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Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour

5 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Edinburgh, Scotland

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

See the best of Edinburgh Old Town, learn all about its history—and explore totally independently, without worries of crowds—on this private, self-led audio tour. The creator of this amazing experience is Jule, who will be your audio voice and "virtual" companion during the whole experience.

Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone and use when, and as often, as you’d like. You’ll see neighbourhoods and landmarks like The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Grassmarket, the Writers Museum and much more, and will learn behind-the-scenes stories from the audio narration of a Local Expert.

Please note: when booking, you will get an email with instructions on how to download our app and unlock the tour.

What's Included

  • Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
  • You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
  • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour
  • In-person Guide
See 2 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Loch Ness Discovery Centre
192 Parliament Square, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

435 Lawnmarket
Edinburgh EH1 2NT, UK

This is the end of the tour, you'll be free to wander around the Old Town afterwards!

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Royal Mile

Our tour starts at the Royal Mile, the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Royal Mile is actually made up of four different streets: Castlehill and Lawnmarket at the top, the High Street and Canongate at the bottom. You will discover why it is called "the Royal Mile" and all there is to know about it.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh City Chambers

The City Chambers of Edinburgh were built in 1760 and are the meeting place of the City of Edinburgh Council. They are also a popular wedding spot in Edinburgh.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mercat Cross

The original Mercat Cross was erected in the 12th century. The Mercat Cross used to be the place for medieval punishments: learn all about its past and why today it is still an emblem of the city.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Parliament Square (pass by)

Learn all about the past history of Scotland, England and their Parliamnets. Why is there still a parliament in Scotland? You will understand everything at this stop.
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John Knox Statue (pass by)

Learn all about John Knox, his past and his relationship with the city of Edinburgh.
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St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles Cathedral is named after the patron saint of Edinburgh, Saint Giles (b. 650-d. 710) and it was originally built in the 12th century.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Heart of Midlothian (pass by)

Understand what's myth and what's reality about this beautiful cobblestone heart in the middle of the street.
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Estatua David Hume (pass by)

Understand everything about this influential philosopher who lived during the Scottish Enlightenment. Why is he so important to the city?
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The Hub

This magnificent church is a defining aspect of Edinburgh’s landscape and can be seen from all around. Immerse in its amazing story.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, perched on top of Castle Rock, is the longest-inhabited place in Edinburgh. Discover the amazing stories behind this incredible settlement!
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grassmarket

Discover the past and amazing stories behind one of the most lively and touristic venues of the city, and probably from Scotland.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Scott Monument (pass by)

Looking across Princes’ Street Gardens, you will be able to see a huge Gothic spire. This is the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the largest monument to an author anywhere in the world. We will explain what is this monument doing here and what is its relevance.
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Writers' Museum

Learn about the three famous Scottish writers that the Scottish Writer’s Museum features. You will discover why Edinburgh was named the first UNESCO World Literature City in 2004 and has been called home by countless successful authors.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Greyfriars Bobby (pass by)

Discover the story behind the most famous dog in Scotland!
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Show 13 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Old Town Private Self-Guided Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-329930P6

Reviews

5.00
5 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
5
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
  • You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
  • Jule will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
  • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour
  • In-person Guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Operated by a business

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Non-refundable

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Non-refundable

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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