Historic Walking Tours in Edinburgh’s Old & New Town
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness needed for moderate walking on cobblestone streets
Overview
Discover Edinburgh’s rich history with L’Essentiel d’Edimbourg, offering guided tours through the medieval Old Town and elegant New Town. Dive into centuries of culture, architecture, and stories on these immersive walks.
L’Essentiel d’Edimbourg
Sur demande, envoyez un mail à tours.et.detours.d.edimbourg@gmail.com pour vérifier la disponibilité
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Explore the historic heart of Edinburgh on a captivating tour that highlights the city's must-see landmarks. Journey through time as you discover the contrasts between the medieval Old Town and the elegant 18th-century New Town, affectionately known as the Athens of the North. Join a private or group tour for an unforgettable experience.
La visite qui couvre les “must” du centre historique. Cette visite permet d’avoir une vue d’ensemble des incontournables du vieil Edimbourg et offre une introduction à l’histoire de la capitale écossaise en remontant le temps et découvrant une ville de contrastes entre la Vieille Ville médiévale aux nombreuses ruelles et la ville élégante des Lumières du XVIIIe siècle, l’Athènes du Nord comme on la surnomme affectueusement.
En privé toute l'année, en visite de groupe le jeudi à 17h30 en juillet et août.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
Edinburgh’s Old Town features uneven cobblestones, so sturdy walking shoes are essential for comfort.
Dress for changing weather
Bring a waterproof jacket; Edinburgh’s weather can shift quickly, especially in spring and fall.
Book tours in advance
Group tours fill up quickly during peak seasons, so reserve your spot ahead to ensure availability.
Use public transport
Parking is limited in historic areas; public transit or walking is the best way to reach start points.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons commonly seen in squares
- Occasional urban foxes in quieter streets
History
Edinburgh’s New Town was built in the late 1700s as a response to overcrowding in the Old Town, reflecting Enlightenment values.
Conservation
L’Essentiel d’Edimbourg promotes low-impact walking tours that support preservation of Edinburgh’s historic urban fabric.
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Adventure Hotspots in Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Protects feet on uneven cobblestone streets.
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry during frequent spring rain showers.
spring specific
Sunglasses
Useful on bright summer days in the New Town’s open squares.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the tour’s walking segments.