• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Join a host for a Royal Mile Tour that supports a project dedicated to elevating the issue of homelessness in Edinburgh. Your local guide is someone that has struggled with homelessness, but thanks to this amazing project, is now fully trained to guide amazing tours through Edinburgh with a perspective like no other. Book now and we'll waive part of the service fee and donate it directly to the project, the rest of the cost goes directly to the guide and supports keeping them off the streets. Let's make a difference together!

Destination

Edinburgh, Scotland

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

1.5 horas

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English

Included

• Private Guide
• 15% of the tours costs go to the charity
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 2 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at In front of Maggie Dickson's pub - Edinburgh to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Aprende y Crece

   Experimente una actividad o recorrido único e inolvidable que ofrece la oportunidad de aprender, crecer y tener un impacto positivo.

4. Conoce Edimburgo en profundidad

   Obtenga una comprensión y apreciación más profundas de la cultura local, las tradiciones y los problemas que enfrenta la comunidad.

5. Crear una conexión

   Interactúe con anfitriones apasionados y expertos que se comprometen a brindar una experiencia memorable e impactante.

6. hacer recuerdos

   Cree recuerdos duraderos y establezca nuevas conexiones con lugareños de ideas afines que comparten la pasión por retribuir y generar un impacto positivo.

7. ¡Devolver!

   Al participar en esta experiencia, también estará donando a un proyecto para reducir la falta de vivienda. ¡Withlocals renunciará a parte de su tarifa de servicio por esta experiencia!

8. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Charlotte🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Sonny)

29 noviembre 2024

We hadden Jason ipv Sonny als gids. Het was een geweldige ervaring met hem. Hij vertelde bijzondere verhalen over de stad en zelfs met cameraploeg kregen wij alle aandacht en liet hij zich niet van z’n stuk brengen. Zeker een aanrader!

Deirdre🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sonny)

4 octubre 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Sonny.Great intro to Edinburgh

Robert

(About local Sonny)

14 septiembre 2024

I went on Sonny's tour with my family and we all found it very interesting and enjoyable. Sonny has an extraordinary in-depth knowledge about his subject matter, he is an excellent guide and speaker, and we visited some really interesting places. On top of that he connected us with the homeless charities in Edinburgh, explained their role and important value to the city.Top tour in Edinburgh

Alexander🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Sonny)

5 diciembre 2023

Sonny is a great person and an engaged guide, very friendly, courteous and reflective in what he is doing. He showed us a lot of sites, which you would usually ignore as a tourist (although a couple of famous places were also part of the tour). The whole tour helped us to better understand the city with regard to its social aspects and the everyday life of quite a lot of people living there and trying to purely survive. Moreover, Sonny is also entertaining, while keeping the balance between great legends of the city and serious stories about the hardships of life. He patiently waited at every stop, giving me the chance to translate for my dad, who was also glad to be on that tour and enjoyed it. We would do similar tours with "invisible cities" in other cities again, if there is a chance. It is a fantastic project und worth to support it. Making the invisible visible!

John and Jill🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

8 septiembre 2025

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Neil. He recommended a great cafe as a meeting point, on the day we landed in Edinburgh…and some great restaurants and pubs for our visit. He has deep understanding of the city history and a warm, wonderful way of telling stories that bring history to life. We especially appreciated learning about writers like RL Stevenson, a particular expertise. Neil kept us entertained and gave us an amazing overview of the Old Town. What a great way to start our Scottish adventure!Warm and wonderful storyteller

Donald🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

7 septiembre 2025

We had a great tour with Neil. He had lots of little tidbits of knowledge and suggestions for the rest of our stay. Highly recommend. Very knowledge and friendly

Lisa🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

25 agosto 2025

We enjoyed a wonderful evening with Neil as our guide through Old Town. He shared many interesting stories about the famous and fascinating people who lived there and his love for Edinburgh and knowledge of the history was evident as we strolled through this lovely city. We would highly recommend Neil for your tour guide.Great evening spent with Neil!

Steven

(About local Russell)

23 agosto 2025

Our first day in Edinburgh was with Russell . He was fountain of knowledge that made our next week here much more enjoyable. He was full of interesting stories and antidotes as we moved through the old town. Highly recommend a tour with Russell.Great introduction to Edinburgh

Judith🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

19 agosto 2025

Neil was a wonderful guide. Informative, knowledgeable, and overall great guide. Highly recommend!! Wonderful tour

w

(About local Neil)

17 agosto 2025

Passionating visit with a passionate guide! We discovered places where we would not have gone and of course we learned a lot about Robert Louis Stevenson and other famous Scottish writers. Thank you very much Neil !Passionating

Wendy🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Neil)

16 agosto 2025

Neil was an amazing tour guide. We spent five hours with him, exploring the city and learning so much about Edinburgh’s history. A wonderful tour!

