Literature, Art & Politics: A Walking Tour of Historic Edinburgh in Edinburgh - AdobeStock_253090380.jpg
4.8

Literature, Art & Politics: A Walking Tour of Historic Edinburgh

  • 2.5 hours
  • City Highlight Tours
  • Edinburgh
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Your local for this experience

Experience hosted by Withlocals

  • Private Tour
  • Carbon Neutral

Step into the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and explore the city where literature, art, and politics have long collided to shape Scottish identity. From the graves of poets to the halls of power, uncover the stories behind rebellious ideas and cultural icons. This tour is a journey through the minds and movements that made Edinburgh a world capital of thought and creativity.

Destination
Edinburgh, Scotland
Category
City Highlight Tours
Duration
2.5 hours
Transport mode
Walking tour
Available languages
English
Included
  • Private guide
  • 1 Local snack or drink
  • All Withlocals tours are carbon neutral
Excluded
  • Entrance to attractions

6 reasons to book this tour

  • Can be 100% customized to your wishes
  • Get to truly embrace the culture of the city
  • Learn about literature, art and politics in Edinburgh
  • Connect with a knowledgeable local
  • Hear fascinating stories and insights
  • Discover cultural highlights & their local relevance

What you can expect

Literature, Art & Politics: A Walking Tour of Historic Edinburgh in Edinburgh - AdobeStock_253090380.jpg

Edinburgh is a city shaped by words, images, and ideals—and on this private tour, your local host will guide you through its rich tapestry of literature, art, and politics.

Through compelling stories and carefully chosen stops, you’ll immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Edinburgh and explore how its greatest minds and movements have left their mark on the city—and the world. From Enlightenment thinkers to rebellious poets and political visionaries, discover how the written word, creative expression, and power struggles have defined Edinburgh’s identity over centuries.

As you embrace local culture—its traditions, philosophies, creative spirit, and bold ideas—you’ll experience Edinburgh from a whole new perspective. You’ll stroll through the atmospheric Old Town and visit places where culture truly comes alive: the historic Canongate Kirkyard, final resting place of thinkers and poets; Gladstone’s Land, where commerce and art once intertwined; and Parliament Square, the beating heart of Scottish legal and political thought. With each step, you’ll see how the legacy of ink and activism still shapes everyday life.

Our local hosts are natural storytellers with backgrounds ranging from literature to history and the arts. They’re eager to share not just facts, but personal insights, hidden gems, and the stories behind the stories. Want to tailor the experience to a favorite author or idea? No problem—your host will be happy to adapt the tour and make their Edinburgh, your Edinburgh.

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 Clarinda's Tearoom - Edinburgh to start your journey

  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. Culture of the City

    On this private tour, you’ll experience and discover Edinburgh through its culture. Whether it’s focused on a tradition, a special part of town with a story to tell, cultural beliefs, or around a cultural activity that shaped the city into what it is - this tour will be a cultural awakening you can’t miss!

  4. Literature in Edinburgh

    Your tour will focus on literature, art and politics, very important cultural subjects in Edinburgh. Thanks to your local host, you’ll learn and see how this made an impact in Edinburgh, making you experience the city from a different perspective.

  5. Cultural Highlights

    As you deep dive into the subject of your tour, you’ll make stops to visit unique spots that will give you a full picture of the city. Visit Canongate Kirkyard, Gladstone’s Land, Parliament Square, and more and see how these cultural highlights are part of the local life but have so much history behind them!

  6. Storytelling Journey

    As you discover the cultural side of Edinburgh, you’ll be able to embrace it thanks to the amazing stories and storytelling skills of your local host. Feel free to ask any questions and feel as if you are reliving history in the present time.

  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.

Withlocals experiences
are always

Private & personalizedNo strangers, just you. Fully customize your trip to your needs.
With a local expertFrom historical facts to the most up-to-date health regulations.
Without the crowdsExperiences designed to take you away from the crowds towards authentic local spots.

Other City highlight tours in Edinburgh

€41.36per person