Edinburgh Comedy Walking Tour: Stand-Up Comic & Historian

What makes Edinburgh's history so ridiculous that a stand-up comic had to tell it

You’ll wander Edinburgh’s Old Town with a stand-up comic who turns every historic stop, from Grassmarket to St. Giles’ Cathedral: into something you’ll actually remember. Expect laughter, local slang lessons, stories about Mary Queen of Scots and bodysnatchers, plus plenty of unscripted moments (and maybe a nudge from Brahan the dog). You might leave knowing more Scottish words, or at least how not to say them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Comedy walking tour of Edinburgh Old Town

• Meet at Monkey Barrel Comedy club
• Learn Scottish vocabulary
• Walk along Edinburgh's High Street
• Visit medieval trade and proclamation spot
• See St. Giles’ Cathedral
• Stop outside Writers museum
• View panorama of Edinburgh Castle
• Explore Grassmarket market place
• End at Greyfriars Kirkyard

Stops and time spent at each 8 stops

1. Monkey Barrel Comedy 15m
2. Royal Mile 10m
3. Mercat Cross 10m
4. St Giles' Cathedral 10m
5. Writers' Museum 10m
6. Edinburgh Castle 10m
7. Grassmarket 10m
8. Greyfriars 15m

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guiding by an award-winning stand-up comic (plus his friendly dog), visits to iconic sites like Royal Mile and Grassmarket, plenty of stories you won’t find in guidebooks, and yes, all routes are wheelchair accessible if needed.

Times

Looking for another day or time? ›

• Monday to Wednesday 13:30
• Thursday, Friday and Sunday 12:30
• Saturday 11:00

Information

Edinburgh Old Town comedy walking tour with award-winning comic Daniel Downie: an afternoon of laughs on the Royal Mile.

Group Up to 20

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts. See the exact address

Book up to 2h before

Ages Adult (16 to 80 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Stroller-friendly Pets welcome Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

4.96 ★★★★★ Exceptional 2,027 verified traveler reviews 98% rated it 5 stars

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The experience

“You’ll never pronounce ‘Cockburn’ right,” Daniel grinned, and honestly, I gave up after the second try. The Mountebank Comedy Walk kicked off outside Monkey Barrel Comedy Club, where Daniel (and Brahan, his dog, who’s basically co-host) somehow made introductions feel like we’d all met before. He taught us a few Scottish words that I still can’t say without giggling. The air was thick with that Edinburgh drizzle. Just enough to frizz my hair but not enough to ruin the mood. We set off down the Royal Mile, dodging bagpipe buskers and trying not to trip on the cobblestones.

Daniel’s got this way of weaving in real history: like when we stopped at St. Giles’ Cathedral and he launched into a story about Mary Queen of Scots that was both tragic and hilarious. I remember the smell of roasted coffee drifting from some side street while he explained how public executions worked in Grassmarket (grim but somehow funny when he tells it). At one point outside the Writers Museum, he did an impression of Robert Burns that had even the most serious guy in our group snorting. There were moments I genuinely forgot we were on a tour. It felt more like wandering with friends who know all the city’s secrets.

I didn’t expect to care so much about Edinburgh Castle’s old raid stories or laugh so hard at legal history (is that a thing?). But Daniel’s timing is sharp: he’ll throw in a joke just as you’re squinting up at some ancient stonework, and suddenly you’re doubled over. Even Brahan gets in on it, nudging for pets whenever someone looks too serious. By the time we reached Greyfriars Kirkyard, with its ghost stories and Harry Potter nods, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once. The city felt different: less postcard-perfect, more alive somehow.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is this comedy walking tour suitable for children?

No, the tour is strictly for ages 16 and over.

Where does the Mountebank Comedy Walk start?

The tour begins at Monkey Barrel Comedy Club in Edinburgh.

How long is the walk and what areas are covered?

The route covers Edinburgh’s Old Town including Royal Mile, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Grassmarket, Writers Museum area, Edinburgh Castle view, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Who leads this comedy walking tour?

The guide is Daniel Downie (a professional stand-up comic and historian based in Edinburgh) with his dog Brahan.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the tour.

Does this tour include lunch or drinks?

No meals or drinks are included. Only guiding is provided.

Can infants join in strollers or prams?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller but note age restrictions apply for participation.

Operated by Mountebank Scotland. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated today