Tour guides Scotland > Edinburgh

5 ideas for guided tours in Edinburgh

• Royal Mile

  

  Walking along the Royal Mile means following a street that holds nearly a thousand years of history. This thoroughfare links Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood, and has carried the footsteps of kings as well as travelers. Its old façades, galleries, and cafés remind us why the capital earned its title as the city of great writers.

  As you climb this cobbled stretch, you’ll come across several landmarks:

  – Edinburgh Castle, the fortress perched on its hill, watching over the city for almost nine centuries.
  – The Palace of Holyrood, home of Mary Stuart in the 16th century, still filled with stories of power and intrigue.
  – St. Giles’ Cathedral, a vast Gothic church founded in the 12th century and restored two centuries later after a fire.

  The Royal Mile also hosts several museums with free entry:

  – The National Museum of Scotland, which spans six floors tracing the country’s history and culture.
  – Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, a historic attraction full of curious exhibits, with a rooftop offering sweeping views of the city.

• Volcanoes

  

  Edinburgh is full of surprises when it comes to its landscape. Three extinct volcanoes still rise at the heart of the city, each offering unique stories and views. Both locals and visitors enjoy climbing them, each at their own pace.

  – Arthur’s Seat: the highest point in Holyrood Park, standing a little over 250 meters. The round trip takes about two hours, but the panorama already feels like a glimpse of the Highlands.

  – Calton Hill: easier to reach, this hill is famous for its archaeological sites and the remains of an ancient Greek-style temple. It’s also home to the Nelson Monument, built in 1816 to honor Vice Admiral Nelson, who fell at Trafalgar.

  – Castle Rock: the third volcano, it has been crowned by Edinburgh Castle for nearly nine centuries. Located at the end of the Royal Mile, it ties together the city’s geology and history.

• The city of great writers

  

  Edinburgh loves to remind visitors that it is also the city of great writers. In its streets, every façade, café, or gravestone seems to carry a story. Literature is woven into its identity as deeply as its castles and hills.

  Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson left their mark on the city, as did more recent authors like Irvine Welsh and Ian Rankin. And of course, there is JK Rowling, who imagined part of the Harry Potter universe in the cafés of the capital, watching passersby and the old winding streets.

  The Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery adds a darker note. Its carved stones, leaning graves, and sometimes eerie atmosphere have inspired many writers. Some of the names etched on the headstones are even said to have shaped famous characters.

  Every summer, the city celebrates this tradition at the International Book Festival. Authors, readers, and illustrators gather there, and it becomes clear that literature is not just a legacy but a living presence at the heart of Edinburgh.

• Festivals in the City

  

  For culture lovers, Edinburgh offers an astonishingly rich calendar. Throughout the year, the city beats to the rhythm of its festivals, each bringing its own atmosphere to the streets and venues.

  – Edinburgh Festival Fringe: known as the largest arts festival in the world, it brings together theater, dance, comedy, cabaret, and street performances. Every August, more than 3,000 shows turn the city into one giant open stage.

  – Edinburgh International Festival: held at the same time as the Fringe, it focuses on the classical arts. Opera, ballet, and concerts provide a more solemn yet equally powerful counterpoint.

  – Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: each summer, the castle esplanade becomes the backdrop for an impressive military spectacle. Marching bands from across the globe perform before packed stands.

  – Edinburgh’s Hogmanay: from December 29 to January 1, the city welcomes the new year with concerts, fireworks, and a torchlight procession. The festive spirit truly takes over the streets.

  – Scottish International Storytelling Festival: every October, storytellers and musicians come together to bring folk tales to life, many rooted in Scottish tradition.

  – Edinburgh International Science Festival: in April, science steps onto the stage. Talks, exhibitions, and interactive experiments showcase another side of the capital’s creativity.

• Where to eat well and have a drink?

  

  Make sure to get a real taste of Scottish cuisine before you leave, and step into one of the many restaurants and bistros around the city! From Michelin-starred establishments to the most popular inns, Edinburgh offers excellent food and drink for every budget.

  The Edinburgh Larder at 15 Blackfriars Street serves one of the best breakfasts in town, perfect for setting you up for a day of walking and exploring.

  Restaurants like The Devil’s Advocate (9 Advocates Close) or The Grain Store (30 Victoria Street) showcase top-quality local produce and ingredients. For one of the best whisky tastings, head to Jeffrey Street Whiskey (12-14 Jeffrey Street), where their friendly experts will guide you through the experience.

  The capital also boasts six gin distilleries, including the renowned Pickering’s Gin Distillery, a true haven for connoisseurs. And when evening falls, there’s no shortage of pubs to enjoy a drink or live music. You might wander into the trendy Cowgate area at The Royal Oak, or drop by The Abbotsford at 3-5 Rose Street. Founded in 1902, it has kept its timeless atmosphere.