Plus, his dog is adorable. Five stars and a big thumbs up.

    via Viator

    Robyn_D · October 2026

    Be prepared for some dry,...

    Be prepared for some dry, dark, and political humor. I thought it was great! He was such a wealth of knowledge and had some anecdotal stories as well. He walks a brisk pace so if someone walks slow or has mobility issues it might be hard. Definitely recommend!

    via Viator

    BimKentUK · October 2026

    A Gloriously Irreverent Tour

    Please, please don't leave Edinburgh without doing Daniel's Mountebank Comedy Walk! He will take you on a gloriously irreverent, sometimes sweary, often political and probably outrageously rude walk round the fantastic streets of Edinburgh. Along with his seemingly boundless knowedge of Scottish history, he will entertain you with intriguing tales of the City, people and events that you'd probably never hear anywhere else in his very distinct, intelligent and hilarous talks and explanations about - well, everything really! Daniel makes no secret of the fact that he is a stand up comedian. And he does what the best stand up comedians do - takes the proverbial out of his audience. That'll be you then! But honestly his chat and introductions before setting off give him the chance to include you within the tour and make you feel individual rather than just part of a group and it also allows for people to interact with each other as well, so suck up the thinly veiled insults and get stuck in! After doing this walk I started listening to Daniel's podcast, The Mountebank History of Scotland, and I am well and truly hooked. It's informative, entertaining, funny and basically, everything you wanted to know about Scotland's history but never knew to ask. Enjoy!!

    via Tripadvisor

    PaoloG395 · October 2026

    A great walk by historical comedy

    This was the first time I experienced an historical visit with a stand-up comedian and I wish I could find this combination in every city. I discovered Daniel through his podcast so I knew already how good he was. Overall, it was a great introduction to Scottish and Edinburgh history in 2 hours for a very reasonable amount of money. If you want to know more about Scottish history with a laugh, just go to his podcast.

    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
    706
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    Why this scores 95

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)100
    Review evidence (18% weight)95
    Booking momentum (14% weight)94
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)73
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh cost?

    +

    Prices start at $35 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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh 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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 95 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2,016 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The Mountebank Comedy Walk of 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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh 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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh?

    +

    Around 706 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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of 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, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William. 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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh?

    +

    Included: Guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh?

    +

    The meeting point is 'Monkey Barrel Comedy Club' on Blair Street in the Old Town, I'll be the guy dressed in a kilt with. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh 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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of 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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh?

    +

    Across 2,016 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling. 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 The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh.

    Pick your date