Edinburgh Old Town: Walking Tour History & Local Stories

Summary

Winding alleys, ancient stones and tales echoing through Edinburgh’s Old Town

You’ll wander Edinburgh’s Old Town with a local guide who brings centuries-old streets to life through stories and small details you’d never spot alone. Expect laughter, unexpected legends at places like St Giles Cathedral and Mercat Cross, plus time to soak up the city’s texture under shifting Scottish skies.

What’s the experience like?

We started by weaving up one of those narrow closes off the Royal Mile — you know, the kind where your shoes clack on uneven cobbles and the air smells faintly like rain-soaked stone. Our guide, Isla, had this way of pausing mid-sentence to let us catch some detail — a carved gargoyle, or a bit of graffiti that looked older than my parents. She told us how St Giles Cathedral’s crown spire was meant to impress (or intimidate?) but I mostly remember the way the light hit those stained glass windows, all blue and red against the grey sky. It wasn’t even raining yet, which felt like a small miracle in Scotland.

There was this moment at the Mercat Cross when a group of school kids ran past shouting something in Scots I couldn’t quite catch. Isla just grinned and kept talking about public executions — not in a creepy way, more like she was letting us in on an inside joke Edinburgh has with itself. We didn’t go inside Edinburgh Castle (that’s another tour), but standing outside its walls you could feel how heavy the history is — like you’re standing at the edge of every story that ever happened here. Someone asked about George Heriot School and Isla explained it inspired Hogwarts; Li laughed when I tried to say “Heriot” properly — probably butchered it.

The wind picked up as we ducked into another alleyway, this one lined with tiny doorways and battered signs. I brushed my hand along a wall slick from last night’s drizzle. You can’t help but imagine who else walked here centuries ago — bakers, poets, maybe someone late for their own execution (dark thought). The tour lasted about two hours but honestly it felt shorter; there was always another corner or story waiting. I still think about that view back down towards the Mile as dusk started to settle in — just people moving through layers of old stone and new laughter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh Old Town highlights

• Walk cobbled streets and back alleys
• See St Giles Cathedral
• Visit Mercat Cross
• View George Heriot School
• Observe Edinburgh Castle from outside

Top questions

How long is the Edinburgh Old Town walking tour?

The walking tour lasts around two hours.

Which sites are included on this walking tour?

You’ll see places like St Giles Cathedral, Mercat Cross, George Heriot School, and Edinburgh Castle from the outside.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult to join the tour.

Does the tour run all year round?

Yes, tours run throughout the year regardless of weather.

Are strollers or prams allowed?

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

Are service animals permitted on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near the starting point.

Do we enter Edinburgh Castle during this tour?

No, you see Edinburgh Castle from the outside only.

What’s included

Your walk includes a professional local guide leading you through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town streets for about two hours; just bring comfortable shoes for cobbles and whatever keeps you dry if Scottish weather decides to show up unexpectedly.