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11 Delicious Edinburgh Food Tours

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Are you looking for the best Edinburgh food tours to taste the best dishes Scotland has to offer? I can’t blame you!

They say you didn’t truly visit a place if you didn’t try their food. And that is not far from the truth! 

Food is strongly intertwined with Scotland’s culture, and you can learn more about intangible cultural heritage through traditional dishes. Scottish cuisine is not the most famous worldwide, so you’re in for a treat.

If you’re ready to discover the culinary side of Edinburgh, here are the best Edinburgh food and drink tours to add to your itinerary!

Table of Contents

Top Picks: Best Foodie Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours

✅ Multiple food tastings

✅ Try haggis

✅ Enjoy a secret dish

The Edinburgh Cheese Crawl

✅ Cheese tastings

✅ Local guide

✅ Stockbridge Market

Edinburgh Food & Drink tour

✅ Food tastings

✅ Visit Old & New Town

✅ Small group

Edinburgh Food Tours

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( see reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 3 hours | 🍔 Book now

This 3-hour Edinburgh food walking tour is our number one choice for Edinburgh food tours! It takes you through the narrow cobblestone streets of this UNESCO-listed town to find the best local spots and sample traditional dishes. 

You’ll get to enjoy Scottish classics such as the world-famous haggis, neeps, and tatties. If those names don’t mean anything to you yet, just wait to learn more about how these dishes came to life and why are they so important in Scottish culture. 

This tour doubles as a guided walking tour as you’ll pass by the most important Edinburgh landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Your guide is a great storyteller, making these places come to life.

Don’t eat before the tour, as there will be a lot of food for you to try! As they also serve alcoholic drinks, the tour is better suited for adults. 

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars ( see reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 2.5 hours | 🍔 Book now

If you thought the French were the only cheese experts, you’re about to be pleasantly surprised. This 2.5-hour Edinburgh Cheese tour takes you on a unique journey through Edinburgh’s thriving cheese-making scene.

You’ll get to discover the local cheese producers and see where the locals get their cheese. It is not in the supermarket! You’ll head off the beaten tourist trail and into the local neighborhoods. Stockbridge Market is where you’ll find many traditional cheese stalls and other local artisan-made food like bread, pastry, olives, and more. 

Every cheese lover knows cheese tastes the best when paired with the right drink, so you’ll get a generous glass of the best wine at every tasting stop to enjoy along with the cheese. 

Make sure to come hungry, as you’ll definitely be stuffed after all the delicious food on this tour!

FREE TRAVEL QUIZ

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( see reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 3.5 hours | 🍔 Book now

Enjoy delicious food and drinks on this 3.5-hour Food tour in Edinburgh that takes you through Old and New Town to some of the best local spots in town. 

With so many options to choose from, picking the best spot to eat in Edinburgh can be tough. That is where this tour comes in! With a small group of a maximum of 8 people, you’ll get to see 5 of the most loved local spots and taste their menu specialties.

As good food spots are not all located in the same area, your knowledgeable guide will take you first to the Old Town, where you’ll visit two venues, and then to the New Town for the remaining three. 

The tour is adaptable to those with dietary requirements as well! So don’t worry about being left out as a vegan.

Whisky and Folklore in Edinburgh Including Four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( see reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 2 hours | 🍔 Book now

When it comes to traditional Scottish drinks, Scottish whiskey is the most recognizable one. Loved by many for its unique taste, Scotch is almost a synonym for whiskey. 

There is no better place to try this luxurious alcoholic drink than where it originated from – Scotland! On this Whiskey and folklore tour, you’ll get to taste 4 different single malt whiskies from 4 regions of Scotland. 

The taste of the whiskey depends on the region where it comes from, so you’ll learn how to distinguish between lowlands and highlands varieties of whiskey. Your guide will teach you about the whiskey scene in Scotland and how is this drink enjoyed throughout the country. 

The folklore portion of the tour will tell you stories about the city and how whiskey influenced it throughout history. You’ll learn the background story of every whiskey you sample to truly appreciate the craft that goes into making it.

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars ( see reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 1.5 hours | 🍔 Book now

If you have a sweet tooth, The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience is the best food tour in Edinburgh for you! For approximately 1.5 hours, you’ll be immersed in the world of chocolate. From making it to sampling it, you’ll get a fully immersive chocolate experience. 

