Hi, I’m Tom

Hi, My name is Tom and I'm an Edinburgh local, born and bred within the city. I am fascinated by history and politics, especially concerning the city itself. I am currently studying politics at the University of Edinburgh and have also been working as a tour guide within Edinburgh Castle but have recently left. I love to meet and inform visitors to Edinburgh about the history and culture around them.

5.0 (26)

I’ve lived in Edinburgh for 21 years

I speak English

I am Tour Guide with Historic Environments Scotland

My Interests are:

Local cuisine Unique & unusual foods Cinema Art galleries & museums Parks Gardens

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English

My Favorite Experiences To Host

Flexible Half-Day Discovery

Edinburgh

Half day in Edinburgh with a local

5 (133)

4 hours

From $128.25 per person

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4 hours tailored to what you want to see and do. So whether it's ticking off main sites or discovering hidden gems, it's up to you and your host!

Local Food & Drink Tastings

Edinburgh

Ultimate Edinburgh food experience

5 (42)

3 hours

From $170.1 per person

See details

Eat and drink your way through Edinburgh sampling six to eight Scottish specialties with a foodie host who'll tailor the experience to your taste buds

Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems

Edinburgh

A royal walk: Edinburgh Castle to Arthur’s Seat

5 (80)

2 hours

From $76.95 per person

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Walk around the beautiful Old Town and the streets surrounding Edinburgh Castle admiring incredible architecture and discovering hidden gems.

Hidden Gems

Edinburgh

Discover secret Edinburgh

5 (56)

3 hours

From $102.6 per person

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From a secret village to a roof top terrace with spectacular views of the city, your host will unlock the hidden gems you would miss on your own

Local Food & Drink Tastings

Edinburgh

Edinburgh whisky experience

5 (55)

3 hours

From $142.43 per person

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Stroll through the historic Old Town with a fellow whisky-lover, stopping to try four whiskies from Scotland’s major whisky-producing regions.

City Essentials: First Day

Edinburgh

Kickstart your trip to Edinburgh

5 (116)

3 hours

From $102.6 per person

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The perfect 3-hour experience for your first day in Edinburgh. Get oriented and gain tips from your host to make the most of the rest of your visit.

Local Food & Drink Tastings

Edinburgh

Let the tasting be gin - Edinburgh gin experience

5 (65)

3 hours

From $143.78 per person

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Sip your way around Edinburgh with a fellow gin-lover tasting traditional and lesser-known gins on an experience tailored to your wishes.

Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems

Edinburgh

Must see Edinburgh with a local

5 (93)

8 hours

From $230.85 per person

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See some of Edinburgh's top sites in a day, from the Royal Mile to Calton Hill, and a sprinkle of hidden gems on an experience fully tailored to you.

Family-Friendly

Edinburgh

Family day in Edinburgh with a local

5 (82)

4 hours

From $128.25 per person

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Discover the best of Edinburgh to be enjoyed by the whole family on an experience tailored to by a host who knows what the kids will love to explore.

Layover Exploration

Edinburgh

Escape the airport: see Edinburgh on your layover

5 (45)

5 hours

From $205.54 per person

See details

Get picked up at the airport and swap the airport lounge for a tour of Edinburgh tailored to your schedule and wishes!

Articles I Recommend or Wrote

Remarkable Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town

Getting To Know Edinburgh

Don’t make these big mistakes in Edinburgh!

The Must-See Sites For Your First Trip to Edinburgh

5 Places Every Harry Potter Fan Needs to See in Edinburgh

The 5 Best Viewpoints to See and Photograph Edinburgh Castle

See All Articles

What My Guests Think of Me

Timothy 2 August 2025

Enjoyed the pacing of the experience and how we could go deeper on areas of interest to us.

Ross 21 April 2025

Really great customizable tour. Tom was friendly, enthusiastic, highly knowledgeable and tailored stories and sites perfectly to keep our 7 and 10 year old engaged — so much so that they were sad when the tour ended. A+ all the way!

Andrea 19 September 2024

Edinburgh ist eine fantastische Stadt und Tom ein sehr sympathischer Guide mit viel historischem und aktuellem Wissen. Besonders gefallen haben uns die vielen Anekdoten. Edinburgh is a fantastic city and Tom is a very personable guide with a lot historical and current knowledge. We particularly liked the many anecdotes.

