Tours and Tickets to Experience The Canongate

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening or night-time walking tour. Experience the ghastly histories of monsters, madness, and murder that cast a dark shadow on Scotland’s capital. See where witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions took place, then visit the chilling Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

On this self-guided tour, you'll unravel the mysteries and murders surrounding Scotland’s most famous monarch. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Edinburgh's old town. Have you ever wondered what life was like in Edinburgh during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots? On this walking tour, we’ll explore the hidden corners and the major landmarks in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town through the eyes of Scotland’s most famous monarch. You'll find a new story on every corner while weaving in and out of the narrow, closed, and cobbled streets. I’ll tell you about the murders and mysteries surrounding Mary and how these tragic events unfolded right here in Scotland’s capital. Along the way, I’ll tell you about two of Mary’s three husbands, Lord Darnley and the Earl of Bothwell, and her lover, David Rizzio. I’ll show you the John Knox House, where the leader of the Reformation is buried, outside St Giles Cathedral. You’ll also hear about his conflict with Mary.

Led by your professional Blue Badge guide, explore the historic streets of Edinburgh and take in the atmosphere that keeps tourists visiting the city year after year. View Edinburgh Castle and walk the Royal Mile to where Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament now sits. Spy hidden closes and courtyard parks, and learn about the vivid history of this vibrant city.

Edinburgh is steeped in history, much of it macabre—this private walking tour immerses you in the city's rich myths, legends, and ghost tales and allows you to understand how they have formed the city's distinctive character. You'll hear the stories behind such attractions as as Greyfriars Kirkyard and St. Cecilia's Hall and gain a new perspective on Edinburgh from your local host, who sets the pace according to your speed.

Soak up Edinburgh’s ineffable ambiance, and discover many of the city’s top landmarks, when you embark on an evening walking tour. Exploring after dark won’t just reveal another side of the city—it will also help you bypass the daytime crowds, and enjoy a more relaxed way to sightsee. Meet your guide at Gladstone’s Land (one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile), and set off on foot. In just a couple hours, you’ll see the Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and much more.

Take the guesswork out of your 'Outlander' pilgrimage on this guided walking tour that takes you to the exact locations featured in the TV series and novels. In a small group of no more than 12 people, see such sites as Jamie's printshop and the Tolbooth prison while learning from your guide about life in Edinburgh during and after the time of the Jacobite uprisings.

Turning Edinburgh Into an Adventure Playground! Get a unique perspective of Old Town/Royal Mile on this self-guided, interactive treasure hunt. It's the best way to explore the city! On your adventure, unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles and completing challenges, earning points along the way. During your Quest you will not only discover the city's highlights but explore hidden gems, learn some fun facts about the places you visit and see things that most people just pass by. As the activity is all self-guided through the app, you can start your Quest when you want (must be played during daylight hours), there are no set starting/ending times. No groups to follow. You can go at your own pace, stopping for longer in one location, taking a break or having a snack in one of the many cafes and pubs along the trail OR you can make it a race and try to get to the top of the city leaderboard! Instant acess with nothing to print from home. Will you conquer the Quest?

Discover Edinburgh's ancient charm and rich history with our self-guided audio tour app, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. Begin at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castle Rock, then proceed down the historic Royal Mile, the heart of Old Town. Immerse yourself in Scottish royal history at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland, before admiring the lively atmosphere of Grassmarket with its traditional pubs and shops. Stroll through the elegant New Town streets to the National Museum of Scotland, home to thousands of fascinating artifacts telling Scotland's story. Experience the city's literary heritage at the Writers' Museum and along the winding closes of the Old Town, then marvel at the panoramic views from Calton Hill with its collection of historic monuments. Continue your tour to Arthur's Seat, exploring this ancient volcano and ascending to its peak for breathtaking views.

Join Scotland’s funniest historical tour guide for a light hearted look at the history of the most iconic thoroughfare in the country, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. We will cover the history of the royals, power, innovation and the most important thing - the remarkable people that made this city (with extreme bias!) the most wonderful place on earth. Beginning at the top of the mile next to the longest continuously occupied fortress in Scotland that dominates the skyline, Ross will tell you stories of great battles over the centuries, before making our way down the glorious mile. We will finish outside the current official Royal residence, the magnificent Holyrood Palace. In between be prepared for some breathtaking tales, dark nights, bright moments, all the time you will be laughing as well as learning. Ross, as well as knowing his history, is a professional Scottish comedian by night, reaching the Scottish Comedian of the Year final a record setting five times.

Edinburgh’s dark and desultory past means its streets are haunted by restless souls and wandering specters. This ghost tour—perfect for those fascinated by the supernatural—takes you to two of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations. Under the cloak of darkness, descend to the Blair Street vaults to explore a shadow-shrouded underground world. Visit Canongate Kirkyard, the final resting place of famous characters, and listen to gruesome tales of torture, cannibalism, and murder.

Tune into ancient and modern Scottish tales on one of Europe’s oldest streets with this affordable walking tour and the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app. • See historical sights along all four sections of the Royal Mile and find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it traveled • Hear from producer Martin Donnelly, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Edinburgh local • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it ️• Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Embark on a self-guided journey to explore Edinburgh's historic heart, from the panoramic vistas of Calton Hill to the majestic St Giles' Cathedral. Delve into the city's rich past as you stroll the Royal Mile, uncover the stories of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and marvel at the architecture of Edinburgh Castle (entry ticket not included). This tour invites you to discover at your pace, revealing hidden gems and iconic landmarks, including Grassmarket Square and Greyfriars Kirk, enriching your visit with culture and history.

