The Canongate: Edinburgh's Premier Historical Tours

Step into the historic heart of Edinburgh with immersive experiences in The Canongate. From haunting ghost tours in the Blair Street underground vaults to majestic walks near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, discover the rich heritage of the Royal Mile. Whether you choose a guided historical walking tour or a private cultural adventure, our curated selection of Edinburgh attractions offers unparalleled storytelling. Explore the legendary Canongate Kirkyard and soak in the authentic Scottish atmosphere. Book your unforgettable Edinburgh journey today and experience the magic of Scotland's most captivating streets.

4.83/5 avg ratingTours from $9.4916 unique experiences88% free cancellation

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$24–$129 typical

Full range spans $9 to $338

Rating

Rating

4.83★ average

Based on 5,647 pooled reviews with ~93% positive sentiment

Tour Length

Tour Length

2 hours median

Typically ranges from 1.5 to 6.5 hours

Tour Type

Tour Type

Historical sightseeing

94% of options are sightseeing and historical tours

Booking Perks

Booking Perks

88% free cancellation

88% also offer instant confirmation

Tour Style

Tour Style

44% private tours

Most tours are walking-based and 81% are eco-friendly

25 Products

Edinburgh - Dark History
2 hrsFree cancellation
$22
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Edinburgh - Dark History
Summary

Ah, Edinburgh! They don't call it "The Jekyll & Hyde City" for nothing. During the day, a respectable figure, with its astonishing architecture and wondrous history. But when the sun sets, it tells an entirely different story... Hear all about the darker history of Edinburgh: murderers, thieves, ca...

Inclusions
  • In-Person guide
Itinerary
  • Old Town
  • Heart of Midlothian
  • St Giles' Cathedral
  • Mercat Cross
  • Royal Mile
  • John Knox House Museum
  • Canongate Kirk
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
$33
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Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
Summary

See Edinburgh’s shady side. The gruesome and the glorious. The ghostly and the ghastly. This 2-hour tour is a wickedly entertaining walk on the wild and dark side of the Scottish capital. Explore the spots where murders, monsters and mayhem have become things of legend, and visit Old Calton Burial G...

Inclusions
  • Professional guide
Exclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
  • Royal Mile
  • North Bridge
  • Calton Hill
  • Old Calton Burial Ground
  • Canongate Kirk
  • Edinburgh Old Town
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, The independent guides who employ us to market their tours have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group, We unfortunately do not advise guests in wheelchairs to join the Dark Side Tour, due to the narrow stairways and steep hills. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.
Cancellation Policy

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

Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour
$27
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Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Ghost Walking Tour
Summary

Explore Edinburgh's dark past as you visit Canongate Kirkyard, learn about the Black Death, and visit the sites of 19th-century serial killers on this chilling guided walking tour.

Islander® Harris Tweed® Mini Satchel Canongate Workshop
Summary

Customise and create your very own Islander® Harris Tweed® handbag in a 90-minute workshop, led by our workshop instructors.

Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour
$45
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Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour
Summary

Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and its past far beyond your visit. Take the Story Home: evoke the memories: - Smell the leather and smoke - Listen to the tour playlist Experience...

Inclusions
  • - Exclusive Sounds of Edinburgh Tour Playlist
  • Small group experience
  • Visit to Canongate Graveyard
  • Exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults, the city’s deepest & largest
  • Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices
  • Exclusive multi-sensory tours; with master Storyteller guides
Exclusions
  • This tour is not suitable for those under the age of 18
Itinerary
  • Mercat Cross
  • Edinburgh Vaults
  • Canongate Kirk
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
Cancellation Policy

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

Edinburgh: Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour
$24
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Edinburgh: Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour
Summary

Experience expert storytelling to discover the dark, hidden history of Edinburgh on a guided walking tour. Stroll through Old Town and the Canongate to learn about this city's most notorious citizens.

The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood & Royal Mile
$130
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The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood & Royal Mile
Summary

Enjoy a tour of Edinburgh’s old Town and its royal highlights in 5 hours. The tour includes tickets to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is a small-group activity. At Edinburgh Castle you will see the Honours of Scotland and hear the stories behind Scotland’s kings and queens. ...

Inclusions
  • Holyrood audioguide
  • Local Tour Guide
  • Holyrood Palace ticket
  • Edinburgh Castle ticket
Exclusions
  • Tips
Itinerary
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Victoria Street
  • St Giles' Cathedral
  • Royal Mile
  • Canongate Kirk
  • White Horse Close
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
Cancellation Policy

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

Private Royal Mile Walking Tour
2.5 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellationLikely to sell out
$373
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Private Royal Mile Walking Tour
Summary

The Royal Mile Walking Tour offer a glimpse of the history, characters and events that have shaped Edinburgh's Past.  You might learn a little, laugh a little or maybe even both on this informative, interesting and friendly small group (maximum of 8 people) 2 to 2.5 hour walking tour. If you plan t...

Inclusions
  • This is a walking tour only. All attractions are viewed from the outside only.
Itinerary
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse
  • The Scottish Parliament
  • White Horse Close
  • Canongate Kirk
  • John Knox House Museum
  • Mercat Cross
  • St Giles' Cathedral
  • Lady Stairs House
  • Edinburgh Castle
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

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

Edinburgh Bus Tour Hop-On Hop-Off
Summary

Step aboard a thrilling bus tour adventure, beginning at the charming St Andrew Square, and weave your way through Edinburgh's finest, culture-rich destinations. Revel in the bustling atmosphere of Grassmarket, an iconic historic marketplace nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Hop off and ...

Inclusions
  • 24-hour hop-on hop-off tour
  • Access to Red Route
  • Audio guide in 9 languages plus kids' commentary
Exclusions
  • Admission to venues
Good to know
  • wheelchair accessible
Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour
$34
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Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour
Summary

Enjoy a Halloween Tour and learn more about Edinburgh's dark past. Visit Canongate Kirkyard, learn about the Black Death, and visit sites of 19th-century serial killers on this chilling walking tour.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as The Canongate.