This tour starts with a workshop where you’ll learn how to make your own Scotland-themed chocolate. Your teacher will tell you about the craft of chocolate making and the story of how chocolate became the world’s favorite dessert. 

It is a great activity for families with kids as they get to explore the craft of making their own chocolate. 

While waiting for your chocolate bar to be ready, you’ll make your way to the tasting room. That is where the real fun begins for chocolate lovers, as you’ll get to taste many different types of chocolate from Scotland and all over the world!

Edinburgh Food & Drink Private Tour

Those who want a private food experience should look no further than this Edinburgh Food & Drink Private Tour. This 3.5-hour tour takes you on a guided tour of the best food in the city beyond the Royal Mile. 

You’ll meet up with your knowledgeable guide and get ready to explore the city like a local. As it is a private tour, you get to visit local spots that tours usually miss as they can’t accommodate large groups of tourists. 

This tour features five food stops with three drinks tastings, as you can’t really learn about the food if you don’t also try the drinks!

The tour starts at noon, which makes it a perfect lunchtime activity. Don’t worry about portion size. This tour doesn’t feed you just tiny samples, you’re getting a proper lunch, along with a walking tour of Edinburgh!

The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars ( see reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 3 hours | 🍔 Book now

With 10 different tastings, The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals gives the most comprehensive overview of Edinburgh’s culinary scene. It is a private tour, so you get to plan your itinerary with your guide, or just trust they will show you the best of the city. And as local experts, you can be sure they will!

From traditional haggis to fudge and pies, the food scene in Edinburgh is thriving. When reading the description, you might even be reluctant to try some food, such as sheep’s pluck. But you’d be surprised to learn that it is one of Scotland’s staple food- haggis!  

Your guide will show you around the town and tell you stories about the city in between tastings. You’ll end this tour in a true Scottish manner, in a pub, with a glass of traditional Scottish whiskey.

Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour from Edinburgh

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars ( see reviews ) | ⏳ Tour length : 9 hours | 🍔 Book now

This full-day trip from Edinburgh takes you to the countryside to discover the craft of whiskey making. You’ll drive in a comfortable mini-coach through the Scottish Lowlands, the historic whiskey-making region of Scotland. 

Your itinerary includes a visit to Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery, two of the most well-known distilleries. Once you sample their expertly aged whisky, you’ll never see this drink the same way.

As you stroll the endless rows of barrels where whiskey is maturing, you’ll notice whiskey cellars are much like wine cellars,

This day is not just about the whiskey. You’ll get to explore the Scottish countryside, visit a castle and have lunch in a quaint village in the Loch Lomond region. 

Edinburgh walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours (Private Tour)

If you want to enjoy the Scottish culinary scene like a local on one of the best Edinburgh food tours, you need to join this private Edinburgh walking tasting tour.

While Secret Foods also does group tours, those who prefer a more intimate and less touristy atmosphere should opt for a private tour. In fact, the best time to do it is on your first day in Edinburg, so you know exactly where and what to eat throughout your trip!

Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will make you feel like a friend is taking you out to discover their city on this 3-hour walking tour. The tour combines a visit to the best local food stalls with an educational tour of the city, and learning about the most important monuments. 

Come hungry, as this tour covers snacks, main dishes, and desserts. Oh, and let’s not forget about the secret dish!

Private Edinburgh Street Food Walking Tour

⏳ Tour length : 3 hours | 🍔 Book now

With a minimum of ten food samples, this 3-hour Edinburgh food walking tour is one of the best options for those who love exploring local street food. 

Edinburgh is a melting pot of cultures, and that highly impacted the food you can try in the city today. Your guide will tell you more about how food in Scotland was influenced by different cultures, from Vikings and Italians in the past to more recent arrivals.

Like many Edinburgh food tours, this one is also a blend of history and food tours. Your guide will tell you about the most important monuments around the city and intriguing stories of what happened in each of them.

Final Thoughts: Food Tours in Edinburgh

As you can see, Scotland has many unique dishes and techniques to make common foods, and Edinburgh food tours are the best way to find hidden gems!

From traditional favorites like haggis, neeps, and tatties to a modern twist on typical Scottish flavors with whiskey ice cream, there is a food tour in Edinburgh for every type of traveler.

Watch our vlog all about our 24 hours in Edinburgh!

KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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13 Best Edinburgh Food Tours in 2024 (ranked!)

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Ready to book the best food tours in Edinburgh?

You’ve come to the right place because I’m covering the top 13 Edinburgh food tours here!

