Discover Edinburgh: Old & New Town Walking Tour

If you want to explore the most iconic places in Edinburgh and hear fun stories and facts without getting lost, this is the tour for you!

This tour takes you through Edinburgh’s past, beginning at the city’s oldest surviving building in the Old Town and ends in the New Town, covering 900 years of history along the way.

You will enjoy Edinburgh's rich history in a fun, clear, and easy-to-understand way. Whether you're a history lover, traveling with family and kids, or have limited English, this tour is designed to bring Edinburgh's past to life for everyone.

This 2.5 hour free tour covers the essential places, interesting stories, and the best spots for taking photos to help you capture unforgettable memories of this magical city.

Meeting point: John Knox House, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR.

Tour locations:

Princes Street
Ross Fountain
Wojtek Statue
Princes Street Gardens
New College and Hidden Close
Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle (exterior)
Victoria Street
Grassmarket
Greyfriars Kirkyard
St Giles' Cathedral
Mercat Cross
and more!!

After the Tour

Your adventure ends in New Town, the perfect place to continue exploring, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a glass of whisky.

I will also share my exclusive Edinburgh travel guide, which includes:

Must-try Scottish meals
Great places to visit
Discount Codes for the Department of Magic
Where to see Highland cows for FREE

The tour lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes

Available in English

Guide: Simply Walking Tours

Guiding since 2018

A passionate tour guide with a deep love for travel, history, and storytelling. Instead of wandering around not knowing what you’re looking at, my tours give you the fun stories, local secrets, and must-see spots that bring this magical city to life. I keep things simple, easy to understand, and engaging, so everyone can enjoy the tour whether English is your first language or not. I can’t wait to show you around this magical city, share its secrets and stories, and help you make the most of visit to Edinburgh.

13 stops

3.4 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:John knox HouseI will be outside the John Knox House with a red tartan pattern scarf and umbrella.Open in Google Maps →

Outside visit

South BridgeDiscover Edinburgh's dark and hidden past by learning about the hidden vaults beneath South Bridge.

Outside visit

Market CrossSee the Mercat Cross, a historic symbol of Edinburgh’s old marketplace and some fun facts.

Outside visit

St Giles CathedralThe spiritual heart of Edinburgh.

13 stops

3.4 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:John knox HouseI will be outside the John Knox House with a red tartan pattern scarf and umbrella.Open in Google Maps →

Outside visit

South BridgeDiscover Edinburgh's dark and hidden past by learning about the hidden vaults beneath South Bridge.

Outside visit

Market CrossSee the Mercat Cross, a historic symbol of Edinburgh’s old marketplace and some fun facts.

Outside visit

St Giles CathedralThe spiritual heart of Edinburgh.

4.86

22 reviews

Professionalism

4.95

Entertainment

4.82

Communication

4.86

Quality

4.86

Route

4.95

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Does not accept large group bookings.

Pets

Not suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.