• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Edinburgh, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Edinburgh.

Destination

Edinburgh, Scotland

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Dansk, Svenska

Included

• Private guide
• 1 Local snack or drink
• Public transport
• All Withlocals tours are carbon neutral

Excluded

• Entrance tickets

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 10 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 Wagamama Edinburgh - 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. City Highlights

   See the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Canongate Kirk, and more must-sees of the city. Your local host will take you to the main spots of the city so you can get the perfect overview to what makes Edinburgh so special

4. Hidden Gems

   long the way, your local host will show you treasures hidden in plain sight that only the locals know about. Get to know the city through a different perspective, the local way, and discover places and stories that not many tourists get to experience

5. Special Treat

   Follow your host to one of their favorite eateries for a snack or a drink beloved by the locals. Take a break and catch up with your new local friend and get the answers to all your travel questions

6. More Things to See

   With more time, you’ll have the chance to enter some of the landmarks and attractions your host has planned for you. Get in touch with the host of your choice to hear more about their plan

7. 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

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!

andrewmackay48

(About local Monica)

16 February 2025

I visited for my first time, we took a tour of the castle, stopped in a fantastic little pub, walked through greyfriar etc. Thoroughly enjoyed my trip and Monica was supper friendly and made my trip a memorable one by making a few amendments by request. Including a picture with the grave of he who shall not be named for my daughter. Fantastic experience

Anke🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Alice)

19 April 2025

Thank You for guiding us through the wonderful city! We enjoyed it very much!Perfect tour!!

Clare

(About local Alice)

17 April 2025

Despite cold, wet weather we had a great time with Alice. Knowledgeable, amusing and a great story teller who gave us insight into the history of Edinburgh that you simply can’t get on your own. Well worth it.Great tour with Alice

Warren🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alice)

16 April 2025

Alice is a great guide in Edinburgh, very friendly and filled with knowledge and stories. She made the excursion very enjoyable and a lot of fun. Very helpful!

Bronwynne🇺🇸 United States

(About local Svend-Erik)

12 April 2025

What a personable, knowledgeable guide! He made history come alive and ended the tour with a cherry on top - the old Parliament building was just stunning! Haven’t had such a good time since the pigs ate my little brother - choose this gentleman for a wonderful tour…Gifted storyteller

Marie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alice)

4 April 2025

Alice was amazing in her ability to keep us captive as she told us all about the comings and goings of Edinburgh Castle. It was so so informative and entertaining!! Highly recommend Alice !! Just so magical and informative

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

Unknown

(About local Alice)

14 March 2025

Alice was extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and tailored the tour to our interests. She was a great storyteller and made the past come alive. Highly recommend. Top-flight guide brings the past to life

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

miranda

(About local Monica)

24 February 2025

Konrad

(About local Alec)

16 February 2025

We definitely recommend a private tour with Alec for the first moment you arrive in Edinburgh. We enjoyed the whole tour from the first moment and it was a great start to our long weekend. It was very informative and interesting. It was lovely to hear all the stories from Alec. Awesome way to know the city

Alan🇮🇪 Ireland

(About local Alec)

9 February 2025

Very informative and thought provoking tour with Alec. Lots of history (naturally) laced with plenty of good humour. Real privilege getting to see the Thistle Chapel in St Giles Cathedral.Edinburgh Old Town Tales

Charles🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Alec)

8 February 2025

Exploring the Edinburgh castle with Alec was a wonderful experience and was a highlight of out trip. He is super knowledgable, attentive and has a very warm personality. My wife and I are looking forward coming back to Edinburgh and have Alec show us more of the wonders of the city. The perfect guide

Victoria

(About local Scott)

4 February 2025

I would highly recommend this experience! Scott is a wonderful guide-he is very attentive and knowledgeable, and made our first trip to the Highlands special.Highlands

Maria🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Alec)

2 February 2025

We had an absolutely fabulous tour of Edinburgh with Alec. We saw all of the key sights in the old town which is beautiful. Alec was extremely knowledgeable and was full of stories which were enlightening and funny! Alec was a pleasure to spend our afternoon with and we would highly recommend him as a tour guide. Thank you so much.Cannot recommend Alec enough

Johanna

(About local Alec)

1 February 2025

Alec met us in front of the Royal Mile Whiskies right on time and took us on a very interesting and entertaining historic tour through Edinburgh. He was very knowledgeable and a good storyteller, with many details that only locals know. We had three lovely hours with this guide, although our expectation was that we would have a food tour with ten different samples of local food and some culinary explanation. So, a great experience, although not what we expected.History tour

