Edinburgh , Scotland

The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh

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(1780 reviews)

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About this experience

Mountebank the original and best comedy walking tour of Edinburgh and the only tour of the city led by a professional, award winning stand-up comedian and historian with a Master degree in Scottish history. Since starting in 2019 Mountebank's success has attracted copy cat 'comedy' tours but Mountebank is the original, best and only tour led by an actual stand-up comic and historian!

Your guide is Edinburgh based stand-up comic and historian Daniel Downie - and his trusty sidekick Brahan the dog! Daniel has brought several sell-out shows all about Scotland to the Edinburgh Fringe. He has been described as 'outstanding' and 'must see' by the Scotsman newspaper and his show about Mary Queen of Scots was named 'Best History Show' at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Mountebank is all about the hysterical and ridiculous nature of Scotland's history, people, language, weather - all things Scottish basically! So come along and laugh a lot while you learn a little :)

Available options

Mountebank Comedy Walk

What's included

Guide

Detailed itinerary

The tour starts at the world famous Monkey Barrel Comedy club where I find out a little about you, you learn a little more about me (more than you probably care to know!) I teach you some of my favourite Scottish vocabulary and then we set off on our Old Town adventure..!!

Stop 2

Edinburgh's most iconic and historic High Street

The spot where trade occurred in medieval Edinburgh as well as everything from royal proclamations to punishments

Stop 4

The most significant religious site in the old town it played a key role in the reformation and is the resting place of swashbuckling characters such as the 'Great Montrose'

We stop outside the Writers museum for a comic take on some of Edinburgh's most famous literary figures

Stop 6

We stop for a stunning panorama of the south side of Edinburgh castle and learn about the daring raid of Edinburgh Castle by Sir Thomas Randolph in March 1314

Stop 7

Edinburgh's centre for law and disorder a bustling market place where justice was handed out in the form of public executions.

Our final stop is Greyfriars Kirkyard steeped in historical significance, gruesome stories of Edinburgh's bodysnatchers, ghosts, Harry Potter and of course Edinburgh's most famous dog Greyfriars Bobby

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

356 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

1,424 reviews

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1397

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

*Strictly for ages 16 and over

Meeting point

The meeting point is 'Monkey Barrel Comedy Club' on Blair Street in the Old Town, I'll be the guy dressed in a kilt with a big fluffy dog :)

- Please note the tour is strictly for ages 16+
- Fluent English is necessary to enjoy the tour fully, I have a Scottish accent some find hard to understand

Important notes

Thank you for booking, I look forward to welcoming you on your hysterical and historical tour of Edinburgh :)

*Please be aware
-this tour is strictly for ages 16+
-I take my big friendly dog Brahan on tours, if you do not like dogs or are planning on taking your on doggo if you could please let me know
-This is Scotland please should be prepared for inclement weather regardless of the time of year.
-Bring your best patter!

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