Royal Mile

This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle! Step into Edinburgh’s secrets and discover the heart of Scotland’s capital, beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved to this day, in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its ancient volcanic rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it. Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Mercat Tours Storyteller and from the Royal Mile you’ll walk over the drawbridge and straight past the ticket line – leaving the queues behind and continuing your journey into Edinburgh’s history uninterrupted.

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh with our guided walking tour that combines a walk on the historic Royal Mile and a guided visit inside Edinburgh Castle (entry included). The tour will begin on the Royal Mile, where your guide will lead you through cobbled streets, sharing fascinating stories of Scotland’s past and pointing out iconic landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the colourful Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket with its vibrant atmosphere. Uncover Edinburgh castle's rich history and visit the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city. Learn about the dramatic life of Mary, Queen of Scots, and experience the One O’Clock Gun firing. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to keep exploring the roofed buildings of the castle at your own pace.

This guided walk with our unique guides, Stuart Usher or his son, Richard Usher, will entertain and enthral you. Also we are delighted to introduce two new guides; Dr Alison Duncan and David Forsyth, who are both professional historians and Edinburgh experts. We limit the tour to 12 guests so everyone is involved (unlike those many tours of 30, 40 or even more!) Stuart's family has historic connections with Edinburgh (Stuart's great-great Uncle, Andrew Usher, donated the magnificent Usher Hall to the city . Andrew was also known as the 'father of the scotch whisky blending industry').  Their deep knowledge of the cultural, historical and architectural aspects of the city means they have a unique perspective on our wonderful capital. Your guides will show you the cultural treasures of Edinburgh, the secrets of its past and its famous characters, and are rightly renowned for their entertaining and witty commentary.

Explore amazing Royal mile of Edinbourgh at your own pace with audioguide on your smartphone. The map guides your route, and engaging audio commentary acts as your personal guide. You'll experience the best: Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, narrow medieval lanes, grave of the Scottish Hachiko, unique double-level street, and more! 23 audio commentaries was written by a professional historian, lifting the veil of mystery over the history, legends and culture of Scotland. Enjoy the tour at your own pace without a tour group. Be free to pause the audio guide at any point to rest in a café or buy souvenirs. You can turn down any pretty alley and get back on the route, skip something you're not personally interested in or listen to the recording again. The walk ends infron of Edinbourgh castle. You can visit its museum or continue your walk around the city.

Discover Edinburgh’s rich royal heritage in one unforgettable day. Begin with a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll uncover treasures like the crown jewels and enjoy stunning city views. You'll also walk the historic Royal Mile with an expert guide, making stops at Lawnmarket, St. Giles’ Cathedral (exterior), and Canongate. Depending on the date of your tour, you'll wrap up your journey at either Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, or the Scotch Whisky Experience (available Tuesdays and Wednesdays), where you'll taste one of Scotland's most beloved products like a true local.

Old Town Royal Mile is a MUST DO tour as this was the original Edinburgh during the ancient times and it is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come and discover Real Edinburgh with a local expert & Tour Guide. This is the Best Tour in Edinburgh. We will discover unknown, hidden spots and well-known historic places , including some HARRY POTTER sites, we will explore how the medieval Edinburgh looked like & how the city walls enclosed ancient Edinburgh and many more. Join me on this exciting, fun, mysterious and Historical walk through one of the oldest cities in the world, High Street and Beyond. I guarantee I will give you the Best History Tour in Edinburgh ! We will explore in detail the entire Old Town-Royal Mile. You will learn how old Edinburgh was, how people lived, what was real life during the medieval times and many many more things, facts & histories about Auld Reekie (Old Smokey the ancient name of Edinburgh). We will pass under & over different levels.

