Want a thrilling, chilling night out?

Walk the shadowy streets of Old Town after dark and descend into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults as you hear true tales of murder, mystery, and restless spirits from a master storyteller. Then unwind with a whisky, local beer, or soft drink in a candlelit cellar for an experience you’ll never forget!

From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Nemish Milan Gosrani
IN

Nemish

India
Jan 2026

review-image

review-image

review-image

+1 more

Kieran our guide was amazing! He had immersive knowledge about the places and Harry Potter. The tour was around 2hrs long but the time flew by in a jiffy! The session was interactive with some Harry Potter trivia. Overall a great experience!!
Tiffany Graham

Tiffany

Sep 2025

review-image

review-image

review-image

+2 more

Our tour guide, Linda was amazing! She involved the group in ways that made even this very antisocial person comfortable and included without feeling overwhelmed. Linda's knowledge and presentation of the history we walked in were outstanding and kept us all waiting for the next story! If we ever make it back, we will be using Mercat Tours again!
EMMA-JANE WOOD
AU

Emma-jane

Australia
Jan 2026
Well organised and incredibly interesting. Our guide Jude was an incredible story teller. She was funny, interactive and incredibly knowledgeable! I went to the tour alone and felt completely safe and looked after :)
Sharon Arnold
NZ

Sharon

New Zealand
Jan 2026
Lots of stories, our tour guide Veni was an awesome storyteller! The underground vaults and their history are so interesting. Finished with a drink in a little cellar. Highly recommend!
Rasa Sirvydyte
LT

Rasa

Lithuania
Jan 2026
A well-organized and interesting tour. Our guide, Jackson, charmed us with his energy, acting skills, and warm communication.
Simon Mattiat
DE

Simon

Germany
Dec 2025
The tour was great with many excellent spots we might have missed otherwise. We can recommend it especially because of the small group size. The castle is beautiful with very easy access. Our guide Mark was amazing.
Ramoncito Hara
PH

Ramoncito

Philippines
Dec 2025
The tour was great and exactly how it was described. Our tour guide Linda was lovely. She did take time to tell stories about the city and the castle itself.
Abigail Morrison

Abigail

Oct 2025
Our guide was David RIzzio - foul-mouthed, irreverent, camp and a very fast walker. Amongst grisly ghost stories and macarbre murder tales, he also found time to heap abuse on Americans, the English, J.K. Rowling, people who walk slowly, people who don't know how to turn their phones into flashlights, other ghost tour operators, his colleagues, his ex, people in general... A hugely entertaining evening.


Why explore Edinburgh on foot?

Visitors walking towards the Esplanade Entrance of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
  • Built for walking: Edinburgh’s Old Town is full of narrow closes, steep lanes, and hidden steps. Walking lets you reach places buses and bikes simply can’t.
  • Stories at street level: History here lives in the streets, not just museums. Walking with a guide helps you spot details and hear real stories you’d otherwise miss.
  • Great for themed tours: Ghost walks, royal history, and Harry Potter routes all work best on foot. Each stop adds context instead of rushing you through highlights.
  • Easy photo stops: One of the highlights of walking tours is that you can pause for castle views, winding streets, and skyline shots whenever you like. It’s easy to stop when the light or angle feels right!
  • Cover more, feel more: Walking lets you move through neighbourhoods, not just past them. You see locals going about their day, ask questions, linger longer, and actually take things in while starting to feel the city’s real rhythm.

Know before booking your Edinburgh walking tours

  • Ways to explore: You can choose from small-group tours, themed experiences like Edinburgh ghost tours or Harry potter tours, and routes focused on Edinburgh Castle . Pick small groups for good value, themed tours for specific interests, and private options if you want full control over the pace.
  • Coverage and entries: Most walking tours take you through Old Town and along the Royal Mile. Some tours include skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle or access to underground vaults, while others stay above ground, so always check what’s included before booking.
  • Queues and security: On tours with castle entry, you may upgrade your ticket to include skip the line entry, but security checks still apply. Arrive a little early and keep bags small, especially in busy Old Town areas, to stay with your group easily.
  • When to book: Walking tours in Edinburgh can sell out quickly during summer and evening time slots. Booking one to three weeks in advance is recommended, especially for castle entry tours and popular night ghost walks.
  • Best time windows: Morning tours work best if you want to focus on history and castle visits. Evening tours are ideal for ghost stories and atmospheric walks through Old Town when the streets are quieter.
  • Accessibility and terrain: Expect cobblestone streets, slopes, and stairs across much of the city. Some castle and underground ghost tours are not wheelchair friendly, so be sure to check accessibility details before booking.
  • Weather plan: Tours usually go ahead in light rain. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes as Edinburgh’s stone streets can become slippery when wet.
  • Ghost tour age rules: For safety reasons, ghost tours have age restrictions. Guests under 18 are not allowed on the 1-hour walking tour, and guests under 5 are not allowed on the 2-hour tour. Always review the full restrictions before booking your tickets.

Which Edinburgh walking tour is best for you?

Ticket typeDescriptionBest for
Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle

Walk through Old Town and along the Royal Mile with a guide, then enjoy skip-the-line entry and a guided introduction to Edinburgh Castle before exploring on your own.

First-time visitors who want history, stories, and castle entry in one tour

Ghostly Night Walking Tour

A 2-hour evening walk through Old Town and Blair Street Underground Vaults with chilling true stories, ending with a drink in candlelit Megget’s Cellar.