How do I know?

I’ve visited Edinburgh countless times during my 10 years living in the UK, so I know the city well and I know that one of the best ways to see it is through a food tour of Edinburgh!

Now, I’ve compiled a list of Edinburgh tours that contain both food and drink, so if you want primarily food, then stick to the first part of the list, but if you’re open to Edinburgh tours that contain more of the drinks testing variety, like pub crawls, scroll towards the bottom of the list.

I’ve also got some fun foodie tours to share, like a cheese tour of Edinburgh and a coffee tour of Edinburgh, as well as food tours in Edinburgh, Scotland and fun food tours in Edinburgh.

Only quality tours are included in this list so you know that every tour you book is worth your money and time.

Want me to cut to the chase?

The best food tour in Edinburgh is this Edinburgh walking tour with Secret Food tours .

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best food tour in Edinburgh is this Edinburgh walking food tour with Secret Food tours .

Click here to check prices and availability.

It’s got hundreds of 5/5 star reviews, so there’s no going wrong!

There are plenty of other Edinburgh food tours to choose from, though so let’s get right down to it.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Foodie Tours in Edinburgh

1. edinburgh walking food tour with secret food tours.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 396+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Food tasting and beverages
• Expert local guide
• Haggis, neeps and tatties, Scottish cakes and more!

Explore the culinary delights of Scotland in this fantastic Edinburgh food walking tour , led by an expert local who knows the city inside and out.

It’s a small group walking tour that takes you through the UNESCO-designated Old and New Towns and along the way, you’ll get to taste things like Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, and Scotch whisky.

You’ll learn a huge amount about Edinburgh’s culture and foodie scene while working your way around town in the pursuit of a variety of interesting flavors and classic dishes.

With no more than 10 people , you can be sure you’re getting personalized attention and plenty to eat so you won’t be hungry for awhile!

2. The Edinburgh Cheese Crawl : cheese tour Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 128+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Cheese tasting
• Expertly guided walking tour around town
• Wine at the end

Step into the flavorful world of Edinburgh’s culinary delights with a quirky and engaging cheese-themed walking tour !

Your adventure begins at the iconic St. Stephen’s Comely Bank Church , where you’ll meet your friendly guide.

And remember, bring along your appetite because you’re in for a treat!

During this tour, you’ll have the chance to visit some of the city’s most renowned cheesemongers .

Imagine stepping into these charming shops, each filled with a tempting array of cheeses that will make your taste buds tingle.

And that’s not all – at each stop, you’ll get to indulge in generous tastings of these delectable cheeses , all accompanied by a refreshing glass of prosecco.

It’s a match made in culinary heaven!

As you stroll through the picturesque streets of Edinburgh , your guide will share fascinating stories about the different types of cheeses you’re trying.

From creamy and mild to sharp and tangy, you’ll uncover the secrets behind these culinary delights.

But the tour isn’t just about cheese – you’ll also learn about the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and the small businesses that give them their unique charm.

3. The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour : food tours in Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private Tour
• Local Guide
• 10 Food & Drinks Tastings

Explore the amazing variety of food in Edinburgh through a special private food tour created just for you.

This tour is all about your preferences – you get to decide what you want to do based on what you like to eat.

And guess what?

You won’t be alone – a friendly private guide will be there to help you and show you really cool places to eat.

These are places that you might not find on your own. They’re like hidden gems for foodies!

But that’s not all – your guide will also give you awesome suggestions about where to eat for the rest of your trip.

So, you’ll have great food recommendations to enjoy even after the tour is over.

And here’s the really cool part: This tour is not just about food. It’s also a way to get to know Edinburgh better – its culture, its people, and of course, its food. You’ll discover local favorite dishes that you won’t read about in the usual guidebooks. It’s like being let in on a delicious secret.

The best thing about this tour is that it’s super flexible. You can plan it according to when you’re free.

4. Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours : Edinburgh food walking tours

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 200+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Seated reservations in venues
• Food drinks equivalent to lunch or dinner (Afternoon or Evening)

Uncover the wonderful world of dining and beverages in Edinburgh without the stress of deciding where to go.

This special food and drink tour lets you leave the choices to the experts.

You’ll be guided by knowledgeable locals who know the best spots.

As you embark on this journey, you’ll step into the heart of Scotland’s culinary heritage and historical tales.

The tour takes you through both the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, two areas that hold centuries of stories within their streets and buildings.

