THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Edinburgh’s rich history through a personal storytelling walk in Old Aberdeen with Angus of Invisible Cities Tours. Dive into the city’s architecture, language, and lore for a memorable and immersive experience that brings Edinburgh’s past to life.
Discover Edinburgh’s rich history through a personal storytelling walk in Old Aberdeen with Angus of Invisible Cities Tours. Dive into the city’s architecture, language, and lore for a memorable and immersive experience that brings Edinburgh’s past to life.
Book with Invisible Cities Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Invisible Cities Tours · Edinburgh, Edinburgh
In the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Aberdeen, Invisible Cities Tours offers a unique walk that transforms the city into a living storybook. Led by Angus, a local with a background rooted in the city’s university days, this 1.5-hour journey breathes new life into familiar cobblestones and ancient buildings. The walk begins and ends at 5 College Bounds, a central hub from which the city’s narrative unfolds through vivid anecdotes about architecture, language, and local legends. Unlike traditional sightseeing tours, this experience invites visitors to step into the personal stories that make Edinburgh’s history tangible.
Throughout the walk, Angus guides participants through narrow alleyways and charming courtyards, sharing insights into the area's unique use of local dialect and historical tidbits. The tour isn't just about facts; it’s about feeling the pulse of a city that has long been a hub of learning and innovation. The route highlights well-preserved facades and hidden corners that might be overlooked on your own, with stories tying each spot to Edinburgh’s broader cultural tapestry.
Invisible Cities Tours stands out in the outdoor recreation scene by offering an engaging, immersive experience that bridges history with personal connection. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s academic and literary heritage without extensive walking or strenuous activity. Whether you're a history buff or a curious traveler, Angus’s tales turn a simple walk into a memorable encounter with the city’s soul.
This tour is ideally suited for those who enjoy walking, storytelling, and uncovering hidden gems in urban settings. It offers a different perspective on Edinburgh, one that emphasizes personal stories and local color, making history accessible and lively despite its age.
Join this walk and discover the Scottish capital through the eyes of a passionate local, forging a richer, more meaningful connection to this historic city.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves light walking and standing.
Yes, the walk is family-friendly and engaging for most age groups, especially those interested in stories and history.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours with light walking on mostly paved surfaces.
No, Angus’s stories are accessible to all, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local.
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an open mind for engaging stories.
The route involves walking on cobblestone streets, so consider mobility limitations before booking.
It’s best to book in advance, especially during peak visitor seasons, to secure a spot.
The tour weaves stories dating back to Scotland’s ancient university traditions, emphasizing Edinburgh’s long-standing role as a hub of education and culture.
Invisible Cities Tours emphasizes sustainability by encouraging respectful walking and minimizing environmental impact while sharing Edinburgh’s stories.
Invisible Cities Tours is a social enterprise based in Aberdeen, Scotland, offering guided walking tours across multiple UK cities. The organisation specialises in city walks that blend local history, personal testimony and place-based storytelling. Tours include city-specific experiences such as Between Lectures and Legends: My Path Through Old Aberdeen, which starts and ends at 5 College Bounds; The Royal Mile: Edinburgh's Most Famous Street; Innovators and Inventors of Edinburgh; and a range of Manchester, Glasgow and York walks. Guides are people with lived experience who share personal stories alongside historical facts. Some guides are trained from experiences of homelessness and use storytelling to connect visitors to architecture, social history and civic change. Tour lengths vary from one-hour Riverside Walking Tour in Glasgow to two-hour explorations like Innovators and Inventors of Edinburgh. Other offerings include themed walks such as Uncover Stories of Crime and Punishment, The Story of Guy Fawkes, and family-friendly and virtual options. Invisible Cities Tours operates transparently as a social enterprise: revenue from tours supports work that empowers people affected by homelessness. The organisation partners with local communities and venues noted in its itineraries, including historic sites and public meeting places like the SEC and Maggie Dickson's pub. Each itinerary is rooted in factual research and lived experience to create engaging, educational visits. Visitors choose Invisible Cities Tours for city walks that combine history, social impact and authentic local perspective. Booking is available online and details are provided for start points, durations and accessibility where applicable to visitors.
Book with Invisible Cities Tours