Edinburgh's Hidden Gems: Old Town Walking Tour
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Overview
Hidden Gems of Edinburgh Tour takes travelers on a journey through Edinburgh's captivating Old Town. This walking tour explores iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard. The tour also unveils hidden nooks and crannies, offering a unique perspective on why Time Out calls Edinburgh “the world’s most beautiful, walkable and generally bloody excellent place to visit”!
Participants can expect to discover historical and cultural gems, including Gladstone's Land, New Town, Old College, Edinburgh Castle, and the Greyfriars Bobby Memorial. See the places that may have inspired Hogwarts!. The tour guide will lead the way through Dunbars Close and share fascinating stories about Edinburgh's past.
This experience includes snacks to keep energy levels high during the adventure. It excludes other food and drinks. The tour focuses on the beauty of the city without specific dates or times.



Highlights
Explore Edinburgh's Hidden Gems: Discover secret spots in the Old Town that most tourists miss!
Walk Through History: Visit famous landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Hear Fascinating Stories: Learn about Edinburgh's rich history from a knowledgeable guide.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal tour with a smaller group size.
Snacks Included: Stay energized with provided snacks during your walking tour.
See Hogwarts Inspiration: Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, said to have inspired the Harry Potter series.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally found this tour to be a fascinating and enjoyable way to discover Edinburgh's hidden gems and iconic landmarks, guided by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.

Customers loved discovering hidden gems and learning about Edinburgh's history.
Many reviewers praised the guides for being knowledgeable and engaging.
Visitors appreciated the walking format for exploring the city up close.
Several customers highlighted the tour as a great way to see Edinburgh's must-see sights.
Some found the pace of the walking tour to be a bit fast.
A few mentioned that the group size was larger than expected.
The Journey
Royal Mile
Stroll down the Royal Mile, the historic heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. This iconic street is steeped in history, lined with towering tenements, hidden closes, and narrow stairways leading to a secret underground world. Explore its vibrant shops, traditional pubs, and historic landmarks, immersing yourself in the city's rich heritage and captivating atmosphere.
Grassmarket
Discover the Grassmarket, a picturesque and lively area in Edinburgh's Old Town, offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. This historic marketplace is now a haven for independent merchants, designers, and artisans, showcasing high-quality gifts, clothing, and homeware. Enjoy a diverse culinary scene with its array of bars, restaurants, and cafes catering to all tastes and budgets. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and soak in the unique charm of this iconic Edinburgh location.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, steeped in royal history and intrigue. Explore the State Apartments, marvel at the historic tapestries and artworks, and wander through the romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey. Discover the stories of Scottish monarchs and key historical events within the palace walls, offering a captivating glimpse into Scotland's royal past.
Gladstone's Land
Step back in time at Gladstone's Land, a beautifully preserved 17th-century tenement house in Edinburgh's Old Town. Explore the meticulously restored rooms, furnished to reflect the life of a merchant family, and gain insight into the daily lives of Edinburgh residents centuries ago. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the city's past, showcasing the architecture, social history, and cultural heritage of old Edinburgh.
New Town
Explore the elegant New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its neo-classical and Georgian architecture. Stroll along Princes Street, offering stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town, and relax in the scenic Princes Street Gardens. Discover the area's elegant squares, grand avenues, and historic landmarks, showcasing Edinburgh's architectural evolution and cultural heritage.
Old College
Visit Old College, a historic building of the University of Edinburgh, renowned for its late 18th-century to early 19th-century architecture. Admire the Robert Adam-designed facade and the William Henry Playfair-designed dome. Explore the University's administrative sections, the School of Law, and the Talbot Rice Gallery, immersing yourself in the academic atmosphere and architectural grandeur of this Category A listed building.
Edinburgh Castle
Explore Edinburgh Castle, an iconic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Delve into its rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, and fortress, and discover tales of kings, queens, and soldiers. Visit the Crown Jewels of Scotland, St. Margaret's Chapel, and the Great Hall, immersing yourself in the captivating history and grandeur of this world-famous landmark.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk, steeped in history and legends. Discover the final resting places of notable Edinburgh residents and soak in the atmospheric surroundings. Explore the graves that inspired characters in the Harry Potter series, and learn about the touching story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his owner's grave for 14 years.
Hogwarts Inspiration (Greyfriars Kirkyard)
Discover the enchanting origins of Hogwarts at Greyfriars Kirkyard, where the headstones and atmosphere provided inspiration for the Harry Potter films. Explore the graveyard's eerie beauty, imagining the magical world brought to life by J.K. Rowling. This site offers a unique glimpse into the creative process and literary connections that make Edinburgh a truly magical city.
Greyfriars Bobby Memorial
Visit the statue and grave of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who captured the hearts of Edinburgh with his unwavering loyalty. Learn the touching story of how Bobby guarded his owner's grave for 14 years, becoming a symbol of devotion and companionship. Pay your respects at the Greyfriars Bobby Fountain and experience the emotional connection to this beloved local legend.
Dunbars Close
Escape the bustle of the Royal Mile in Dunbars Close, a hidden gem offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Wander through the beautifully recreated 17th-century garden, featuring clipped shrubs, parterres, and a canopy of trees. Discover the different atmospheres within each garden space, sheltered by historic church walls and hedging, providing a peaceful oasis in the city center.
Know Before You Go
This walking tour includes snacks to keep you going. It does not include any other food or drinks. The meeting point will be provided upon booking, so make sure to check your confirmation details. The tour ends in a central location, easy to access.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as this is a walking tour. Also, bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Some reviewers recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat, as the weather in Edinburgh can be unpredictable.