Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Edinburgh Private Tour with a Local - Highlights & Hidden Gems

103 Reviews 4.78 out of 5 stars Based on 103 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 94% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

2 to 6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Edinburgh is a city of stories—and this experience is built around the ones that matter to you. Whether you're drawn to medieval intrigue, peaceful green corners, literary landmarks, or buzzing creative districts, your host will design a route that brings it all together.

After booking, you'll complete a short Personalization Form so we can match you with a local who shares your interests. Together, you'll create a flexible, engaging itinerary filled with insight, character, and memorable moments that only a local perspective can offer.

What's Included

  • Online Personalization Form sent after booking to tailor your experience
  • Flexible durations and start times - Pick your preferred duration when you book
  • Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
  • Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation
  • Gratuities (optional)
See 2 moreSee 4 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

This is a private walking experience, no private vehicle is included. Hotel pick-up on foot can be arranged for guests staying at centrally located hotels in Edinburgh. Alternatively, your host can meet you at the central meeting point, Harvey Nichols, which we recommend for the best experience.

OR
Meeting point

30-34 Saint Andrew Square
Edinburgh EH2 2LL, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Edinburgh (pass by)

Explore a city where gothic spires pierce the skyline and centuries-old streets buzz with creativity. With a local host who knows Edinburgh beyond the guidebooks, you'll uncover its rich contrasts—charming villages beside royal avenues, quiet closes hiding bold stories, and neighborhoods alive with tradition and new ideas. This experience is shaped entirely around your interests and pace. After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire to help us design the perfect route. Here are some locations that might shape your itinerary:
Read more

New Town (pass by)

Start your walk in New Town, where broad streets, grand architecture, and peaceful gardens reflect Edinburgh’s elegant transformation. Your host will highlight independent galleries, cultural institutions, and the civic vision that helped shape the city.
Read more

Scott Monument (pass by)

Pause beneath this dramatic tribute to Sir Walter Scott and take in views that inspired a literary legacy. Your host will share how Edinburgh earned its title as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
Read more

Royal Mile (pass by)

Venture along the Royal Mile, where historic buildings and shadowy closes tell the stories of monarchs, merchants, and city life through the centuries. This iconic stretch is Edinburgh’s spine, and your host will bring it vividly to life.
Read more

Grassmarket (pass by)

This historic square offers sweeping views, colorful folklore, and vibrant local culture. Once a marketplace and site of public executions, Grassmarket is now a hub of creative energy and a window into the city’s evolving identity.
Read more

Dean Village (pass by)

Tucked along the Water of Leith, Dean Village feels far removed from the city’s bustle. With cobbled lanes and stone cottages, this tranquil enclave offers a picturesque glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.
Read more
Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
  • After booking, you'll receive a short online Personalization Form to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
  • This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden Gems?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-30791P63

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.78
103 reviews

Average 4.78 out of 5 stars based on 103 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
92
4 stars
5
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

The Kelpies, St Andrews & Cute Coastal Towns

This day-trip takes you on a journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and historic locations. You will begin with a visit to The …More

This day-trip takes you on a journey through some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and historic locations. You will begin with a visit to The...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (5)
from
$679

3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh

Scotland is a big place and with so many amazing places to explore you’ll be right to be excited about your 3 day Isle of …More

Scotland is a big place and with so many amazing places to explore you’ll be right to be excited about your 3 day Isle of...

3 days
4.9 (1,606)
from
$247

Edinburgh's Dark and Sinister History Walking Tour

What’s reported to be the most haunted place in Edinburgh? What inspired the story of Dr Jekyll and My Hyde? What happened to witched in …More

What’s reported to be the most haunted place in Edinburgh? What inspired the story of Dr Jekyll and My Hyde? What happened to witched in...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$22

Edinburgh: 3-Day Speyside Whisky Adventure with Private Guide

Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in Scotland’s legendary whisky heartland. This exclusive three-day private journey whisks you from Edinburgh into the legendary Speyside region—home …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in Scotland’s legendary whisky heartland. This exclusive three-day private journey whisks you from Edinburgh into the legendary Speyside region—home...

3 days Hotel pickup offered
from
$1,713

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting

The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,011)
from
$34

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where the legendary Loch Ness await. Experience a day packed with incredible …More

Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where the legendary Loch Ness await. Experience a day packed with incredible...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (6,918)
from
$67

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

A chocolate experience to remember! Fully indoors and perfect come rain or sunshine! See and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree, and learn all …More

A chocolate experience to remember! Fully indoors and perfect come rain or sunshine! See and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree, and learn all...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (4,835)
from
$38

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is …More

Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (6,177)
from
$56

What's Included

Activity name

  • Online Personalization Form sent after booking to tailor your experience
  • Flexible durations and start times - Pick your preferred duration when you book
  • Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
  • Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations
  • Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Hotel drop off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
  • After booking, you'll receive a short online Personalization Form to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
  • This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
  • Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.

Report Product Issue

Activity name