Self-guided audio tour in Edinburgh

Besides our self-guided tours Edinburgh offers many other ways to discover this magnificent city. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:

• Edinburgh Castle - Explore Scotland's most famous fortress with skip-the-line access and expert commentary about its royal history. Great for history enthusiasts and offering spectacular views across the city.
• The Real Mary King's Close - Descend beneath the Royal Mile to discover Edinburgh's hidden underground streets frozen in the 17th century. This unique experience reveals how ordinary people lived during plague times.
• Royal Yacht Britannia - Step aboard the Queen's former floating residence and see how royalty traveled the seas. Audio guides reveal fascinating stories about life onboard this majestic vessel.
• Loch Ness, Glencoe & Highlands Tour - Escape the city for a day to experience Scotland's breathtaking landscapes, mysterious lochs, and dramatic mountain scenery.
• Arthur's Seat Hike - Climb this ancient volcano for one of the best areas to explore in Edinburgh with 360-degree views of the city and beyond. The moderate hike takes about an hour and is perfect for working up an appetite.
• The Royal Mile - Stroll down this historic thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, packed with must-see places in Edinburgh including St. Giles' Cathedral, quirky museums, and traditional Scottish shops.
• Leith - This vibrant port district offers award-winning restaurants, hip bars, and the fascinating Shore area. It's one of the hidden gems in Edinburgh where locals love to spend weekends.
• Edinburgh Fringe Festival - If visiting in August, experience the world's largest arts festival with thousands of performances across hundreds of venues. Book accommodation well in advance for this spectacular event.
• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions - Perfect for families, this interactive attraction near the castle offers five floors of optical illusions, puzzles, and mind-bending exhibits that will delight visitors of all ages.

Best Time to Visit
Edinburgh shines during the summer months (June-August) when daylight stretches until 10 pm, perfect for extended self-guided tours Edinburgh offers. August brings the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, transforming the city into a vibrant performance hub. For fewer crowds but still pleasant conditions, consider May or September when you can see Edinburgh without a guide and avoid the peak tourist rush.

Getting There
Edinburgh Airport connects to the city center via the Airlink 100 bus (£4.50) or tram (£6.50), both taking about 30 minutes. Edinburgh Waverley train station sits right in the heart of the city, making rail an excellent option for best tours in Edinburgh starting points. The compact city center means most Edinburgh sightseeing tours can be done on foot, though the comprehensive bus network helps with hillier sections.

Opening Hours and Holidays
Most attractions open around 9-10am and close between 5-6pm, with extended summer hours. Many museums offer free entry, including the excellent National Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh shops typically open until 6pm (8pm on Thursdays), while pubs serve until midnight. Note that January 1st and 2nd are public holidays when many businesses close after Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations.

Comfort on the Go
Edinburgh's weather is famously changeable, so dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket even on sunny days for comfortable Edinburgh walking tours. Wear sturdy shoes for the city's cobblestones and hills. Water fountains are available in major parks and some public buildings, but carrying a reusable bottle is recommended for how to see Edinburgh in one day efficiently.

Local Customs and Etiquette
Scots appreciate directness combined with politeness. Tipping is customary (10-15% in restaurants) but not mandatory. When visiting pubs, ordering at the bar rather than waiting for table service is the norm. If someone offers you a dram of whisky (never "whiskey" in Scotland), it's considered polite to at least try it – just remember to say "Slàinte!" (pronounced "slahn-ja") for "cheers."

How much time should I plan for a visit to Edinburgh?
You should plan at least one full day to experience Edinburgh properly. Our self-guided tours Edinburgh offers can be completed in 2-3 hours if walked continuously, but the beauty lies in setting your own pace. Many visitors enjoy stopping at charming cafés along the Royal Mile, browsing Scottish wool shops, or pausing for a whisky tasting at one of the historic pubs like The Ensign Ewart.

What makes Edinburgh different from other cities in the UK?
Edinburgh stands out with its dramatic topography of volcanic hills and valleys that create a three-dimensional cityscape unlike any other British city. The stark contrast between the medieval labyrinth of the Old Town and the ordered Georgian elegance of the New Town (both UNESCO World Heritage sites) gives Edinburgh a distinctive dual personality. Additionally, Edinburgh maintains a fiercely independent Scottish cultural identity, evident in everything from its distinct legal system to its annual Hogmanay celebrations.

Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Edinburgh
An audio guide gives you complete freedom to explore Edinburgh walking tours at your own pace, without being tied to a group schedule. This is particularly valuable in Edinburgh's weather-changeable environment, where you might want to duck into a cozy café during a sudden shower or linger at a viewpoint when the sun breaks through. You'll also save significantly compared to private guided tours while still enjoying professional narration and insider stories about Edinburgh's hidden gems.

Do I need internet while walking?
No, you don't need internet while walking through Edinburgh. After downloading the tour and audio content before you start, everything works completely offline. Edinburgh does offer good 4G coverage and free WiFi in many cafés and public spaces like the National Museum of Scotland, but our app is designed to work perfectly without connectivity as you explore the best tours in Edinburgh.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, though it's primarily written for adults. Kids from about 12 years old will enjoy the tales of Edinburgh's body snatchers, ghostly encounters, and the real-life inspirations behind Harry Potter. Edinburgh's dramatic castle, mysterious closes, and the stories of historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots tend to capture young imaginations.

Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Yes, you can absolutely share the Edinburgh sightseeing tours experience with your travel companions. Each person can use their own smartphone with headphones for the best audio experience. We offer special discounts for multiple tour purchases – check our Edinburgh product page for current offers and family packages.

What else is there to do in Edinburgh?
Beyond our audio tours, Edinburgh offers exceptional museums like the free National Museum of Scotland and the Writers' Museum celebrating literary giants. The Royal Botanic Garden provides a peaceful retreat with stunning plant collections and city views. For evening entertainment, consider a traditional Scottish ceilidh dance experience or a whisky tasting session to complement your exploration of must-see places in Edinburgh.

Is there a free tour in Edinburgh?
While there are "free" walking tours in Edinburgh, these typically expect tips of £10-15 per person, often making them more expensive than our fixed-price audio guide. Our self-guided tours Edinburgh provides offer consistent quality, professional narration, and the freedom to start, pause or repeat sections whenever you wish – value that budget-conscious travelers appreciate without the pressure of determining appropriate gratuity.

Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Edinburgh walking tours are crafted by Scottish historians and local experts who know which closes hide the most fascinating tales and which viewpoints capture the city's dramatic beauty. We combine historical accuracy with entertaining storytelling to create experiences that go beyond typical tourist information.

When is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and should I visit then?
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs throughout August each year, transforming the city into the world's largest arts festival. It's an incredible time to visit if you enjoy live performances, with over 3,000 shows daily across 300+ venues. However, accommodation prices triple, restaurants require advance booking, and the city becomes extremely crowded. If you prefer a more relaxed experience of Edinburgh without a guide, consider visiting in June or September instead.

How accessible is Edinburgh for visitors with mobility challenges?
Edinburgh presents challenges for visitors with mobility issues due to its hilly terrain and cobblestone streets. The Old Town features many steep inclines and stairs, while the New Town is generally flatter and more accessible. Many major attractions offer accessibility accommodations, and the city's buses are wheelchair-friendly. Our audio guide allows you to customize your route and pace, making it easier to navigate Edinburgh attractions map according to your mobility needs.

What's the best way to experience Scottish food and drink in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers excellent opportunities to sample authentic Scottish cuisine beyond the stereotypical haggis. Visit the Grassmarket or Stockbridge areas for farm-to-table Scottish restaurants serving fresh seafood and game. Don't miss specialty shops like I.J. Mellis for artisanal cheeses or Loch Fyne for smoked salmon. For whisky enthusiasts, The Scotch Whisky Experience offers educational tastings, while traditional pubs like The Oxford Bar (Inspector Rebus's favorite) provide authentic drinking experiences with locals.

"Le guide audio a révélé un côté complètement différent d'Édimbourg que j'aurais autrement manqué. Les histoires sur les vraies personnes qui ont vécu dans les immeubles du Vieux-Édimbourg ont donné vie à l'histoire d'une manière qu'aucun guide ne pourrait." — Margaret, Canada

"As someone who hates being rushed around in tour groups, this was perfect! I spent extra time exploring hidden gems in Edinburgh like Dunbar's Close Garden, then picked up the tour again when I was ready. The offline maps were a lifesaver when my phone signal dropped in those narrow closes." — Jane, UK

"Ik heb Edinburgh drie keer eerder bezocht, maar deze zelfgeleide tour leerde me dingen over de stad die ik nooit geweten had. De vertelling over de geologische krachten die het landschap vormden, gaf me een volledig nieuwe waardering voor waarom Edinburgh eruitziet zoals het eruitziet." — Jan, Nederland