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Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour

5.05 reviewsEdinburgh Castle

  • 2–3 hours
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation
  • Private tour

Highlights

See the best of Edinburgh Old Town, learn all about its history—and explore totally independently, without worries of crowds—on this private, self-led audio tour. The creator of this amazing experience is Jule, who will be your audio voice and "virtual" companion during the whole experience. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone and use when, and as often, as you’d like. You’ll see neighbourhoods and landmarks like The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Grassmarket, the Writers Museum and much more, and will learn behind-the-scenes stories from the audio narration of a Local Expert. Please note: when booking, you will get an email with instructions on how to download our app and unlock the tour.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Jule will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
  • Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
  • You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour

What's not

  • In-person Guide
  • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour

Itinerary

  1. Our tour starts at the Royal Mile, the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Royal Mile is actually made up of four different streets: Castlehill and Lawnmarket at the top, the High Street and Canongate at the bottom. You will discover why it is called "the Royal Mile" and all there is to know about it.

    10 min

  2. The City Chambers of Edinburgh were built in 1760 and are the meeting place of the City of Edinburgh Council. They are also a popular wedding spot in Edinburgh.

    5 min

  3. The original Mercat Cross was erected in the 12th century. The Mercat Cross used to be the place for medieval punishments: learn all about its past and why today it is still an emblem of the city.

    5 min

  4. Learn all about the past history of Scotland, England and their Parliamnets. Why is there still a parliament in Scotland? You will understand everything at this stop.

    Passes by

  5. Learn all about John Knox, his past and his relationship with the city of Edinburgh.

    Passes by

  6. St Giles Cathedral is named after the patron saint of Edinburgh, Saint Giles (b. 650-d. 710) and it was originally built in the 12th century.

    10 min

  7. Understand what's myth and what's reality about this beautiful cobblestone heart in the middle of the street.

    Passes by

  8. Understand everything about this influential philosopher who lived during the Scottish Enlightenment. Why is he so important to the city?

    Passes by

  9. This magnificent church is a defining aspect of Edinburgh’s landscape and can be seen from all around. Immerse in its amazing story.

    15 min

  10. Edinburgh Castle, perched on top of Castle Rock, is the longest-inhabited place in Edinburgh. Discover the amazing stories behind this incredible settlement!

    10 min

  11. Discover the past and amazing stories behind one of the most lively and touristic venues of the city, and probably from Scotland.

    10 min

  12. Looking across Princes’ Street Gardens, you will be able to see a huge Gothic spire. This is the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the largest monument to an author anywhere in the world. We will explain what is this monument doing here and what is its relevance.

    Passes by

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0

  • 55
  • 40
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  • 10

Ratings come from 5 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point
All our tours are self-guided. You will be led by the GPS in the app. Remember to check the "Before You Go" Section of your ticket and give Pandemic Tours App access to your location!
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Exploro Limited
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

How it compares in Edinburgh

  • Its from-price is 96% below the median of the 1253 experiences we list in Edinburgh.
  • It is shorter than most of them.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 540 of 1253.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, rises on volcanic hills, with a castle on a crag, a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town.

Edinburgh Castle crowns Castle Rock and keeps the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels. From there, the Royal Mile runs downhill through the Old Town, past St Giles' Cathedral and a warren of narrow closes, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, rises above the palace with sweeping views.

Top-ranked sights in Edinburgh: Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh Castle.

See all 1253 experiences in Edinburgh

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