Top Experiences in The Canongate

Join us for this half day tour of Scotland’s beautiful capital city, Edinburgh. Exploring the Old Town on foot, led by your local Blue Badge Guide, is the best way to soak up the local atmosphere.

Starting on top of the volcanic rock, we will visit the iconic Edinburgh castle. Then we will follow the ancient path of a glacier all the way to bottom of the Royal Mile.

Your guide will lead the you through narrow closes and beautiful buildings surrounding the Royal Mile, giving you the chance to discover the city’s history and its famous citizens along the way.

Our tour finishes with a view of both the Royal palace of Holyrood and the modern Scottish Parliament, a fantastic introduction to the city of Edinburgh.

Embark on a self-guided journey to explore Edinburgh's historic heart, from the panoramic vistas of Calton Hill to the majestic St Giles' Cathedral. Delve into the city's rich past as you stroll the Royal Mile, uncover the stories of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and marvel at the architecture of Edinburgh Castle (entry ticket not included). This tour invites you to discover at your pace, revealing hidden gems and iconic landmarks, including Grassmarket Square and Greyfriars Kirk, enriching your visit with culture and history.

Virtually walk through the streets of Edinburgh's old town with a guide who is also a fan of the TV series and novels. You will see the locations used in season 3 filming (with images taken at the time of filming by the guide) as well as the novel locations. You will also hear what Edinburgh would have been like at the time Jamie had his print shop here. Enjoy this Private tour immersed in all things Outlander.
Although this is a virtual tour you will be able to chat with the guide, ask questions. The guide is both a Novel and TV fan and has met most of the cast.

This tour is delivered via Zoom. Once you have booked you will be sent a meeting link. Zoom is free for you to use.

Maximise in one day most of your time in Edinburgh with our qualified and authorised Scottish blue badge tour guide, taking you to the must-see attractions. All included so you do not have to worry about anything
Starting with exploring inside Edinburgh Castle and moving on to the most iconic Royal Mile , we will walk in the footsteps of the Royals, passing historical monuments and old fashioned shops leading to Holyrood Palace.
Visit Holyrood Palace to learn about Mary Queen of Scot and our current Royal family.
Take a tea time break while absorbing the natural surroundings of the historical landmark of Holyrood park and most iconic Arthur's seat
Continue the tour with a transfer to Britannia Yacht, To experience an intimate private aspect of the royal family life.

At the end of our tour you can enjoy a shopping spree at the Ocean Terminal shopping center or return to Edinburgh Old Town with your guide with local transport.

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See Edinburgh’s shady side. The gruesome and the glorious. The ghostly and the ghastly. This 2-hour tour is a wickedly entertaining walk on the wild and dark side of the Scottish capital. Explore the spots where murders, monsters and mayhem have become things of legend, and visit Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard, two of Edinburgh’s most chilling cemeteries. Throughout the tour, hear real-life tales of witches, body-snatchers, vampires, cannibals and more from your entertaining guide.

This ticket includes admission to noteworthy royal attractions Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia and the Palace of Holyroodhouse as well as 48 hours on all three city tours - Edinburgh Tour, City Sightseeing Edinburgh, Majestic Tour. The idea is to use the tours to find out more about the city then hop off when you want to visit each of the included attractions

.Explore Edinburgh with a 48hour hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket, and see the city's royal sights at your own pace. An easy and convenient way to experience the Scottish capital, this unique ticket offers unlimited travel on 3 different tour bus routes for 48 hours. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the top deck of the bus, informative Multi-lingual audio commentary or choose a live guide, and the flexibility to hop on and off at any of the well-placed stops dotted around the city.

Explore Edinburgh the way you want to, spend quality time with a local and get a real taste for our beautiful city on our most extensive tour of the main sights of Edinburgh City and Castle in 3 hours. With flexible meeting and end points and a dedicated local guide, maximise your time in Edinburgh on a private tour.

Connect with a local guide and immerse yourself in the tales and sights of Edinburgh’s Old Town. From its historic roots to modern life in the city today, this leisurely 1.5 hour wander will give you a great overview and introduction to Scotland’s capital city, before you enter one of the oldest fortified please in Europe - Edinburgh Castle.

This tour includes a unique, guided visit to Edinburgh Castle with a local expert, all tickets included. This tour is the ultimate way to maximise your time in Edinburgh.

The tour will take in the classics, from Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Mile as well as many more hidden secrets only known by our true local experts!

Tune into ancient and modern Scottish tales on one of Europe’s oldest streets with this affordable walking tour and the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app.

• See historical sights along all four sections of the Royal Mile and find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it traveled
• Hear from producer Martin Donnelly, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Edinburgh local
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
️• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Ah, Edinburgh! They don't call it "The Jekyll & Hyde City" for nothing. During the day, a respectable figure, with its astonishing architecture and wondrous history. But when the sun sets, it tells an entirely different story...

Hear all about the darker history of Edinburgh: murderers, thieves, cannibals, hangings and decapitations, witches, the Plague and streams of human waste. Learn about the most notorious citizens of Edinburgh and how ghost stories are born.