Tania🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Alice)

28 January 2025

We had a wonderful time on The Hidden Gems of Edinburgh Tour with Alice as a family of 4 with 2 school age kiddos. Alice told wonderful and engaging stories for everyone while taking us around to local spots! We would definitely suggest her for a tour.Fun Family Tour

Mike

(About local Scott)

20 January 2025

Incredible private tour of the Highlands! Excellent communications beforehand between louis and Scott. Asked in advance what we would like to experience is their website and was given advice based upon the weather forecast. On time pick up and drop off at our accommodations! Very comfortable transportation for our family of five. Scott wad knowledgeable, safe, friendly, and easy to get on with. The weather was a bit dodgy and Scott was super flexible and made sure we saw everything and had ample time to relax and explore. We did the glen or tour and visited Doune Castle. The Geography was breathtakingly beautiful and majestic and exceeded our expectations for awe and natural beauty. We enjoyed the small towns we stopped in and the food recommendations. We felt like we were traveling with a family member and would highly recommend this this tour.Castles

Rebekah

(About local Scott)

17 January 2025

Highly recommended! Gorgeous locations and great conversation. We had the best day with Scott! If you want a day trip to St Andrews, you can't go wrong with this tour.St Andrews

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

Debbie

(About local Scott)

14 January 2025

We thoroughly enjoyed this private tour with louis' associate Scott! He was extremely knowledgeable about history and geology of Scotland and was terrific conversationalist. He went above and beyond for us and we highly recommend this business.History tour

Melonie🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Alec)

12 January 2025

Our time in Edinburgh was really special thanks to Alec. In our short time together, he shared many of Edinburgh’s hidden gems and interesting historical stories. We would never have learned all of the neat things he shared roaming Edinburgh on our own. We can’t say enough great things about Alec and his fun, energetic personality. We will be back to tour with Alec again!Edinburgh with a pro!

Kristen

(About local Scott)

10 January 2025

Scott was our tour guide for a day trip to the Highlands. He arrived promptly, had a very clean and comfortable SUV and most importantly he was a great host for the day. He had a great knowledge about a lot of topics beyond, and helped us see Stirling castle, a great waterfall and the Highlands ( we went to Glencoe) lunch at the bakery in Callander was delicious and easy as well. Easy to talk to, the day flew by. Would definitely hire him for other tours if we return to Edinburgh!Highland 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

cbgs2w9mpg

(About local Alice)

3 January 2025

Alice showed us all the interesting sites while weaving in Scottish history and folklore. She gave us excellent suggestions on things to see, places to eat. Her stories were so theatrical you thought you were watching a play unfold.She was also very kind and lovely.The Deacon Brodie Tour

Mary🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alec)

3 January 2025

Don’t hesitate if you are thinking of booking the city kickstarter tour. ALEC personalized our tour and it met our needs perfectly. I highly recommend both him and this tour on your arrival to Edinburgh. My granddaughter and myself are thankful to have done this. Thank you again, Alec. Local knowledge helps to plan your trip

JILL

(About local Alice)

2 January 2025

Allie

(About local Scott)

1 January 2025

Our highland day trip with Scott was phenomenal. He customised the day to fit our needs/interests, and asked if we would like to stop or skip certain activities along the way. We stopped at Deanston distillery for a 1hour tasting/tour and it was wonderful! Because of this, we needed to rearrange our day, and Scott walked us through all our options. He was professional, communicative, knowledgeable and very friendly. The entire drive was comfortable and safe, and we stopped at Mhor bakery ( definitely recommended). The weather was a bit rainy/cloudy/cold given the time of year, but Scott helped us make the most of it- and he took some lovely photos of us throughout the day. If your looking for a great trip out of Edinburgh, look no further!Distillery tour

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

Stuart🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alec)

25 December 2024

The tour with Alec was great. In addition to a cutting witty humor, Alec was full of interesting facts only a local would know. His intimate connection and love for his city was evident and made for a lovely tour experience. Absolutely worth it. Excellent Experience

Simon🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Alec)

15 December 2024

We took a 90 minute tour with Alec which was a great introduction to the city Alec has an amazing depth of knowledge relating to the history of the city and he was happy to share this with us. I would highly recommend him and will certainly book him again on my return.Wonderful Edinburgh

Pascal🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Alec)

14 December 2024

Starting off, Alec is simply amazing and a well of information! We had a blast walking the Royal Mile, looking at lots of details and getting funny and interesting insights into things to see in Edinburgh. Would not have wanted to miss it for the world and would him straight away for next time. As a matter of fact - we will for when we get back to visit the Highlands 🤩Alex is a MUST-BOOK when in Edinburgh!!!

