Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour Review (2025): A Real Look
So, you’re thinking about a trip to Edinburgh, right? And you’ve almost certainly seen options for a historical walking tour. To be honest, I was in that exact spot, kind of wondering if one of these tours would actually be worth the time and money. I mean, you can just wander around by yourself, can’t you? Well, I decided to book a spot on the 2025 ‘Historical Walking Tour of Edinburgh Old Town’ to see for myself. Frankly, it was a completely different way to experience the city. Instead of just looking at old buildings, you get a feel for the people who lived and breathed in these very streets hundreds of years ago. You see, these tours are, like, a way to peel back the layers of the city. We met up with our group on a typically crisp morning, you know, the kind where you can see your breath a little. Our guide, a local with a real knack for storytelling, was, at the end of the day, what made the experience so special. It’s almost like you’re not on a tour at all, but just listening to a friend tell you some incredible local secrets and stuff.
Starting the Walk: First Feelings on the Royal Mile
Alright, so the whole thing kicks off right on the famous Royal Mile, which is pretty much the main artery of the Old Town. Obviously, you expect it to be a bit crowded, and it definitely was, with people from all over the world milling about. Our group was, like, a really nice size, maybe around 15 people or so. You know, it wasn’t too big, so it still felt pretty personal. The guide, Liam, began not with a dry list of dates but, instead, with a funny story about a king who really didn’t like the smell of the city. That sort of set the tone for the entire morning, you know? It was more or less going to be about the human side of history. We started walking, and Liam would, like, point out things you would absolutely miss on your own. For example, he showed us a small, heart-shaped pattern in the cobblestones and, as a matter of fact, told us the very gross, yet funny, local tradition associated with it. Seriously, it’s the kind of detail that sticks with you. Anyway, walking down that huge street, it’s pretty much impossible not to be a bit awestruck by the height of the buildings, called ‘tenements’, that flank you on both sides.
Basically, Liam explained how these buildings were some of the world’s first skyscrapers, sort of. People from every level of society would live in the same building, just on different floors, you know, from the wealthy at the bottom to the very poor at the top. The guide’s stories were, at the end of the day, what brought these stone structures to life. For instance, he would stop and say, ‘In this very spot, a famous poet got into a shouting match with a merchant,’ and then just tell the whole story. He was a very good speaker, really, making you feel the drama of it all. Still, even with the stories, the street itself is incredibly atmospheric. You can just imagine the clatter of carts and the shouts of street sellers from centuries ago. As I was saying, it’s about more than just seeing things; it’s about imagining the life that happened there. The pace was, by the way, very manageable, not too fast, which allowed us to actually soak everything in instead of just rushing from one point to the next.
Into the Hidden Closes and Wynds
Frankly, the most memorable part of the tour was when we stepped off the main Royal Mile and into the city’s network of hidden alleyways, which they call ‘closes’ and ‘wynds’. You know, these are little passages, sometimes so narrow you could touch both walls at once. I mean, it’s like stepping into a different world entirely. The noise of the main street just, like, fades away, and you’re left with this quiet, slightly damp, and very old-feeling space. It’s actually in these places that you get the real flavor of old Edinburgh. Our guide Liam, for example, took us into one called ‘Mary King’s Close,’ or at least the area around it, and told us tales of the plague victims who were supposedly walled up inside. It’s just a little bit spooky, to be honest. But the stories weren’t all grim. In another close, he pointed out a window and shared a pretty charming story about a secret romance that blossomed there. In that case, it showed a softer side of life back then. It’s almost as if every single one of these little alleys has its own personality and its own set of stories, you know?
“You can read about a city in a book, right? But, at the end of the day, standing in a close that hasn’t really changed in 400 years, you don’t just learn the history, you kind of feel it in your bones.”
As a matter of fact, exploring these wynds gives you a powerful sense of the city’s verticality. Liam explained that with little room to build outwards, they just kept building up, which is why these passages are so dark and overshadowed by the tall tenements. The air down there is, like, cool and still, and you can practically smell the centuries of history in the damp stone. It’s a very strong sensory experience, more or less. One story that really stuck with me was about the ‘Gardyloo!’ cry. You’ve maybe heard of it. People would just, you know, yell this from their window before throwing their household waste out onto the street below. He told it with such humor that you couldn’t help but laugh, even while imagining how, like, completely awful it must have been. This part of the tour, for me, was a bit of a highlight because it felt like we were being let in on a secret that most tourists just walk right past. It’s pretty special.
