Walking Tours
Walking tours are by far the best way to see Edinburgh. The most fascinating and historical places can't be accessed by bus, and are difficult enough to get to on foot! See the city as it was meant to be seen.
Castle Wynd Tours
(00 1) 843 224 8890
4 Savage Street, Charleston SC USA
Shameless self-promotion - but we do think we have some unique things to offer. We have the only tour in the city that actually takes down those amazing hidden pathways that lead off the Royal Mile (called closes or wynds) and show you the incredible history behind them. All of our guides are historians with advanced degrees who know and love their stuff. To make sure you always have a front-row seat, we also limit tour sizes to 15 people, unlike the other companies listed where you can end up in groups of 40+. We're also based in the US, so you can contact us when you're awake and not at 3am when our peers are!
Mercat Tours
0131 225 5445
28 Blair St, Edinburgh
Certainly the most well-known and commercial of Edinburgh's tour companies, but it seems their ratings have suffered since they allow very large groups which can present some problems on the underground tours. They also have a selection of private function options as they own a cellar in the South Bridge.
City of the Dead
0131 225 9044
26B Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh
If spooky graveyards are your thing, this is a great tour for it. City of the Dead are the only company with exclusive access to the Covenanter's Prison in Greyfriars Kirkyard at night. While's it's not exactly a prison today, just a gated-off piece of the cemetery, there are some great stories that come with it. If you don't want to pay for the tour to see Greyfriars, it's just as spooky during the day and you can visit for free.
Cadies and Witchery Tours
0131 225 6745
84 W Bow, Edinburgh
Legend has it that these were the first walking tours in Edinburgh, but it's hard to know now! The guides are required to have solid acting experience and are gussied up in vampire, witch, or ghost costumes. They offer one main tour that usually hits the most popular landmarks in the city. If theatrics, jumper-outers and an excellent show are what you're after, this is the tour to take.
Bus Tours
Edinburgh Bus Tours
This is the main sightseeing company for buses in the city. Hop-On/Hop-Off tours included. A good way to see major landmarks in the Old and New Towns and get your navigational bearings.