FREE TOURS OF EDINBURGH

Looking for things to do in Edinburgh? Scotland’s capital is known to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and if you’re visiting – or are lucky enough to live here – you might never want to leave. Walking along these medieval streets gives you a brief glimpse into Edinburgh’s rich history, but this elegant city’s present is just as captivating as its past.

There’s much to explore here, but what if your budget is tight? Fear not, we’ve got you covered. Here are four of our favourite free tours of Edinburgh… don’t forget to tip!

1. Edinburgh Free Walking Tour

If this is your first visit to the Scottish capital, you might want to join the Edinburgh free walking tour which gives you a comprehensive oversight into this cosmopolitan city. Over the course of two hours, your expert guide will lead you past the most interesting and beautiful sites the city has to offer, and whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or a history buff, this tour is sure to enthral.

You’ll cover historic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, Covenanters' Prison, Mercat Cross  and Martyrs' Memorial, and learn all about William Wallace, the Stone of Destiny and the Scottish Enlightenment. You’ll visit the inspiration for Hogwarts, and see the ‘birthplace’ of Harry Potter, wander down the iconic Royal Mile, explore Grassmarket and Old and New Towns. If you want to get the inside scoop on Edinburgh but don’t have much time, this tour is for you!

2. Free Ghost Tour of Edinburgh 

Edinburgh’s ancient history means the city is jam-packed with stories and legends, but if you’re interested in more macabre myths, the Edinburgh free ghost tour is for you. Explore Edinburgh’s spooky side as you wander along dimly lit cobbled alleys and uncover the sinister secrets this city would rather forget.

You’ll learn all about Edinburgh’s dark past, hear terrifying tales about vengeful witches, plagues and bloody assassinations, and head to an graveyard with an eerie history of body-snatching. If that weren’t enough, you’ll unearth Edinburgh’s disturbing history of public executions, learn about the city’s scariest poltergeists and their victims, and discover the Real Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde.

By the end of the tour you’ll know exactly why this city is renowned as one of the top paranormal destinations in the world! A spine-tingling experience – not for the faint of heart!

3. Free Harry Potter Tour

If you’re a fan of the Boy Who Lived, the free Edinburgh Harry Potter tour will be right up your street! Most people know that Hogwarts is ‘located’ in Scotland, but did you know that Edinburgh inspired many of the places and characters in the book and film franchise?

During this one-and-a-half hour tour, you’ll see where Harry Potter first came to life and learn plenty of interesting trivia along the way. The tour will take you along the elegantly winding Victoria Street, which was the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the gravestone of the ‘real’ Tom Riddle, The Elephant House cafe where JK Rowling wrote much of the first book, and George Heriot’s School, which Hogwarts is based on. This is a truly magical tour... a must for Muggles and Harry Potter mega-fans.

4. Free Edinburgh New City Tour 

There’s a lot more to Edinburgh than its history, and if you want to get a more modern perspective on the city, then book yourself onto the free Edinburgh New City Tour. During this tour you’ll enjoy some respite from the crowded tourist attractions as you delve into Edinburgh’s more recent history, and discover some of the city’s hidden gems – from the best places to eat and drink to where you can enjoy the most beautiful views.

New Town is one of Edinburgh’s most important districts and is the home of the Scottish Prime Minister, the Scottish National Gallery and the gorgeous Princes Street Gardens – so don’t forget to pack your camera. On the tour you’ll also learn about the Scottish Enlightenment, and how Edinburgh shook itself free from its dark past to become one of the most cultured capitals in Europe.  

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading! That concludes our guide to free tours of Edinburgh. If you're still looking for ways to explore, view all Edinburgh experience gifts here. If you've got a question, please feel free to leave a comment - we'd love to hear from you!