Scotland, United Kingdom

Edinburgh

Edinburgh's medieval Old Town runs down a ridge from the castle, facing the elegant Georgian New Town across a valley of gardens. It is compact, hilly and full of stories.

Edinburgh: Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour
Featured walk: Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Scotland's capital is one of the most dramatic cities in Europe. The castle sits on an extinct volcano; the Royal Mile runs downhill from it to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with narrow closes and wynds dropping off either side. Across Princes Street Gardens, the New Town is a planned grid of Georgian terraces. Together the two form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Edinburgh is small enough to walk everywhere, but it is steep, with many steps between its levels. The weather changes quickly. In August, the festivals fill the streets with performers and the city's population swells.

What makes Edinburgh distinctive

  • Edinburgh Castle, high on Castle Rock
  • The Royal Mile and its hidden closes
  • The Georgian New Town, one of the best-preserved in Europe
  • Arthur's Seat, a hill in the middle of the city

Walking tours in Edinburgh

Hand-picked guided walks in Edinburgh, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

Advertising disclosure: tour links go to Viator. If you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect the price you pay or which tours we choose.

Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 29 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Food tours in Edinburgh · History walks in Edinburgh · Night and ghost tours in Edinburgh

Compare with other cities: Free walking tours · Food tours · History walks · Night and ghost tours

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide sells many of the same walks and some that Viator doesn't. Their list for Edinburgh is chosen and ranked by GetYourGuide, not by us.

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Old Town

    The medieval city along the ridge, with closes, stairs and underground vaults.

  • New Town

    Georgian streets and squares, with shopping on Princes Street and George Street.

  • Stockbridge

    A village-like district by the Water of Leith, with cafés and a Sunday market.

  • Leith

    The old port, now known for its waterfront restaurants and bars.

Free self-guided walk

Down the Royal Mile from the castle to Holyrood

A free self-guided walk from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile, with detours to Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

3.1 km · 7 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. The Royal Mile

    Downhill from the castle to Holyrood, exploring the closes on the way.

  2. Calton Hill

    A short climb from the east end of Princes Street to monuments and a classic view of the city.

  3. Arthur's Seat

    A proper hill walk from Holyrood Park to the summit; about an hour up and down, with uneven paths.

  4. Water of Leith

    A riverside path from Dean Village through Stockbridge, green and quiet.

Practical walking notes

  • Hills and steps

    Edinburgh is steep. Many routes between the Old and New Towns use long flights of steps; the Mound is the gentler road route.

  • Surfaces

    Cobbles on the Royal Mile and in the closes, slippery when wet.

  • Weather

    Wind and rain arrive quickly. Layers and a waterproof are wise in any season.

  • August

    During the festivals, the Royal Mile is packed with performers and crowds; allow more time to get around.

When to visit

  • May–June

    Long, often bright days and fewer crowds than August.

  • August

    Festival month: thrilling, crowded and expensive.

  • Autumn

    Cool, with colourful trees on the hills and quieter streets.

  • Winter

    Short, cold days, Christmas markets and Hogmanay at New Year.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By rail

    Waverley station sits in the valley between the Old and New Towns. Direct trains reach London in about 4 hours 30 minutes and Glasgow in under an hour.

  • By air

    Edinburgh airport is about 13 km west, linked to the centre by tram and express bus.

Local transport

  • On foot

    The centre is compact; the castle to Holyrood is about 25 minutes downhill.

  • Buses and tram

    Lothian Buses cover the city; the tram runs from the airport through the centre to Leith.

Questions travellers ask about Edinburgh

How hard is the climb up Arthur's Seat?

It is a real hill walk, with steep, rocky sections near the top. Most people manage it in an hour or so round trip; wear proper shoes and avoid it in high wind.

What are the closes?

Narrow alleys running off the Royal Mile, once lined with tenements. Some lead to courtyards and gardens; others to the underground vaults visited on ghost tours.

Do I need to book Edinburgh Castle?

Booking online is recommended, especially in summer, as timed slots sell out.

Is Edinburgh good for a short trip?

Yes. Two days cover the Old and New Towns and a hill walk; three allow time for Leith and the Water of Leith.

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Country overview

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Royal parks, old closes and a long tradition of the guided walk

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-26. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.