Russell

(About local Neil)

15 agosto 2025

Neil is a really nice guy who was very informative and did a great job showing us the main sites in Edinburgh. We were tuckered out when we were done. I would have like to have known more about Neil and his experience growing up in Edinburgh. 20k steps and got a lay of the land

clouser

(About local Russell)

14 agosto 2025

Russell was the perfect local. His knowledge of his hometown and Country was amazing. His way of explaining and allowing us to pick his mind for answers to many of our naive questions was exceptional. We can unconditionally recommend Russell. Wonderful time with a true Scottish local

Sonja🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Neil)

5 agosto 2025

Just a few words - great Guide who showed us a lot from Edinburgh. We visited many spots and we heard a lot from a local. We had a blast!!! 😊👍👏Evening with Neil

Sarah🇫🇷 France

(About local Neil)

5 agosto 2025

Nous avons effectué une remarquable visite d'Edimbourg sous la conduite de notre guide, Neil qui est un natif de la ville, à présent à la retraite. Il a su nous faire partager sa passion et nous plonger dans l'histoire particulièrement riche de la ville et plus globalement de l'Ecosse. Neil est un guide qui s'exprime de manière extrêmement claire en anglais. Il est facilement compréhensible pour des touristes francophones et très à l'écoute. Ce fut un réel plaisir que d'effectuer cette visite avec un tel guide. Les trois heures en sa compagnie sont passées très vite et nous avons eu un très grand plaisir à prolonger cette rencontre par une bière au pub sur la Royal mile street. Tres belle visite guidée d'Edimbourg

Michael

(About local Russell)

2 agosto 2025

Russel was very knowledgable and affable. He adapted the tour to account for activities we had already already booked. He showed up unique parts of Edinburgh and helped us understand the uniqueness of the city.

Victoria🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

2 agosto 2025

Neil was one of the best guides I have ever had. His knowledge and passion of history is very evident. I especially appreciated his interest of Robert Louis Stevenson, one reason I chose him! I learned so very much Edinburgh history with him. He is a wealth of information. Very nice man. Next time I am in Edinburgh, we hope to see him again! Thank you Neil! Full of passion and history!

Jason🇺🇸 United States

(About local Gains)

30 julio 2025

Gains provided excellent Castle tour for our family and tailored it to our needs. Great knowledge and experience. Thank you Gains! Excellent guide

Brecken🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

16 julio 2025

We had a fantastic afternoon exploring Edinburgh with Neil! His deep knowledge of the city's history, hidden gems, and fun facts kept us all engaged—and he even managed to keep our 9-year-old twins entertained the entire time. His warm personality and thoughtful recommendations made the experience feel like a day out with an old friend. He tailored the tour to our interests, added plenty of humor and charm, and shared insights we would’ve completely missed on our own. We ended the evening with a delicious dinner at a local spot Neil suggested—it was the perfect way to wrap up a truly memorable day. Highly recommend!A Perfect Day in Edinburgh with Neil!

Emily🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Gains)

15 julio 2025

Gains is extreamly knowledgable about scottish history. He helped us to orient ourselves in the city especially around the royal mile. Wether it was identifying the inspiration for Hogwarts and the validity as such, to the square by the writers museum which holds quotes of Scottish authors, he showed us hidden areas that would be easily missed by the casual visitor. If you have a love of history and want to engage with a likeminded individual Gains is your ideal tour guide.Great tour!

Avtar🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Russell)

12 julio 2025

Booked this for my parents. They had a great time and a good chat with Russell. Definitely would recommend him for others. This tour was the perfect time length too. Russell was lovely

Alesia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Gains)

2 julio 2025

Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit-rich with history. People were very friendly and it was very convenient to get around the city by tram or bus. We did a walking tour with Gains because we love history. Gains was fabulous-very intelligent and knowledgeable about the history of Edinburgh and Scotland. He fixed the tour around our interests and was very amenable to any changes. We learned so much from him and had a very memorable tour!Edinburgh

Ivana

(About local Russell)

1 julio 2025

An afternoon spent with Russell gave us more insight and experience than two full days exploring the city on our own. His personal stories and childhood memories truly brought the places to life, adding a whole new layer of meaning to the streets of Edinburgh. We discovered charming hidden alleys and iconic landmarks we would have completely missed if Russell hadn’t pointed them out. I really appreciated that he reached out to us beforehand and tailored the tour to match our interests — everything was thoughtfully planned. His deep knowledge of Edinburgh’s history added incredible context and made every stop along the way even more engaging. He was well-prepared, kind, and an absolutely delightful person to explore the city with. It felt like walking around with a local friend who knows all the secrets. Couldn’t recommend this tour more — a must-do in Edinburgh! :)An Unforgettable Afternoon with Russell!

