Edinburgh: Old Town Walking Tour with an APP

If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh and want to soak up the city’s charm without the hassle of traditional guided tours, the Old Town Walking Tour with an APP might be just what you need. This experience offers a way to explore at your own pace, using your phone to guide you through some of Edinburgh’s most iconic sights and lesser-known spots. While it’s not a full in-person guide, it’s a budget-friendly option that combines tech and history for a flexible adventure.

What’s particularly appealing is the cost—around $10 per person—is hard to beat for a five-hour tour. Plus, the idea of wandering through the Royal Mile, gazing at the stunning architecture of St Giles’ Cathedral, and catching breathtaking views from Calton Hill makes this a tempting choice. That said, it’s not perfect—some users have experienced technical hiccups, and there are no in-person guides or entry tickets included, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy self-directed exploration, don’t mind using an app, and want to customize their sightseeing experience without the pressure of a group. It’s especially good if you’re comfortable navigating with your phone and want a budget-friendly way to see Edinburgh’s highlights on your own timeline.

Key Points

• Self-paced exploration using a smartphone app offers flexibility to suit your schedule.
• Highlights include the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle views, Grassmarket Square, and Calton Hill.
• Technical issues have been reported, so download and test the app beforehand.
• Cost-effective at just $10 per person, ideal for budget travelers.
• No entry fees or guides included, so plan for tickets and additional costs.
• Suitable for travelers who prefer independence and tech-savvy navigation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Consider the Old Town Walking Tour with an App?

If you’re someone who enjoys wandering through historic streets at your own pace, this app-guided tour can be a real boon. It offers the freedom to start when you want, pause, replay, or skip any narration, making it adaptable to your style of sightseeing. For a modest $10, you gain access to over 40 narration points that cover both popular landmarks and hidden spots, giving a fairly comprehensive view of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

While it isn’t a guided tour with a live person, the detailed instructions and narration provide a layer of context that helps you understand what you’re looking at, making the experience more meaningful. It’s perfect for tech-savvy travelers who prefer to avoid large groups or those on a tight schedule who want to maximize their time.

What Does the Tour Cover?

Starting Point: Calton Hill

Your adventure kicks off at Calton Hill, known for its panoramic vistas of Edinburgh. The views here are spectacular, offering a great introduction before you dive into the city’s bustling streets. The app provides narration about the importance of this spot and what you should look for, making it easy to orient yourself.

Walking Down the Royal Mile

From Calton Hill, you’ll descend to the Royal Mile, the historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. As you stroll, the app guides you past the John Knox House, where you’ll learn about one of Scotland’s most notable figures. This street is packed with history, shops, and lively cafes, making it a vibrant spot to soak in Edinburgh’s atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

St Giles’ Cathedral

The tour highlights this architectural gem, famed for its Gothic style and stunning interiors. The narration shares stories about its religious significance and architectural features, giving you a deeper appreciation for this historic church.

Edinburgh Castle Views

While the tour doesn’t include entry, you’ll stop at a vantage point to admire the fortress perched atop Castle Rock. The app enriches this experience with historical insights, helping you understand why the castle is such a symbol of Edinburgh.

Grassmarket Square

Next, you’ll walk through this lively historic area, once home to public executions but now known for its pubs, shops, and lively atmosphere. The narration recounts its darker past and its current vibrancy, giving you a nuanced view of the area.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

The tour ends at this peaceful cemetery, famous for its historical figures and the story behind the famous Greyfriars Bobby. The app provides context about the significance of this spot and its tranquil ambiance.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

Duration and Flexibility

The tour is designed to last around five hours, but with a self-guided format, you can take longer or shorter depending on your pace. The app’s flexibility allows you to start and stop wherever you like, making it suitable for different kinds of travelers—whether you prefer a quick visit or a leisurely exploration.

Cost and Value

At $10 per person, this tour offers a budget-friendly way to see Edinburgh’s highlights. With no in-person guide or entry fees included, you’ll want to budget extra for tickets to attractions like Edinburgh Castle or Holyroodhouse. Yet, the price point makes it accessible and a good starting point for those who want an overview without breaking the bank.

Technical Considerations

You’ll need a smartphone with a strong internet connection to access the tour, especially at the start. The app plays stories automatically as you walk along, but you can also pause, replay, or rewind as needed. Some users, like Angelique, have encountered issues with the app not working fully or needing to pay extra for certain features, so it’s wise to test it beforehand and download the content over WiFi.

Meeting Point and End

The activity begins with instructions sent via email; you launch the app at the designated spot. The tour concludes back at the starting point, making it convenient to plan your day around this activity.

Honest Look at the Experience

While the value is attractive, especially for budget travelers, it’s worth noting some limitations. One review mentioned that “part of the app wasn’t working,” which highlights the importance of preparing ahead of time. Technical issues can disrupt the flow, and since no live guide is present, troubleshooting might be necessary.

On the upside, the narration points cover “over 40 locations,” giving a rundown of Edinburgh’s Old Town. You’ll love the way the stories add layers of understanding to the historic streets, making each stop more meaningful. The views from Calton Hill and the vantage points along the route are genuinely stunning and are frequently praised by users.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for independent travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration and want flexibility. If you’re comfortable using an app and prefer avoiding large tour groups, this could be a great fit. It’s also suited for those on a budget, given its low price point, and for travelers seeking a broad overview of Edinburgh’s Old Town with some interesting stories along the way.

However, if you’re worried about technical issues or prefer a more guided, hassle-free experience, you might want to consider other options. Also, keep in mind that no entry tickets are included, so be prepared to purchase those separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
The tour is a self-guided experience mainly focused on historic landmarks. It could be suitable for older children interested in history, but it’s not specifically designed as a family activity.

Do I need to pay for entry to attractions?
Yes. The tour does not include entrance fees, so you’ll need to buy tickets separately for sites like Edinburgh Castle or Holyroodhouse if you wish to go inside.

Can I start the tour whenever I want?
Yes. You can launch the tour on your app at your chosen time and start exploring whenever you’re ready.

What language is the narration available in?
The tour offers narration in English, German, Spanish, and French.

How long does the tour take?
It’s designed to last about five hours, but you can adjust based on your pace and interest.

What do I need to bring?
Bring a charged smartphone, headphones, water, and ensure the app is downloaded via WiFi before heading out.

Are there any hidden costs?
Beyond the $10 tour fee, there are no hidden costs. However, you should consider extra expenses for attraction entries.

Is there any group size limit?
Since it’s a self-guided app, there’s no group size limit—just you and your device.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour primarily involves walking through the Old Town streets. Accessibility would depend on the terrain, which is mostly cobbled streets.

What should I do if the app isn’t working?
It’s wise to test the app beforehand. If issues arise, you might need to troubleshoot or consider alternative sightseeing options.

Final Words

If you’re looking for an affordable, flexible way to explore Edinburgh’s Old Town, this smartphone-guided tour offers a practical and engaging option. You’ll enjoy the chance to see key sights like the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, and enjoy stunning views from Calton Hill—all at your own pace. The narration adds meaningful context, helping you appreciate the city’s history and vibrant street life.

While some technical issues have been reported, most travelers find the experience worthwhile if prepared in advance. It’s particularly well-suited for independent travelers who don’t mind using technology and want to craft their own sightseeing schedule.

For those who prefer guided groups or want all entrance fees covered, other options might be better. But if you enjoy wandering freely and soaking up Edinburgh’s atmosphere at a budget price, this tour is worth considering.

Enjoy your time in Edinburgh and happy exploring!

You can check availability for your dates here: