Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included

Meeting point and end point

Check the meeting time and place on Viator when you book. They can differ by option and date.

What you will do on this tour

1. 1

   Our tour will start on the Royal Mile. Your tour guide will offer an introduction to the city and the history of the Old Town.

   10 min

2. 2

   As we walk on the Royal Mile we will see some of the city 'closes' and understand what these narrow lanes were used for. We'll also stop at the Mercat Cross, a site once used for public announcements and punishments. Can you spot the unicorn at the top?

   10 min

3. 3

   In front of the Mercat Cross we will see St. Giles Cathedral. We'll talk about the architecture of the most important church in Scotland, and discover the history of the Presbyterian religion. We will also walk to West Parliament Square to talk about the Act of Union.

   25 min

4. 4

   We leave St. Giles behind us and proceed on the Royal Mile. On our way, we will point out the Heart of Midlothian and explain what this mosaic heart is. A few minutes later, we will enter Makars’ Court, just off the Royal Mile. Here, with the Writer’s Museum as a backdrop, we will talk about Scotland’s most important writers, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

   15 min

5. 5

   From the Writer's Museum we will walk down a few steps to get to Victoria Street, one of the most picturesque streets of the Old Town. As we walk down the street, you will see quirky shops and colourful facades.

   10 min

6. 6

   As we reach the bottom of Victoria Street, we will see a large plaza in front of us. This is the Grassmarket, an area famous for its pubs, but with a very dark past!

   10 min

7. 7

   Edinburgh Castle

   From the Grassmarket we will take some steps to reach the Castle Esplanade. As we walk up the hill we will see the dark spike of the Hub, and explain what this building is. Once on the Castle Esplanade, we will enjoy stunning views of the city and see where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place.

   15 min

8. 8

   Edinburgh Castle

   It is finally time to enter Edinburgh Castle. Once inside, we’ll delve into the history and secrets of this building, and recall the fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles and sieges. After the guided tour you will have the opportunity to explore the indoor areas of the castle at your own pace.

   40 min · Admission included

What is included

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Suitcases and large rucksacks are not permitted in Edinburgh castle.
• There will be 3 set of steps and 2 steep paths along the route.
• The tour will take place on the outdoor areas of the castle. After the guided visit you will have the time to visit the roofed buildings and the museums
• The company is not responsible for participants arriving late and missing the beginning of the tour. If the group is no longer at the meeting point when you arrive, please note that the first stop will be the Mercat Cross and the Old Parliament Square.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• Full refund if you cancel 1 day or more before the start.
• No refund if you cancel less than 1 day before the start.
• The operator may cancel for bad weather, and you are offered another date or a refund.
• The operator may cancel if too few travellers book, and you are offered another date or a refund.

Rules can differ by option and date. The policy shown on Viator when you book is the one that applies.

Frequently asked questions