These Edinburgh walking tours suit three different trip styles: a fully private custom walk, a shorter private Royal Mile route, and a small-group drinks-focused walk. All three use local guides, but they differ in pace, route focus, and whether the experience centers on sightseeing or tasting.
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Compare the 3 Tour Options
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Private custom old and new town walk | Travelers who want a private walk shaped around their own pace and interests | ★ 5.0/5 | 78 reviews | Approx. 3 hr–4 hr | Private small-group format keeps the experience personal. | View on Viator |
 Private Royal Mile history walk | Travelers who want a focused introduction to the Royal Mile and nearby historic streets | ★ 5.0/5 | 53 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Shortest listed walking experience of the three. | View on Viator |
 Small-group drinks walk | Travelers who want a social evening-style walk with drinks and venue stops | ★ 5.0/5 | 36 reviews | Approx. 2 hr 30 min | Small groups are limited to no more than ten attendees. | View on Viator |
Explore Each Tour in Detail
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare against the shorter Royal Mile tour if you want a more focused historic walk.
Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town
Best for: Travelers who want a private walk shaped around their own pace and interests
This private walk is built for travelers who want control over the route and the pace. The guide is local to Edinburgh, and the tour is described as a friendly, relaxed, informative way to see the city. The route covers parts of the Old Town and New Town and can include places that tour buses cannot reach, with time to stop, shop, rest, and take photographs. The listed route notes mention churchyards, gardens, close views of Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock, Grassmarket, Greyfriars Churchyard if requested, Victoria Street, the Royal Mile, and the New Town, with possible time for former villages if time allows.
Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town
- Private small-group format keeps the experience personal.
- Route can be customized to your requirements.
- Pickup from centrally located accommodation is listed as included.
Compare against the custom private walk if you want more flexibility and a wider route.
Private Royal Mile walking tour – Discover the history of our most famous street
Best for: Travelers who want a focused introduction to the Royal Mile and nearby historic streets
This option is a private walking tour centered on the Royal Mile and the oldest parts of Edinburgh’s World Heritage area. It is a good fit for travelers who want a compact history-focused outing rather than a broader city walk. The guide is local, and the description emphasizes personal local knowledge and traditional Scottish attire. The route notes mention the exterior of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the gates of the palace, the drawbridge of Edinburgh Castle, and visits to closes and wynds. The tour is clearly positioned as an exterior and street-level experience, with castle and palace admission not included.
Private Royal Mile walking tour – Discover the history of our most famous street
- Shortest listed walking experience of the three.
- Private tour options are offered for different party sizes.
- Does not include entry to Edinburgh Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Compare against the private walks if you want a quieter sightseeing-first experience.
Cellar Of Scotland Walking Tour, taste Edinburgh's finest drinks
Best for: Travelers who want a social evening-style walk with drinks and venue stops
This is the most activity-driven option, mixing walking with visits to four Edinburgh bars and venues. It is designed for travelers who want a guided social experience rather than a classic sightseeing route. The tour includes a drinks specialist, bookings at each venue, and a minimum of four full serves of alcohol, with options listed such as real ale, cider, whisky, gin and tonic, and cocktails. The notes also mention that the tour covers parts of the New Town and Old Town and touches on city history, architecture, and the story of brewing and distilling. Transportation to and from venues is not included, and the optional cheese and meat board costs extra.
Cellar Of Scotland Walking Tour, taste Edinburgh's finest drinks
- Small groups are limited to no more than ten attendees.
- Four full serves of alcohol are included.
- Venue bookings are included in the tour.
Choosing an Edinburgh walking itinerary
If you want a route that adapts to your interests, the private Old Town and New Town walk gives the most room to customize. If you prefer a narrower historic focus, the Royal Mile tour is the simplest choice, while the drinks walk suits travelers who want the city framed through venues and tasting rather than landmark-heavy sightseeing.
Old Town and New Town private walk
A private, customizable city walk through central Edinburgh with possible pickup from centrally located accommodation.
Royal Mile private history walk
A shorter private walk focused on the Royal Mile, nearby closes, and exterior views of major landmarks.
Drinks-focused walking tour
A small-group walk through Edinburgh’s New Town and Old Town with venue stops and included drinks.
Travel planning tip
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Booking notes
- Check whether you want a private format or a small-group format before booking, since the experiences are structured differently.
- Review the listed exclusions carefully, especially for admission, gratuities, transport, and optional add-ons.
- If you want a shorter outing, compare the approximate durations before choosing a tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these tours is the most flexible?
The private Old Town and New Town walk is the most flexible because the route can be customized to your requirements.
Which tour is best if I want the shortest walking experience?
The private Royal Mile tour is the shortest listed option of the three.
Do any of these tours include drinks or venue bookings?
Yes. The Cellar Of Scotland Walking Tour includes venue bookings and a minimum of four full serves of alcohol.