Terrina🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Neil)

1 julio 2025

I can't recommend Neil enough! Neil is a local to Edinburgh with a passion for sharing his knowledge of his home town with tourists! Our tour was at just the right pace - not too fast or too slow. Neil shared Edinburgh's history and hidden secrets- with a delightful touch of his own personal tales. Thank you Neil!!!Best With Locals Guide Ever!!!

Caroline

(About local Neil)

30 junio 2025

We had an amazing tour with Neil! This is what we expected to have with a local. All the little interesting stories besides what you read in common travel literature. We had so much fun and would definitely recommend Neill ! He even sent us some information and links about our tour and provided us with tips for our onward journey! Couldnt have been better ! Best edinburgh stories with neil

Nicole🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Neil)

22 junio 2025

Neil war ein fantastischer Gästeführer. Er hat uns freundlich empfangen und kompetent durch die Geisterwelt der Stadt geführt. Aber nicht nur das: er wusste auch umfassend andere Geschichten zu erzählen, so dass die Zeit wie im Fluge verlief. Absolut empfehlenswert und ein großes DANKE an Neil!Großartige Führung durch die Geisterwelt

Unknown

(About local Neil)

15 junio 2025

Neil was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating to our needs and catered the tour our ability! I highly recommend Neil!Fantastic tour guide!

Tom🇺🇸 United States

(About local Gains)

9 junio 2025

Kathleen🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

30 mayo 2025

Neil gave my husband and me a stellar tour of Edinburgh. He was interesting, informative and so very knowledgeable, particularly of the history and literature of Scotland. Neil is, as well, a funny, smart, engaging person and made our visit a memorable one. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. A perfect day with Neil

Kal🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

30 mayo 2025

We had a great time with Neil. He was timely, knowledgeable and had a bunch of great stories and trivia of the amazing history and literature of Edinburgh and Scotland. We learned so much from him and the tour was efficient and fantastic. Would highly recommend Neil without hesitation.Great time with Neil

Marianne🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Neil)

28 mayo 2025

If you’re going to walk around Edinburgh with Neil, you’re in for an absolute treat!! Being born and raised in Edinburgh, he knows every single nook and cranny (and close) there is! I asked Neil to pack in as much information about Edinburgh and Scotland as he could since it was my first time in this beautiful country and the start of my trip. And booooy did he deliver! The 3 hours just flew by as we walked up (up!!!!) and down the city, passing all the important spots and little hidden gems while listening to the stories (historical and personal) behind it. He is undeniably a fan of Robert Louis Stevenson, and after the tour, you surely become one too… With Neil by your side, you could walk to the world’s end and beyond ;-) And the care before and after the tour, making sure you are finding your way around the city and sending you the links and photographs of the “storytime”-Spots is just the nicest and sweetest touch! There isn’t a second chance for a first impression. And because of Neil, my first impression of Scotland couldn’t have been better!! Thank you so much Neil! You were a delight to tour with!☺️🤩🥰Fantastic Tour and beyound!!!

Jessica🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Russell)

22 mayo 2025

Great introduction to Edinburgh,

Dot🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Russell)

15 mayo 2025

Had a fantastic afternoon with Russell. Took us to the main sights but lots of nooks and grannies too. Great knowledge of the city and those who have made it what it is today. Three hours flew by!Great Day

Kasper

(About local Russell)

12 mayo 2025

We had a very pleasant walking tour through Edinburgh and The Royal Mile with Russell. He knows a lot about the city and its history, and he is a very interesting and good guide. We recommend you to try it:-)Very nice walking tour!

