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This 2-hour tour is part of our popular Edinburgh private guided tours, offering a personal experience of the Royal Mile and its hidden gems.

Highlights

• Palace of Holyrood – Scotland’s royal residence.
• The Royal Mile – Edinburgh’s most famous historic street.
• St Giles’ Cathedral – Gothic masterpiece and spiritual heart.
• A 5* guide will show you amazing places.

Description

Your Old Town Edinburgh walking tour begins on the legendary Royal Mile, the city’s most iconic street. Stretching from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile is lined with cobbled streets, historic closes, and centuries-old buildings. As you walk along, your guide will share stories of royal processions, political intrigue, and the everyday life of medieval Edinburgh. This is more than a sightseeing walk – it’s a chance to experience the true atmosphere of the Old Town. The first major stop on your Edinburgh Old Town tour is the Palace of Holyrood, the official royal residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Here, you will hear fascinating stories of Mary, Queen of Scots, and other royals who once lived within its walls. Your guide will explain how this palace played a central role in Scotland’s turbulent history and its continuing royal traditions. Continuing along the Royal Mile, you will arrive at St Giles’ Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Famous for its striking crown steeple and the ornate Thistle Chapel, St Giles has been the spiritual heart of Edinburgh for over 900 years. Just outside, you will see the Heart of Midlothian, a mosaic marking the site of the old Tolbooth prison. Local traditions and legends still surround this symbol, and your guide will reveal why it remains so important today. Your Old Town Edinburgh walking tour also includes a stop at Canongate Kirk, one of the oldest churches in the city. Surrounded by Edinburgh’s oldest cemetery, it is the final resting place of famous Scots, including the economist Adam Smith. Not far away stands John Knox House, the former home of Scotland’s great religious reformer. Its medieval timber architecture and historic exhibits bring the dramatic events of the 16th century vividly to life. One of the highlights of any Edinburgh private guided tour is a visit to The Real Mary King’s Close, a preserved underground street hidden beneath the Old Town. Here, you will step back in time to explore how ordinary people lived, worked, and survived during centuries of plague, hardship, and superstition. This hidden gem adds depth and mystery to your exploration of Edinburgh. No Edinburgh Old Town tour would be complete without the majestic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock. Known as the most besieged fortress in Great Britain, it dominates the skyline and offers breathtaking views of the city. From the esplanade, your guide will share dramatic tales of battles, royal ceremonies, and the treasures housed inside, including the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Includes

Professional guide Tickets to St Giles’ Cathedral

Important Information

• In St. Guiles Cthedral: A £6 donation is suggested to support the cathedral.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund