ABOUT THE Free Tour of Edinburgh
The gratuity-based Edinburgh Free Tour starts on 130 High Street (The Royal Mile), on the corner with Stevenlaw's Close
- Stroll up the Royal Mile, visiting St Gile’s Cathedral and other major landmarks
- Meet Scottish greats like William Wallace
- Visit the pub (and history!) filled Grassmarket
- See the National Museum of Scotland
TOUR SCHEDULES
- Local English-speaking guide
- A break partway through the tour at a local charity cafe
- Gratuities for the guide (optional)
- Food and drinks at the break location
- Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
- All minors must be accompanied by an adult in order to join the tour
- Depending on the route, the tour may finish by the National Museum of Scotland, by Greyfriars Kirkyard or by The Writers' Museum
- Due to the old streets and uneven terrain, accessing parts of Edinburgh by wheelchair can sometimes be challenging. The Free Tour is wheelchair accessible when accompanied by a non-disabled participant
Customer reviews
What is a gratuity-based Free Tour?
The gratuity-based Free Tour is the best introduction to Edinburgh! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 2.5 hours and is provided by a local freelance guide in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, so tour content can vary depending on your guide’s particular area of interest and expertise.
The gratuity-based Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travellers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!
We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Edinburgh's best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.
Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?
- The route covers many of Edinburgh Old Town major landmarks
- The meeting point is centrally located at 130 High Street
- The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
- The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time
Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.