Cultural & Theme Tours in Edinburgh

Dark Shadows of Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

15 1 h 15 min

Dark Shadows of Edinburgh isn't simply a ghost tour—it's an immersive storytelling experience that reveals the darker side of Scotland's capital through one continuous narrative. Rather than jumping from one unrelated ghost story to the next, every stop, location and character helps uncover how Edinburgh earned its reputation as one of Europe's darkest cities. Walk the atmospheric streets of the Old Town as you encounter infamous criminals, accused witches, sinister legends and chilling true stories. From Plotcock and the Lost Piper to Deacon Brodie, Major Weir, Half-Hangit Maggie and Burke & Hare, each story builds upon the last, creating an unforgettable journey through history, folklore and mystery. With expert guides, immersive storytelling and carefully researched history, Dark Shadows of Edinburgh offers a unique perspective that goes far beyond the traditional ghost tour.

Fantastic Creatures of Edinburgh, and where to find them! (opens in a new tab)

56 1 h 30 min

A fantastic way to see the city. A classic treasure hunt with a twist that will have you interacting with your surroundings whilst learning about the traditional beliefs of Scotland and the world. This is a small business and a work of passion created by some local tour guides that love games and game design.

Harry Potter’s Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (opens in a new tab)

45 40 min – 1 h

Come with me Muggles on a self-guided audio tour and explore the Edinburgh that inspired J.K. Rowling’s global phenomenon! We'll explore the secret alleyways of the Old Town, starting at Edinburgh Castle, then we'll wander down to “Diagon Alley” and find the gravestones of Voldemort and some other well-known characters from the Harry Potter series. We'll spot “Hogwarts School of Wizardry” along the way too, and if you like, you can stop in at the famous and not-so-famous cafes where J.K. Rowling wrote before Harry Potter became a best-seller. Our journey will include: • A fantastic view of the Edinburgh Castle from the esplanade in front of it • The Royal Mile, Old Town’s most famous street • The Writer’s Museum, a literature fan’s heaven • Victoria Street, one of Scotland's most photographed streets • The Grassmarket where you’ll hear a story of one very lucky lady from the 1700s. • Greyfriar’s Graveyard

Free cancellation

Edinburgh Castle Self-Guided Audio Quest (Without a Ticket) (opens in a new tab)

2 h

A self-guided audio quest is available via a web browser or in a separate app — the WeGoTrip app. You will receive an email from WeGoTrip with a link to download the app with the digital quest or access it via the web browser. The digital audio quest includes maps, photos, scripts, and audio commentary. Please download the quest in advance. NB! Entrance ticket to the Castle is not included and should be purchased independently! Uncover the secrets of an ancient fortress as you explore its historic halls and hear mysterious stories from centuries past. Visit the National War Museum to learn about the achievements of famous British and Scottish warriors, then venture into the atmospheric castle dungeons for a glimpse into its darker history. Complete your journey by admiring the magnificent Crown Jewels, among Scotland’s most treasured symbols.

City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour in Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

262 1 h 30 min

Combining history, humour and horror, this guided walking tour leads you through Edinburgh's fascinating past and into a locked section of Greyfriars Kirkyard infamously known as the Covenanter's Prison. This is the lair of the 'Mackenzie Poltergeist', regarded as the best documented supernatural case of all time. An encounter with the poltergeist is said to be the highlight of the Haunted Graveyard Tour, with hundreds of people claiming to have been attacked by the entity. And only City of the Dead has the key! 90 minute walking tour exploring Edinburgh's most haunted locations, led by a local expert guide. PLEASE NOTE. 7 is the max number of tickets you can book for this walk on this site NOT the maximum we take. We take up to 35 on each tour but we sell out fast. If you want to be sure of a place contact us directly to see if there are spaces left. +44 (0)131 225 9044 or info@cityofthedeadtours.com

Free cancellation

Self-Guided Podcast Tour Edinburgh: The Royal Miles Hidden Spine (opens in a new tab)

1 h 56 min

Discover the profound duality of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. While the main thoroughfare showcases grand processions and royal power, the narrow, hidden closes branching off it reveal a secret world of cramped tenements, unsolved murders, and the resilient lives of ordinary people. Join Max and local historian Elisa as they guide you down the spine of the Old Town, from the imposing fortress of Edinburgh Castle to the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, uncovering the architectural evolution and dramatic social stratification of this ancient city. - A 3.0 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 116 min - Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

Edinburgh 3 Hours Walking Tour English Tour Guide (opens in a new tab)

