Tour of the Royal Mile Alleyways

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Provided by: Timeless Edinburgh
Duration
2 hours
Meeting point
1 Upper Bow, Edinburgh, Scotland
Languages
English, Spanish
From €14.00
Per person
Free Cancellation. No Booking Fees.
Cancel for free up to 24 hours. We price match.

Overview

Explore the Royal Mile and its mysterious alleyways on a tour where stories come alive!

From the forecourt of Edinburgh Castle, delve into the fascinating past of the Scottish capital by exploring its "closes", narrow, ancient passages that have witnessed centuries of history.

As we descend the Royal Mile, we go back in time to discover the origins of this vibrant city, visiting some of the most iconic alleys, such as Bakehouse Close, Dunbar's Close, James Court, and many more.

We will learn about the lives of those who inhabited them, such as Allan Ramsay, poet and precursor of enlightened thought; David Hume, one of the most influential philosophers in history; or Patrick Geddes, pioneer of modern urbanism.

We will tell you the stories of merchants, hidden legends, and how life in these passages reflects the evolution of Edinburgh from the Middle Ages to the present day. We will also tour secret gardens that connect the city with nature.

We will finish in front of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the foot of the majestic Arthur's Seat.
Come and discover the most authentic and surprising Edinburgh!
Tour Conditions
Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility
Pets
Pet-friendly
Read more

This activity includes:

  • Dunbars Close
  • Castle Wynd Steps
  • Riddles Court
  • Lady Stair's Close
  • Scottish Parliament Building
  • Royal Mile
  • The World's End
  • Ramsay Garden
  • Boswell's Court
  • White Horse Close
  • Tour guiado de dos horas

Meeting point

1 Upper Bow, Edinburgh, Scotland

On arrival

Our guide will be waiting for you at 1 Upper Bow, in front of The Hub (the church with the red windows). He will be carrying a purple umbrella. You can't miss it!
Participants are requested to arrive at the meeting point a few minutes before the tour starts.

Things to note

Although it is raining less and less in Edinburgh (yes, we are noticing the climate change here, too), the Scottish weather can still surprise us. We recommend wearing comfortable and appropriate footwear, as well as a collapsible rain jacket, just in case.

At Timeless Edinburgh, we deeply value and respect our team of guides, who are constantly working to provide you with the best possible experience. We kindly ask that you treat your guide with respect at all times. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any disrespectful behavior, including sexist, homophobic, racist, or discriminatory attitudes.

We are committed to promoting sustainable, high-quality, locally driven tourism. We also ask that you respect the spaces we visit and the local residents, keeping noise to a minimum and being mindful of those who live and work in the area. Thank you for helping us create a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone!

Free Cancellation

Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Late cancellation or your non-arrival is not refundable.

Availability & Language
December 2025
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Today, 6 December 2025
english
english
4:00 PM
spanish
spanish
10:30 AM
From €14.00
No availability
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