Edinburgh Old Town Landmarks and Hidden Gems

Travel back in time as you dive into the origins of Edinburgh and visit the Old Town's many landmarks including the Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh University and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Along the way your guide will show you the hidden gems of this beautiful city that most tours don’t cover. We will introduce you to the nooks and crannies that, according to Time Out, helps make Edinburgh “the world’s most beautiful, walkable and generally bloody excellent place to visit”!

Meeting Point

Cranston House

Cranston House, 271 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ, UK

We meet at my converted police box on the corner of the Royal Mile and Cranston Street.

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Royal Mile

High St., , Edinburgh, EH1 2PB

The Royal Mile runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a base of volcanic rock, with the splendorous Palace of Holyroodhouse, resting in the shadow of Arthur's Seat. The Mile is overlooked by impressive, towering tenements, between which cobbled closes and narrow stairways interlock to create a secret underground world.L

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Grassmarket

21 Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket is one of the most picturesque and lively areas of the city. A paradise of independent merchants, designers and artisans, the area is home to an array of high-quality gift, clothing and homeware shops. And when hunger strikes, you’ll find an assortment of bars, restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes and budgets.

Pass by without stopping

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX

The Palace of Holyrood, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

Pass by without stopping

Gladstone's Land

477B Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2NT

Gladstone's Land is a surviving 17th-century high-tenement house situated in the Old Town of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. It has been restored and furnished by the National Trust for Scotland, and is operated as a popular tourist attraction.

Pass by without stopping

New Town

Edinburgh

The New Town is a central area of Edinburgh that was built in stages between 1767 and around 1850, and retains much of its original neo-classical and Georgian period architecture.
Its best known street is Princes Street, facing Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town across the geological depression of the former Nor Loch. Together with the West End, the New Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Old Town in 1995. The area is also famed for Princes Street Gardens, a heritage designation since March 2001

Pass by without stopping

University of Edinburgh

Old College South Bridge, , Edinburgh, EH8 9YL

Old College is a late 18th-century to early 19th-century building of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is located on South Bridge, and presently houses parts of the University's administration, the University of Edinburgh School of Law, and the Talbot Rice Gallery.
Originally called the "New College", it was designed by Robert Adam to replace a number of older buildings previously built on the site of the former Kirk o' Field, and after considerable delays was completed to a modified design by William Henry Playfair, except for the dome added later. It is a Category A listed building.

Pass by without stopping

Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

Castle Hill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.
Though parts of it remain in military use, the castle is now a world-famous visitor attraction. It’s also an iconic part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site.

Pass by without stopping

Greyfriars

26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ

Greyfriars Kirkyard is the graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is located at the southern edge of the Old Town, adjacent to George Heriot's School. Burials have been taking place since the late 16th century, and a number of notable Edinburgh residents are interred at Greyfriars.
The graves are also the inspiration for many of the characters from the Harry Potter movie series.

Pass by without stopping

George Heriot's School

8 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EQ

The inspiration behind Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies,

Pass by without stopping

Greyfriars Bobby

Edinburgh, EH1 2QE

Greyfriars Bobby (4 May 1855 – 14 January 1872) was a Skye Terrier or Dandie Dinmont Terrier[1] who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died on 14 January 1872. The story continues to be well known in Scotland, through several books and films.

Pass by without stopping

Dunbars Close Garden

137 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BW

Dunbars Close on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town is a hidden gem. The garden has been laid out in the style and character of a 17th century garden. To enter you travel along a narrow, cobbled close. It opens out into a surprisingly tranquil and elegant parterre of clipped shrubs under a cosy green canopy of trees. Beyond the entrance are further parterres, each with different atmospheres and all are sheltered thanks to high church walls on the west side and clipped hedging on the others.

Pass by without stopping