Edinburgh · HISTORICAL TOURS
30 reviewed
Below are the 15 best historical tours we’ve reviewed: what each one costs, how long it runs, and who it suits. Start at number one; it is top for a reason.
Guided intro to Edinburgh Castle with tickets included: stories from royals to rebels, plus views and time to explore museums.
“Easy pace, even with my 83 yrs old mother. Jules was friendly and informative. Very enjoyable”
Two hours of Edinburgh whisky tasting in a private lounge, guided by Scottish folklore and four single malts from major regions.
“A very cozy place, nice staff and interesting whisky. I spent a pleasant afternoon laughing and learning. Thanks Angus 🙂”
A 2-hour guided walk through Edinburgh’s UNESCO Old Town, mixing medieval history, folklore, landmarks, and Harry Potter clues for about $24.
“Ben was a great guide! He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Edinburgh. His stories brought the history to life … and were very amusing. Gave us some tips of places to visit later which we did ….and a good coffee shop recommendation”
A 2-hour Edinburgh Old Town walking tour with a pro guide, UNESCO sights, and a $24.96 price point for easy first-day orientation.
“Kofe was great. Very engaging and informative. Explained as we we went along. Knew his stuff, as it should be. Would definitely recommend!”
90-minute historian-led walk on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, plus exclusive access to the 400-year Underground Vaults for $27 per person.
“I really enjoyed this tour. The stories are super interesting and amusing. It really gives you a good overview of the city history and mysteries. Our guide Maive (I unfortunately don’t know how to write her name, but she joked about being similar to Morgan) was super informative and knowledgeable about the city, the way she told the anecdotes about Edinburgh made it all super fun. Time went by so fast!”
Small-group Old Town walk with **underground vaults** and **Canongate Kirkyard** stops, led by top historians, priced at $27.74.
“Alistar was a great tour guide and was very knowledgeable!! Great great tour!! Fun stories!! Just fun”
Small-group Edinburgh Vaults tour under South Bridge, with multi-sensory storytelling, a visit to the Blair Street vaults, and artifacts.
“Really enjoyed the narrative presented by our tour-guide Stefanie. She was knowledgeable and interesting on a subject matter that's fascinating in itself. Maybe just a bit over-rehearsed in her delivery”
75-minute character-led Edinburgh Old Town walk on witches, closes and wynds, Castle views, and a Grassmarket finish. $24.
“Hazel was a lovely and knowledgeable guide , it was very interesting to know more about the history of the city and its witches. We just wish it would be a little longer or maybe with deeper explanations of other aspects of history maybe considering the price. But overall it was a nice experience.”
Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town for 2 hours with a professional guide, story-focused stops, and an easy finish at Greyfriars Kirkyard.
“Urs war super, unterhaltsam, gut auf die Gruppe acht gegeben. Weiß absolut Bescheid! Keine absolute mainstream Geschichte, achtet auf Details.”
Dark History Edinburgh walk: Royal Mile stops at St Giles, Mercat Cross, and Canongate Kirk, free entry, ~2 hours.
“Robert was very knowledgeable of Edinburgh history, even down to the smallest details ,and funny with it”
A 3-hour Italian historical walk through Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Greyfriars Kirkyard, with spooky legends.
“La nostra guida Alessandra è stata cordiale e disponibile! Tour interessante! Consigliato!”
Edinburgh witch and haunted history walking tour with story-led stops at St Giles, Royal Mile, Witches Well and Grassmarket.
“Great experience and tour by Angelica of Edinburgh and everything Witch related which was very informative”
Go under Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on a 75-minute historic vaults tour with Blair Street access, artefacts, and a museum stop.
“Linda, our guide, managed to get our interest and attention about those times and we did like very much the visit.”
2-hour Edinburgh Old Town history walk with St Giles, Royal Mile, Greyfriars Bobby and Harry Potter links. Small group, expert guide.
“Everything was very well organized. Especially the Tourguide (Melany) was outstanding”
1.5-hour Old Town walk with master storytellers, clear headsets, and stops at St Giles, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle.
“Our tour was amazing! Our guide was fantastic and personable. We happened to be in Edinburgh during a huge pageant which blocked off big parts of the Royal Mile. Our guide was awesome and guided us all through without losing anyone. Edinburgh has officially become one of my favourite European cities! If you are ever in the city, this tour is an absolute must!”
