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The Original Free Tour of Edinburgh

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English, Spanish
Quality Verified Registered on October 22, 2021

We invented the Free Walking Tour in 2003. We've been the best Free Tour ever since. SANDEMANs means quality. We work with superb local guides in some of the world’s best cities to bring you incredible walking tours and other unmissable experiences! The local expert guides perform the FREE Tour on a tips-only basis, requiring them to provide nothing but the best tour every time, and ensuring that you have an unforgettable experience.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

The stories of Edinburgh are almost too amazing to be true, but as you join this entertaining walking tour with an expert local guide, you will discover tales that you simply couldn't make up. Hear the stories of the English kings and how the Edinburgh locals showed what they thought of them, discover the real-life Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde, and learn why leaving the pub at closing time in old Edinburgh was a particularly dangerous undertaking. These local tour guides bring Edinburgh's history to life as they take you to major landmarks in Edinburgh's Old Town like St Gile's Cathedral, the Scottish Writer's Museum, and the Grassmarket, where public executions didn't always go according to plan.

Of course though, Edinburgh's fascinating history is not just made up of madmen. Discover heroic men and women like William Wallace and the Stone of Destiny, learn about Scottish literary greats at the Scottish Writers' Museum (we promise you can name more of them than you think!), and even discover a sweet local dog who redefined the word loyalty at Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Highlights:

  • Stroll up the Royal Mile, visiting St Gile’s Cathedral and other major landmarks
  • Meet Scottish greats like William Wallace
  • Visit the pub (and history!) filled Grassmarket
  • Help to contribute to the local community at your coffee break at the Grassmarket Project
  • See the National Museum of Scotland

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  • Meeting point:
    130 High St, Edinburgh EH1, UK
    130 High St, Edinburgh EH1, UK
    View on map

    We will be at 130 High Street (The Royal Mile), on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

177 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.87
Fun
4.85
Expression
4.77
Quality
4.82
Route
4.69
Generic
5 stars
163
4 stars
10
3 stars
0
2 stars
2
1 star
2
Lucia 04 Dec 2022
Cork

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Dec 2022
Melanie’s tour is fun, informative and engaging. She is winning her audience at the very first station and delivers stories with passion. My favorite part was her telling the story of Maggie Dickson and also Bobby, the most famous citizen of Edinburgh. I was with my mother whose English is good but basic and she had a fantastic time too, with only asking a few questions for me to translate. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone who spends a few days in the city and is interested in its quirky characters of the past.
Will 27 Oct 2022
Lawrence

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Oct 2022
Great Your, but not if you have mobility issues. Edinburgh is a hilly cobblestoned city. All tours suffer for this reason. Our guide, Australian David, did a great job!! Fun, informative tour!!
Basma 03 Sep 2022
Berlin

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Sep 2022
Megaaaa spannende Tour mit richtig tollen Guide ! Kann’s ehrlich nur weiterempfehlen!
John 29 Aug 2022
Melle

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Aug 2022
nur zum empfehlen
Sandra 25 Aug 2022

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Aug 2022
Melanie was very enthusiastic about her adopted city and knew her history. Went to good locations and learnt a lot about them. We would recommend Guruwalk Edinburgh with Melanin
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
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