Edinburgh by foot

If there was ever a city built to explore by foot, it is Edinburgh. It’s such a pleasure to walk the cobbled, winding streets. You’ll most definitely be missing out if you go by bus.

You’re also more than likely to discover an interesting cafe or vintage clothes shop, and then of course there are the obvious health benefits.

From the intricate cobbled streets of Old Town to the beautiful Princess Street Gardens, Edinburgh is a visual treat for the casual walker, with an endless list of things to do and places to visit while you’re out and about.

Here are just some of the many tours and walks that we recommend for the walking tourist.

Mercat Ghost Tour
If you have a penchant for the scary, the unexplained and the supernatural, then you’ll want to book yourself onto one of the city’s many ghost walks. These are extremely common and they take place every evening, so they’re really easy to fit into your visit if you’re on a tight timetable.

Mercat Tours offer a particularly thrilling experience, offering in-depth visits to some of Edinburgh’s most haunted sites. Their tour guides are always willing to wait around after the tour to answer questions or tell stories, and you’ll also receive a free refreshment if you book in advance. Mercat House, 28 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR, 0131 225 5445.

Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
Forget JK Rowling, Sean Connery and Tony Blair – by far the most famous resident of Edinburgh city was Greyfriars Bobby, the terrier who stayed by his master’s grave for 14 years after he had passed away. The story has captured the minds and hearts of people all over the world, spawning two major films and several books.

Greyfriar’s is well worth a visit if you fancy finding out more about this tale, but it’s not the only story lain to rest here. Tours of the kirkyard feature tales about the eclectic mix of characters now buried there, and you’re sure to be entertained if you take the opportunity to ‘meet’ some of the people buried there. Greyfriars Place, EH1 2QQ, 0131 225 1900.

Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh’s most peaceful tourist attraction features a huge variety of walks and talks on various topics, including preservation, insects and various plant species. Many of these tours combine education with fun, making them ideal for families. From the minibeast hunt to ‘Around the world in 50 plants’, the talks are highly interactive and very informative.

A particular highlight for casual strollers is the Chinese Hillside, featuring beautifully sculpted horticultural landscapes, winding paths and carved bridges. Cap off the experience with a visit to The Terrace Cafe for a coffee and a slice of cake. Go on. You’ve earned it. 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR, 0131 552 7171.

Auld Reekie Historical Tours
Take a step back in time and learn about how the inhabitants of Old Edinburgh lived and died. The tours cover several areas of interest, from the city’s history of witch hunting to the dark and twisted history of the famously-criminalised South Bridge Vaults.

The tours are wonderfully atmospheric and the guides are engaging and entertaining, as well as being dressed for the occasion. Auld Reekie also runs special seasonal events depending on the time of year. You’ll find their Halloween tours particularly spine-tingling. The Tron Kirk, 122 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RD, 0131 557 4700.

New Edinburgh’s Pub Crawl
The tour of the city for those who prize a good night out beyond anything, New Edinburgh’s pub crawl is a fantastic opportunity to make friends and get a bit tipsy. In a place like Edinburgh, many of the best bars and pubs are usually tucked away down a quiet street. Joining this tour gives you a good chance of discovering them.

What’s more, the professional tour guides can get you cheap drink specials, meaning that you can party like a rock star whilst spending like a backpacker. From big commercial clubs to funky little cocktail lounges, you won’t want to miss this tour of Edinburgh’s nightlife. Bank Bar, High Street, Edinburgh.

Eat Walk Edinburgh
These unique walking tours give visitors the chance to combine sightseeing with gastronomic delights. Walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town, visiting the many unusual restaurants and cafes that the city has to offer. You’ll be able to chat to the chefs, as well as sample dishes prepared especially for you.

It’s a great way to start your Edinburgh visit, with the chance to taste traditional Scottish cuisine, malt whisky and one or two other little surprises. You’ll receive a discount card for participating eateries and restaurants, so if you feel compelled to return to any particular diner during your stay, you’ll receive money off. 23 Ivy Chambers, Edinburgh, EH11 1PJ, 07740 0869359.

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