Edinburgh: Old Town Private Walking Tour with Archive Photos

Summary

Walk Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Grassmarket & hidden closes with a local storyteller

You’ll join a private walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town with a local guide in full Highland dress. See rare archive images side-by-side with today’s streets, hear stories of royals and notorious rogues along the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, and wander hidden closes most visitors miss. Expect laughter, surprises—and maybe even goosebumps as you walk where legends lived.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the start — got turned around at Greyfriars Kirkyard and ended up staring at a statue of a dog everyone seemed to know but me. Robert, our guide (in full kilt, no less), found me looking lost and just grinned. “Bobby’s got more stories than I do,” he joked, and then launched into the first of many tales about loyalty, legends, and how even dogs get their own myths in Edinburgh. The air was damp but not cold, and you could smell wet stone everywhere.

We wound down Candlemaker Row toward Grassmarket, where Robert pointed out a pub that apparently hosted Scotland’s wildest pre-wedding party — something about a royal scandal I’m still not sure I understood fully. He’d flip open this battered book of old photos so we could compare the cobbles now versus then. Sometimes I’d catch people glancing at us, probably wondering what we were gawking at. I tried to pronounce Deacon Brodie’s name properly; Robert laughed and said my accent was better than most Americans’. Not sure if he meant it.

The Royal Mile felt busy but never rushed — bagpipes somewhere in the background, shop signs swinging in the wind. We ducked into a tiny courtyard with mossy stones where Mary, Queen of Scots once played as a child (or so they say). There was this odd hush there, like the city holding its breath for a second. Later on Cowgate, things got rougher: Robert described life for Victorian poor so vividly I swear I smelled coal smoke for a minute. It wasn’t all heavy — at one point he let us check out his sporran (the pouch thing on his kilt) and confessed it mostly held receipts.

I didn’t expect to feel much about Burke and Hare — murderers are just names in books to me — but standing near where they worked gave me chills. The last stop by Old College looked grand from outside but the story inside was even wilder (I won’t spoil it). We ended up lingering longer than planned because none of us wanted to break the spell just yet. Sometimes history feels close enough to touch here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's historic Old Town

• Start at Greyfriars Kirkyard gate
• Learn about Greyfriars Bobby
• Walk Candlemaker Row and Grassmarket
• Hear story of significant wedding
• Follow pre-wedding party route
• Visit Royal Mile landmarks
• See Mary, Queen of Scots' childhood home
• Explore royal-linked courtyard
• Discover Deacon Brodie's story
• Learn history of St Giles
• Visit old Mercat Cross site
• Hear about Bonnie Prince Charlie
• Visit atmospheric Old Town close
• Explore Cowgate area
• Discover Victorian poor life
• Visit University of Edinburgh stops
• Learn about Burke and Hare murders
• See traditional Highland outfit
• Stop near or inside Old College
• Hear explosive Old College story

Top questions

Where does the Old Edinburgh tour start?

The tour starts just inside the main gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Is this walking tour suitable for families or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Who leads the private Old Town walking tour?

A local guide named Robert leads the tour—he’ll be dressed in traditional Highland attire.

What are some highlights along the route?

You’ll visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, Grassmarket, Royal Mile locations linked to Mary Queen of Scots and Deacon Brodie, Cowgate, University stops tied to Burke & Hare, and possibly Old College.

Does this Edinburgh tour include archive photos?

Yes—your guide brings along a book of archive images so you can compare historic scenes with present-day locations.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to or from the tour?

Yes—public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

Will I learn about both famous royals and infamous figures?

Absolutely—the tour covers stories about Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Deacon Brodie, Burke & Hare, and more.

What’s included

Your day includes a private guided walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town with stops at key sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Grassmarket, Royal Mile courtyards, Cowgate, university buildings connected to Burke & Hare—and plenty of time for questions or photos along the way. Stroller access is fine and your local guide brings historic images to share throughout your journey.