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure that spans across five different food stops.

And it’s not just about the food—three of these stops will treat you to drink tastings as well.

Sip and savor your way through a delightful assortment of flavors, all while gaining insight into the traditions and stories behind them.

5. Edinburgh Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Amazing Haggis
• Neeps and tatties
• Creamy Scottish cheese
• Scottish cakes

Take a delightful culinary journey through the heart of Edinburgh with this exclusive 3-hour private walking and food tasting tour .

Picture yourself strolling through charming streets and alleys, immersing yourself in the authentic Scottish food scene .

During this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the city’s most iconic dishes.

Savor the warmth and richness of haggis , a traditional Scottish dish that’s a real treat for your taste buds.

But that’s not all – you’ll also get to indulge in a variety of delectable cheeses , each paired perfectly with tea and scones , creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth.

And what’s a journey through Edinburgh without a taste of its famous Lowland Single Malt Whisky ?

Award-winning and renowned for its quality, this whisky is a true representation of Scottish craftsmanship.

You’ll have the chance to sip and savor this liquid gold, understanding why it holds such a special place in Scottish culture.

6. The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 2,300+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Chocolate samples
• In-Person Guide

Step into the exciting world of chocolate-making , perfect for families on a trip, friends hanging out, or when the weather isn’t great.

Make your own special Scottish-style chocolates to remember the experience.

Then, head to the tasting room to try all sorts of chocolates from Scotland and around the world.

They have unique flavors like haggis, chili, and gin chocolates – really cool!

Right in the middle of Edinburgh, this fun chocolate-making activity is great for birthdays or when it’s raining outside.

You get to create your very own chocolates, which can be awesome souvenirs or gifts for others.

And don’t worry, if you love chocolate, you’ll have a lot to taste in the tasting room – they have plenty of different chocolates to try.

7. 90-minute introduction to Whisky in the Old Town of Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 170+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Experienced Local Guide

Come and learn about the long and important history of Scotland’s favorite drink during this 90-minute whisky tasting in Edinburgh’s Old Town .

They’ll take you to a special underground place that was recently found beneath the city.

You’ll get to taste four different types of whisky from various places where they make it.

While you explore this hidden spot below Edinburgh’s streets, they’ll also tell you about how whisky is made and its special role in Scotland’s history.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Trying out four kinds of whisky to see which you like.
• Going to a secret part of Edinburgh that most people don’t know about.
• Being part of a small group, so you’ll get lots of attention.
• Listening to a guide who knows a lot about whisky and can tell you interesting things about it.

8. Whisky and Folklore in Edinburgh Including Four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 477+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Expert guide, whisky enthusiast and storyteller…all in one!
• Drink alternatives are available upon request for those who do not drink whisky

Join your group at Hot Toddy , a unique whisky lounge that Luca and Ben have created exclusively for this event .

Step into a cozy space that has been carefully designed to provide the perfect setting for our special occasion.

During this experience, you’ll have the chance to indulge in the rich flavors of four distinct types of Scotch whisky, each originating from different parts of Scotland.

It’s a journey for your taste buds that will transport you to the diverse landscapes and traditions of this beautiful country.

But it’s not just about the whisky – it’s about the stories too.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Scottish storytelling , a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Let their skilled storytellers whisk you away to another time and place, as they weave tales that will leave you enchanted.

9. Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 28+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Coffee and/or tea
• Experienced local guide

Embark on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s Old Town to explore the history of coffee on this tour .

Discover where lively coffee houses once thrived before a major fire reshaped the city.

Venture into an underground 18th-century café where locals gathered. Learn about the significance of coffee trade in the city’s past and present.

Walk through lesser-known paths with a knowledgeable guide , and uncover a hidden underground section of the city that has been closed off for ages.

Enjoy a small-group setting, ask questions, and savor a cup of coffee along the way.

10. Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience : food and drink tour in Edinburgh

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 810+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Handmade Sandwich selections
• Home baked warm scone with cream, jam and strawberry garnish
• Selection of Petit Fours
• Sumptuous cupcakes

Delight in a classic afternoon tea experience aboard a vintage Routemaster bus excursion, gliding past iconic city landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace while relishing the flavors of fresh scones, sandwiches, and tea.

Tailor your departure time to match your convenience, and seize the opportunity to capture chic photographs while aboard this timeless vehicle.

