Edinburgh: Full Day Walking Tour & Castle Entry Small Group

Summary

Walk Edinburgh’s winding streets, stories echoing from castle to closes

You’ll meet locals who bring Edinburgh’s history to life as you walk from Georgian squares to medieval closes. Pause for Scottish art at the National Gallery, taste traditional food along the Royal Mile, then stand where kings ruled inside Edinburgh Castle. Expect laughter, odd details you’ll remember later, and views that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a laugh in Charlotte Square — our guide, Isla, waved us over with a bright red scarf and asked if we’d ever tried saying “Auld Reekie” in a Scottish accent. I definitely failed (she grinned, didn’t judge). The city felt crisp that morning, stone buildings catching the light just right, and there was this low hum of traffic mixed with seagulls overhead. We wandered through New Town’s neat Georgian lines; Isla pointed out the Georgian House and somehow made 18th-century society gossip sound like something you’d hear in a café today.

Crossing Princes Street Gardens was like flipping pages between worlds — old town up on its rocky perch, new town spreading out behind us. There was this faint smell of wet grass and coffee drifting from somewhere nearby. Inside the Scottish National Gallery, I stood way too long in front of a Raeburn portrait; it’s quieter than you’d expect for such a famous spot. Isla nudged me when I almost missed the group moving on — apparently I get lost in art as easily as I do in cities.

Lunch on the Royal Mile felt almost chaotic (in a good way). Pubs spilling laughter onto cobbles, bagpipes somewhere further down. I tried cullen skink for the first time — creamy, smoky, not what I expected but honestly comforting after so much walking. Afterward we traced the old closes and listened to stories about unicorns atop Mercat Cross (I still don’t know why that stuck with me). At St Giles’ Cathedral, Isla talked about Presbyterian history while sunlight flickered through stained glass onto my shoes.

By the time we reached Greyfriars Kirkyard and Bobby’s statue (yes, people still leave sticks for him), my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with odd facts — mortsafes, grave robbers, poets tucked into corners of Makars’ Court. The climb up to Edinburgh Castle was steeper than it looked but worth it; standing on the esplanade with wind tugging at my jacket and all of Edinburgh laid out below… I still think about that view sometimes. The castle itself is layered with stories — kings and sieges and echoes underfoot. After Isla wrapped up her part of the tour inside, she told us to take our time exploring. So yeah, I did — wandered off on my own for a bit before heading back down into town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's highlights on foot

• Start tour in West End, Charlotte Square
• Admire Georgian House mansion
• Cross Princes Street Gardens, see Ross Fountain
• Visit Scottish National Gallery
• Lunch near Royal Mile
• Walk Royal Mile, see Mercat Cross
• Visit St. Giles Cathedral and West Parliament Square
• See Heart of Midlothian landmark
• Stroll Royal Mile, learn about closes and festivals
• Walk George IV Bridge, meet dog statue Bobby
• Explore Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard
• Visit Grassmarket area
• Walk up Victoria Street
• See Makars’ Court and Writer’s Museum
• Walk to Castle Esplanade, enjoy city views
• Enter and tour Edinburgh Castle

Top questions

How long is the Edinburgh full day walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 5.5 hours including a lunch break.

Is entry to Edinburgh Castle included?

Yes, your ticket includes guided entry to Edinburgh Castle.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins in Edinburgh’s West End at Charlotte Square.

Are meals or drinks included?

No meals are included but there is a lunch break on the Royal Mile with many options available.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available near the starting point.

What should I wear for this walking tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a windproof or rainproof jacket—Edinburgh is hilly and weather can change quickly.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to hills and walking distance.

Will we visit both Old Town and New Town?

Yes, you’ll explore both Old Town (Royal Mile) and New Town (Charlotte Square).

What’s included

Your day includes small-group guiding by a local expert through both Old Town and New Town neighborhoods of Edinburgh; entry tickets to Edinburgh Castle plus an indoor guided visit; highlights tour of Scottish National Gallery; entrance to Georgian House (from April 2025); plus plenty of free time during lunch along the Royal Mile to try local food before continuing your walk through historic sites.