Uncovering Tales at Greyfriars Kirkyard
Naturally, no historical tour of Edinburgh would be complete without a stop at Greyfriars Kirkyard. Now, I know what you might be thinking: a cemetery tour is kind of gloomy, right? Well, Greyfriars is so much more than that. First, our guide showed us the famous statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the little dog who apparently guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years. It’s a very sweet story, and Liam told it with a lot of heart, so it was a nice way to start our visit to the kirkyard. Then, we walked through the gates into the cemetery itself, and you can just feel the history. The old tombstones are absolutely incredible, like works of art, some with skulls and crossbones which were, basically, symbols of mortality, not pirates. It’s a surprisingly peaceful place, in a way, despite all the stories it holds.
Of course, you can’t talk about Greyfriars without mentioning its darker side. Our guide led us toward the back of the kirkyard to a locked section—the Covenanters’ Prison. He explained that this is where hundreds of religious prisoners were held in really awful conditions in the 17th century. Just standing outside the gate while he described it was, like, incredibly atmospheric. He also talked about the Mackenzie Poltergeist, supposedly one of the most active in the world, which haunts this area. He wasn’t overly dramatic about it, you know, which made it feel more genuine. Instead, he just presented the stories and the reported happenings and let us make up our own minds. To be honest, whether you believe in ghosts or not, the history of that spot is really powerful. We spent a fair amount of time in the kirkyard, just wandering a bit after he showed us the main points of interest, like the grave said to have inspired the name Tom Riddle. It’s this mix of touching, historical, and slightly spooky tales that makes Greyfriars such a key part of the Old Town’s story.
Practical Advice: What to Actually Expect
So, if you’re planning on taking this tour, there are a few things you should probably know. First, and this is a big one, wear very, very comfortable shoes. I mean, really comfortable. You will be on your feet for a couple of hours, and most of that time will be spent on uneven cobblestones and steep hills. Seriously, Edinburgh’s Old Town is not flat. The walk is not what I would call a huge workout, but it is steady walking, so you want your feet to be happy. Also, the weather in Scotland is famously unpredictable. As I was saying, our day started crisp and sunny, but by the end, it was a little drizzly. It’s definitely a good idea to bring a light waterproof jacket, just in case, you know, whatever the forecast says. In short, be prepared for a bit of everything.
The tour is almost entirely outdoors, so dress in layers. By the way, this tour might be a little tough for people with mobility issues, given the hills and old streets. If that’s a concern, you may want to contact the tour company directly and ask about more accessible route options. Likewise, while older kids with an interest in history would probably find it really engaging, very young children might get a bit bored or tired from all the walking and listening. The stories are, like, mostly fine for families, but some of the tales about the city’s darker past are, you know, a bit grim, so that’s something to keep in mind. Finally, definitely bring a camera or have your phone ready. Edinburgh is incredibly photogenic, and you will get some amazing shots, especially in those little hidden closes. Basically, being prepared just makes the whole thing a lot more enjoyable.
The Final Word: Is This Old Town Tour for You?
At the end of the day, deciding if this tour is right for you kind of depends on what you want out of your visit to Edinburgh. If you’re the type of traveler who just wants to see the main sights and tick them off a list, you might not need this. You can see the Royal Mile on your own, right? However, if you are someone who, like, really wants to understand a place—to hear the stories behind the stone walls and get a sense of the human drama that unfolded there—then this tour is absolutely for you. It’s for people who are curious. You know, people who want to know why a certain pub has a strange name or what life was actually like for the people crammed into those tall tenements. It’s pretty much an experience for story-lovers.
The guide is, basically, the key. Having a local storyteller to lead you through the city’s past changes everything. You leave not just with photos, but with narratives in your head that make the whole city feel different when you walk through it later. You see, a simple doorway is no longer just a doorway; it’s the scene of a story you just heard. So, if that sounds like your kind of travel, then I honestly think you’ll find it’s one of the best things you can do in the city. It transforms your trip from just sightseeing into, like, something a little more meaningful.
- Wear Good Shoes: Seriously, cobblestones are no joke. Your feet will thank you.
- Bring a Jacket: The weather can, and often will, change in an instant. It’s just a smart move.
- Be Ready for Hills: The Old Town has some steep sections, so be prepared for a bit of a workout.
- Ask Questions: The guides are usually locals who are really passionate, so engage with them.
- Best for Curious Minds: This is for travelers who love stories and history more than just snapping pictures.
Read our full review: Historical Walking Tour of Edinburgh Old Town Full Review and Details
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