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Walking Tours

Edinburgh: Secrets of the Royal Mile Walking Tour

Tour guide leading a group along Edinburgh's Royal Mile, highlighting historic architecture and landmarks.
Historic Royal Mile street in Edinburgh with cobblestone path and medieval architecture.
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's Royal Mile with historic buildings in view.
Edinburgh's Royal Mile with historic buildings and cobblestone street on Secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Walking Tour.

Duration

2 hr 15 min

Open today

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Discover the spellbinding beauty of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as you listen to your expert English-speaking guide narrate true stories of the capital’s past on a 1.5-hour walking tour.

    • Stroll through the Old Town and Royal Mile with a guide, uncovering tales of its famous residents and the city’s history on a 1.5-hour walking tour.

    • Walk the Royal Mile, the stretch between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, and learn about sieges, crimes, and the city’s cultural legacy.

    • Upgrade for skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, saving up to an hour, offering a chance to see the oldest Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

    • 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the Royal Mile and Old Town

    • Expert English-speaking guide

    • Audio devices

    • Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle (as per option selected)

    • 45-min introduction to Edinburgh Castle (as per option selected)

    • Food and drinks
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Go beyond guidebooks on a walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile, with stories of royalty, rebellion, and real lives through the ages.

    Getting started

    Meet your tour guide near the Royal Mile. After your ticket check and audio device handout, you’ll set off on foot through Edinburgh’s winding closes and cobbled lanes.

    What to expect

    Led by an expert storyteller, you’ll explore hidden corners of the Old Town and trace the Royal Mile’s layered history. Each step uncovers tales of everyday life, power struggles, poets, and queens.

    Features

    • Royal Mile walking tour: Journey through the heart of Edinburgh, where historic courtyards and alleyways hold centuries of untold stories.

    • Masterful storytelling: Hear about figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns alongside the lives of locals who never left the city walls.

    • Old Town sights: Pass preserved landmarks and atmospheric locations tied to rebellion, crime, royalty, and culture.

    • Optional castle visit: Choose the extended tour to skip the line at Edinburgh Castle and enjoy a 45-minute guided introduction.

    • Audio devices included: Stay tuned into your guide’s narration as you walk through bustling streets and quiet closes.

    This tour offers a deep and engaging look at the city's living history, perfect for first-time visitors and curious returners alike.

  • Edinburgh Castle

    Monday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Tuesday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Wednesday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Thursday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Friday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Saturday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Sunday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 05:00pm

    Palace of Holyroodhouse

    Monday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Tuesday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Wednesday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Thursday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Friday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Saturday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Sunday09:30am - 06:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
  • What’s not allowed

    • Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

    Additional information

    • This tour only covers the upper half of the Royal Mile.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

    Meeting point

    • Meet your guide at Mercat Cross.

    • Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom.

    Get directions to the meeting point

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