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This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle!
Discover an Edinburgh beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. Your expert guide will take you to the places where history was made – the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. You’ll be hanging on your tour guide’s every word, as the true stories of our capital’s past unfold.
The characters? Think Mary Queen of Scots, David Hume, Adam Smith and Robert Burns. But you’ll go far beyond the well-known facts and faces – uncovering another side of our city, and Scotland’s past. From crime and culture to politics and everyday events, all Edinburgh life is here – expertly told by your Mercat guide.
Want to visit and take a tour of Edinburgh Castle? Skip the line with Mercat Tours.
The castle dominates Scotland’s capital city from its great rock. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it.
Visit the castle with your Mercat Tour guide, and you’ll walk straight over the drawbridge, and straight past the ticket line – to continue your journey into Edinburgh's history.
Please note that under current guidelines your time in the Castle will be self-guided to enjoy at your time and pace.
Prefer to join us for only the 1 hour and 30 minute walking tour? That’s absolutely fine – there’s plenty to explore in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Please Note: We use a wireless audio system on this tour for your enjoyment. You will be given a device with earphones at the start of the tour. Your tour guide will use a headset with microphone to ensure you hear every word over the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh's lively Old Town. Please do bring your own headphones/earphones if desired - it's a standard 3.5mm audio jack.
If you have a Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass, you’re very welcome to join us – including the guided tour of Edinburgh Castle – simply call us to check, once you’ve booked your tour ticket.