• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Embark on an ethical Crime & Punishment tour, led by guides who have triumphed over homelessness themselves, supporting a social enterprise committed to alleviating homelessness through tourism. Explore captivating tales of thieves and murderers in the city, while gaining insight into contemporary justice systems and local organizations dedicated to aiding our most vulnerable community members. Book now and directly support guides affected by homelessness, on top of that, part of the Withlocals fee is waived and given to the project.

Destination

Edinburgh, Scotland

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

1.5 hours

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 4 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 Outside the Maggie Kicksons 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. Give back!

   By taking part in this experience, you will also be donating to an enterprise dedicated to reducing homelessness in Edinburgh.

4. Learn & Grow

   Experience a unique and unforgettable activity or tour that offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact.

5. Get to know Edinburgh deeply

   Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture, traditions, and issues faced by the community.

6. Create a connection

   Interact with passionate and knowledgeable hosts who are committed to providing a memorable and impactful experience.

7. Make Memories

   Create lasting memories and make new connections with like-minded locals who share a passion for giving back and making a positive impact.

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

Heather🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local GJ)

18 July 2025

G was fantastic! We could have spent the whole day listening to his stories and the history of Edinburgh. He had us all laughing and on the edge of our seats. If he is available to book- do not hesitate. Also sent us on our way with wonderful recommendations. Thank you G!

Joyce

(About local Sonny)

16 February 2025

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

Kaitlyn

(About local Sonny)

2 October 2024

The tour went by too fast! Sonny pointed out so many interesting sites and gave a brief and easy digest history at every one in a wonderful Scottish accent! He also pointed us in the direction of multiple restaurants and businesses that helped him and continue to help others that are still in the homeless community on Edinburgh! Even in the rain this tour was worth going on and I’d recommend it to anyone!Informative and inspiring

Liz🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Sonny)

2 September 2024

Sonny was a great guy, full of stories. He took us on the Crime and Punishment tour, but on recognizing how interested we were in homelessness issues around the world he really helped us learn about what resources are and are not around, hidden in plain sight.Sonny himself is an experience!

Kate🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Sonny)

31 August 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Sonny. He's very knowledgable and animated, obviously committed to his work and proud to be making this unique contribution. He was patient while I interpreted for my husband, who is quite deaf and struggles with accents. We felt very lucky to have a private tour With such a talented guide!A wonderfully different perspective

R.🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Sonny)

17 September 2023

Sonny is a fantastic guide. With great enthousiasme he guided us through the city centre telling amazing stories about the history. We also appreciaties the private setting and the background stories of homelesness. We definately recommend Sonny!!The best tour we could have wished

Heike🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Chris)

26 July 2025

Very interesting tour and Chriswas very flexible. Ask him a question and you will get the answers. We had a great tour with Chris!

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(About local GJ)

17 July 2025

G knew exactly what we were looking for and tailored the tour accordingly. He took the time to get to know us and that resulted in a personalized tour. He went the extra mile. He’s a Mind Reader!

Brecken🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

16 July 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!

Pam🇺🇸 United States

(About local Chris)

16 July 2025

Chris was fantastic! He was very knowledgeable in the history and the food was great. The tour was wonderful and we had a lot of fun.Great tour

Katie

(About local Chris)

15 July 2025

We loved our tour with Chris. He was incredibly knowledgeable of the city and took us to some really unique places. I don’t think we ever would have discovered or walked around the places he took us so it was all very fun to do. He even got my aunt to try haggis and she was adamant about not wanting to during our time here. This tour is a major highlight of our trip. Thanks again, Chris! Such a fun time!

Emily🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Gains)

15 July 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!

Alesia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Gains)

2 July 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

Rex🇺🇸 United States

(About local Chris)

1 July 2025

We had a really great time with Chris. He’s a very pleasant person and shared interesting stories about the city he grew up in. It was a perfect introduction on the first day we arrived. Highly recommend doing a tour with him!Great tour with Chris!

Terrina🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Neil)

1 July 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 June 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

Julie🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Chris)

25 June 2025

Chris was an excellent guide for our food and walking tour. He customized the tour for our family of four, which included a 13 and 10 year old. He provided some great history of the city and the food while guiding us to several great local places. Great tour!Great food tour!