Select a departure time that best accommodates your schedule, relish panoramic views of Edinburgh under any weather conditions from the comfort of a vintage bus, immerse yourself in the essence of British tradition with the inclusive afternoon tea service, and unwind with bottomless tea or coffee accompanied by a complimentary soft drink.

11. Edinburgh Pub Crawl

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 180+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 to 6 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• 1 Jager Bomb
• Drink Discounts

Explore some of Edinburgh’s most renowned pubs and bars while making new acquaintances on a grand bar crawl through the historic Old Town.

Immerse yourself in the lively nightlife of Edinburgh, participating in entertaining drinking games, and gain insider knowledge about the city’s top drinking spots from local experts.

Unwind and revel in the exhilarating side of Edinburgh, knowing that each venue on the journey is carefully curated and endorsed by our guides.

The package includes six shots , ensuring a spirited experience throughout the pub crawl.

As a participant, you’ll also enjoy special discounts at handpicked bars and clubs across Edinburgh.

Plus, relish guestlist access to each venue on the tour schedule, guaranteeing a seamless and enjoyable outing.

12. Luxury Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Expert guide

Discover an extraordinary whisky experience that’s beyond the ordinary.

Imagine being in an underground hideaway , trying 5 amazing kinds of top-notch whisky – the kind you’d usually just admire on the shelf.

But now, you can taste them!

Join your tour in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town for a special night of whisky and stories.

You’ll hear about how whisky is made, how the industry grew, and some really interesting stories that made Scottish whisky the best in the world.

The Luxury Whisky Tasting includes 5 different whiskies from 5 different places, and friendly guides will lead you through this amazing experience.

It’s not just a tasting – it’s a journey into the world of whisky.

You’ll get to try things you never thought you could, and learn things you never knew.

13. The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction to Whisky

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 969+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  50 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Dram of Scotch whisky
• Audio-guides in 20 languages
• Expert whisky guide
• Crystal Whisky Glass souvenir

Welcome to the amazing Scotch Whisky Experience near Edinburgh Castle.

Get ready for a fascinating journey into the world of whisky.

Start by going inside a replica of a whisky distillery .

Here, you’ll learn all about how whisky is made – from grains turning into alcohol to the special way it’s distilled and aged.

Next, a whisky expert will be your guide .

They’ll help you discover the different smells that make each whisky special.

After that, you’ll get to taste your favorite whisky if you’re old enough. If you’re younger, you’ll enjoy a tasty Scottish drink called Irn Bru instead.

You’ll also learn about the places in Scotland where whisky is made, each giving its own flavor to the drink.

And don’t miss seeing one of the biggest collections of whisky in the world – it’s really impressive!

Want more Edinburgh tours? Check these out!

• 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours Worth Your Money
• 13 Best Ghost and Haunted Edinburgh Tours
• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
• 9 Best Bus Tours of Edinburgh

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THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Food & Drink Tours

Food & drink tours in edinburgh.

• Distillery Tours
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Cooking Classes
• Distilleries
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Farmers Markets
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Edinburgh Castle
• Grassmarket
• St Giles' Cathedral
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

2. Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

3. The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

4. Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience

5. The Edinburgh Cheese Crawl

6. Edinburgh Luxury Private Food & Drink Tour with Eat Walk Tours

7. Edinburgh Pub & History Tour with ScotBeer Tours

8. Eden Mill Edinburgh Love Gin Cocktail Masterclass

9. Luxury Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Underground Vaults

10. The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl

11. 90-minute introduction to Whisky in the Old Town of Edinburgh

12. The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour

13. Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Quest Experience

14. Edinburgh: 3 Hour Scottish Food, Wine & Whisky Tasting Tour

15. Distill a bottle of gin on mini copper stills

16. Private Edinburgh Street Food Walking Tour

17. Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery

18. Pub Crawl in Edinburgh

19. Edinburgh Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour

20. Edinburgh Whisky Walking Tour

21. Original whisky tasting experience

22. Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh

23. Scotch Whisky Tasting - The True Spirit of Scotland

24. Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh

25. Beer Tasting Session @ The Lost Close

26. Private Edinburgh Food Tour of Old Town

27. Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner

28. Edinburgh Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

29. Highlands Whisky Lovers Tour of Oldest and Highest Distilleries from Edinburgh

30. The Guard Bridge Whisky Cocktail Masterclass

What travellers are saying.