Tune into ancient and modern Scottish tales on one of Europe’s oldest streets with this affordable walking tour and the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app. • See historical sights along all four sections of the Royal Mile and find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it traveled • Hear from producer Martin Donnelly, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Edinburgh local • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it ️• Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Join us for an exciting walking tour of Edinburgh, where you'll experience the city's rich history, fascinating mysteries, and captivating legends. Stroll along the charming cobbled streets and discover the stories that have shaped this iconic city—some are well-known, while others might surprise you! You'll hear about Deacon Brodie, the inspiration behind Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and explore eerie tales from haunted taverns. Each stop on the tour reveals a unique aspect of Edinburgh's heritage. Highlights of the tour include visits to historic sites like Canongate Kirk, where famous figures are buried, and Mercat Cross, a place steeped in ancient traditions. Marvel at the stunning architecture of Gladstone's Land and uncover chilling legends from the city's darker corners. This self-guided tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, mystery lovers, and curious travelers alike. Explore at your own pace and uncover secrets that many visitors miss.

The Plateau Mont-Royal + Mile End – artistic, cultural, trendy Montreal. Get off the beaten path and explore these fascinating areas where the locals live, work and play. Discover Montreal's diversity and multicultural side, beautiful Victorian-era architecture, typical outdoor staircases, green alleys, colorful murals and street art, see several Montreal institutions, enjoy a snack (or two!) and maybe even practice your French! This MTL Detours walking tour has been carefully crafted to show you the highlights of what makes these parts of Montreal so unique and special. Your passionate local guide will keep you entertained with history, secrets, hidden gems and fun facts. This is an exclusive, intimate walking tour with only 10 people. MTL Detours is a 100% locally owned + operated small independent tour company – founded in and based in Montreal. We are the same team behind the bestselling "Explore Old Montreal" walking tour. Book your spot now and bring your curiosity!

Stroll through the famous Royal Mile hearing the history of the Edinburgh's Old Town. Discover the hidden stories from Auld Reekies past and discover hidden gems.

Solve A Mystery is a self-guided murder mystery city tour in Edinburgh for friends and family! Simply purchase online, collect it at our pick-up spot, and begin your adventure any time that suits you. The murder mystery takes place in central Edinburgh. The start destination is outside Tron Kirk on High St. The final destination is Grassmarket. Walking distance: 4 miles. The year is 1968. You are the only Detective Constable on duty due to a anniversary celebration of the Edinburgh police department, when suddenly the body of a dead woman is discovered. You must serve justice to those guilty of this hideous crime. Much is at stake! Throughout the experience, you will be guided around Edinburgh, while solving tasks and riddles related to the historical surroundings. You must gather sufficient evidence and indict the right suspect to ensure the peace of Edinburgh's citizens. Good luck and happy solving! PLEASE NOTE: This mystery is only available in ENGLISH!

Why was a pet blackbird arrested in 1736? What did a washerwoman insist on before she would pull philosopher David Hume out of a swamp? Why was Robert the Bruce Edinburgh Castle’s most deadly enemy? You really couldn’t make up the history of Old Edinburgh! Seldom in the world can there have been so many odd events and strange goings-on in one town’s story as in Edinburgh, and telling these curious tales is what this tour is all about! Local doctor Moray Grigor is an Edinburgh native and lover of the city, and has been collecting some of the best of its stories to bring to you. Starting just below the Castle, we’ll be touring down the world-famous Royal Mile, ducking into alleys and back courts as we go, and we’ll be hearing the most outlandish, amusing and fascinating anecdotes of the Old Town, many collected by Edinburgh publisher and author Robert Chambers right back in 1824. In Edinburgh, truth really is stranger than fiction – as Dr Grigor will be delighted to show you!

Edinburgh has a dark, dark history. It has inspired some of the world’s most famous fictional monsters and been home to many of the most astonishing real life ones. Frankenstein. Dracula. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Scrooge. Moriarity. Voldemort. Thieves. Cannibals. Body snatchers. Black Magicians. Witches and wizards. Mass murderers. Serial killers. This historical walk explores the dark, dark legacy of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile – where the past refuses to stay buried. This tour is conducted by the Award-winning, world-famous City of the Dead Tours – running ghost and history walks in Edinburgh for over quarter of a century.