38 3 h

Cover all the major must-see sights in Edinburgh and learn all about the ancient city on this 3-hour guided walking tour. Listen as your guide shares fascinating historical facts, myths and legends about the Scottish capital. • Wander along the Royal Mile, the atmospheric main thoroughfare of the well-preserved Edinburgh Old Town • See the historic fortress of Edinburgh Castle, trek to the Mound and visit the graveyard of Greyfriars Kirkyard • Listen to your guide talking about historical facts about Edinburgh

City of the Dead Underground Vaults (Day) (opens in a new tab)

141 1 h 20 min

Experience the most haunted section of Edinburgh’s legendary Underground City with this award-winning guided walking tour. Known as 'Damnation Alley' and forgotten for centuries, these tunnels were once 'home' to men, women and children living in utter misery. Experience Edinburgh's dark past as you listen to stories about what really happened beneath the city's streets and what might have stayed behind ... • 80 minute walking tour exploring Edinburgh's underground city, led by a local expert guide. PLEASE NOTE. 8 is the maximum number of tickets you can book for this walk on this site NOT the maximum we take. We can take up to 35 on each walk but we do sell out fast. If you want to be sure of a place contact us directly to see if there are spaces left before booking.

Edinburgh City of Wizards Exploration Game and Tour (opens in a new tab)

4 50 min – 1 h 20 min

Discover the places in Edinburgh that inspired the story of Harry Potter, by solving clues and unlocking stories on your phone. Play the engaging exploration game, reenacting the story of reenacting the role of witch Eladora. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? Highlights include: • Explore Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Bobby Statue, City Chambers, and lesser-known places. • Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our top-notch writers. • Discover the true coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote her novels. • Visit the place that inspired Hogwarts. • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. After your booking you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

Free cancellation

The Rigorously Researched Edinburgh's Harry Potter Tour (opens in a new tab)

3 2 h

Every Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh will tell you Victoria Street is Diagon Alley and a certain gravestone inspired Voldemort's name. Ours is the one that tells you whether that's actually true. This walk runs on years spent digging into old newspaper archives and J.K. Rowling's own interviews, not on the same script other tours have been repeating for a decade. Every stop gets a straight verdict: verified, disputed, or just a good story that never happened. We call the method behind it The Revelio Bureau. Along the way you'll walk through some corners of the Old Town that genuinely shaped the Harry Potter books, led by a guide who knows the difference between what Rowling actually said and what the internet decided she said somewhere along the way. Worth knowing before you book: these are the real literary inspiration sites, not film locations. Edinburgh is where Rowling wrote, not where the movies were shot. Cameras welcome. Myths not included.

Free cancellation

Edinburgh Haunted Legends Self Guided Audio Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

1 h 30 min

A self-guided audio tour is available via a web browser or in a separate app — the WeGoTrip app. You will receive an email from WeGoTrip with a link to download the app with the digital guide or access it via the web browser. The digital audio guide includes maps, photos, scripts, and audio commentary. Please download the tour in advance. What makes this experience unique is its blend of true crime, folklore, and paranormal history. You'll visit a historic kirkyard that served as a burial ground from the late 1680s until the 1950s, walking among centuries of history while learning about the legends and dark events connected to the site. This self-guided tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh's most sinister stories, allowing you to discover the city's eerie side at your own pace.

Edinburgh Harry Potter Self Guided Tour for Muggles (opens in a new tab)

6 1 h – 2 h

The Harry Potter audio tour with an interactive quiz and a graveyard hunt for the names behind the characters! Discover a real-life Diagon Alley, Tom Riddle's grave and the locations where the magical series was penned on this self-guided audio tour of Harry Potter's Edinburgh. Created by a Potter fan who loves trivia, this tour with an optional quiz mode takes you to some of the most magical sites in Edinburgh that inspired the Harry Potter series. Spend as much or as little time at each stop and explore at your own pace. From the chess pieces that inspired Wizard's Chess to a botched execution that may have created Nearly Headless Nick, and ending where Rowling's handprints are set in stone — this tour gives you a blend of everything magical about the city. Available offline in 9 languages. A full refund guarantee means you can book with confidence — no Unbreakable Vow required.

Free cancellation

Edinburgh: City Walk Audio Guide in 7 Languages on your Phone (opens in a new tab)

2 2 h – 4 h

WHY CHOOSE US? More than an audio tour - your complete Edinburgh city guide in one app. Some audio tours cost a little less. With CityAppTour, you simply get more: 37 richly detailed stories, audio & written text, photos, spoken navigation, practical city information and carefully selected local tips. Follow our 4.8 km route through Edinburgh's dramatic historic centre and discover the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Kirkyard, medieval closes and stories of kings, writers, body snatchers and Scottish intrigue. Our stories go beyond short facts, giving you the background, details and context that bring Edinburgh to life. - 37 richly detailed stories in audio & text - Spoken navigation between stops - Photos, city info & food and drink tips - Works offline - Yours to keep - the tour never expires - Explore at your own pace More stories. More information. More freedom.