WALKING TOURS, TASTINGS AND BESPOKE EVENTS

5 star activities in the capital of Scotland 

WHISKY WALKING TOUR

Just like the national drink itself, the history of whisky in Edinburgh has matured and developed many curiosities and complexities. Our whisky walking tour guides you through the major city centre neighbourhoods from ancient royal burghs, opulent garden squares, rejuvenated shopping districts to the medieval vennels and meandering cobbled streets.

Stop at several iconic Edinburgh bars and restaurants to sample the diverse range of Scotch whisky.

A carefully crafted blend of whisky, history, and tall tales, this tour is the best way to explore the city and develop (or strengthen) your adoration of Scotch whisky.

PERSONALIZED TOURS, TASTINGS AND EVENTS

Get the best from your time in Edinburgh

Our experienced and knowledgeable team deliver unforgettable experiences that can be customised to your specifications. From city walking tours, food and drink experiences to Scotch whisky and local beer tastings all created and delivered by our expert guides.  

REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS

'This should be on everyone's list

when they visit Edinburgh! Not only to sample different whisky but you will learn so much about the city.'

Drea - TripAdvisor

'The experience had been

hand selected and the team who arrange the tours obviously have a great relationship with them. Friendly, Factual, Fun and Fabulous.'

Sophia - TripAdvisor

'Fantastic and well curated tour! An afternoon well spent walking through several areas of the city. Enjoyable for whiskey pros and novices, and a great chance to explore some less prominent establishments.'

Erica - TripAdvisor

Get in touch if you have any questions about our tours, tastings and events or if you would like to enquire about bespoke experiences. 

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Visiting Edinburgh? Find your perfect Walking Food Tour

Come and join the locals; where we eat and drink – quality good value locally sourced food and drink in a UNESCO heritage site. The safaris are heavy on the eating, light on the walking with a local enthusiastic guide. 

We have a range of food tours in various exciting areas of Edinburgh, all of which are a little off the beaten track and show you where the locals live, eat and drink. 

In the busy times of year our Edinburgh food tours often run with up to twelve guests.

Which food tour might you like?

The Foods of Leith Waterfront

Eat Scotland in the Georgian New Town

Taste International Foods and Flavours – Leith Walk

Sunday Morning Stockbridge Farmers Market and New Town

Edinburgh Food Tour: Savouring the City with ‘Eat Walk Edinburgh’

It didn’t take very long for me to notice that Edinburgh is a foodie city. Whether you’re walking the streets of the New Town or the Old Town, you can’t go more than a few steps without a coffee house, local eatery, fudge shop, cozy pub, or gourmet restaurant catching your eye.

I did my fare share of eating and drinking while in Edinburgh , and one experience that stands out was a guided food tour of the city with  Eat Walk Edinburgh . They offer tours that combine food sampling with a bit of sightseeing, so that you can get to explore the city and also enjoy its unique flavours.

Edinburgh Food Tour

Eat Walk Edinburgh offers two different tours and I did the Canongate tour which runs along the lower part of the Royal Mile and lasts roughly 3 hours. Along the way we got to meet shop owners, try new foods , and explore some little side streets that we wouldn’t have otherwise found. Here’s a quick breakdown of that tour:

Our tour started out at the Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen inside the Radisson Blu. The Itchycoo which has a modern feel and looks out onto the Royal Mile . Here, we were met by our guide and had a quick introduction as to what the day would hold. Since this is a food tour , it wasn’t long before we had some food in front of us! First up, we had mini haggis sliders as well as grilled skewers with mushrooms and tomatoes. I paired this with a virgin Bloody Mary since it was still quite early in the morning!

Address: 80 High Street

Cranachan and Crowdie

From there we walked down to Cranachan and Crowdie, a little shop along the Royal Mile that works with more than 300 suppliers from across Scotland to bring you some quintessential Scottish food and drink souvenirs. If you have any foodie friends or family back home and you want to get them a cool souvenir, you’ll definitely find it in this shop! They have jams, chutneys, chocolates, shortbread cookies, teas, cheeses, and so much more. If you’re looking for something unusual bound to give people back home a giggle, pick up a bag of ‘Puffin Poo’ – it’s really white chocolate rolled in coconut and it comes from the Shetland Islands.

