Edinburgh Old Town

★ 4.8 (45K+ reviews) • 17K+ booked
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Edinburgh Old Town Reviews

4.8 /5
45K+ reviews
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陈 **
5 Mar
The staff were enthusiastic and patiently answered questions, the itinerary was well-arranged, and the price was very reasonable, making it very reliable. The only downside is that the price of alcohol was not very affordable.
Klook User
25 Feb
It was an excellent tour experience. The guide was very knowledgeable and shared fascinating stories throughout. Even when it started raining, he continued without interruption and completed the entire explanation on time. After his briefing, we had plenty of time to explore the castle on our own. The castle itself was huge and beautiful — definitely a must-visit.
1+
Klook 用戶
24 Feb
Thank you, guide Julian! The whole trip was arranged very smoothly, with interesting explanations and relevant background music. You drove safely for a very, very long distance, and the car was quite comfortable. For those prone to motion sickness, I recommend bringing motion sickness medication. Wanting to see the scenery but being too sick was really painful; I could only sleep the whole time, which was a shame. I was a little worried that the Isle of Skye in February would be too bleak, but it was very beautiful. It wasn't too cold, but the wind was very strong and it suddenly rained heavily, so remember to bring a windproof and waterproof jacket. Most of the shops in Portree are closed on Sundays. It was the second day of the trip, but there weren't many shops to browse, which was a bit of a shame, and I didn't feel well, but there was no pharmacy to buy medicine. Apart from my proneness to motion sickness which made me miss out on a lot, I highly recommend it overall!
ISURU *******
11 Feb
experience: nice sceneries and having a historical value. facilities: good price: affordable ease of booking on Klook: easy
2+
Joanna ***
9 Feb
Engaging guide who injected both history and humour in equal measure in her talk. The ticket is for single entry so it’s recommended that you stay on within the castle compounds after the tour to explore the 13 museums. Area is small so tour groups aren’t allowed unless it’s an open area.
1+
Q ******
15 Jan
Very good experience, guide's so nice and apparently know every place of Scotland. And the weather's perfect that day. I wish i have more time to visit more places in Scotland. Highly recommend.
Klook User
13 Jan
The Haunted Vaults Tour in Edinburgh was an unforgettable experience! Walking through the dark, underground vaults beneath the city gave a spine-chilling and thrilling perspective of Edinburgh’s history. The atmosphere is incredibly eerie—narrow passageways, stone walls, and hidden chambers really make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Our guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, engaging, and able to make the stories come alive. We heard tales of ghostly encounters, tragic events, and the darker side of Edinburgh life, which were both fascinating and terrifying. The mix of history and haunting legends was perfect, and it was much more intense than a regular walking tour. This tour is perfect for anyone who enjoys history, mystery, or a good scare. Highly recommend going with an open mind and a sense of adventure—you might just feel a ghostly presence!
Klook User
13 Jan
The hop-on hop-off bus tour was an excellent way to explore Edinburgh, especially for first-time visitors. It made getting around the city easy and convenient while covering all the major attractions, including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and more. The audio guide was informative and easy to follow, sharing interesting history and fun facts about the city. The flexibility to hop off at different stops, explore at your own pace, and then hop back on made the experience stress-free and enjoyable. The buses were comfortable, frequent, and offered great views from the upper deck—perfect for sightseeing and photos. This tour helped us get oriented and see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a relaxed and efficient way to see Edinburgh.
1+

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What to know about Edinburgh Old Town

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic charm of Edinburgh Old Town, the oldest part of Scotland's capital city. With its preserved medieval street plan and Reformation-era buildings, this area is a treasure trove of cultural and historical significance. Together with the New Town and West End, it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, is a must-see destination rich in history and things to do. Old Town Edinburgh, home to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, is the oldest part of the city with a unique character that captures the essence of Edinburgh. Explore the cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and history. Step into the enchanting world of Edinburgh's Old Town, where history, culture, and charm collide to create a truly magical experience. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the vibrant food and drink scene, this district is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Discover the heart of the Scottish capital in the Old Town, where every cobblestone tells a story and every corner hides a secret.
Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh, UK

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Royal Mile

Explore the iconic Royal Mile, the main street of the Old Town that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Wander through narrow closes and alleyways, visit St. Giles' Cathedral, the General Assembly Hall, and the National Museum of Scotland, and discover hidden underground vaults and passages.

Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop Castlehill, Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking views and a wealth of history to explore. Don't miss the Dog Cemetery and St Margaret’s Chapel.

National Museum Of Scotland

Explore the rich tapestry of Scotland's history at the National Museum of Scotland, where ancient artifacts and interactive exhibits bring the past to life. From geology to the industrial era, this museum is a journey through time.

Street Layout

The picturesque street layout of the Old Town showcases the historic development of the city, with the castle perched on a rocky crag and the main street running down a ridge. Explore the unique 'crag and tail' landform and discover the evolution of Edinburgh's urban design.

Residential Buildings

Experience some of the world's earliest 'high rise' residential buildings in the Old Town, dating back to the 16th century. Learn about the Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824 and the subsequent reconstruction that led to the creation of underground spaces and vaults.

Archaeology

Delve into the archaeological history of the Old Town through excavations that have uncovered medieval tenements, 12th/13th-century deposits, and evidence of the city's development over the centuries. Gain insights into the past through ongoing archaeological work in the area.

Culture and History

Old Town Edinburgh is steeped in history, with landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Explore the rich cultural heritage of the city through its architecture, museums, and historic sites.

Local Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of Edinburgh's Old Town with popular dishes like small plates at Mother India's Café, delightful cakes at Lovecrumbs, and contemporary fine dining at Timberyard. From traditional Scottish fare to modern culinary creations, the local cuisine is a feast for the senses.