Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of Edinburgh? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!
Top 10 tours in Edinburgh
Make your stay in Edinburgh complete with these things to do
1
Choose your favorite local
The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh
212 reviews
3 hours | food tours | Edinburgh
Ready to taste the best food in Edinburgh? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Edinburgh.
Want to see the best of Edinburgh? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Edinburgh!
City Escape: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Day Trip
258 reviews
12 hours | day trips | Edinburgh
Imagine this: a scenic road trip from Edinburgh to explore Loch Ness with stops along the way to discover viewpoints, villages, incredible nature, and cultural gems. Sounds like a dream? No, it’s possible on a Withlocals day trip with a local host leading the way!
Treasures of Edinburgh: Ghosts, myths and legends Tour
506 reviews
2.5 hours | city highlight tours | Edinburgh
You’ve probably heard that Edinburgh is well-known for its ghosts tales, myths and legends, but do you know the stories and origin behind it? Or how much influence it has on the locals daily life? On this private city tour, you are in for a cultural treat!
Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Edinburgh, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Edinburgh.
Did you know that the Edinburgh tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!
City Escape: Stirling Castle, Linlithgow palace & Highlands Day Trip
273 reviews
10 hours | day trips | Edinburgh
Imagine this: a scenic road trip from Edinburgh to explore the Highlands with stops along the way to discover viewpoints, villages, incredible nature, and cultural gems. Sounds like a dream? No, it’s possible on a Withlocals day trip with a local host leading the way!
Want to get a real local taste of the Edinburgh? Give it a taste and find out on this Whisky tour in Edinburgh! Join a local host expert in food and culture on a tour that will satisfy your cultural cravings for Whisky with tastings, history, and highlights.
The History of Edinburgh: Robert Louis Stevenson Tour
483 reviews
3 hours | city highlight tours | Edinburgh
Curious to know more about Edinburgh’s history? Join a local history expert on an insightful tour that will show you a side of the city that can’t be found in any book. This experience will open your eyes to the past and origins of Edinburgh from a local perspective as you learn about Robert Louis Stevenson.
City Escape: St Andrews & Fishing Villages Day Trip
252 reviews
10 hours | day trips | Edinburgh
Imagine this: a scenic road trip from Edinburgh to explore St Andrews with stops along the way to discover viewpoints, villages, incredible nature, and cultural gems. Sounds like a dream? No, it’s possible on a Withlocals day trip with a local host leading the way!
"Gains is extreamly knowledgable about scottish history. He helped us to orient ourselves in the city especially around the royal mile. Wether it was identifying the inspiration for Hogwarts and the validity as such, to the square by the writers museum which holds quotes of Scottish authors, he showed us hidden areas that would be easily missed by the casual visitor. If you have a love of history and want to engage with a likeminded individual Gains is your ideal tour guide."
"Laura was a great communicator, a sweet lady and truly knows Edinburgh. We did a Gems tour on day 1 and Castle tour on day 2. Everything went according to plan and exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend her!"
"Alice was a charming and knowledgeable guide and an absolutely brilliant storyteller. She really did a great job of noticing what interested us the most and focusing on those things more, but also introducing us to things we wouldn't have known about otherwise. Thanks again Alice!"
"We enjoyed each and every minute with Alice. Her storytelling skills and ability to captivate both the adults and the little ones on our guided tour was one of the highlights of our trip, and brought the ancient structures we had been walking through to life. Thank you Alice!"
Odette MariaAbout local AliceEdinburgh, July 7, 2025
5.0
Great tour with Oluf!
"I had a really nice day with Oluf. I asked him to show me different parts of the city that aren’t super touristy and he took me around some beautiful neighborhoods, a walk down along the river, cool pubs, and of course some really interesting historical sites. He is a historian and has a wealth of information and could answer pretty much any question you have regarding the history of this city and the surrounding areas. Also had interesting conversations outside of history, just an all around really cool guy and am really glad I got to experience Edinburgh through his lens. I’d highly recommend Oluf if you’re in the city, especially if you have specific things you’d like to see or check out, as he is very flexible and will cater to what you feel like doing. "
"Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit-rich with history. People were very friendly and it was very convenient to get around the city by tram or bus. We did a walking tour with Gains because we love history. Gains was fabulous-very intelligent and knowledgeable about the history of Edinburgh and Scotland. He fixed the tour around our interests and was very amenable to any changes. We learned so much from him and had a very memorable tour!"
"We had a really great time with Chris. He’s a very pleasant person and shared interesting stories about the city he grew up in. It was a perfect introduction on the first day we arrived. Highly recommend doing a tour with him!"
"I can't recommend Neil enough!
Neil is a local to Edinburgh with a passion for sharing his knowledge of his home town with tourists!
Our tour was at just the right pace - not too fast or too slow. Neil shared Edinburgh's history and hidden secrets- with a delightful touch of his own personal tales.
Thank you Neil!!!"
"Alex was a wonderful host who had some incredibly interesting stories and insights about Edinburgh. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys a bit of of history interlaced with a glass of whiskey along the way!"
"We are so happy we were able to book our tour with Oluf. He was very knowledgeable about Edinburgh and showed us things we would not have seen on any other tour! We appreciated his fascinating story telling which will make this trip an unforgettable experience. If you are thinking of booking a tour be sure to choose Oluf! "
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personalized Tours in Edinburgh with a Local
When you hit the road and land in a new city like Edinburgh, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.
Imagine having someone who lives and breathes Edinburgh spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically Edinburgh.
The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.
But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in Edinburgh, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in Edinburgh awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.
So, next time you're in Edinburgh, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely Edinburgh. Get ready to explore like a local!