Address: 263 Royal Mile

The Fudge House

Now this next one is for anyone with a sweet tooth. The Fudge House specializes in one thing alone and they do it well! They have 27 different types of fudge in the store, each handcrafted to perfection. I bet you want to know the flavours, right? Some of the ones that caught my attention include: Chocolate Rocky Road, Marzipan & Amaretto, Lemon Meringue Pie, Highland Cream, and Maple Pumpkin Spice. I ended up ordering the Peppermint Chocolate Fudge, which was gloriously sweet and refreshing.

Address: 197 Canongate

After filling up on fudge, we continued on to Cadenhead, which is a whisky shop and tasting room. Cadenhead is Scotland’s oldest independent bottler and if you’re a bit of whisky connoisseur, this place will be right up your alley. Their whisky is all single cask, it has no added colour, and it is not chill-filtered. We didn’t do a tasting while we were there, but we did walk away with a bottle of Campbelltown Loch Scotch blended whisky.

Address: 172 Canongate

Our next stop was a Scottish-Scandinavian fusion restaurant by the name of Hemma. The first thing that struck me was the bright yet cozy design; Hemma means ‘at home’ in Swedish and it really had a warm vibe from the minute we stepped in. While we had been snacking and sampling food at all of the previous establishments, this was our lunch stop and we had a giant Smörgåsbord to make you drool! There was potato salad, smoked salmon, beetroot salad, pickled herring, smoked ham, soft hard-boiled eggs, and lots of bread and butter to add to the mix. After all the walking we did around Edinburgh , we dove right in. Another thing I liked about this restaurant is that they are pet-friendly, which means I got to play with the pups!

Address: 73 Holyrood Road

Holyrood 9a

Last but not least, we walked over to Holyrood 9a. The name of this establishment is the same as its address, so it’s pretty easy to track down. Having just finished lunch and thinking our previous stop was our last, we were stuffed beyond belief. Here we enjoyed a platter of Scottish cheeses as well as beers. Holyrood 9a offers 20 beer and ale varieties from across Scotland and around the world, so it’s a nice place to enjoy a pour or two. At this point in the tour, our guide bid us farewell and our group was free to hang out at the pub for as long as we wanted.

Address: 9A Holyrood Road

And that concluded our Edinburgh food tour with Eat Walk Edinburgh. We visited a total of 6 establishments on our tour, but there is a list of 8 that are covered on rotation, so if you do this tour you may experience a slightly different route. Our guide Julie was very informative and aside from introducing us to new dishes, she also filled the walks from one venue to the next with lots of stories. If you’re looking for a taste of Edinburgh , Scotland be sure to check it out!

Have you done a food tour in Edinburgh? Do you have any favourite Scottish dishes?

This trip was made possible in partnership with  Visit Britain  and  iambassador . 

11 Comments

I loved reading your article! I went to Edinburgh this past summer while studying abroad and fell absolutely in love with the city. I wish I had known about this tour earlier it sounds like a great activity to do while also seeing the city. I will have to visit these places when I return back someday.

I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the article and I hope you’ll get to revisit Edinburgh. It sounds like your study abroad program was a success!

Loved your photos. Very mouthwatering and would love to do the food tour! I’ll have to check out if there is something like that in York? Another wonderful place to go on a chocolate tour, since they are the chocolate capital of the UK! Been having so much fun bumming around England, I will definitely have to make it a little further north to Scotland to Edinburgh for the food tour! Great article!

Ooo, I’ve never done a chocolate tour before but that sounds right up my alley!

Amazing article! I’d also love to visit The Fudge House and try those out! It’s hard not to be tempted, especially if you really love sweets!

With so many different flavours to try it would be tempting to stay away!

Wow! Edinburgh is one of the places that fascinate me. Exploring it from the food perspective would be a great idea!

It’s a great place for foodies! I hope you’ll get to visit, Renuka. 🙂

I love food tours (actually, I love all tours – I am getting lazy in my old age) and I have Scotland soft-slated for 2017, so I will definitely bookmark this one.

That sounds like an exciting trip, and I can guarantee, you’re going to eat well in Scotland! This just reminds me that there are so many restaurants I still want to write about.

Hi Audrey. I have recently done the Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh. The salmon tart was amazing, the best I ate in my life. You should definitely try this tour.

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Edinburgh Food Tour - Secret Food Tours

We are Scotts, wildly passionate about the delicious food found around our world-famous and historic city. Eat traditional Scottish food such as authentic haggis, award winning Lowland single malt whisky, Scottish treats, desserts, and cheeses. By booking our Secret Food Tours: Edinburgh, you'll enjoy a variety of local Scottish favorites.

