Viator Rating : 5 (673 reviews)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle & City: Small Group Walking Tour
300
Overview
Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included - Small Group, invites guests to discover the heart of Scotland's capital on foot. This walking tour is designed for those eager to soak in Edinburgh's rich history and culture in a single day.
Visitors can expect to explore iconic landmarks such as Charlotte Square, the Georgian House, and the scenic Princes Street Gardens. The tour also includes a visit to the Scottish National Gallery, a stroll along the historic Royal Mile, and a chance to see the Mercat Cross and St. Giles' Cathedral. Not forgetting the poignant Heart of Midlothian, the intriguing Closes of the Royal Mile, the touching Greyfriars Bobby Statue, the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard, the lively Grassmarket, and the charming Victoria Street, Makars' Court, Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, and the majestic Edinburgh Castle.
The experience includes an Edinburgh Castle entrance ticket and guided tour, a local tour guide, and entrance to The Georgian House (from April 1, 2025). A guided tour of the Scottish National Gallery highlights is also included. Lunch and gratuities are not included. 
Highlights
Explore Edinburgh Castle: See inside Edinburgh Castle with a guided tour and included entrance ticket.
Discover Historic Sites: Walk the Royal Mile and visit St. Giles' Cathedral.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal tour with a small group.
See Georgian House: Enter and tour the Georgian House (starting April 1, 2025).
Sentiment Analysis
Travelers loved seeing Edinburgh Castle and learning about its history.
-
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
-
Many appreciate the small group size, which allows for a more personalized experience.
-
Visitors enjoyed walking through the city and seeing many sites in one day.
Some felt the tour involved a lot of walking, which might be difficult for some.
-
Lunch is not included, so people need to budget for that.
The Journey
Charlotte Square
Begin your Edinburgh adventure in the elegant West End at Charlotte Square, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Admire the harmonious facades and delve into the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, understanding why Edinburgh earned the title 'Athens of the North'. Experience the refined atmosphere of this architectural gem, a testament to Edinburgh's Enlightenment era.
Georgian House
Step back in time at the Georgian House in Charlotte Square, a meticulously preserved townhouse offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of Edinburgh's high society in the 18th and 19th centuries. Explore the lavishly furnished rooms and discover the daily routines and social customs of the city's elite. Experience history firsthand in this authentic New Town residence.
Princes Street Gardens
Escape the city bustle in Princes Street Gardens, a verdant oasis nestled between the Old and New Towns. Stroll past the iconic Ross Fountain, admiring its intricate design and vibrant colors. Enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle perched dramatically atop Castle Rock, creating a picturesque scene that captures the city's unique charm.
Scottish National Gallery
Immerse yourself in Scotland's artistic heritage at the Scottish National Gallery. Discover masterpieces by renowned Scottish artists such as Sir Henry Raeburn, Alexander Nasmyth, and the Glasgow Boys. Explore the evolution of Scottish art through the ages, and appreciate the talent and creativity that flourished in this cultural hub.
Royal Mile
Embark on a culinary journey along the Royal Mile, renowned for its traditional pubs and restaurants. Indulge in authentic Scottish cuisine, from hearty stews to fresh seafood, and experience the warm hospitality of the local establishments. Savor the flavors of Scotland in this historic and vibrant setting.
Mercat Cross
Discover the historical significance of the Mercat Cross on the Royal Mile, once the center of public announcements and even punishments. Uncover the stories behind this iconic landmark, and learn why the mythical unicorn adorns its top. Experience the echoes of the past in this symbolic gathering place.
St. Giles' Cathedral
Marvel at the architectural grandeur of St. Giles' Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh, and delve into the history of the Presbyterian religion in Scotland. Explore the cathedral's stunning interior, and learn about its pivotal role in shaping the nation's spiritual landscape. Walk to West Parliament Square, and reflect on the historical importance of the Act of Union.
Heart of Midlothian
Discover the poignant history behind the Heart of Midlothian, a heart-shaped mosaic on the Royal Mile that marks the former site of the Old Tolbooth prison. Learn about the grim stories and legends associated with this historic landmark, and understand its cultural significance in Edinburgh's folklore.
Closes of the Royal Mile
Wander through the labyrinthine closes (narrow alleyways) branching off the Royal Mile and uncover the secrets of medieval Edinburgh. Explore these atmospheric lanes, once bustling with daily life, and learn about their historical significance and unique character. Discover the vibrant cultural scene of the city, including its world-renowned festivals.
