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Walking Tours

Secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Walking Tour

Hop-on hop-off bus on Royal Mile, Edinburgh with historic buildings in view.
Tour group on Royal Mile, Edinburgh, with guide near historic buildings.
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's Royal Mile with historic buildings in view.
Royal Mile Edinburgh walking tour with guide and historic architecture

Discover the spellbinding beauty of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as you listen to your expert English-speaking guide narrate true stories of the capital’s past on a 1.5-hour walking tour.

Highlights

  • Stroll through Edinburgh’s Old Town and the Royal Mile with an expert guide, uncovering tales of its famous residents and the city’s history on a 1.5-hour guided walking tour.

  • Walk along the Royal Mile, the stretch between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, and learn about sieges, crimes, and the city’s cultural legacy.

  • Upgrade for skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, saving up to an hour, offering a chance to see the oldest Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Inclusions

  • 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the Royal Mile and Old Town

  • Expert English-speaking guide

  • Audio devices

  • Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle (as per option selected)

  • 45-min introduction to Edinburgh Castle (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Food and drinks

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Discover the secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on a guided walking tour, tracing the city’s rich history and hidden sites.

Getting started

Meet your expert guide at Mercat Cross, the historic marketplace of Edinburgh’s Old Town. You’ll receive an audio device for clear storytelling before setting off along the Royal Mile.

What to expect

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile & Old Town

Walk through the upper half of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s most historic street, where monarchs like Mary Queen of Scots, poets like Robert Burns, and criminals like Burke and Hare once roamed. Your guide brings the past to life with stories of crime, politics, and everyday struggles.

Exploring with a guide

As you walk through the Royal Mile’s wynds, closes, and courtyards, your guide will share tales of the city's past, from the lives of famous figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns to gripping stories of crime, politics, and everyday struggles. Using audio devices, your guide ensures you don’t miss a single detail, even in busy areas. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and get personalized insights throughout the tour.

Features

Historic closes & wynds: Wander through hidden alleys and courtyards, each with its own fascinating tale.

Mercat Cross: The tour’s starting point, once the hub of royal proclamations and public punishments.

Edinburgh Castle Esplanade: End your journey at the foot of Scotland’s most iconic fortress, a site of legendary battles and royal intrigue.

Extras

Edinburgh Castle: Upgrade for skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle, saving up to an hour in queues. Explore its fortress, royal chambers, and military history at your own pace.

Wrapping up

The tour concludes at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. From here, you can explore further or enter the castle if you've chosen the upgrade.

What’s not allowed

  • Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.

Accessibility

  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

  • This tour only covers the upper half of the Royal Mile.
  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Meet your guide at Mercat Cross.

  • Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom.

Get directions to the meeting point

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