Experience Edinburgh captivating history and hidden secrets at your own rhythm with our expertly crafted audio tour that transforms your smartphone into a personal storyteller. Unlike rushed group tours with rigid schedules, you control the journey pause to photograph stunning architecture, linger in atmospheric closes, or revisit fascinating locations that capture your imagination. Our meticulously researched commentary unveils exclusive historical insights, legendary tales, delivered through crystal-clear narration by professional storytellers whose engaging voices bring centuries of Scottish heritage to life. The superior flexibility allows you to explore during golden hour for perfect photos, avoid crowds by visiting popular sites at unconventional times, and dive deeper into locations that resonate with your personal interests, all while enjoying compelling storytelling that makes every step an adventure filled with "aha!" moments that traditional guidebooks simply cannot provide.

Embrace the best that Edinburgh has to offer on a 2-hour small-group walking tour of the Royal Mile. You’ll cover everything along the famous route, starting in the Lawnmarket and following it down to Holyroodhouse and Scottish Parliament. Listen as your guide tells you the little-known stories of the city’s most important people and events, before returning to a central location.

Explore centuries of drama and intrigue on this self-guided walking tour along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where you'll uncover the stories of royals, rogues, and reformers that shaped the city’s history. Starting at Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade, the tour takes you through the Royal Mile’s four sections—Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, and Canongate—down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, you’ll encounter landmarks tied to figures like John Knox and Robert Fergusson, and hear about the city's haunted alleyways, notorious figures like William Brodie, and the darker side of Edinburgh’s past. Ending near the Scottish Parliament Building, this tour offers a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s royal and rebellious history.

The visiting schedule may vary depending on the Edinburgh port where your ship docks; however, all key aspects of the tour are included regardless of the docking or tendering port. After meeting your official guide, board an air-conditioned coach and begin with a Drive-By visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia ( Drive-By). Continue to Edinburgh Castle for stunning views and history (entry optional). Next, visit the Palace of Holyrood House and enjoy a guided stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, passing St Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, and historic alleys. Time is included for refreshments and photos. Your guide will provide commentary throughout. Ample breaks are included, and if the ship’s time in port is shortened, visits will be adjusted to ensure on-time return—typically one hour before sailing.

Discover Edinburgh’s historic core with your self-guided tour via WhatsApp. Wander along the Royal Mile, stopping at key attractions such as the Scottish Parliament, the Museum of Edinburgh, and Dunbar’s Close. Step back in time in hidden courtyards like White Horse Close or visit the eerie Banshee Labyrinth. Along the way, you’ll find incredible viewpoints at The Mound, explore The Royal Scottish Academy, and soak in stunning panoramas from Carlton Hill and the North Viewpoint. Learn fascinating stories at each location while uncovering secret tips that go beyond the usual tourist experience. How does this work? 1. Book a tour through Viator. 2. Receive a ticket with the link to start the tour in the "Special Instructions". 3. Copy and paste the link in your browser. 4. Start the tour whenever you want!

Discover the best of Edinburgh without the stress of public transit and massive crowds on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. With your 48-hour pass, hop aboard the double-decker, open-top bus for a panoramic sightseeing excursion. Great for kids and adults, this tour encompasses three route options with dozens of strategically placed stops. Have the added bonus of free entry to royal sights including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Beat the crowds of daytime and experience Edinburgh's Old Town at its most atmospheric. This private walking tour is exclusively for you and your chosen companions so you can enjoy your guide's undivided attention as they lead you along the Royal Mile and in and out of the area's atmospheric alleyways and courtyards while bringing Edinburgh's history to life.

What better way to acquaint yourself with the layout of Edinburgh's medieval Old Town than a private tour with your own experienced guide. In 3 hours your guide will cover all of the highlights of the Old Town as well as the hidden gems that the unwary visitor misses. Your guide will scratch under the surface of each location helping the visitor to understand why the city has such a gruesome history. Although many people think it is just about the Castle, it is much more than that. It is about the people who lived and died in the Old Town. You will hear stories of body-snatchers, of witches and the religious zealots that sent them to their deaths. We will explain how Scotland went from independent country to becoming part of the United Kingdom and its impact on Edinburgh The 18th century was a period that saw the rebirth of Edinburgh through learning and education. This period became known as the Scottish Enlightenment. Come on this tour to be entertained and enlightened.

An Edinburgh bus tour is the perfect way to hear commentary on city sights and get a panoramic overview. This City Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh lets you hop on and off at several strategically placed stops as many times as you like. Board the open-top double-decker bus and travel the entire route, or stop at Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum and many more. Buses depart regularly and tickets are valid for 24 hours from first use.

Join us for a private tour of Edinburgh Old Town to discover the fascinating history of the city. Understand how Edinburgh developed from a medieval burgh to an international hub. Learn about royal history at Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse We'll talk about the Scottish Reformation in St. Giles Cathedral Visit Greyfriars Graveyard, Grassmarket and the closes of the Royal Mile. Listen to the stories of murderers, executions, and bodysnatchers. Visit the National Museum of Scotland and its highlights, including Viking chess pieces and Pictish carved stones. Find out about Edinburgh cultural scene, from writers and books to the Fringe Festival.

Forget about being stuck for hours on a tour bus—instead, spend time outdoors and have a more active role in your Edinburgh sightseeing with this self-guided scavenger hunt game. Answer trivia questions and complete challenges in order to progress around the city, learn fun facts, and tick off lots of interesting sights along the way—such as the Scottish Parliament, the Royal Mile, and the Balmoral Hotel.