Edinburgh: Old Town Food Tour & Victoria Street Walk

Summary

Scottish flavors from Royal Mile to Grassmarket with stories in every bite

You’ll taste classic Scottish dishes from haggis with whisky ketchup to flaky fish & chips as you explore Edinburgh’s Old Town and colorful Victoria Street alongside a local guide. Expect laughter over sharp cheeses at a family-run shop, sweet treats in Grassmarket, and plenty of stories woven between bites. Come hungry—and maybe bring an umbrella.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked things off in Edinburgh’s New Town — I was still shaking drizzle off my jacket when our guide, Isla, handed me half a scotch egg (smoked salmon inside, which honestly surprised me). The place had these old Parisian tiles and that faint buttery smell you get when kitchens have been busy since dawn. I tried not to wolf it down too fast. Isla started telling us about how Stockbridge Market used to be a cattle market. She knows her stuff but doesn’t make it feel like school — more like chatting over the fence with your neighbor who happens to know a lot about whisky.

Somewhere along the Royal Mile, we ducked into this fish and chips spot that locals apparently swear by. The batter was crisp but not greasy, and the haddock just flaked apart. I ended up with vinegar on my sleeve (classic). We wandered past Victoria Street — all those colors stacked up like someone spilled a box of crayons — and Isla pointed out the shopfronts that inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. She didn’t rush us; we hung back for photos while she waited, chatting with a couple from Glasgow about the best pubs near Grassmarket.

I’d never tried haggis before (don’t judge), so biting into it with whisky ketchup was… well, different in a good way? It’s earthy and spicy at once, and the soft drink pairing made it less intimidating somehow. There was this moment at the cheesemonger’s — tiny place run by a family for decades — where we tasted cheese so sharp it made my jaw tingle. The owner grinned when I asked for seconds. By dessert time in Grassmarket, I was full but couldn’t say no to homemade donuts dusted in sugar. The air outside smelled like rain on old stone, which is very Edinburgh if you ask me.

The whole thing felt more like wandering with friends than being on a tour. We learned bits of history between bites — nothing forced or rehearsed — and Isla had stories about every alleyway. I still think about that view from Calton Hill as dusk settled over Old Town, lights flickering on and everyone looking quietly happy after all that food.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Edinburgh Old Town food tasting tour

• Visit elegant seafood restaurant
• Taste half a scotch egg
• Enjoy classic fish and chips
• Eat a classic pie with ale
• Taste haggis with whisky ketchup
• Walk along Victoria Street
• View Edinburgh Old Town and landmarks
• Try modern Scottish sweets
• Taste local Scottish cheeses

Top questions

How long does the Edinburgh Old Town food tour last?

The tour lasts several hours as you walk between stops in Old Town and New Town.

Is there vegetarian or gluten-free food available?

Most stops can accommodate gluten-free or vegan diets, though options may be limited at certain locations.

Are children allowed on this Edinburgh food tour?

The tour is suitable for ages 7 and above; children under 7 may be refused entry due to vendor restrictions.

What kind of food do you try on this tour?

You’ll taste haggis with whisky ketchup, fish & chips, scotch eggs (seasonal), Scottish cheeses, pub pies with ale, modern desserts, and sweets.

Does the tour include Victoria Street?

Yes, you stroll along Victoria Street during the experience—said to inspire Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

Is pickup included for this Edinburgh food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your local guide at the starting point in central Edinburgh.

Are drinks included during the tastings?

A soft drink is included with fish & chips; you also get locally brewed ale at one stop and an iconic Scottish soft drink with haggis tasting.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings—from scotch eggs to sweets—plus drinks like locally brewed ale or soft drinks where noted. You’ll wander Victoria Street and historic closes alongside an English-speaking city & food guide who shares stories as you go; there’s also a tasting of Scottish cheeses from a beloved family-run cheesemonger before finishing up near Grassmarket.