Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours 5.0 (90)

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!

Walking is undoubtedly the best way to see the city so bring a sturdy pair of shoes to deal with the cobbled streets!

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 location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What 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 most

What 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

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Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
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What travelers think of this experience

Ross Apr 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!

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Don Apr 2025

This was an exceptional experience. Edinburgh is a fascinating city with a dramatic history. Gains is a superb guide with an amazing grasp of the historic and “hidden gems” of the city. He has a PhD understanding coupled with a pleasant and friendly manner. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

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Don Apr 2025

Gains is fountain of knowledge and a highly interesting presenter. He was thoughtful and helpful in every way.

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SRIHARSHAA Mar 2025

We really had a very pleasant day four with Dough !!!

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Fiona Jan 2025

Our guide, Gee, asked us at the beginning of the tour what we would like to see, and then decided what to show us based on that. We saw a diverse range of things, including the graveyard, Edinburgh castel, the old town, and the new town.

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Lui Jan 2025

Absolutely loved Edinburgh. All of our guides were marvelous. Such a warm, inviting city even in Winter! We had the pleasure of a guided walking tour around Edinburgh that gave us a fantastic overview of the city. We will be coming back soon!

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