I never get tired of visiting Edinburgh. The city’s charming cobblestone streets, world-class whisky bars, free museums, and artistic vibe always draw me in.
As Scotland’s capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is steeped in history. From the epic medieval castle to the ancient volcano and the contrast of the Old Town and New Town, it’s a place full of stories.
One of the best ways to experience Edinburgh is by taking a walking tour. While ghost tours are popular, there are plenty of other options, like bike tours, food tours, and pub crawls. Here’s a list of some of the best walking tours to help you make the most of your trip.
1. Secret Food Tours
Food is a huge part of any culture, and Scotland has plenty of unique dishes. On Secret Food Tours’ classic three-hour tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll try local favorites like haggis, Scottish cheese, neeps, and tatties, while learning about their origins. You can also take their Whisky, Gin, & Beyond tour, which includes seven tastings of locally brewed spirits.
Prices start at €69.
2. A Wee Pedal Bike Tour
If you want to explore more of the city and its surroundings, consider a bike tour with A Wee Pedal. Their 20-mile loop around Edinburgh is their most popular, but they also offer a 12-mile coastal ride for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. For extra ease, you can rent an e-bike, or opt for private tours like their brewery tour, which includes tastings.
Prices start at £65.
3. City of the Dead Tours
For a spooky experience, check out City of the Dead Tours. These tours explore Edinburgh’s underground vaults, and they have exclusive access to eerie spots like the Black Mausoleum and Covenanter’s Prison, which are said to be haunted by the Mackenzie Poltergeist. If you’re up for a scare, this tour is a must.
Prices start at £19.
4. Mountebank Tours
Run by award-winning comedian Daniel Downie, the Mountebank Comedy Walk is one of the funniest ways to explore Edinburgh. You’ll laugh and learn about the city’s history, culture, and famous figures. If you’re lucky, you might even meet his adorable dog, Bonnie Prince.
Prices start at £22.
5. See Your City
As one of the UK’s largest walking tour companies, See Your City offers several unique tours in Edinburgh. Their most popular is the Harry Potter tour, where you’ll visit locations that inspired JK Rowling, get sorted into your Hogwarts house, and test your Harry Potter knowledge. They also offer a Cheese Crawl and a True Crime tour for something different.
Prices start at £16.
Whether you’re into history, food, or something a bit spooky, Edinburgh has a tour for everyone!
