Edinburgh Secret History Walking Tour

This tour steps foot into the history of a city thousands of years in the making, where every nook and cranny has a story to tell.
Walking through the city streets of Edinburgh is a very special experience. There’s really nowhere else in the world that could compare. It seems that in Edinburgh, every passage will take you on a new adventure, a tale of two towns joined by one very unique urban identity.

Explore the monuments that everyone misses and hear the stories that only a local would know. See where kings were crowned, heads were lost, wars won, and legends were born. There’s always something exciting waiting around every winding wynd, waiting to be discovered, explored, and admired. TRIPorganiser’s Walking Tour of Edinburgh ventures beyond the cookie-cutter travel experience into Edinburgh’s secret history that has inspired the world for centuries.

Note: The Queens Gallery at Holyrood Palace is closed until 2024.

Meeting Point

David Hume Statue

379-381 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PW, UK

Let's meet by the David Hume Statue on Lawn Market (Corner to The Mound / George IV Bridge).

What's included:

• Personal Local Guide

What to expect:

Duration: 8 hours

Royal Mile

High St., , Edinburgh, EH1 2PB

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the heart of Scotland's historic capital.

1 hour

St Giles' Cathedral

High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE

Marvel at the architectural splendour of St. Giles Cathedral, the crown jewel of the Royal Mile, where Gothic grandeur and centuries of history converge in a magnificent display of craftsmanship.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Advocate's Close

1 Advocates Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1PQ

Wander through the historic Advocates Close, a hidden gem of narrow closes and winding staircases that whisper tales of Edinburgh's medieval past and literary connections.

15 minutes

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

Ascend to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this fortress that has witnessed centuries of royal intrigue and military prowess.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Luckenbooths

329 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PN, UK

Lunch Stop : At own expense

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Granny's Green Steps

Granny's Green Steps, Edinburgh EH1, UK

Discover the enchanting charm of Granny's Green Steps, a picturesque hidden stairway connecting the Old and New Towns, offering a serene escape amidst lush greenery.

15 minutes

Grassmarket

21 Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS

Experience the vibrant energy of Grassmarket, a historic market square surrounded by eclectic shops, pubs, and tales of public executions, now a lively hub of entertainment and culture.

30 minutes

Cowgate

Cowgate, Edinburgh, UK

Stroll through the eclectic streets of Cowgate, a district that seamlessly blends ancient and modern Edinburgh, with its vibrant nightlife, historic venues, and artistic flair.

Pass by without stopping

Old Fishmarket Close

Old Fishmarket Cl, Edinburgh EH1, UK

Step into the past at Fishmarket Close, a narrow alley lined with historic buildings and stories of fishmongers, providing a glimpse into the city's bustling trade history.

Pass by without stopping

Jacob's Ladder

Edinburgh

Climb Jacob's Ladder, a historic stairway that connects the New Town to Calton Hill, offering breathtaking views and a sense of connection between the city's different eras.

Pass by without stopping

Calton Hill

St. Andrews House 2 Regent Road, , Edinburgh, EH1 3DG

Climb Calton Hill to soak in panoramic views of the city and marvel at iconic monuments, offering a peaceful retreat with a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.

1 hour

Canongate Kirk

153 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN

Wander through the hauntingly beautiful Canongate Kirkyard, a historic graveyard that echoes with tales of Edinburgh's past, featuring the final resting places of notable figures.

30 minutes

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX

Explore the regal halls of Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, surrounded by the picturesque Holyrood Park and the imposing Salisbury Crags.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included