Walking Tours in Edinburgh

THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Walking Tours

Walking Tours in Edinburgh

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297 places sorted by featured
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Showing results 1-30 of 297
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • B D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited the vaults as a last minute idea for something do for the evening after a fun packed day in Edinburgh. Seen this advertised online and having a somewhat limited knowledge of the vaults existence and their respective infamy within the history of Edinburgh and within paranormal circles I jumped at the chance to book on.

    We arrived at the meeting point which as a point of advice could perhaps be signed a bit clearer as it’s basically next to a scaffold and phone box which I appreciate is unavoidable however, any or some form of signage to indicate you are at least in the right place would be great.

    Our guide James arrived in very good time to check tickets and make sure everyone was there who was supposed to be there. He very punctually started the tour at 10pm sharp and away we went. He advised us that we would be taking a short walk around Edinburgh down some side streets before entering into the vaults otherwise known as one of the “most haunted places in the world”

    On the way to the vaults there were some very interesting tidbits of history about the local area which was informative and delivered in a knowledge and personable style. James was very good at keeping a few of the rowdier members of the group in check which in turn did not spoil it for anyone else so he is to be commended for that.

    Upon arriving at the vaults there were a few bits on health and safety at which point we went up some stairs - at this point we were directly followed by a clearly drunk gentleman with a dog who again was dealt with in a robust manner by James. Sadly the gentleman decided to kick the door in but again this was dealt with excellently by James and the tour wasn’t disrupted being the consummate professional that he clearly is the show must go on and go on it did.

    The inside/underground aspect of the tour then started in earnest with a talk on the various instruments of torture that adorned the walls in the first room. This was interesting although did feel out of keeping with what the locus was used for historically. However, it was delivered superbly and was highly entertaining and informative and in keeping with the creepier aspect of how the tour was marketed.

    Following this we entered into the vaults in earnest and entered into a corridor where the more supernatural and spookier aspects of the tour came to the fore, of which I won’t provide spoilers but if coven, cults, ghosts, stone circles, banshees and Kurt Cobain are your thing then you will not come away disappointed. The vaults portion of the tour flew by until it was time leave them behind and go back to civilisation.

    As someone who considers themself to be sensitive to the paranormal I can confirm that I did experience some things down in the vaults both sensory and through feelings (corner of the eye phenomenon, gusts of unexplainable air, and a face appearing to materialise in front of me in pitch blackness). If you open yourself up to your surroundings and go in with an open mind the residents of the Edinburgh of yesteryear won’t be long in coming to make themselves known to you.

    James thank you for a highly entertaining, informative, affirming if you’re a spiritual type and over all just enjoyable tour.

    Five stars and then some I hope this review renders my curse lifted ;)
    Written 3 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mumu
    Reunion Island1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hello!

    Catherine, the tour guide, was an absolute joy to listen to during the tour. I learned so much, and her ability to make history—something I love—fun was fantastic.
    I definitely recommend the tour and, if possible, even having her as your guide.

    Kind regards from Reunion Island.
    Written 3 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Natasha
    Maastricht, The Netherlands11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very fun and interesting tour! Helen was a great guide and it lifted the experience! Really recommend this tour when you’re in Edinburgh!
    Written 4 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vacation718403
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The experience was fantastic. We had a small group(just two of us) with the guide and it was so personalized. The history and knowledge was unbelievable. The enthusiasm of our guild couldn’t be beat..getting us excited about history; can’t beat walking in the same place as others have hundred and thousands of years ago.
    Written 31 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • A7665APmaria
    Pittsburgh, PA3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful tour! I learned a ton and it was lovely to walk around Edinburgh with a group in the dark at night. Charlie was fantastic!
    Written 3 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Looby1lou
    104 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a fab time on this food tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable about local food and the history of Edinburgh.
    Food was plentiful and delicious.
    Would recommend this food tour, especially for the beginning of a trip. It really helps you get your bearings and find out the best places to visit.
    Nice way to meet other people too!
    Thank you Secret food tours!
    Written 27 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • richard p
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating to find out which landmarks in Edinburgh inspired JK Rowling's scenes and characters and find out more about the great author herself.

    Also a great insight into the history of Edinburgh including the somewhat unfortunate Maggie Dickson who made Houdini look like an amateur. Not sure whether she could have escaped from the money-grabbing grasp of our current Chancellor.

    Leo the guide was excellent - very informative, personable and good-humoured.
    Written 3 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lizzie H
    Dover, UK81 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really enjoyed this Tour. Our Tour guide Rachel was brilliant, very funny and super knowledgeable. My son loved it, he thought it was creepy but wasn't overly scared so a good one for teenagers.
    My only issue is the distance between the two means you have to be really speedy to get your full time which is hard if you don't have the best mobility or you aren't very quick. Maybe they could leave 10 minutes on extra for walking time. Overall deffo recommend!
    Written 4 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cheryl S
    Pacifica, CA11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stuart Usher knows everything about Edinburgh. He’s like a walking history book and might be the most knowledgeable guide in Edinburgh. Highly recommend to join his walking tour. We had a great time with him.
    Written 31 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jay A
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went on this tour this morning (2nd Nov. ). It was a terrific experience, we were exposed to parts of Edinburgh we dic know existed. The German guild Julia was superb full of know which she delivered in a clear and humorous. Great value.
    Written 2 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian
    Raunds, UK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really enjoyed the tour, our guide was very informative and the food was great!
    A little bit of walking, but not too much.
    Written 2 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tymur O
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A comprehensive excursion in the history and the process of whisky distillation. The guide was very pleasant and helpful, and the line up for degustation was very interesting. An overall amazing experience for whisky amateurs.
    Written 1 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MARIJA T
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Niamh was a perfect guide.She is a great storyteller and really funny.Would reccomend her from the bottom of my hearth.
    Written 1 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bmcmahon10
    Cincinnati, OH7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Alasdair was a *wonderful* host and guide. He is knowledgeable, witty and entertaining, and brought the castle to life with his stories and observations.
    Written 29 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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