Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 8 hours 4.9 (17)

Must see Edinburgh with a local

See some of Edinburgh's top sites in a day, from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill, and a sprinkle of hidden gems on an experience fully tailored to you.

Walking is undoubtedly the best way to see the city so bring a sturdy pair of shoes to deal with the cobbled streets!

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Get to know Edinburgh’s highways and byways with your host
  • See the most iconic attractions in one day
  • Your host will design a unique experience for you which takes in the highlights and caters to your interests
  • Discover the main sites as well as some hidden gems that are tucked away nearby
  • Eat delicious Scottish dishes at places that are loved by locals, like a popular neighbourhood street food market, an eatery or pub
  • Get recommendations from your host about places to visit for the remainder of your trip

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalised experience
8 hours with a host
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

A full day in Edinburgh, you lucky thing! Reminiscent of an old tapestry, the capital is abundant with history (that every barman can tell you about), full of folklore, and perches seamlessly atop the crags of its natural landscape.

You’ll follow your Edinburgh host through the city’s antique streets, absorbing every ounce of its rich heritage.

Perhaps you’d like to see some of the city’s famous attractions, like Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument or walk the Royal Mile before heading to a cozy pub for a wee dram or two with your host? For a stunning view of Old Town, why not climb Arthur’s Seat?

With your host by your side, you’ll be able to tackle the city as a local might, falling into (or out of) pubs, visiting markets, frequenting bookstores, and navigating the most obscure crooks of the oldest neighborhoods. Like a good book, you’ll want to discover this charming city over and over again!

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
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GYGZG3ZBVG32_host_Doug_Scott_Royal_Walk_Edinburgh

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recommended by 99% of travelers on google
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What travelers think of this experience

Lauren, Mar 2023

Tom had great knowledge of the area, fun stories/antidotes and easy to talk with! Tom by himself made up for the previous guide canceling on us last minute. I would schedule another tour with Tom, given the chance! We are still disappointed about the last minute cancellation, as it would have been an even better experience if we had Tom’s recommendation for the remainder of our time in Edinburgh.

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Mary, Aug 2022

I just had an absolutely spectacular six hours with Gwen. I gave her my vague preferences and a mention of my interest in the medical history of Edinburgh, and she turned that into a jam-packed day of new adventures and experiences. By my second hour in I got visibly excited every time Gwen said she had another "hidden gem" for me to see, because those finds were so consistently interesting and enriching. She is clearly someone who takes her role very seriously, and I couldn't have asked for a better companion for the day. 5 stars.

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Molly, Jul 2022

Gwen did a great job of showing me lots of places in old town I would have missed on my own and was solicitous of my welfare with the many steps, cobbles and crosswalks without lights. I had a wonderful time. It was a great introduction to Edinburgh, and she made some suggestions of places for me to see tomorrow.

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Camilla, Jul 2022

My mother is a very active octogenarian who wanted to tackle the Royal Mile and Gwen was so attentive and receptive to her needs and limits. We really enjoyed her customized tour with personal entertaining anecdotes about the places on and just off the beaten path. Getting to visit with a local made our trip so much better. Thank you Gwen.

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Kenneth, Jul 2022

We had a wonderful and very insightful 6-hour tour of Edinburgh today with Gwen and learned so much about this fascinating city. Her love and enthusiasm for this city was infectious and we are so sorry we aren’t able to spend more time here. Request Gwen as your guide if you want to really understand both the history and current culture of Edinburgh!

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Roy, Jul 2022

In four hours walking through the streets of Edinburgh with Doug we experienced history we would never have experienced on our own. The nuanced historical details provided gave us a real feeling of what this city and country are built on. Fantastic experience.

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