This is not a ghost tour: we don't need costumes or people jumping from behind the corners, Edinburgh's Dark History itself is enough to make your skin crawl. And oh, how we love to share it with our visitors...

Welcome to Jule's Outlander tour of Edinburgh! Are you a fan of the hit TV series? This is the perfect opportunity to step back in time and experience the world of Outlander for yourself. Join Jule, your passionate and knowledgeable guide, on a self-guided tour of Edinburgh's famous filming locations and discover the history and folklore behind the Jacobite uprisings.

Explore the historic Old Town and follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie as you discover the hidden corners of Edinburgh that served as the backdrop for this epic tale. Along the way, Jule will share fascinating stories about Scotland's past and introduce you to the mythical creatures and legends that inspired the Outlander series.

You'll be transported to a different time and place, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Scotland. By the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deeper understanding of the Jacobite uprisings and the lasting impact they had on this beautiful country.

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

Explore the historic and vibrant city of Edinburgh in your own time, with an award-winning unlimited 24 hour hop-on hop-off bus tour. From the open-top deck you’ll have a fantastic 360 degree view of the spectacular surroundings, which are a blend of stunning natural beauty, and wonderfully historic architecture. This Scottish sightseeing adventure will take you to all of Edinburgh's key points of interest, including Waverley Bridge, Grassmarket, Johnston Terrace, Old Town, Canongate, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Our Dynamic Earth and much more! There's also an informative audio tour commentary on the double-decker bus, so you can make sense of the fabulous sights you're experiencing. With access to 14 stops around the city, and the ability to hop on and off the bus as much as you please within the given time period, you can truly immerse yourself into the culture of this charming destination.

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh. Spend a couple of hours strolling through the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town. Hear about Edinburgh's history, characters and events that shaped this wonderful city. The Royal Mile leads down from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. If you have a special interest let us know we can tailor for you. Harry Potter, Outlander or the Jacobite's or a mix of everything, history, architecture and people from the past.

The perfect first introduction to Edinburgh's Royal Mile with a local!
Edinburgh is one of the most photogenic cities in the world & the perfect city to explore with your iPhone or Smartphone camera.

Privately visit & photograph all the highlights of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, improve your iPhone & smartphone photography, and learn lots of tips & tricks from David, your professional guide.

In this private walking tour, David, a local of 50 years, will quickly show you all the highlights of Edinburgh's spectacular Royal Mile, from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. There'll be lots of iPhone photography tips along the way, and you'll learn lots about the history of each of the places we visit. It's the ideal way to discover The Royal Mile and uncover all its iconic attractions & secret gems.

You'll privately see all The Royal Mile's hidden gems and capture wonderful photos along the way.

While aimed at iPhone photographers, all camera types are welcome.

Embark on a magical journey through Edinburgh as we trace real life history behind the beloved TV show "Outlander." This tour is a must for fans of the series and those intrigued by Scotland's rich history and culture. As we explore the iconic city that served as the backdrop for the series' most memorable moments, you'll be transported back to the time of the Jacobite rebellion, experiencing the love, conflict, and adventure of "Outlander." Learn about the historical context that inspired the series, including the real events of the Jacobite rebellion and how they influenced the characters and plots of "Outlander." Feel the romance of the Old Town's cobbled streets, visit the real-life settings that doubled for places like Alexander Malcolm’s Printshop, and hear tales of love, loyalty, and bravery that echo through the ages.

Spend the evening exploring Edinburgh's Old Town on a Private Walking Tour with a knowledgeable, friendly local tour guide. Hear about the characters and events that shaped this wonderful cities past. This is a great option if time is limited to get to know the Royal Mile and Old Town. A walking tour in the evening could give you more time during the day to visit some of our attractions. If you would prefer to focus on the top part of the Royal Mile just let your guide know, if not the tour will end outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Small, personal 5 star group tour with a maximum of 18 people.

Exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults

Visit the Canongate graveyard

Hear of infamous murderers and cursed souls and delve into the terror of the city’s gruesome past.

Enjoy a tour led by a live, award-winning, English-speaking guide

This is strictly an adults-only tour suitable for those aged 18+ (not at parental discretion)

Go on a discovery tour of Edinburgh. Discover the most important and famous locations of the city.
Search for the city's treasures with your family or friends. Can you complete the assignments? Will you get the top score in the city?

This E-scavenger hunt will give you a fantastic day in Edinburgh. Decide for yourself when you start, pause and end. It's your party only and you'll get to know the city in a unique way.

Instructions for starting the tour will be given after booking. You can do this tour whenever you choose.

On this private walking tour along the Royal Mile we explore the medieval Old Town. Cathedrals and kings, alleys and crooks – discover the oldest part of Edinburgh and find out what strange things have happened in the shadow of the time-honored buildings.

The tour is family friendly and wheelchair accessible.

This is purely a city tour; a visit to the castle and/or palace is not included.