Monte🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

10 mayo 2025

Neil knows the best views, restaurants and neat places to pop in for more info about Robert Louis Stevenson. He was very patient with ALL our questions picture taking and encouraged us to try haggis. We actually liked it! The hours flew by because we were having such a good time. He recommended other things for us to do in our own as well. HIGHLY recommend!The best custom tour of Edinburgh

David and Karen🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

7 mayo 2025

We thoroughly enjoyed our Edinburgh walking tour with Neil. Having grown up in the city, Neil was a wealth of information on the history of Edinburgh and Scotland in general. He showed us unique places in the city that the larger group tours were sure to overlook. Neil also provided extra information and insights that helped with our trip both before and after the walking tour. We highly recommend anyone that is looking for a great tour of Edinburgh to strongly consider booking with Neil and WithLocals!Great Tour with Neil

Ron

(About local Russell)

1 mayo 2025

Thanks, Russell, for sharing Old Town Edinburgh with us! The tour gave us a better sense of Edinburgh's history, spanning must-see sites like the castle to quirky gems that we would never have discovered on our own. What truly set this experience apart was the personal touch: Russell tailored the tour to our interests, made great recommendations for the rest of our stay, and even shared some favorite local spots that weren’t in any guidebook. We left not only with a deeper appreciation for Edinburgh, but also with a stronger sense of connection to the place and its people.Old Town Edinburgh with a personal touch

Ki Jin🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Gains)

24 abril 2025

We had a wonderful walking tour of Edinburgh with Gains. He took us to interesting places within the city which are not popularly visited. He was patient, kind and understanding and adapted the tour according to our interests Interesting and informative tout

Theodore

(About local Russell)

23 abril 2025

Russell is very accommodating and a wealth of information about history of Edinburgh! He is enthusiastic and very personable. We learned so much and were fascinated with historic information he was able to provide us! It was our first exposure to Edinburgh and we are excited to explore on our own with some of the suggestions he provided us. I would recommend him wholeheartedly to any who wish to learn from someone who is passionate about his hometown! Minnesota to Edinburgh

Filip

(About local Russell)

21 abril 2025

Thank you Russel ! For all the historic story’s , the funny conversations , the tour and your time . For the great tips for good pubs , restaurants and for teaching us some Scottish phrases . Ay , Slainte mhath ! And hope you have fun when you come to Brugge Thank you so much

Catherine🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

11 abril 2025

Neil is an Edinburgh native who is knowledgeable, kind and funny! He know the history of the city and all of the hidden gems. In addition to the city highlights, He took us to his charming neighborhood pub, Bennets which was so special! He also took us to his favorite coffee shop, the Coffee Cave, which is now our favorite too. We feel like we have made a friend for life with Neil! We highly recommend!The best guide in all of Scotland!

Judy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Gains)

2 abril 2025

We really enjoyed Gaines’s discussion of Scottish history and being shown various historical sites. If you want to nerd out about history and its relevance to the world today, Gains is your guy!A real historian’s tour!

James

(About local Gains)

16 marzo 2025

We had a tremendous experience with Gains. He was so knowledgeable and accommodating. It was a tremendous experience. We highly recommend booking him for a tour. He’s a true professional!Old Town Edinburgh w/Gains

Saskia

(About local Gains)

5 marzo 2025

Gains waited for us at the hotel lobby in the new city and took us for a two hour walk, through the new city to the old city and the castle for another hour. We experienced an outstanding three hours of historic lecture, learned a lot and heard a lot of fun facts too. Gains knows a great deal about the city and it's history and we probably could have spent another three hours to learn even more about the city. Highly recommended! Very knowledgable sympathetic guide

Elspeth

(About local Nichola )

17 febrero 2025

I cant copy and pasteWalking food tour

Joyce

(About local Sonny)

16 febrero 2025

Entertaining, fun and informative. Loved the dynamic approach. Also felt worthwhile being able to contribute to a social enterprise. Sonny Delight

Kataya

(About local Nichola )

12 febrero 2025

Family of 6 posted on trip advisor My guided walking tour

Melanie

(About local Russell)

11 febrero 2025

Wonderful experience! Russell was absolutely fantastic! His knowledge of Edunburgh, and overall Scottish, history was exactly what we were looking for. He also pointed out important architectural landmarks and had a deep knowledge of them and their eras. Plus he was an overall pleasant person. Thank you Russell for enhancing our trip!Withlocals has yet to disappoint.

Tricoa

(About local Nichola )

5 febrero 2025

Experiencing a personal Edinburgh Family walking food tour

Jessica

(About local Russell)

4 febrero 2025

My family and I (6 adults) booked this tour for our first day in Edinburgh to get our bearings and to get ideas for the rest of our trip. Our tour guide, Russell, was fantastic! He was super knowledgeable and funny. He took us to all the major sites while giving us the history and answering any questions we had. His humor kept us engaged, which was necessary as we were all tired from our travels. Following the tour, he gave us recommendations for places to visit both in Edinburgh and outside of town as well as recommendations of where to eat traditional Scottish food. I would absolutely recommend booking this tour!A Fantastic Introduction to Edinburgh