• 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 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 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. Learn & Grow

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

4. Get to know Edinburgh deeply

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

5. Create a connection

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

6. 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.

7. Give Back!

   By taking part in this experience, you will also be donating to a project reducing homelessness. Withlocals will waive part of its service fee for this experience!

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 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!

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

Alexander🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Sonny)

5 December 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!

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!!!

Jessica🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Russell)

22 May 2025

Great introduction to Edinburgh,

Dot🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Russell)

15 May 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 May 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 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

Ron

(About local Russell)

1 May 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 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

Theodore

(About local Russell)

23 April 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 April 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 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!

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

Elspeth

(About local Nichola )

17 February 2025

I cant copy and pasteWalking food tour

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

Kataya

(About local Nichola )

12 February 2025

Family of 6 posted on trip advisor My guided walking tour

Melanie

(About local Russell)

11 February 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 February 2025

Experiencing a personal Edinburgh Family walking food tour

Jessica

(About local Russell)

4 February 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

Verified

(About local Russell)

3 February 2025

Great historic overview and insightful information! Love Russell pace and picks that he showed us, we extremely enjoyed the tour 🙏Great

Savanna

(About local Nichola )

2 February 2025

Nichola was absolutely amazing Walking food tour

Beverly

(About local Nichola )

31 January 2025

We really enjoyed our food tour with Nichola. She was a lovely Scott that really made our tour wonderful. The food was delicious and the stories and history of Scotland was great.Wonderful food tour

Laurie

(About local Nichola )

31 January 2025

Nichola was our tour guide and she did not disappoint. She was very knowledgeable about the area as well as the food we were eating. It was a rainy day, but it did not deter us from having a great time on the trip.I highly recommend this food tour.Great walking food tour - even in the rain!

Susan

(About local Nichola )

25 January 2025

Nichola was an excellent tour guide giving us an awesome eating experience as well as history about this incredible city.Don't Miss Out

Lindsay

(About local Nichola )

21 January 2025

Nichola was amazing Walking food tour

Dolly

(About local Nichola )

13 January 2025

Nichola was a fantastic food guide! I loved the personal touches and family history she shared with us. We toured wonderful restaurants and establishments in old town and learned so much along the way. Fabulous time for my fiancé, me, and our family and friends. Thank you, Nichola! :)Food tour walking

Richard

(About local Nichola )

11 January 2025

What a fantastic tour ,Nichola was wonderful. She juggled the time to fit our schedule and modified the tour to show us the sights that most interested us. It was nice not being in a big group and being guided by someone who knows the town so well. I can't recommend this tour enough.Food tour

Jill

(About local Nichola )

1 January 2025

Feb 2025 • Couples What a fabulous tour. Nichola was so friendly and was so knowledgeable about Edinburgh. Lovely to have a local guide. The food was amazing and we enjoyed everything on offer.3hr local guided tour

Janie

(About local Nichola )

27 December 2024

Nichola was absolutely amazing on our tour! Not only was she knowledgeable on food, she stopped a few times to give us some extra info on things around Edinburgh. It was very fun walking around the city and trying all the amazing food! She gave us recommendations on things as well. Highly recommend!Nichola was Amazing

Kristen

(About local Nichola )

26 December 2024

Our tour was amazing. The food and the locations were all just wonderful. They were probably not places we would have gone on our own so it really is "secret" But the best part about our tour was our guide Nichola. She was so knowledgeable & such an entertaining guide. She made the whole tour just that much better.Great tour with a wonderful Guide

Pooja🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Russell)

21 December 2024

My husband and I had a great time exploring Edinburgh with Russell and hearing all about the key landmarks and history of the city - Russell was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions. We even stopped off at a local pub and enjoyed a drink together 🍻 I would recommend booking with Russell if you want to have a great time while learning all about this beautiful city!Brilliant tour with Russell!

Justin

(About local Nichola )

5 December 2024

Great small group food tourWalking Food tour

Kara

(About local Russell)

12 November 2024

We had a great tour of the Old Town with Russell. He was extremely knowledgeable and very pleasant. He contacted us before the tour to ask what we were most interested in seeing, and he catered the tour to us. In addition to seeing many of the standard sites, he recommended other museums and locations that we could stop in to visit on our own time, which was great. Highly recommend!A great Private Tour

Craig

(About local Nichola )

2 November 2024

Nichola was one of the best tour guides! Our small group really enjoyed her excitement and knowledge of Edinburgh and its history. Thank you for a great afternoonNichola made the Tour Great

Audra

(About local Nichola )

29 October 2024

The True Scot delivers a tasty Tour Walking food tour

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

melanie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Russell)

17 July 2024

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!Fantastic!

Fatimah🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

(About local Russell)

10 July 2024

I had the pleasure of exploring the breathtaking city of Edinburgh with Russell and I cannot express enough how enlightening and enjoyable the experience was. His in-depth knowledge of the city's sights, stories, and hidden gems truly brought the city to life in a profound way. A wonderful experience

Yuliya🇺🇸 United States

(About local Russell)

22 June 2024

Had a great time with Russell. He was very flexible and showed us some key places and taught us a bit of history. Had a lot of recommendations for as well. It was an enjoyable overview of the town. Would definitely recommend him to my friends. Great overview of Edinburgh.

Lucy-Rose

(About local Sonny)

21 May 2024

Sonny ran a fantastic tour for myself and my colleagues! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the stories he told us and the places he took us to visit. I would highly recommend this tour as you get to see a different perspective of Edinburgh than most of the touristy tours! Thanks Sonny, we loved it! Funny, entertaining tour!

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