Mary

(About local Chris)

25 June 2025

Chris was such a nice guy and a wealth of knowledge about Edinburgh and Scotland. He was very personable and wanted to tailor the experience to our needs/wishes. I'm not sure that we tasted 10 items but it was close and the food was appropriately Scottish. The tour was good but I would not say good value for the money spent. It was expensive and the tastings were always one item shared between the 3 of us, which included the guide, and out of the same bowl/plate. So 3 people eating one soup or sipping one whisky. Take that as you will. If the food portion of the tour was improved upon it would be a top notch tour. A fun experience

Nicole🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Neil)

22 June 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

Sheila🇺🇸 United States

(About local Chris)

16 June 2025

Chris is a great guide, we felt like locals after just 90 minutes with him. Started with an old map and some history and then from there, he incorporated the new with the old, and related stories to solidify the experience and location. As a result, today, our second day in Edinburgh, we got around with ease and comfort. So helpful, we highly recommend. Thanks, Chris! Sheila and PaulThorough and fun 90 minutes with Chris

Unknown

(About local Neil)

15 June 2025

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

Cynthia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Chris)

13 June 2025

My son & I very enjoyed our tour with Chris. We had just arrived in Edinburgh and met up with him at a spot along the Royal Mile. We chatted a bit about special needs (one of us has a food allergy and the other one is a bit slow moving). Chris was able to adjust the tour to fit our needs. Never having been to Scotland or partaken in traditional Scottish food & drink- we very much enjoyed the whole experience. Chris is very knowledgeable and pointed out many historical facts along our way- Also pointed out some Harry Potter related places and gave us the tips for the rest of our visit. It was a great way to start our visit to Edinburgh! Highly recommend! Unique, Enlightening & Engaging tour

Sandy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Chris)

12 June 2025

Our food tour with Chris was really great! We’d been to Edinburgh previously so our interests were a bit different from the norm. Chris was able to quickly adapt and we thoroughly enjoyed all the food, drinks and history of the area. And especially a stop at Greyfriar’s Bobby to see the statue. Thanks Chris!Great Food Tour

Paula🇺🇸 United States

(About local GJ)

10 June 2025

We signed up for the 10 tastings of Edinburgh and "G" was a very pleasant guide. He told us stories and pointed out important locations as we walked down the Royal Mile to a restaurant where we sat down and had our tastings. The food was excellent and the weather was not, so sitting down in one location was a nice change of pace from our usual food tours. After trying foods at the restaurant, we went to get gelato at another location and learned a bit about Greyfriar's Kirk. G repeatedly asked us to tell him about ourselves in order to make recommendations for local shopping, touring, food, etc. A sit down meal with good food

Tom🇺🇸 United States

(About local Gains)

9 June 2025

Beth🇺🇸 United States

(About local Chris)

2 June 2025

Chris was such a great guide around Edinburgh! He is very knowledgeable and led us to places we would have never found. We learned a lot and had laughs along the way. I wouldn't hesitate booking with him again!Chris was a fantastic tour guide!

Dana

(About local Chris)

1 June 2025

The tour with Chris was one of the best I've ever been on. There were only four of us, including Chris, so the tour was truly personalized. Chris first asked us which preferences we have foidwise and what we are interesded in regarding the history of Edinburgh and choose our route and stops accordingly. The tour was not only informative but also interesting in terms of cuisine. At the end, we received a few great tips for the rest of our time in Edinburgh, so we were well-taken care of. From our point of view it was a great tour with a good price-value.Very delicious and individual experience

Chelsea🇺🇸 United States

(About local Chris)

30 May 2025

Chris was great, he reached out ahead of time to get information and feedback from us - we weren't very helpful as we mostly just wanted to try different things so Chris was good at coming up with something thay worked great for us. We really enjoyed the mix of trying different foods, but also walking around and seeing different parts of the city with a bit of history attached as well. He also was great at giving us ideas and advice for the rest of our trip. Overall I'd highly recommend this tour and Chris for your next visit.Great Mix of Food and Info

Kathleen🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

30 May 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 May 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 May 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!!!

