Viator Rating : 5 (1800 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.2/10 (Verified Excellent)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Hilarious History: Mountebank Comedy Walking Tour
120
Overview
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. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (9 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Guide Quality (10 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (10 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Laugh Through History: Discover Edinburgh's past with a hilarious, award-winning comedian.
Iconic Landmarks: See the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and more with comedic commentary.
Unique Perspective: Experience Scottish history, language, and culture through humor.
Perfect for Everyone: Enjoyable for all ages with silly stories and a friendly atmosphere.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers say the tour is very funny and entertaining.
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Many visitors enjoyed learning about Scottish history in a fun way.
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Reviewers loved the comedian guide and thought he was very talented.
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Some customers mentioned that the tour is suitable for all ages.
Some customers mentioned they were not sure if they learned much about the city.
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Some customers mentioned they had difficulty understanding the guide's humor.
The Journey
Monkey Barrel Comedy
Begin your Edinburgh adventure at the Monkey Barrel Comedy, a local favorite known for its vibrant atmosphere and hilarious performances. It's more than just a comedy club; it's the perfect starting point to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, learn some local slang, and set the tone for a fun-filled journey through Edinburgh's Old Town. Get ready to laugh and learn before exploring the historic streets!
Royal Mile
Walk along the Royal Mile, Edinburgh's historic High Street, the backbone of the Old Town. This iconic street stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, and is filled with historic landmarks, closes (narrow alleyways), shops, and attractions. Experience the vibrant atmosphere where history and modern life seamlessly blend, making it a must-see destination.
Mercat Cross
Discover the Mercat Cross, a historical hub where medieval Edinburgh's trade, royal proclamations, and even public punishments unfolded. This landmark stands as a symbol of the city's vibrant past, offering a glimpse into the daily life, commerce, and justice of old Edinburgh. Imagine the bustling marketplace and the echoes of history as you stand in this significant spot.
St. Giles' Cathedral
Visit St. Giles' Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh, a crucial religious site in the Old Town and a key player in the Scottish Reformation. Admire its stunning architecture, including the iconic crown spire, and explore its rich history and the stories of notable figures buried here, such as the 'Great Montrose.' Experience the spiritual and historical significance of this magnificent cathedral.
Writers' Museum
Pause outside the Writers' Museum for a lighthearted look at some of Scotland's greatest literary figures, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Though entry to the museum is optional, the exterior provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on Edinburgh's rich literary heritage and the profound impact these writers had on the world. Enjoy a comic perspective on their lives and works.
Edinburgh Castle Panorama
Stop for a breathtaking panoramic view of the south side of Edinburgh Castle. Here, you will hear about the daring raid led by Sir Thomas Randolph in March 1314. The viewpoint offers a stunning perspective of the castle's imposing presence and provides a deeper understanding of its strategic importance and turbulent history. It is a memorable visual and historical experience.
Grassmarket
Explore the Grassmarket, once Edinburgh's bustling marketplace and a center for law and disorder. Discover its dark history as a site of public executions, where justice was dispensed in a gruesome spectacle. Today, the Grassmarket is a vibrant area filled with pubs, shops, and a lively atmosphere, yet it retains a palpable connection to its dramatic past. Feel the weight of history as you wander through this atmospheric locale.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Conclude your tour at Greyfriars Kirkyard, a cemetery steeped in historical significance, eerie tales of Edinburgh's body snatchers, ghostly apparitions, and connections to Harry Potter. Discover the poignant story of Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh's most famous dog, known for his unwavering loyalty. Wander through the ancient tombstones and experience the haunting beauty and rich history of this iconic graveyard. This is a memorable and evocative end to your Edinburgh adventure.
Know Before You Go
This walking tour includes a guide. Gratuities are not included. The Mountebank Comedy Walk is a walking tour. Prepare to walk and laugh a lot! Enjoy a one-of-a-kind tour experience.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking! Be prepared to laugh at everything Scottish. The funnier you think its, the better!
Review Summary
People usually say The Mountebank Comedy Walk is hilarious, educational, and unique, with Daniel Downie praised for his engaging, funny, and knowledgeable style. Many highlight the mix of comedy and Scottish history, the guide’s ability to keep the tour lively, and the memorable presence of the dog. A few note that the Scottish accent can be hard to understand for some, but overall, the experience is described as exceptional and highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
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