8 Best Free Tours in Edinburgh to Try

Edinburgh is a city bursting with history, culture, and breathtaking architecture, and the best way to experience it all? Free walking tours. As someone who has explored this city from the Royal Mile to the hidden closes, I can confidently say that these tours offer incredible value—expert local guides, fascinating stories, and zero cost (aside from an optional tip).

Whether you're uncovering the secrets of the Old Town, marveling at Edinburgh Castle, or following in the footsteps of literary legends, there’s a free tour for every interest. The best part? These tours aren’t just about sightseeing—they’re about immersive storytelling. Guides bring Edinburgh’s past to life, from medieval battles to the eerie tales of the underground vaults.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best free tours in Edinburgh, including those focused on ghost stories, Harry Potter, Scottish history, and local legends. I’ll also share insider tips on how to book, what to expect, and how to make the most of your experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, these tours will give you an unforgettable, authentic Edinburgh experience—without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in and discover the top-rated free walking tours that will make your trip to Scotland’s capital truly extraordinary.

Best free tours in Edinburgh

From the typical guided tour that takes you to discover the essential places in the city to other thematic tours that reveal more hidden but equally interesting aspects of the Scottish capital. Free tours are an ideal way to discover the emblems, history and curiosities of the destinations. In addition, you will have guides in Spanish who will answer any questions you may have and give you recommendations for the rest of the trip.

Tipping on free tours
Although they are known as free tours, they are actually funded by tips from attendees. But how much should you tip? A reference figure is €10-€15 per person , but it depends on various factors, such as the country and city, the professionalism of the guide, the duration, the organization, the size of the group, etc. In the end, it is up to you to decide how much to pay. Don't feel obliged to give more than you think, but value the work and time of the guide.

1. Free tour of Edinburgh's historic center

The free tour of Edinburgh's Old Town is the most popular of all and offers an excellent introduction to its history, culture and architecture . During the approximately 2-hour tour, a Spanish-speaking guide will take you to the main sights of the city , such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St. Giles' Cathedral.

In addition to getting to know these emblematic corners, the guide will tell you interesting facts and anecdotes about the city, as well as about its most famous people. He will put you in the historical context in which Edinburgh was born and developed, until it was declared the capital of Scotland. In short, a very complete free tour of Edinburgh, ideal for those who do not yet know the city.

Edinburgh's busiest street during the day

Things to do

2. Free tour of the ghosts of Edinburgh

Do you like ghosts and the paranormal ? Then this free tour is perfect for you. Explore the most mysterious places in Edinburgh and its haunted stories, although don't be surprised if you find a spirit among your companions. There are many legends of ghosts that come out at dawn to roam the streets of the city.

This tour is usually done at night so that the atmosphere is much more spooky and you quickly get into character. Do you dare to be scared to death?

Edinburgh ghost free tour

3. Free Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is an inspiring city and has in fact been the home of countless poets and writers. Among them is JK Rowling , the author of the Harry Potter saga.

If you are a fan of the most famous wizard of all time and his friends, you cannot miss the free Harry Potter tour, where you will discover many of the places that inspired Rowling to write her stories, such as Victoria Street, represented in Diagon Alley, The Elephant House, where the writer wrote her most important work, or Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery, where you will see the grave of Thomas Riddle 😉

By the way, during your visit to the cemetery you will also learn the story of the ghost of Greyfriars Bobby , a dog who for 14 years stood at the graveside of his owner, John Gray. The people of Edinburgh were touched by the animal's loyalty and began bringing him food and water. He became so famous that he was even given the title of "Citizen of Edinburgh". After his death on 14 January 1872, he was buried next to his owner. Isn't that a lovely story?

Elephant House cafe in Edinburgh

Fun Things to do

4. Free tour of the New Town and Dean Village

Do you fancy visiting one of the most picturesque and bohemian neighbourhoods in Edinburgh? The New Town is waiting for you, because outside the historic centre there is plenty of interesting life.

And of course, the free tour also passes through Dean Village , an old mill town founded in the 12th century by monks and which for centuries was an important centre for flour production . Its narrow cobbled streets, its medieval-style stone houses and its ruined water mills create a magical atmosphere. You'll love it!

street in Dean Village in Edinburgh

Still wondering which Edinburgh free tour to sign up for? We have the solution: all of them.

Other recommended tours in Edinburgh

In addition to these tip-based tours, there are other paid activities in Edinburgh that we highly recommend. Here are our favorites:

5 - Loch Ness and the Highlands Tour (popular)
6 - Guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
7 - Forth Bridges Boat Tour + Blackness Castle
8 - Complete guided tour of Edinburgh

Did you like these free tours of Edinburgh ? We hope you've signed up for at least one, but if you have time, do several! It's a cheap and interesting way to see all the faces of a city.

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