Will🇺🇸 United States

(About local Chris)

25 May 2025

Our family of 4 - including 2 teenagers - enjoyed our time with Chris. We experienced great Scottish food, a good orientation to the City, & wonderful history. We would absolutely book with Chris again!Exceptional

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(About local Chris)

24 May 2025

Chris was fantastic for our tour. He had a lot of really good historical knowledge and was able to adapt our tastings and the history of Scotland with our previous tours we had taken. Very friendly and knew plenty of spots to have a good bite or drink. Very Adaptable and Friendly

Monte🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

10 May 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 May 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

Alma🇱🇹 Lithuania

(About local GJ)

27 April 2025

A truly unexpected treasure - don't even think of going for someone else. You want a tour with G to discover the higlights and most fascinating parts of history of Edinburgh - you couldn't possibly find someone who's as passionate, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, smart, authentic and witty, and who keeps one thoroughly engaged and focused, and wishing to come back for more. Me and my friends from various backgrounds have had a lot of guided tours across the globe and could only agree this was the best one we ever had. Thank you, G ! HUGELY RECOMMENDED. The Best Tour Guide one could possibly get

Ki Jin🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Gains)

24 April 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

Catherine🇺🇸 United States

(About local Neil)

11 April 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 April 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!

Sophie

(About local GJ)

22 March 2025

G from the off set, thrilled us with amazing stories of Scottish history, and the people who have shaped the city it is today. We would 100% recommend a tour with G. Master storyteller

James

(About local Gains)

16 March 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 March 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

Jessica

(About local GJ)

27 February 2025

Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private " GJ did such an amazing job showing us around Edinburgh on our walking food tour. Even with the rain, it was such a lovely afternoon exploring the Old Town. During the tour G was often asking us questions about our interests and adapting the tour as we went to make it more customized. The food was delicious and we got to taste all of the local dishes we were hoping to try out. Despite Mother Nature’s best efforts, it was a perfect first day in Scotland with the friendliest guide. " Review by J B, September 27th, 2024Tastings of Edinburgh

Susan

(About local GJ)

15 January 2025

My entire family enjoyed our day with Gee! He was adept at conducting our outing to keep my kids interested but my husband I still felt engaged. He chose a restaurant for lunch and we all enjoyed our food. Even though we'd just met that day, the conversation flowed; his company was a pleasure. I would definitely recommend booking a family friendly tour with Gee! Private Family Tour

Wendy

(About local GJ)

4 January 2025

GJ was attentive to our interest and made a great effort. We were impressed by his knowledge and how he made history come alive during the tour. Thanks to Gee’s tips , we manage to find Best Buys that are made in Scotland only and also find delicious food . He also suggested to us several attractions. These attractions were useful to our understanding of Scotland . I am also grateful for the great photo shots he took for us ! Thank you , Gee ! Keep up the good work ! Edinburgh Private Tour: Castle to Arthur’s Seat

Judith

(About local GJ)

25 December 2024

Scotch Tour Edinburgh with a Local Expert: Private & 100% Personalized Partner or CU Website Guest Review " Gee was great! He crafted the tour to what we had specifically wanted. The pace. The opportunity to learn about whiskey. He had good stories. Helped us learn about some Scottish history. And he was just a delight to spend the afternoon with. " Edinburgh: Walking and Whisky Tour

Charlotte🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Sonny)

29 November 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!

Linda

(About local GJ)

26 November 2024

We got to spend 3 hours walking the city, seeing and hearing amazing things and tasting really great local Scottish food. My husband and I did a tour with Gee for 3 hours incorporating our personal interests in sites in Edinburgh and including a stop at a local pub for lunch in which we were invited to try some local food. We were traveling with another couple who are very good friends of ours and were able to walk the city and see Dean Village, Grassmarket, a quick peak at the Royal Mile (we didn't want to spend tons of time there since it is so busy with tourists), both Old Town and New Town, Outlander site, Calton Hill and points of interest along the way between these spots. G was a wonderful guide and made the whole experience a high point of our time in Edinburgh. He shared many interesting and fun stories full of the history of Edinburgh. At the pub, we enjoyed (even though we doubted we would) Cullen Skink, Boiled Scottish eggs, Haggis Spring Rolls, and Smoked Salmon. Thanks to G’s gentle nudge we tried them all and loved them. We highly recommend G as this was one of the most fun things we did while there and we loved it that he tailored it specifically to what we had expressed we were interested in through a questionnaire provided prior to our arrival. We felt he went above and beyond our expectations for this tour. Take the tour with GJ and you wont be sorry you did!! Your Way: Edinburgh City Tour

Deirdre🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sonny)

4 October 2024

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

Robert

(About local Sonny)

14 September 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