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
Pay homage to Edinburgh's most loyal companion, Greyfriars Bobby, at his touching statue on George IV Bridge. Hear the heartwarming tale of the Skye Terrier who guarded his master's grave for 14 years. Experience the enduring bond between humans and animals in this touching tribute.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Step into the haunting atmosphere of Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic graveyard steeped in mystery and legend. Discover the eerie Mortsafes, designed to deter body snatchers, and learn about the connection between the Scottish Covenants and the imposing George Mackenzie Mausoleum. Uncover the spooky history of this iconic Edinburgh landmark.
Grassmarket
Explore the Grassmarket, a vibrant area famous for its lively pubs and its dark past as a site of public executions. Soak in the atmosphere of this historic marketplace, and imagine the dramatic events that once unfolded here. Uncover the intriguing stories and legends that surround this atmospheric Edinburgh location.
Victoria Street
Wander up Victoria Street, the most picturesque and colourful street in Edinburgh's Old Town. Admire the vibrant facades of the unique shops and boutiques that line this charming street. Capture the essence of Edinburgh's character as you ascend this iconic location to join the Grassmarket and Royal Mile areas.
Makars' Court
Celebrate Scotland's literary giants at Makars' Court, a unique space dedicated to the nation's writers. With the Writer’s Museum as a backdrop, delve into the works and lives of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Honor the enduring legacy of Scottish literature in this inspiring setting.
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Before entering Edinburgh Castle, pause at the Castle Esplanade and soak in the stunning panoramic views of the city. Discover where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place. Capture the breathtaking scenery that stretches before you. Appreciate the strategic importance of this historic vantage point.
Edinburgh Castle
Conclude your Edinburgh journey at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress perched atop Castle Rock. Delve into the fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles, and sieges that have shaped Scotland's history. Explore the castle's interior at your own pace, and experience the grandeur and majesty of this world-renowned landmark.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes an Edinburgh Castle entrance ticket, a local tour guide, and entry to the Georgian House (from April 1, 2025). A guided tour of the Scottish National Gallery is also included. Lunch and gratuities are not included. Meeting point details will be provided after booking.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Also, plan for lunch as it's not included in the tour.
Review Summary
People usually say that the Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included offers an excellent overview of the city's highlights in a well-paced, informative small-group setting. Positive feedback commonly highlights the knowledgeable and engaging guides, the inclusion of Edinburgh Castle tickets, and the well-structured itinerary that covers both Old and New Town. Some travelers mention that the tour can be quite fast-moving and may require good physical stamina due to the extensive walking involved. A few reviews point out the difficulty of navigating some cobbled streets for people with mobility issues, and suggestions to improve lunch timing or options occasionally appear. Overall, the detailed commentary and access to major attractions are consistently praised, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a comprehensive experience in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Glasgow
£59.5
Glasgow Bike Tour: See City Like a Local!
5.0
(134 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Fun Public Bike Tour in Glasgow invites everyone to experience the city like never before, whether they're locals wanting a fresh perspective or tourists seeking an authentic connection. The tour focuses on sharing the social history of Glasgow's most iconic spots.
Participants can expect to explore Glasgow on fully refurbished ex-Royal Mail bikes, each named after a Glaswegian woman. The routes are designed to be safe, utilizing Glasgow's beautiful parks, rivers, and expanding cycle network. An electric bike can be arranged upon request. The tour travels through the past and present of Glasgow, covering themes such as history, architecture, culture, and immigration.
Key stops include the Finnieston Crane, Govan, Glasgow's Rivers Cycle Paths, Kelvin Hall Cycle Path, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, O2 Academy Glasgow, University of Glasgow Cloisters, Glasgow Botanic Gardens & Kibble Palace, Pollok Country Park, and Glasgow's West End & Ashton Lane including Ashton Lane. Included in the experience are snacks, the use of a helmet, and the use of a bicycle. Not included are bottled water, coffee, and tea.
Glasgow
£254
Glasgow's Must-See Private Tour: Uncover City Secrets
4.9
(165 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
The Half-Day Private Glasgow Must-Sees Tour is a top-rated walking experience perfect for visitors wanting to deeply explore Glasgow's heart. A personal guide leads guests through iconic spots, unveiling the city's essence and tales.