Joseph 12 September 2024

Thomas was a very knowledgeable tour guide who was able to answer all the questions that we peppered him with and gave us additional information that we didn’t know prior to our tour.

Meet Other Hosts in Edinburgh

Our hosts bring destinations to life, sharing local stories and crafting your perfect experience.

Hi, I’m Doug

Edinburgh

5.0 (77)

I love this city for its fascinating history, museums, galleries, open spaces, and sports scene. As a cinema enthusiast, I can recommend the best theaters and give great insights into the Edinburgh International Film Festival. I also have experience working with the Edinburgh Fringe performance venues and can provide insider tips on the best shows to catch. I enjoy walking, reading, and visiting the city's botanic garden in my free time. I look forward to welcoming you to Edinburgh and sharing my love of this amazing city with you.

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English

Great!! — Michael , Edinburgh

Hi, I’m Colin

Edinburgh

4.9 (29)

I'm a curious and easygoing guy who loves to explore new places and meet new people. What I really adore about Edinburgh is its rich history and stunning architecture, as well as its gorgeous natural surroundings - I could spend hours wandering through the parks and hills! When I'm not out and about, I enjoy sipping on some delicious whisky and discovering hidden gems throughout the city. As an expert in the West side and Central Edinburgh neighborhoods, I love sharing my knowledge of the area, especially when it comes to the fascinating history of the upper water of Leith and the best parks and outdoor spots to check out. Let's explore Edinburgh together!

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English

Hi, I’m Richard

Edinburgh

4.9 (19)

I’m endlessly inspired by the breathtaking architecture, dramatic landscapes, and, of course, the world-famous festivals that make this city so vibrant. With its rich and fascinating history, Edinburgh is a treasure trove of stories, and I love sharing them with visitors. You’ll often find me enjoying live comedy, relaxing in one of the city’s many fantastic bars or coffee shops, or diving into the exhibits at our incredible museums. Whether it’s the historic charm of the Old Town, the elegance of the New Town, or the creative vibe of Leith, I know these neighborhoods like the back of my hand. If you’re looking for the best places to eat, drink, or experience Edinburgh’s cultural heartbeat, I’m here to help you uncover the magic of this unforgettable city. Let’s explore together!

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English

Majestic Towers: A Gateway to the Gothic Spire

Hi, I’m Jill

Edinburgh

5.0 (18)

I'm Jill, your friendly and knowledgeable host in beautiful Edinburgh. Join me on a tour of breathtaking views, stunning architecture and winding streets, exploring the rich tapestry of the city's fascinating culture and sometimes dark history. As a long time local, I know the Old and New Towns, Stockbridge and all the places in between like the back of my hand. I love sharing my knowledge of the city's history and seeking out hidden gems as well as the must see galleries, museums and other highlights. I can help you find the best coffee spots and vibrant eateries so can't wait to create unforgettable memories for you in this incredible city.

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English

Our guide was lovely, she took us to places we would not of seen if doing this ourselves, it was so interesting and she gave us a list at the end that she had written up of places to eat and bars to visit with live music, highly recommend — Patricia , Edinburgh

Hi, I’m James

Edinburgh

5.0 (17)

I'm James, your friendly and knowledgeable host here in beautiful Edinburgh. With a deep love for this fascinating city, I'm excited to share its many layers of history and charm with you. Whether it's strolling through the quirky and stunning architecture, relaxing by the Meadows, or diving into the vibrant theatre scene, there's always something new to discover. I'm particularly passionate about the cultural and arts scene—especially theatre—but you'll also find me exploring galleries and local performances. I know the Old Town and Leith neighborhoods inside out, and I can offer insights into Edinburgh's rich social history along the Royal Mile. Let's uncover the hidden gems and stories of this walkable, green, and ever-intriguing city together! I can't wait to show you around, see you soon.

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English
French

Hi, I’m Brian

Edinburgh

4.9 (17)

I'm Brian, your local host in Edinburgh. I absolutely love Edinburgh for its rich history, diverse food and drink scene, and accessibility to open spaces. When I'm not exploring the historic streets, you'll find me indulging in the vibrant restaurant, cafe, and bar culture of Edinburgh. There's nothing better than sharing a meal or a drink with guests and friends, discovering hidden culinary gems, and enjoying the warm and lively atmosphere this city offers. From the enchanting Old Town to the elegant New Town and the vibrant Port of Leith, I can guide you through the city's hidden treasures and lesser-known spots. So, if you're ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through Edinburgh, let's get started! I'm here to ensure you have a fantastic time in this remarkable city. Cheers!

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English

Hi, I’m Andre

Edinburgh

5.0 (13)

I'm Andre, your go-to host in Edinburgh, where history and modernity dance together on cobblestone streets. This city's magic lies in its compactness, blending everything you could wish for without feeling overwhelming. Just a short stroll takes you from the medieval allure of the Old Town to the chic vibes of the New Town—a change of scenery that never ceases to amaze me. My heart belongs to Edinburgh's pub culture, where every corner reveals a story, friendly faces, and the warmth of traditional Scottish fare. And let's not forget the diverse landscapes—from the breathtaking views atop Arthur's Seat to the serene waterside dinners in Leith. Diving into the city's dark history and connecting it to the vibrancy of modern Edinburgh is my forte. Join me for an adventure through Edinburgh's past and present, and let's make some unforgettable memories together!

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English
Portuguese

Absolutely excellent tour with Andre today. Really friendly and personable, with a wealth of information which brought the city to life. Excellent tips for places to go, places to eat, and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of Edinburgh. — Neil , Edinburgh

Hi, I’m Alice

Edinburgh

5.0 (12)

I'm Alice, your warm and friendly local host in Edinburgh. Living in this wonderful city gives me the chance to enjoy its amazing views, its old streets, and the fascinating stories that have been passed down through the generations. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else! When I'm not busy showing visitors around, you can find me exploring the city museums or simply strolling around the old streets, which I know like the back of my hand. From the Old Town to the New Town neighborhoods, I can guide you through every nook and cranny of this wonderful city. As an Edinburgh expert, I am not only knowledgeable about the city's history and culture, but I also know the best places to go for a great cup of coffee or a delicious meal. Trust me; you won't regret choosing me as your local host for a walking tour of the city. So come along, and let's explore Edinburgh together!

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English

★★★★★

Satchi

10 March 2026

I love that David took me to places and suburbs I didn’t know about. The conversation was engaging as we had similar interests so felt the host was well suited to me.

Edward

Yuka was not only so knowledgeable about everywhere went, she carried diagrams with her to help put it into perspective, and aside from that she has an amazing personality; it is so easy to chat with her. It was like meeting an old friend and she makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable. I really appreciate that. We also ate at a local place and learned of new Japanese food from Hiroshima we never heard of. Okonomiyaki!

Mary

9 March 2026

Allan was amazing. The choices of food was perfect with lots of dishes to choose from. But the part I loved the most was how he shared his knowledge of the history of Barcelona and Spain. I learned thinks I know I never will forget. The day ended with the most amazing churros!

Hi, I’m Tom

My Interests are:

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

My Favorite Experiences To Host

Half day in Edinburgh with a local

Ultimate Edinburgh food experience

A royal walk: Edinburgh Castle to Arthur’s Seat

Discover secret Edinburgh

Edinburgh whisky experience

Kickstart your trip to Edinburgh

Let the tasting be gin - Edinburgh gin experience

Must see Edinburgh with a local

Family day in Edinburgh with a local

Escape the airport: see Edinburgh on your layover

Articles I Recommend or Wrote

Remarkable Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town

Getting To Know Edinburgh

Don’t make these big mistakes in Edinburgh!

The Must-See Sites For Your First Trip to Edinburgh

5 Places Every Harry Potter Fan Needs to See in Edinburgh

The 5 Best Viewpoints to See and Photograph Edinburgh Castle

What My Guests Think of Me

Meet Other Hosts in Edinburgh

Doug

Gee

Colin

Richard

Michael

Jill

James

Brian

Andre

Alice

Hi, I’m Doug

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

Hi, I’m Gee

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

Fun fact about me

Hi, I’m Colin

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

Hi, I’m Richard

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

Hi, I’m Michael

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

Hi, I’m Jill

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

Hi, I’m James

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

Hi, I’m Brian

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

Hi, I’m Andre

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

Hi, I’m Alice

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak