Historical Crime Tours with Invisible Cities Tours in Edinburgh
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, comfortable walking required
Overview
Step into Edinburgh’s shadowy past with a captivating tour of crime and punishment stories. Led by guide Sonny, this walk reveals the city’s dark history while supporting a social cause—you'll experience Edinburgh like never before.
Uncover Stories of Crime and Punishment
1h 20 min • All Ages • Hear Sonny’s story and uncover his journey!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join Sonny for a captivating tour of Edinburgh, where you'll explore the city's dark history of crime and punishment. Starting at Maggie Dickson's pub, uncover tales of survival, infamous figures, and historical landmarks, all while supporting a social enterprise that empowers those affected by homelessness. Experience history like never before!
Sonny offers you a tour Edinburgh, taking you along the streets that he knows and following the stories of famous crimes, hangings, and jail time!
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Hear Sonny’s story and uncover his journey!
Duration
1 hours and 20 minutes
Tour Highlights
Begin your adventure at Maggie Dickson's pub and hear the incredible story of how Maggie Dickson survived a public execution in the early 1700s. Then, make your way to Grassmarket Community Project, a social enterprise, and Greyfriar's Cemetery, where you'll learn about the Covenanters and the first concentration camp in history. Hear stories about Deacon Brody, the character that inspired Jekyll and Hyde, before the making your final stop at Street Work.
About Us
Invisible Cities is a Social Enterprise. This means we are a social business with a social conscience. We don't believe in labels or stereotypes and we want to show that everyone has great potential, a fact reflected in our tour guides.
Tour revenue will be invested in providing support for our tour guides, who have all been affected by homelessness.
We train people affected by homelessness to become walking tour guides of their own city and offer these alternative tours to tourists and locals.
Please call for help finding your guide.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour involves navigating cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring an umbrella or rain jacket
Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable; being prepared ensures an enjoyable experience regardless of weather.
Arrive early at Maggie Dickson's pub
Getting there a few minutes early ensures a prompt start and time to settle in before the tour begins.
Have a curious mind and an open ear
Sonny’s storytelling is rich and detailed—engage actively to get the most out of the experience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons and urban seagulls
History
Edinburgh’s justice system historically featured public executions—a practice documented through landmarks visited on this tour.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes respect for the city’s historic sites and contributes to local social programs through its proceeds.
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Adventure Hotspots in Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
To navigate cobblestone streets comfortably throughout the city.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Layered clothing to adapt to Edinburgh’s changeable climate.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Small backpack
For carrying essentials like water, snacks, or rain gear.
Portable flashlight or phone torch
Useful if parts of the tour involve visits to darker or less lit areas.
winter specific