Edinburgh
Half day in Edinburgh with a local
Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours
5.0
(123)
Half day in Edinburgh with a local
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!
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Spend half a day with your host and enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of historic Edinburgh
- Tick items off your ‘must see’ list and enjoy some spots off the beaten path, too
- Discover the highlights of the neighbourhood you explore
- Admire the stunning architecture, noticing how seamlessly it blends in with the rocky highlands
- Absorb the city’s atmosphere and bask in the warm Edinburgh hospitality
- Get to know your host and ask them about the city’s heritage and celtic folklore. Snag a few tips on where else they think you should visit in the city!
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalised experience
4 hours with a host
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations).
Useful local knowledge and insight
Walking experience
What’s not included
Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
Settled in the rocky hills, Edinburgh offers everything from beautiful architecture (notably the university and parliament buildings) to stunning landscapes and everything in between.
You’ll join one of our Edinburgh hosts, and from here, it’s up to you if you’d like to strut your stuff down the Royal Mile or pay homage at the Scott Monument. Are you a landmark hunter or a leisurely wanderer? Just tell us your pace, and we’ll stick to it.
In a few hours, you could explore a single neighborhood thoroughly, like the historic stone buildings of the Old Town, or perhaps drop in at a local pub and listen to the bartender tell you all about Scotland’s history and the folklore that trickles through into city’s culture today.
Fall in love with this timeless relic of days gone by, and enjoy your host’s great company (we’re a little biased, but they really are great company).
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
Stephen
Oct 2025
Our tour guide Doug was a wealth of information - a walking history book of Edinburgh. Friendly and flexible, he provided a terrific condensed experience of the city’s highlights.
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Lee
Oct 2025
Our host was very friendly and personable, and worked to cover as much as possible in the hours we had with her.
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Amy
Sep 2025
James was knowledgeable, warm and funny. We loved his stories
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Diane
Sep 2025
James was lots of fun and very knowledgeable. We will recommend him to anyone seeking a private Edinburgh city tour!
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Elaina
Sep 2025
It was a great historical tour of all the sites in Edinburgh. Edgar was very knowledgeable of all the history. He even to met us at our guesthouse so we wouldn’t get lost on the bus to the center of town.
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Michael
Sep 2025
Michael showed us an interesting and unexpected side of Edinburgh. The 4 hour tour seemed to fly by. We learned so much about this beautiful and exciting city.
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