The first Edinburgh history walk, perfected since 1985

This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle!

Step into Edinburgh’s secrets and discover the heart of Scotland’s capital, beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. 

Take a journey through time, feel the cobblestones beneath your feet as you explore the lives of Edinburgh residents from generations past – from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who for their entire lives never left the city’s walls.

With every step along the Royal Mile, echoes of the past surround you — stories of royalty, rebellion, crime and culture brought vividly to life by our masterful Storytellers, and historic landmarks that still stand today. 

Take a walking tour into Edinburgh Castle

Want to visit Edinburgh Castle? Skip the line with Mercat Tours.

The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its ancient volcanic rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it. 

Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Master Storyteller and from the Royal Mile you’ll walk over the drawbridge and straight past the ticket line – leaving the queues behind and continuing your journey into Edinburgh’s history uninterrupted. 

The full Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile tour with a 45-minute introduction to Edinburgh Castle included, takes 2 hours and 15 minutes – simply choose this option when you book.  Afterward, we recommend you allow an additional 1.5-2 hours to explore the rest of the Castle at your own pace. 

Prefer to join us for the 1 hour and 30-minute walking tour without Edinburgh Castle? That’s fine! There’s plenty of history to explore in Edinburgh’s Old Town. 

If you have a Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass, you’re welcome to join us – including the guided tour of Edinburgh Castle – simply call us to check, once you’ve booked your tour ticket.

This tour explores the upper half of the Royal Mile. Want to know more about the Canongate? Try our Treasures of the Old Town tour where you can step inside the majestic The Palace of Holyroodhouse.