Participants can expect to discover Glasgow's gems, including Glasgow City Main Square (George Square) and the modern art at GoMA. They'll explore the historic Merchant City, Glasgow Cross, and the stunning Glasgow Cathedral. Other stops include the Glasgow Necropolis, Tron Kirk, Glasgow Green, St. Andrew's Cathedral, People's Palace, St. Enoch Square, Glasgow City Chambers, and various locations showcasing Glasgow's architecture.
This private tour includes all taxes and fees, a professional guide, and a hotel meet-and-greet within Glasgow City Centre (near George Square). Gratuities and meet/drop-off outside the City Centre are not included. This tour promises an excellent and worry-free exploration of Glasgow.
Edinburgh
£55
Edinburgh's Adult Harry Potter Tour: Discover Magic & Pub Delights
5.0
(11 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
The Edinburgh Harry Potter Origins Adults Tour blends magic and history. Explore JK Rowling's inspiration, from Greyfriars Kirkyard to Victoria Street. Enjoy a drink in a local pub, connecting with fellow Potterheads. Discover the unique locations that shaped the wizarding world on this walking tour.
Edinburgh
£26
Edinburgh's Hilarious History: Mountebank Comedy Walking Tour
5.0
(1800 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh offers a unique and sidesplitting tour of Edinburgh. This isn't just any walking tour; it's the only one in the city led by an award-winning, professional stand-up comedian.
Get ready to explore Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, Mercat Cross, and the spooky Greyfriars Kirkyard, with lots of laughter. The guide, Daniel Downie, an Edinburgh-based stand-up comic and Scottish history student, brings the funny as the group wanders past St. Giles' Cathedral, the Writers' Museum, and takes in the Edinburgh Castle Panorama. With his trusty dog sidekick, Brahan, Daniel will make sure the group is laughing while learning.
What's included? A hilarious guide! What's not included? Gratuities. This tour is all about the hysterical and ridiculous side of Scotland's history, people, language, and even the weather! Prepare to laugh a lot while learning a little.
Edinburgh
£18
Edinburgh Old Town: Guided History Walk
5.0
(1002 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour immerses visitors in the heart of Scotland's captivating capital. This walking tour explores Edinburgh's Historical Center, offering a journey through more than 3,000 years of history, from ancient tribes to iconic figures in kilts.
Participants can expect to wander through the Royal Mile, a famous street brimming with historical significance, and Victoria Street, known for its unique charm. The tour visits the poignant statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal dog, near Greyfriars Cemetery, a place filled with mysteries and rumored paranormal activity. Harry Potter fans will appreciate the guide sharing how J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from Edinburgh's atmosphere and graveyard for her beloved series.
This experience includes a professional guide. Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.
Edinburgh
£475
Discover Edinburgh's Charm: A Luxurious Private 4-Hour Tour
5.0
(172 reviews)
Duration: 240
minutes
The Private 4-Hour Tour of Edinburgh offers an immersive experience through the city's Old and New Towns in a spacious Mercedes. An experienced driver-guide provides live commentary and historical context, ensuring a memorable exploration of iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Perfect for time-constrained visitors.
Nearby Events
Old Fire Station
Mar 04
8:00 PMBook Geoff Norcott Basic Bloke 2 Comedy Show Carlisle
Geoff Norcott brings his acclaimed show Basic Bloke 2 to the Old Fire Station in Carlisle, delivering sharp, topical comedy with a uniquely right-leaning perspective. Known for blending working-class wit with insightful political and social commentary, Norcott's show challenges conventional comedic norms in a refreshing and entertaining manner.
Geoff Norcott's rise from council estate upbringing to respected comedian and writer highlights his boundary-pushing approach to stand-up, mixing humor with thoughtful critique. The Old Fire Station, a vibrant arts venue in Carlisle, provides an intimate setting ideal for comedy and theatre lovers, enhancing the live experience with its welcoming atmosphere and central location.
Kings Theatre Glasgow
Apr 23
6:30 PMDiversity Live: Soul at Kings Theatre Glasgow
Diversity Soul at Kings Theatre Glasgow is a theatrical dance show by the UK’s chart-topping troupe Diversity that blends storytelling, choreography and theatrical production to probe humanity in the AI age, offering an immersive stage experience that highlights the group's new concept tour SOUL[6][7]. The production showcases Diversity’s signature blend of precision street dance, theatrical staging and narrative choreography while promoting material from their current Soul tour and recent creative direction under Ashley Banjo[2][6].
