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Edinburgh Comedy Walk: Historical & Hysterical Tour by Stand-Up Comedian
5.0
1,864 Ratings
Edinburgh
Join Edinburgh’s hilarious Mountebank comedy walking tour led by a local stand-up comedian. Laugh, learn, and explore the historical and hysterical side of Scotland’s capital!
Join Edinburgh’s hilarious Mountebank comedy walking tour led by a local stand-up comedian. Laugh, learn, and explore the historical and hysterical side of Scotland’s capital!
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Monkey Barrel Comedy - The tour starts at the world famous Monkey Barrel Comedy club where I find out a little about you, you learn a little more about me (more than you probably care to know!) I teach you some of my favourite Scottish vocabulary and then we set off on our Old Town adventure..!!
- Royal Mile - Edinburgh’s most iconic and…
- Monkey Barrel Comedy - The tour starts at the world famous Monkey Barrel Comedy club where I find out a little about you, you learn a little more about me (more than you probably care to know!) I teach you some of my favourite Scottish vocabulary and then we set off on our Old Town adventure..!!
- Royal Mile - Edinburgh’s most iconic and historic High Street
- Mercat Cross - The spot where trade occurred in medieval Edinburgh as well as everything from royal proclamations to punishments
- St Giles’ Cathedral - The most significant religious site in the old town it played a key role in the reformation and is the resting place of swashbuckling characters such as the ‘Great Montrose’
- Writers’ Museum - We stop outside the Writers museum for a comic take on some of Edinburgh’s most famous literary figures
- Edinburgh Castle - We stop for a stunning panorama of the south side of Edinburgh castle and learn about the daring raid of Edinburgh Castle by Sir Thomas Randolph in March 1314
- Grassmarket - Edinburgh’s centre for law and disorder a bustling market place where justice was handed out in the form of public executions.
- Greyfriars Kirkyard - Our final stop is Greyfriars Kirkyard steeped in historical significance, gruesome stories of Edinburgh’s bodysnatchers, ghosts, Harry Potter and of course Edinburgh’s most famous dog Greyfriars Bobby
What's Included
- Experienced local guide
- Experienced local guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Mountebank offers the original and premier comedy walking tour of Edinburgh, uniquely guided by a professional, award-winning stand-up comedian and historian with a Master’s degree in Scottish history. Since its inception in 2019, Mountebank’s success has inspired imitation ‘comedy’ tours, but it remains the original, best, and only tour led by a…
Mountebank offers the original and premier comedy walking tour of Edinburgh, uniquely guided by a professional, award-winning stand-up comedian and historian with a Master’s degree in Scottish history. Since its inception in 2019, Mountebank’s success has inspired imitation ‘comedy’ tours, but it remains the original, best, and only tour led by a genuine stand-up comic and historian!
Your guide is Edinburgh-based stand-up comedian and historian Daniel Downie, accompanied by his loyal sidekick, Brahan the dog! Daniel has delivered several sold-out shows about Scotland at the Edinburgh Fringe. He has been praised as ‘outstanding’ and ‘a must-see’ by the Scotsman newspaper, and his show about Mary Queen of Scots was awarded ‘Best History Show’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Mountebank celebrates the hilarious and absurd aspects of Scotland’s history, people, language, weather—essentially everything Scottish! Join in for a lot of laughter and a little learning :)
- *Strictly for ages 16 and over
Location
Monkey Barrel Comedy
Blair Street
The meeting point is 'Monkey Barrel Comedy Club' on Blair Street in the Old Town, I'll be the guy dressed in a kilt with a big fluffy dog :)
- Please note the tour is strictly for ages 16+
- Fluent English is necessary to enjoy the tour fully, I have a Scottish accent some find hard to understand
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1864 Ratings)
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14pasanj
Apr 19, 2026
A Hidden Gem in Edinburgh - The Mountebank Comedy Walk was actually really great. I’m usually a bit quiet on these things, but the guide was so friendly and funny that I felt comfortable right away. A big bonus was his dog, who was honestly so cute and stayed really well-behaved the whole time we were walking around.
I was surprised by how much I actually learned about Edinburgh history too. Even though it's a comedy walk, you get a lot of interesting facts, just told in a way that’s much more fun than a boring history book. The 2 hours went by very quick—I didn't even notice the time passing because I was having a good time.
There were only 4 people in our group when we went, which I thought was strange because the tour is so good. I really think he deserves a much bigger crowd for all the effort he puts in. If you're looking for something to do, I'd definitely recommend this one even if you're not usually the type to join tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nattaniti
Apr 15, 2026
Fun and energetic tour! - Daniel was fantastic today! He brought a lot of energy to the tour, making sure to greet everyone by name and using that to keep them engaged. The tour was both fun and very informative, transforming history into an interesting and easy-to-follow experience.
The tour was about 2 hours long, but it felt like time flew by so quickly with his guide. I learned so many interesting things from him, things I hadn't even seen on Google. Definitely recommend this tour! It was one of the best I've had on my trip around the UK.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessicafj3056rz
Apr 13, 2026
Book it - Daniel’s comedy tour of Edinburgh was a really fun and unique intro to Scottish history. He did a great job getting to know everyone in the group and was constantly engaging with us, which made it feel way more personal.
He’s also very funny and definitely doesn’t hold back on his jokes. We’re American, so there was plenty to make fun of, which made it even better. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good laugh, isn’t too soft, and wants to learn about Scotland from someone very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessica_f
Apr 13, 2026
Fun, hilarious way to see Scotland - Daniel’s comedy tour of Edinburgh was a really fun and unique intro to Scottish history. He did a great job getting to know everyone in the group and was constantly engaging with us, which made it feel way more personal.
He’s also very funny and definitely doesn’t hold back on his jokes. We’re American, so there was plenty to make fun of, which honestly made it even better. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good laugh, isn’t too soft, and wants to learn about Scotland from someone very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
Potts67
Apr 13, 2026
Great couple of hours laughing and learning about local history - Had a very entertaining and informative couple of hours with Daniel, and his gorgeous dog Bran. Daniel had everyone laughing for the whole tour and even though I've lived in Edinburgh for 25 years I still learnt some new things about the history of Edinburgh and Scotland. Definitely recommend this tour ... a great couple of hours. Having seen Daniel's Fringe show in 2025, we're looking forward to going along to his new 2026 Fringe show, as well as the comedy whisky tasting event that he also runs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katherine
Apr 13, 2026
Fun and educational - We had a great time learning about Scottish history while laughing the entire time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lottev4
Apr 13, 2026
Would definitely recommend - We thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour! Daniel is very quick in his jokes and keeps you fully entertained and engaged for at least 2 hours. He really took the time to give us another perspective on the city with a light and personal twist. Thank you very much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Migueljosep763
Apr 12, 2026
Top Walking Tour in Edinburgh - Daniel was great and the comedy walk was memorable. If you’re looking for a tour that both showcases the best Edinburgh has to offer and also gives you plenty of laughs, this is the place to go.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Baryonneodymium
Apr 11, 2026
Very entertaining comedy walk - Had a very entertaining 'comedy walk' with Daniel. Left on time and his audience play is daring, confronting, full with stereotypes, but most of all very accessible and funny. He even wrote some of the jokes himself. Be prepared to also see the poet side of him, and of course the very pettable and clappable(?) dog completes the team. Recommended, as if you are on the first row of a comedy gig.
Style reminded me of a light version of Jimmy Carr. Thanks Daniel for your energy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johneh4874zw
Apr 7, 2026
BOOK IT - Daniel was awesome. One of the best tour guides I’ve ever had. Combines his historical knowledge of Scotland with his keen, dry and welcomingly raunchy humor so well. He’s very personable and knows how to interact humorously yet pleasantly with the crowd. Would highly recommend!! Thanks Daniel
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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