If you’d like to go deep into the Royal Mile’s rich history, this self-guided audio tour is a fabulous way to do it – showing you where history was made, and taking you back in your imagination to the moments that echo through Edinburgh’s story! We begin outside St Giles’ Cathedral, where we’ll lay the foundations, discussing old Scotland’s Law, Church and State – with many a quirky anecdote thrown in! Here we’ll meet James VI, Oliver Cromwell and John Knox, and we’ll hear about a very unusual marriage tradition! As we continue, you’ll hear much more about the rises and falls of the Stuart dynasty, culminating in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s final campaign in 1745. Then we’re off to discover the ‘closes’ (alleyways) of the Royal Mile and the characters that adorn their history – from Sir Walter Scott and Rabbie Burns to Jenny Geddes and Edinburgh’s greatest society beauty, Susannah Kennedy. If you like to go a little deeper with your history, you’ll love this fascinating audio tour!

Among the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica, Seven mile beach is a shining star. Powdery white sand, crystal clear water and loads of watersports set the tone for an experience.Then stop by Rick's cafe for lunch and drink (own expense) while await to see the beautiful sunset.

If you like your history a little deeper and more unusual, these new walking tours of the Royal Mile may be perfect! Building on more than 6 years of unbroken five star reviews for his private touring, your guide Dr Moray Grigor will be delighted to welcome you into the rich and strange history of Scotland’s capital, as he brings you traditional tales of the Royal Mile and its historic events and characters. In this uppermost section of the street (Monday tour) , we’ll hear of drunken judges, crazy clubs, religious fanatics, rebel ladies, fake news, philosophers, sieges, and hear why a pet blackbird was arrested! Annual building works permitting we’ll also enjoy the views from the Castle Esplanade. Hear the sounds of Scots and Gaelic poetry and song (with translation), and tales that will stir the imagination and bring our history to life. Experience the care, attention and warm Edinburgh welcome that brought six years of unbroken five stars!

Explore centuries of drama and intrigue on this self-guided walking tour along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where you'll uncover the stories of royals, rogues, and reformers that shaped the city’s history. Starting at Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade, the tour takes you through the Royal Mile’s four sections—Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, and Canongate—down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, you’ll encounter landmarks tied to figures like John Knox and Robert Fergusson, and hear about the city's haunted alleyways, notorious figures like William Brodie, and the darker side of Edinburgh’s past. Ending near the Scottish Parliament Building, this tour offers a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s royal and rebellious history.

Explore the oldest parts of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Site with an award-winning, five-star rated local guide! Robert was born within sight of the Old Town. He has lived in Edinburgh all his life and even went to a university on the Royal Mile! He teaches in a local primary school. Robert will wear traditional Scottish attire for your tour. We don't think you can get much more local flavour than this!

This experience offers a true taste of Scotland in an intimate cellar right on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. With a maximum of just 10 guests, each session is personal, relaxed, and engaging — a world away from crowded, touristy tours. Our whisky masterclass is designed to be welcoming for both beginners and enthusiasts, blending expert education with storytelling and fun. Plus, with options to upgrade to premium and rare drams, you can tailor the experience to suit your curiosity or passion for whisky. It's an authentic, intimate way to discover the magic of Scotch whisky in the heart of the city.

If you like your history a little deeper and more unusual, these new walking tours of the Royal Mile may be perfect! Building on more than six years of unbroken five star reviews for his private touring, your guide Dr Moray Grigor will be delighted to welcome you into the rich and strange history of Scotland’s capital, as he brings you traditional tales of the Royal Mile and the events and characters which shaped it. In this central section of the Royal Mile (Tuesday tour), we’ll be hearing of jailbreaks, civil wars, Jacobites, disappearing wigs, smelly deluges, Gaelic poets, hero firemasters, and Edinburgh’s greatest society beauty – not to mention three of Edinburgh’s ‘gifts’ to the world! Hear the sounds of Scots and Gaelic poetry and song (with translation), and tales that will stir the imagination and bring our history to life. Experience the care, attention and warm Edinburgh welcome that brought six years of unbroken five stars!