.Diversity rose to prominence after winning Britain’s Got Talent and have since become one of the UK’s most successful dance companies, known for high-energy routines, inventive group formations and emotional storytelling; reviewers and tour listings emphasize the group’s strong theatrical ambitions on the Soul tour[2][6]. Kings Theatre Glasgow, a historic West End venue, provides ornate auditorium seating and a theatrical setting suited to the show’s dramatic staging[6].
The Stand Comedy Club
Mar 18
8:00 PMTom Rosenthal Live in Glasgow | Stand Comedy Club
Tom Rosenthal - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am brings the award-winning comedian's latest stand-up show to The Stand Comedy Club in Glasgow. Known for his razor-sharp observational humor and cleverly crafted punchlines, Rosenthal has built a reputation as one of Britain's most accomplished comedians through his critically acclaimed live performances and television work. This intimate comedy experience showcases why audiences across the UK have embraced his unique brand of humor during his extensive tour runs.
Beyond his stand-up prowess, Rosenthal is celebrated for his television roles, including his iconic performance as Jonny Goodman in the BAFTA-winning Friday Night Dinner, which attracted average audiences of 3.9 million viewers on Channel 4. The Stand Comedy Club in Glasgow provides the perfect venue for experiencing his comedy in an up-close, personal setting that allows his storytelling and wit to truly shine.
Carlisle Sands Centre
Feb 06
8:00 PMDara Ó Briain: Re:Creation Comedy Tour Carlisle
Dara Ó Briain's Re:Creation comedy show comes to Carlisle Sands Centre on February 6, 2026, bringing the Irish stand-up comedian and television presenter's signature blend of sharp observational humor and intellectual wit to the stage. One of the UK and Ireland's most celebrated comedians, Ó Briain is best known for hosting the iconic BBC panel show Mock the Week and has won multiple Chortle Awards for his live performances, including Best Tour in 2008 and Best Headliner in 2004. His latest show Re:Creation has been performed across the globe, touring the UK, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, the Middle East, and North America to enthusiastic audiences.
Ó Briain's comedy career spans decades of success, from his early days as a children's presenter on RTÉ to becoming a fixture of British and Irish television with shows like Robot Wars, Stargazing Live, and Dara Ó Briain's Science Club. His background in mathematical physics adds a unique intellectual dimension to his material, making his performances both hilarious and thoughtful. Carlisle Sands Centre provides an ideal setting for experiencing one of comedy's most accomplished live performers.
OVO Hydro
Feb 05
6:00 PMMotionless In White Live at OVO Hydro Glasgow
Motionless In White takes the stage at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, delivering a powerful metalcore concert experience for fans of metal and nu-metal. Known for their theatrical blend of gothic, industrial, and heavy metal, the band showcases tracks from their acclaimed recent album 'Scoring the End of the World,' cementing their reputation as one of the genre’s leading acts.
Formed in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 2004, Motionless In White has evolved into an influential force with chart-topping albums like 'Reincarnate' and 'Graveyard Shift.' OVO Hydro, one of Scotland’s premier venues, provides the perfect setting to witness their intense live performance, combining high production values and an electric atmosphere for metal enthusiasts.
SEC Armadillo
Feb 28
6:30 PMStuart Mitchell - Tips Not Included at SEC Armadillo
Stuart Mitchell brings his hit stand-up tour 'Tips Not Included' to the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow, delivering razor-sharp observational comedy and fearless crowd work in one of Scotland’s most iconic live venues. Known for his viral TikTok clips, BBC Scotland’s 'Breaking The News', and acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe shows, Mitchell has fast become one of the UK’s most in-demand comedians.
With over 100 million online views and a growing reputation for smart, relatable humour about relationships, money, and modern life, Stuart Mitchell’s live show is a masterclass in timing and storytelling. The SEC Armadillo, part of Glasgow’s vibrant Clyde riverside entertainment district, offers excellent acoustics and sightlines, making it the perfect setting for a big night of stand-up.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Glasgow
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Glasgow From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Historical Tours & Rock in Glasgow. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Glasgow Activities