Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
The Esplanade is the broad open forecourt in front of Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile. Free to stand on.
Walking tour in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Free Tour
The SANDEMANs Free Tour of Edinburgh walks the Royal Mile from the Castle Esplanade down to the High Street, covering St Giles’ Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Grassmarket, and the closes along the way. Budget travelers in Edinburgh use this for a history-focused introduction to the Old Town.
Practical
Who runs it
- Operator
- SANDEMANs NEW Europe
The route
Where it stops
Each stop is free to stand in front of, whatever the tour costs.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile runs downhill from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a succession of medieval closes, kirks, and stone tenements. Free to walk.
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral is the principal church of Edinburgh, standing on the Royal Mile between the castle and Holyrood. Free to enter (donations encouraged).
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a 16th-century cemetery in Edinburgh's Old Town, famous for the loyal dog Bobby, connections to Harry Potter (Tom Riddell's grave), and the Covenanters' Prison. Free to enter.
Grassmarket
The Grassmarket is a wide, sunken square below Edinburgh Castle, historically the site of public executions and cattle markets, now a lively strip of pubs, restaurants, and independent shops. Free to enjoy.
Everything else Edinburgh costs.
Edinburgh