Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour With Holyrood Palace Entry

Edinburgh , Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour With Holyrood Palace Entry

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About this experience

Discover the rich history of Edinburgh's Old Town on this immersive 3-hour guided walking tour. Starting at the iconic Tron Kirk, journey through the cobbled streets as a knowledgeable local guide shares tales of royal intrigue, political upheaval, and literary legends. Marvel at the Gothic architecture of St Giles' Cathedral, wander the picturesque Victoria Street, and visit the haunting Greyfriars Kirkyard. The adventure culminates with a self-guided visit to the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you can explore royal apartments and beautiful gardens at your leisure.

- 3-hour guided walking tour through Edinburgh's UNESCO-listed Old Town
- Led by a knowledgeable local guide with captivating storytelling
- Visit iconic sites like St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, and Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Enjoy entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a self-guided exploration of the royal residence

Available options

Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour With Holyrood Palace Entry

What's included

Tour Guide

Ticket Entry to Holyrood Palace

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Learn about John Knox and the Scottish Reformation.

Edinburgh’s most picturesque lanes, said to have inspired Diagon Alley from Harry Potter.

Stop 3

a historic market and execution site, now a lively hub with breathtaking castle views

Stop 4 Pass by

Stand beneath the imposing rock fortress of Edinburgh Castle and hear tales of sieges, kings, and coronations.

Where legends like Greyfriars Bobby and Tom Riddle (yes, that one!) are remembered.

View the neoclassical grandeur of the University of Edinburgh Old College, one of Scotland’s oldest educational institutions.

Stop 7

Conclude your tour with entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you are free to explore the historic royal apartments, the ruined abbey, and the picturesque palace gardens at your own pace. With its lavish interiors and rich royal history, Holyrood offers a fitting finale to this cultural journey through the ages. Your guide will not follow you inside on your self guided tour.

What's not included

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Your guide will be outside Tron Kirk opposite Bella Italia on the Royal Mile holding a Sign Top Sights Tours.

Important notes

Your guide will make sure you have the correct tickets for entry into Holyrood Palace

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture