Edinburgh Secrets: Old Town History Tour

Explore Edinburgh’s hidden history on a small group walking tour. Uncover secrets, meet historical figures, and experience the city’s vibrant past.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Mercat Cross - Begin your tour with your Storytelling Guide at this location
  • Parliament House - Discover the rich history of Scotland’s esteemed Parliament
  • St Giles’ Cathedral - Admire the stunning exterior of this remarkable structure
  • Royal Mile - Walk along with your storytelling guide and explore
  • John Knox House Museum -…
What's Included
  • Exclusive multi-sensory experience with master Storyteller guides
  • Hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh delivered through TourTalk audio devices
  • Small group experience
Additional Information

Edinburgh’s premier storytellers, Mercat Tours, are transforming the walking tour experience, offering a deeper and more meaningful connection with Edinburgh’s people and history that lasts beyond your visit.
Take the Story Home: Relive the Memories:

  • Enjoy the tour playlist
    Uncover Edinburgh’s hidden gems and explore the essence of Scotland’s…
Location
Mercat Cross
High Street
Look for the 8-sided monument with white Unicorn on top. You will find a member of our visitor services team waiting here to check you in. They will be dressed in black, holding an iPad, wearing an orange lanyard & holding a black & orange umbrella.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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Rosemv114mh
Apr 27, 2026
An unforgettable Mercat Tour Experience with Grant! - I had an incredible experience on the Mercat Tour, and a big part of that was our guide, Grant. He was absolutely fantastic - knowledgeable, engaging and clearly passionate about the history he was sharing. He brought the stories to life in such a captivating way that the group stayed fully immersed. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Scotland. If you're lucky enough to have Grant as your guide, you're in for a truly unforgettable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T3315arthomasm
Apr 25, 2026
Small Group Edinburgh Castle - A fabulous experience! First, directions to the tour meeting point were clear and exact. Our guide, Andrea, was a local and provided engaging and informative perspectives on the many historical sites in Edinburgh and the Castle. We were a group of 13 and were provided with listening devices and wonderful headphones (not the single cheap ear buds you get on most tours). These made all the difference, as we could hear Andrea, loud & clear, among the huge crowds along the Royal Mile. The tour included tickets to the Castle that allowed is to quickly bypass the queue to enter the Castle Grounds. Following the Castle visit we shopped along the Royal Mile and finished the day with a pint at the Jolly Judge Pub in James Court, a quiet place frequented by locals just steps off the Royal Mile. We highly recommend Mercat Tours for a great day in Edinburgh!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T9636zldianeg
Apr 24, 2026
Great tour! - This tour was terrific! The guide, Grant, was right on time. He was informative, funny and welcoming. The tour included history of the area that we had no idea of. The headsets helped with hearing him in a very noisy environment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Doreentf8745hv
Apr 20, 2026
The Royal Mile - Grant was the perfect tour guide. He shared a lot of history with a lot of humor.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
351grahamm
Feb 26, 2026
Enlightening - Manny was great , very knowledgeable about the History of the City. Great guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q8193bndenises
Oct 14, 2025
Well worth the time. So glad we did this tour. - Veni was absolutely fantastic! Highly recommend her. Very informative and great personality. So happy we did this tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
559roderickh
Sep 13, 2025
A lovely couple of hours being shown around the Old town of Edinburgh with Mercattours. - Had Craig as our guide and he made the tour. Our best one yet that we experienced over the last 2 weeks, while visiting England and Scotland. If you are luckey enough to get Craig as your guide, enjoy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen
Jun 26, 2025
Excellent performance, excellent reviews - Speak very clearly, and with a bit of fun, the historical narrative is very clear, taking care of the safety of the crew, responsible mind, take care of, the overall performance is very satisfied! So the score is satisfied
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blossomw548
May 24, 2025
Fantastic - Our tour guide Steph was incredible, she was funny and charming in her regaining of Edinburghs rich history. Would recommend to anyone who wants a greater insight into the cities personality
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $43
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).