On this evening city tour you will get to know Edinburgh from its darker side. Be it ghosts or atrocities – the winding streets of the Old Town reveal their terrible secrets here. Don't say I didn't warn you...

Your tour guide knows both the gory and family-friendly horror stories surrounding the Old Town and will be happy to adapt the horror factor to your wishes.

Turning Edinburgh Into an Adventure Playground! Get a unique perspective of Old Town/Royal Mile on this self-guided, interactive treasure hunt. It's the best way to explore the city!

On your adventure, unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles and completing challenges, earning points along the way.

During your Quest you will not only discover the city's highlights but explore hidden gems, learn some fun facts about the places you visit and see things that most people just pass by.

As the activity is all self-guided through the app, you can start your Quest when you want (must be played during daylight hours), there are no set starting/ending times. No groups to follow.

You can go at your own pace, stopping for longer in one location, taking a break or having a snack in one of the many cafes and pubs along the trail OR you can make it a race and try to get to the top of the city leaderboard!

Instant acess with nothing to print from home. Will you conquer the Quest?

What better way to acquaint yourself with the layout of Edinburgh's medieval Old Town than a private tour with your own experienced guide.

In 3 hours your guide will cover all of the highlights of the Old Town as well as the hidden gems that the unwary visitor misses.

Your guide will scratch under the surface of each location helping the visitor to understand why the city has such a gruesome history. Although many people think it is just about the Castle, it is much more than that. It is about the people who lived and died in the Old Town.

You will hear stories of body-snatchers, of witches and the religious zealots that sent them to their deaths. We will explain how Scotland went from independent country to becoming part of the United Kingdom and its impact on Edinburgh

The 18th century was a period that saw the rebirth of Edinburgh through learning and education. This period became known as the Scottish Enlightenment. Come on this tour to be entertained and enlightened.

Beyond the city walls lies the end of the world... But what world?

During this 2-hour tour, climb Castle Hill with our costumed tour guide and visit the historic district of the Old Town, step by step. Discover the main monuments but also its hidden gems, its closes and its secret alleys. Follow in the footsteps of Mary Stuart or Bonnie Prince Charlie from Holyrood Palace at the foot of Castle Hill to the medieval fortress and discover history of the Scottish monarchy and the daily life of its inhabitants. Learn the anecdotes and tavern stories that have fuelled the city's legends and rumours...

Join us on the Edinburgh Ghosts and Murders walking tour, a 2-hour journey through the dark and haunted history of Edinburgh. We start near the imposing Edinburgh Castle, a fortress that has stood for over a millennium and is rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the city. Learn about the enigmatic piper who vanished in its tunnels, only to play ghostly tunes on stormy nights.

Our tour concludes with a reminder that Edinburgh's dark history and resident spirits add an intriguing layer to the city's rich tapestry. Enjoy a hauntingly good night!

Why was a pet blackbird arrested in 1736?
What did a washerwoman insist on before she would pull philosopher David Hume out of a swamp?
Why was Robert the Bruce Edinburgh Castle’s most deadly enemy?

You really couldn’t make up the history of Old Edinburgh!

Seldom in the world can there have been so many odd events and strange goings-on in one town’s story as in Edinburgh, and telling these curious tales is what this tour is all about! Local doctor Moray Grigor is an Edinburgh native and lover of the city, and has been collecting some of the best of its stories to bring to you.

Starting just below the Castle, we’ll be touring down the world-famous Royal Mile, ducking into alleys and back courts as we go, and we’ll be hearing the most outlandish, amusing and fascinating anecdotes of the Old Town, many collected by Edinburgh publisher and author Robert Chambers right back in 1824.

In Edinburgh, truth really is stranger than fiction – as Dr Grigor will be delighted to show you!

To truly experience a city, you must deep dive into its culture, and there's no better cultural tradition to explore in Edinburgh than through its ghost tales, myths and legends.

On this private tour, get a cultural awakening as you learn more about ghosts, myths and legends and why it's such a unique part of the city's character. Learn from its history to the present influence that still lingers in Edinburgh as you visit the Robert Fergusson statue, Canongate Kirkyard and more. Thanks to this cultural experience, you'll be able to see Edinburgh from a different perspective - the way the locals live it every day!

Withlocals Treasures of Edinburgh Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

This tour steps foot into the history of a city thousands of years in the making, where every nook and cranny has a story to tell.

Walking through the city streets of Edinburgh is a very special experience. There’s really nowhere else in the world that could compare. It seems that in Edinburgh, every passage will take you on a new adventure, a tale of two towns joined by one very unique urban identity.

Explore the monuments that everyone misses and hear the stories that only a local would know. See where kings were crowned, heads were lost, wars won, and legends were born. There’s always something exciting waiting around every winding wynd, waiting to be discovered, explored, and admired. TRIPorganiser’s Walking Tour of Edinburgh ventures beyond the cookie-cutter travel experience into Edinburgh’s secret history that has inspired the world for centuries.

Note: The Queens Gallery at Holyrood Palace is closed until 2024.