Free cancellation

Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and Tour (opens in a new tab)

28 1 h

Go on a haunted Edinburgh tour where you will follow clues to discover striking places and local stories. Play the role of a devilish staff on this spine-tingling walking tour, which takes you on a journey through some of the city’s most haunted places, including Greyfriars Kirkyard, the site of the Nor’ Loch and West Bow. Are you ready for a haunted walk around Edinburgh? Discover Edinburgh’s dark and bloody past, from the Great Scottish Witch Hunts to the Burke and Hare murders and learn about the haunting stories of the Wizard of West Bow, the Grey Lady, George Mackenzie and more. Explore the many sites where public executions were held and visit the hall containing a book made of William Burke’s flesh Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt.

Free cancellation

Edinburgh - Old Town Stories (opens in a new tab)

72 2 h

The perfect introduction to the city. Your guide will lead you through Old Town Edinburgh, where you'll be introduced not only to the most famous landmarks, but also to some of the hidden gems that make our beloved city so special. You'll learn about the origins of Scotland and Edinburgh, hear the stories of our illustrious citizens and (in)famous residents, wander among graves and through cobbled streets, always in the company of a knowledgeable and personable guide. Not to be missed!

Edinburgh’s Secrets and Old Town Walk (opens in a new tab)

9 2 h

Explore the historic charm of Edinburgh's Old Town on a captivating walking tour. This immersive experience takes you through the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, revealing the city's hidden gems and stories of remarkable characters from its past. Discover Scottish literary history in Lady Stairs Close, marvel at the iconic Edinburgh skyline, and ascend the steepest street to Edinburgh Castle for a deep dive into its rich history. Enjoy intriguing tales in Victoria Street, a favorite for Harry Potter enthusiasts, before ending in the historic Grassmarket, known for its dark yet fascinating past. Join this engaging journey through Edinburgh's vibrant heritage. - Walk through the Royal Mile and uncover hidden details and stories - Visit Edinburgh Castle and enjoy stunning views over the city - Explore Victoria Street with insights into its Harry Potter connections - Learn about the Grassmarket's intriguing history of executions and more

Edinburgh Haunted Old Town Self Guided Ghost Tour (opens in a new tab)

1 h 30 min

This is a self-guided exploration game where you'll be solving a paranormal case involving real people and their wandering ghosts. The file on Edinburgh's Old Town has been open since 1966. You, with your detective and observational skills, and a little help from the Questo app, will try to close it in 2 hours. The route takes you down the Royal Mile and through Greyfriars Kirkyard, past 13 of its darkest addresses. Your job is to take statements from the dead and check them against the record. You'll discover dark stories like the councillor who burgled the houses he fitted with locks, the woman who woke up after her own hanging, and the body snatchers who never broke a single law. Each location involves inspecting a real-world object and solving a challenge. Best after dark with your phone lantern. About 1.4 miles of walking, with unlimited breaks. Hints and 24/7 support available if you get stuck. Perfect for Halloween or any night you're in the mood for creepy ghost stories.

Free cancellation

Harry Potter's Edinburgh Self Guided Audio Tour (opens in a new tab)

2 h

Explore the enchanting world of Harry Potter through the historic streets of Edinburgh with this self-guided audio walking tour. Discover the real-life inspirations behind the beloved series, visiting key locations like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street, and The Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling penned her early works. This unique journey allows you to explore at your own pace while listening to immersive storytelling that unveils secrets even locals might not know. Perfect for fans and literary enthusiasts alike, this tour is rich in cultural significance and historical context, making it a memorable experience. - Self-guided audio tour with GPS navigation and offline playback available in 32 languages. - Visit iconic locations that inspired the Harry Potter series, including Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Balmoral Hotel. - Flexible walking time of approximately 2 hours. - Ideal for Harry Potter fans looking to connect with the literary roots of the series in Edinburgh's Old Town.

Free cancellation

Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland Guided Tour (opens in a new tab)

10 1 h

Meet your guide by the William Chambers Statue. From there, you’ll step inside the National Museum of Scotland and explore Scottish history, science and world culture. Hear stories from your guide on Dolly the sheep, the first ever mammal cloned from an adult cell. See the Lewis chessmen made from walrus ivory, the Newcomen engine and uncover the rumours of Satanism and witchcraft behind the Arthur’s Seat coffins. After your tour ends, continue exploring the museum at your own pace with an audio tour app. Discover Ancient Egyptian relics, a tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and even the Scottish maiden – an early version of the guillotine.

Free cancellation

Edinburgh Self Guided Audio Experience (opens in a new tab)

3 h – 9 h

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.