4-Hour Private Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour with Castle Visit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Guided visit to Edinburgh Castle with St Margaret's Chapel, the Great Hall, and the crown jewels
• 02 Walk through Edinburgh's UNESCO-listed Old Town along its cobblestone streets and hidden closes
• 03 See the Heart of Midlothian and hear the story behind this historic landmark
• 04 Stroll through the historic Grassmarket, once known for markets, gatherings, and public executions

Wander the cobblestone paths of Edinburgh's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover landmarks such as Mercat Cross, the Heart of Midlothian, and St Giles' Cathedral. Pass by the Elephant House Cafe, often regarded as the birthplace of Harry Potter, before delving into Scotland's storied past on a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle. Explore centuries of history through its ancient buildings, royal legacy, military significance, and crown jewels.

Your guide will point out the nearby Elephant House Cafe, considered by many to be the birthplace of Harry Potter, where J.K. Rowling wrote some of her first pages.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Edinburgh

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Explore Edinburgh's Old Town and Castle

• Meet your tour guide at Mercat Cross in Edinburgh's Old Town. From here, see Tron Kirk, the Heart of Midlothian, and the area around St Giles' Cathedral.
• Wander through the closes to the Grassmarket, a lively square historically known for its markets, public gatherings, and even public executions.
• Your guide will point out the nearby Elephant House Cafe, considered by many to be the birthplace of Harry Potter, where J.K. Rowling wrote some of her first pages.
• Next, enjoy a guided tour of the castle. Edinburgh Castle's history spans centuries, from its origins as a fortified stronghold in the 12th century to its role as a royal residence and military fortress. It witnessed battles, imprisonments, and the significance of the Stone of Destiny, encapsulating Scotland's dynamic past. See St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, the War Memorial, the Great Hall, and even the crown jewels.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• English-speaking tour guide

What's Not Included

• Entrance fees to Edinburgh Castle - 19.50 GBP
• Tips and gratuities

Know before you go

• Please note:
  • Covering all the places mentioned in the itinerary is subject to the traveller's walking pace.
  • The itinerary is customizable, and the traveller can choose the places from the above itinerary to visit within the given duration.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Mercat Cross

Tour start

High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.