Edinburgh Free Tour
Royal Mile, Victoria Street, the Grassmarket and Greyfriars
Reserve your free spotQuick answer
Yes, it is free: no ticket, you tip the guide at the end. Edinburgh Free Tour meets at 369 High Street (Royal Mile), opposite St. Giles' Cathedral, lasts about 2h and is guided in English; rated 9.5/10 from 1,060 reviews on Civitatis.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
A good first walk for anyone new to Edinburgh, mixing history, local legends and a few Harry Potter connections. It begins on the Royal Mile at St Giles' Cathedral, the medieval church at the centre of the Scottish Reformation, then ducks into Lady Stair's Close for the Writers' Museum, dedicated to Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
From there you drop down curving Victoria Street, the colourful shopfronts often linked with Diagon Alley, to the Grassmarket, a 14th-century marketplace once used for public executions and the scene of the Porteous Riots of 1736. The tour ends in Greyfriars Kirkyard with the story of Greyfriars Bobby and the ghost tales the cemetery is known for.
Tour highlights
- St Giles' Cathedral
- Royal Mile
- The Writers' Museum
- Victoria Street
- The Grassmarket
- Greyfriars Kirkyard
Meeting point
369 High Street (Royal Mile), opposite St. Giles' Cathedral
369 High Street (Royal Mile), opposite St. Giles' Cathedral
This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Edinburgh Free Tour really free?
Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.
Where does the Edinburgh Free Tour start?
The tour meets at 369 High Street (Royal Mile), opposite St. Giles' Cathedral (369 High Street (Royal Mile), opposite St. Giles' Cathedral). The exact meeting point and how to spot your guide are confirmed in your Civitatis booking.
How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?
It lasts around 2h and is guided in English. One booking covers up to 6 people; larger parties need a private tour. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
