Edinburgh Old Town Food and Drink Walking Tour with Scottish Tastings

Explore Edinburgh's Old Town on a guided walking tour with Scottish tastings across Victoria Street, the Royal Mile, and the Grassmarket.

Getting started

Meet your guide in Edinburgh Old Town and join your group for the start of your guided walking tour. After a brief introduction to the route and tastings, you set off on foot through the historic streets. Have your confirmation email ready to show on your phone and arrive a little early so the tour can leave on time.

What to expect

Victoria Street

Victoria Street, often linked with Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, is one of the first key stops on your walk through Old Town. Here you begin to pair stories of the city with your first Scottish tastings.

Features

• Scones with cream and jam or Cullen skink, a smoked haddock soup, are served so you can compare a classic bakery treat with a traditional Scottish dish in a historic setting.
• As you explore Victoria Street, your guide points out the winding layout and shopfronts that helped inspire Diagon Alley, setting the tone for the rest of your route through Edinburgh Old Town.
• Water is available so you can pace yourself between tastings as the walking tour continues toward the Royal Mile.

Royal Mile

The tour continues along the Royal Mile, the main artery of Edinburgh Old Town that links many of the city’s historic sites. This segment combines more substantial bites with commentary on local traditions.

Features

• Haggis bon bons with whisky marmalade give you a modern twist on haggis, letting you try this signature Scottish dish in a bite-sized, approachable format.
• Classic Scottish fish and chips are included here, adding a hot, filling stop that contrasts with the lighter samples and anchors the food portion of your Royal Mile visit.
• Irn-Bru, often called Scotland’s other national drink, is introduced during the walk so you can taste this bright orange soft drink alongside your savory dishes.

Grassmarket pub

You then make your way down to the Grassmarket, a historic square framed by Old Town buildings where you visit a local pub. This is where the tour leans into Edinburgh’s darker tales alongside more tastings.

Features

• A Grassmarket pub visit includes classic Scottish fish and chips if not already served, or a chance to enjoy them in this area known for its stories with a spooky twist.
• Scottish lager or cider is provided here, giving you the option to sample a local pour in a pub setting while your guide shares more about the Grassmarket’s past.
• A stuffed cookie or ice cream rounds off the food tastings with an indulgent sweet treat, described as higher than Edinburgh Castle in spirit, to close the experience on a dessert note.

Wrapping up

Your tour concludes in or near the Grassmarket, where you are free to stay at the pub, continue exploring Old Town streets independently, or make your way back through Victoria Street or the Royal Mile at your own pace.