Robin🇺🇸 United States

(About local Monica)

12 December 2024

Monica was a fantastic tour guide! Very accommodating to customize our tour so that we could see everything we wanted on our day. I will definitely use her again when I return to the area. Wonderful Tour!

Sonja🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Alice)

9 December 2024

Our tour with Alice was fantastic, she explained us the most intresting storys about the history of Edinburgh, all by heart. It was easy to follow her because she has'nt got a strong accent. We totally forgot to freeze in the cold wind, because her speech was so thrilling and it was like a dive into Edinburgh history. I can totally recommend this tour and would definetely book her again. A dive into the history of Edinburgh!

Kristin

(About local Scott)

8 December 2024

Scott was so knowledgeable about the history of Scotland. He also put us right at ease with his sense of humour like. We communicated the about an itinerary based on our interest. Everything we did was so unique. It felt like a once in a lifetime experience. We can't wait to come back to Scotland to see more!Countryside tour

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

Tammi

(About local Scott)

23 November 2024

We just completed a whirlwind trip through several countries and took several tours. Without question this was our favourite tour of all. Scott is a great conversationalist, thoughtful host and superb at imparting his knowledge of history. It was if he knew our family for a long time as we shared many great laughs. He's also a great photographer and caught many good family photos of us along the way. We highly recommend this full day 5- star experience.Day trip

Margaret

(About local Alice)

30 October 2024

Alice was a fun, informative guide. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her and would definitely choose her again.Fabulous experience

Estelle🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Alice)

27 October 2024

Alice was a fantastic tour guide and very engaging. We very much enjoyed our tour with her and learning about this wonderful city. Her stories were captivating and she has a lovely way about her. Would definitely recommend Alice!A great tour of the lovely Edinburgh

lynda🇺🇸 United States

(About local Alec)

25 October 2024

1

Alec was an amazing historian and story teller. He exposed us to areas and stories we would most definitely have missed. The city tour was diversified and Alec was accommodating, adapting the tour to our mobility concerns. 10+++Fantastic Edinburgh city tour

Mark🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Alec)

25 October 2024

William

(About local Scott)

24 October 2024

Scott was an excellent guide and was clearly extremely knowledgeable. We loved his consistent flow of facts throughout the comfortable ride. He was friendly, professional, calm. Flexible. We saw several beautiful sights in the Highlands paired with an informative historical narrative. He also even gave us a whole or restaurant recommendations once we were back in the city. We are lucky we had him as a guide and you would be too.Highland review

6y5ywzrcby

(About local Monica)

22 October 2024

My husband and I had an amazing tour with Monica in late September. She was very personable and we felt like old friends fairly quickly. Her knowledge of the City and history was perfect. She gave wonderful recommendations for things to do and places to eat/drink for the rest of our stay, and they all turned out to be perfect. One of her pub recommendations was so good that we went there a few times over the course of the week. We’d absolutely recommend Monica for anyone looking for a good walking tour.We had a wonderful tour with Monica!

Rebekah🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

(About local Alice)

19 October 2024

We had a fantastic tour with Alice. She was knowledgeable, funny, and accommodating throughout our tour. We learned so much about Edinburgh and Alice gave great recommendations for places to visit. The amazing stories really made our experience there all the more magical! Thank you, Alice!Amazing storyteller

Gabrielle🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Alice)

16 October 2024

Alice is an exceptional guide and storyteller, truly one of the best we've ever had. Her charming and engaging personality, combined with her impressive knowledge and storytelling abilities, made our tour of Edinburgh an unforgettable experience. Alice's captivating tales of the city's rich history and folklore brought the streets and landmarks to life, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the city. Her witty and humorous delivery kept us entertained throughout the tour, making it an absolute delight. We highly recommend Alice to anyone seeking an authentic and immersive Edinburgh experience. Her passion for the city is contagious, and she has a remarkable talent for making every step feel like a journey through time.Edinburgh's Amazing Guide and Storyteller

Denice

(About local Alice)

15 October 2024

Alice was a funny, engaging, charming guide for my husband and I. We interacted extremely well and loved her storytelling finesse. We peppered her with many questions and she was up to the challenge. We probably kept her from showing us a few things but we didn't mind. You'll love her enthusiasm. Delightful in every way