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Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Edinburgh Private Tour

4.7 · 136 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 93% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Edinburgh Operated by Withlocals Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
3h
Group
Private tour, your party only
Guide languages
English
Start & pickup
15 start times between 09:00 and 16:00 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

See Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirkyard on a private tour for your party, with local storytelling along the way.

Guiding and a local drink or tasting are included; attractions are viewed from outside. 4.74 from 136 reviews at €106 per person for 3h.

In our comparison: #54 of 55 in Private Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Price and inclusions

One price for every traveller: €106 per adult.

Included and not included

  • Private Tour
  • Local Guide
  • 1 local drink/tasting
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • Food & beverages not listed as inclusions
  • Entrance to the attractions - we will visit them from the outside

Child prices by age band are shown at checkout. Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 1 October 2026.

Reviews

4.7
136 ratings
Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor

93% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 127 of 136

Star breakdown of all 136 ratings

5 stars
124 · 91%
4 stars
3 · 2%
3 stars
1 · 1%
2 stars
2 · 1%
1 star
6 · 4%

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise engaging stories and tailored walks, but some report late cancellations without an alternative guide.

Praised

  • Guides explain Edinburgh's history through engaging stories and humour
  • Closes, gardens and quieter corners visitors say they would have missed alone
  • Routes and walking pace adapted to interests and mobility needs
  • Stories that engage children and teenagers as well as adults
  • Useful suggestions for pubs, restaurants and places to explore later

Complaints

  • Late cancellations, sometimes without an alternative guide being offered

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (3 April 2023 to 3 October 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
In front of Cafe Edinburgh. · Open in Google Maps
Departure
15 start times between 09:00 and 16:00 daily; scheduled year-round (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Return
This activity ends back at the meeting point
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Withlocals; booking and payment are completed on Viator

Itinerary

About this tour, from the operator

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Accessibility

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Good to know

  • Min. 2 to book not for solo travellers
  • Food included 1 local drink/tasting

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund

Compared with other Private Tours

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #54 of 55€1063h4.74 (136)private
The Potter Trail Private Tour€961h 30m4.97 (2545)private
Luxury Private Tour of The Highlands Loch Ness from Edinburgh€1302 per group10h5.0 (201)private
Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!€131 per group2h4.99 (243)private

Ranked #54 of 55 in Private Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €61 to €1524, median €239; typical length 7h 30m. 55 of 55 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 55 Private Tours

From €106 per adult