Edinburgh Walking Tour Discovering History and Architecture
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Mobile ticket
Highlights
Explore the rich tapestry of Edinburgh from the historic Grassmarket to the elegant New Town. This walking tour starts in the Grassmarket, goes up Victoria Street to the Royal Mile and finishing down in New Town. Discover the history of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, while hearing local stories from the vibrant Grassmarket. Visit Makars Court to learn about Edinburgh's literary significance and the legacy of Deacon Brodie. Stroll past St. Giles' Cathedral and Parliament Square, uncovering tales of the Reformation and the infamous witch trials. Marvel at the Scott Monument and the Balmoral Hotel, before concluding the journey in St. Andrews Square, reflecting on the Age of Enlightenment. - Discover Edinburgh’s UNESCO heritage and literary history - View iconic landmarks including Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles' Cathedral - Enjoy stories from locals in the historic Grassmarket - Learn about the architectural evolution from Old Town to New Town
Inclusions
What's included
- Guiding fee
What's not
- Gratuities are optional, never expected but always appreciated
Itinerary
We start off ou tour in Edinburgh Grassmarket which is a vibrant and historic area nestled in the heart of the Old Town, just beneath the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Tourists visiting the Grassmarket can enjoy a blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and lively modern culture. Once a medieval marketplace and site for public executions, today it offers a much more cheerful atmosphere with its cobbled streets lined with traditional pubs, boutique shops, and quaint cafes. Here we will learn about the markets, why there are so many pubs and what happened to those who were punished there.
Our tour takes you up Victoria Street which is a delightful street filled with charm, history, and unique finds. This iconic, curved street is one of the most photographed in the city, known for its vibrant, multicolored buildings and its connection to J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series, but is this really the case? Let us help you sort out fact from fiction and get recommendations of great local places to eat, drink and shop
Makars' Court is a hidden literary gem nestled in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, just off the Royal Mile in Lady Stair’s Close. Adjacent to the Writers’ Museum, this open-air courtyard serves as an evolving national literary monument, celebrating Scotland’s rich literary heritage. Here we can can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the courtyard, often described as a peaceful retreat from the bustling Royal Mile and find out about one of Edinburgh's most infamous characters who helped inspire a famous work of fiction.
We will get an outside view and find out about the Reformarion of the Church and the witch trials.
Get a view of the magnificent gardens and the Scott Monument up to the Old Town, seeing the architectural contrasts between Old Town and New Town
See New Town architectural Grandeur and the motivations behind the naming of the streets.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Just out on the street from 4 Grassmarket (Cold Town Brewing) is where you guide will meet you. Although the tour starts in Old Town, it will end in New Town
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 30 travellers
- Operated by
- Iconic Tours
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
How it compares in Edinburgh
- Its from-price is 92% below the median of the 144 city tours we list in Edinburgh.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
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.
Special offers in Edinburgh
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