Adults looking for a spooky, story-led night experience

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

A focused 45-minute guided tour of Edinburgh Castle grounds, covering history, traditions, and highlights, with free time afterward to explore independently.

Travelers short on time who still want expert castle insights

Harry Potter Walking Tour

Follow J.K. Rowling’s Edinburgh inspirations on foot, visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, and more, with themed activities and trivia along the way.

Harry Potter fans who want a fun, interactive city walk

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

A shorter guided ghost walk exploring haunted underground spaces and Greyfriars Kirkyard, perfect for a spooky taste of Edinburgh’s dark past.

First-time ghost tour takers who want something spooky but not intense

Royal Mile Small-Group Tour

A small-group walking experience along the Royal Mile that can be combined with castle entry, offering deeper storytelling and a slower, more personal pace.

Visitors who prefer smaller groups and a more relaxed walking pace

Everything you can see on an Edinburgh walking tour

Royal Mile

Wander the heart of Old Town, slipping down narrow closes and hidden corners that buses and cars cannot reach. Take your time to soak in the atmosphere, spot centuries-old architecture, and really feel the rhythm of the city.

Edinburgh Castle

Walking around the castle grounds gives you views and details you just cannot get from afar. Step into Edinburgh's most famous castle and learn about battles, traditions like the One O’Clock Gun, and the secrets hidden in the fortress walls.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

What’s a visit to one of Europe’s spookiest cities without stepping into its haunting graveyards? Stroll past weathered headstones and towering monuments as your guide reveals local legends and unsettling stories rarely mentioned in guidebooks.

Blair Street Underground Vaults

Descend into hidden underground vaults accessible only on foot. Explore narrow, shadowy spaces while listening to actual stories of crime, mystery, and restless spirits that once haunted Edinburgh’s streets.

Megget’s Cellar

Famed as a hotspot on Edinburgh ghost tours, Megget’s Cellar is a candlelit historic cellar where chilling tales unfold over a whisky, local beer, or soft drink. It’s the perfect place to end your spooky adventure and linger in the eerie atmosphere.

Harry Potter filming spots

If your tour includes famous Harry Potter filming locations, walk in J.K. Rowling’s footsteps through the streets, graveyards, and hidden alleys that inspired the books, including the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh walking tours

Tour guide explaining historical site on Edinburgh's Royal Mile to visitors.

Most Edinburgh walking tours start in the morning, but exact times depend on the tour you choose.

  • Daytime tours: Royal Mile walks, Edinburgh Castle tours, and Harry Potter tours usually run from 9 am to 1 pm.
  • Evening tours: After-dark ghostly night walking tour starts in the evening to give you the full spooky experience.
Group on guided tour under archway in Edinburgh Old Town.
  • Daytime tours: Morning or early afternoon is best for history walks, castle tours, and Harry Potter walks when streets are quieter.
  • Evening tours: Ghost and underground vault tours are at their most atmospheric after dark.
  • Seasonal tips: Summer (June to September) is the busiest, with long daylight hours and lively streets, while spring (March to May) or shoulder seasons offer a quieter, more relaxed experience.

Tours usually meet at central points along the Royal Mile.

Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom

  • By train: ScotRail to Edinburgh Waverley (approx. 0.3 km)
  • By bus: 100 (Airlink), Airport Express, Perrymans 51/52, First Bus X95, 23, 27, 41, 42; nearest stops: Edinburgh Waverley Bridge Stop WA, North Bridge, George IV Bridge
  • By tram: Edinburgh Trams, nearest stop St Andrew’s Square
  • By car: Via North Bridge and High Street; nearby parking at Blair Street, Cowgate, Blackfriars Street, Chambers Street
Restroom sign near Westminster Abbey with male and female symbols.
  • Audio devices: Some tours include personal audio systems for clearer storytelling.
  • Restrooms: Public toilets and cafés are available along the Royal Mile.
  • Guidebooks: Optional souvenir guides may be offered on select tours.
Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.
  • Wheelchair access: Only outdoor Royal Mile tours are fully wheelchair-friendly. Vault tours are not accessible.
  • Assistance dogs: Guide dogs are welcome on all tours.
  • Walking aids: Some tours allow sticks or portable seating if requested in advance.

Visitor tips for Edinburgh walking tours

  • Pick the right tour for you: Think about what excites you most. If you love history and castle stories, the Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle tours are perfect. If spooky tales and underground vaults sound thrilling, go for the ghost or after-dark tours. If you are a Potterhead, do not miss the Harry Potter guided walking tour.
  • Plan your timing: Morning or early afternoon is best for history walks, castle tours, and Harry Potter tours when streets are quieter and easier to explore. Evening tours are perfect for ghost walks and underground adventures, as the darkness makes the stories even more atmospheric.
  • Soak up the city afterward: After your tour, wander the Royal Mile at your own pace. Stop at cafés, historic pubs, or quirky shops, and keep an eye out for hidden stories, street performances, and interesting corners you might have missed on the tour.
  • Ask questions: Small-group tours are perfect for chatting with your guide. Don’t hesitate to ask about legends, local history, or fun Edinburgh trivia. It makes the experience more personal, memorable, and a lot more fun.

Frequently asked questions about walking tours in Edinburgh

Most tours are around 1 to 2 hours. Ghost walks are shorter, castle tours a bit longer, and some combined tours can go over 2 hours.