On our Secret Food Tour: Edinburgh, you will not just eat delicious treats but also learn about the history of the food so you can understand Edinburgh's thriving culinary scene. You'll see Edinburgh's Old Town on a personal level and taste the dishes beloved by the locals.

As Scotts, we've always been wildly passionate about all the delicious food you can find around our diverse and historic city. On our tour, you'll get to try traditional Scottish food including authentic haggis, award-winning Lowland single malt whisky as well as Scottish desserts and cheeses. By booking our Secret Food Tours: Edinburgh, you'll experience the incredible stories and culture that surround our city while tasting a wide range of local Scottish favorites.

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Eat Walk Tour Edinburgh

3hrs 30mins

Culture Vultures, Food & Drink

On this Food Walking Tour Edinburgh, discover Edinburgh ’s food culture and history.

Food tours that are all about local sourcing!

The company is based in Edinburgh, their guides are local and their tours showcase locally sourced, Scottish food and drink.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a fantastic array of restaurants and bars. Similarly, This tour loves to show off and share the best that the city has to offer.

The 3.5 hours Old and New Town food tour explores the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town.

There are five food stops in total, three of them with a drink tasting.

All of the stops on the Food Walking Tour Edinburgh have been carefully chosen. We highlight Scotland’s iconic food and drink. In addition, many of the venues are much loved by local residents. This food tour takes you off the tourist trail. Mix with the locals who know the best restaurants in town!

Delve deep into Scotland’s natural larder. The Old and New Town food tour illustrates Edinburgh’s past and present. Discover its history and the day-to-day reality of 21st century living in such a historical city.

Above all the Eat Walk Tour Edinburgh is the best way to see the sites and taste some exquisite cuisine along the way!

In addition, guests will be given audio headsets so you can listen live to the guide as you walk. This allows you to walk at your own pace or stop to take photos.

• All food and drink tastings (equates to a three course meal with drinks)
• Guided tour of the Old and New Town with suggestions for other places to visit after the tour is over.
• Audio headsets allowing you to listen to your guide as you walk at your own pace.
• Map showing venues visited
• Discount offers from our tour partners should you wish to return for a full meal.

Meeting Point

Do tickets have to be pre-booked, what is the cancellation policy, do you offer discounts, are children allowed, what is the tour like, what venues do we stop at, do you cater for vegetarians and special dietary needs, what language are the tours in, where can we park, where does the tour start and finish, what is the refund policy, what are the timings, what is the accessibility like.

Enjoy this experience with our trusted partners: Eat Walk Tours

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FREE CANCELLATION

Plan ahead risk free. Cancel at least 24hrs before your booking for a full refund

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Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour

This post is a free, self-guided tour of Edinburgh, along with a map and route, put together by local tour guides for Free Tours by Foot.  

You can expect to walk nearly 2 miles or just over 3.2 kilometres.

Below is the abridged version. You can get the full version with directions by downloading this map, PDF version , or downloading our audio tour (see below).

Click the map to enlarge it or to download it to your smartphone.

GPS-Enabled Audio Tour

We also offer an audio tour of historic Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.

Here’s a sample.

Purchase our Audio Tour of Edinburgh

Additionally, you can also take free guided walking tours that run multiple times each day. These tours are in reality pay-what-you-wish tours.

Edinburgh is one of the most historic cities in Scotland and the entire United Kingdom.

In addition to its medieval history, this city’s history of education and learning has also affected our modern lives.

Whether it be the contributions that Adam Smith made to our modern understanding of a free market economy or the inspiration pulled from Edinburgh for the Harry Potter series, the people and the atmosphere of this city have contributed to the world in many important ways.

This tour will lead you through some of the most influential and popular landmarks in Edinburgh with plenty of sightseeing on the way.

In addition to historic sites, I’ll also point out some options for food, museums, art, and other ways to make the most of your time in Edinburgh.

This tour will begin at Edinburgh Castle and continue downhill, mostly following the Royal Mile, with a few turns onto other streets.

Once you’ve made your way to the castle gates, you’ll be ready to begin this tour.

Edinburgh Castle

This is the most historically significant landmark in all of Edinburgh, and there have been people living in the area since around the second century CE.

The castle itself became a royal residence in 1124, and it has been through a total of 26 sieges throughout its history.

This makes Edinburgh Castle the most besieged location in Scotland and one of the most attacked structures in the whole world.

This is the home of the Honours of Scotland, also known as the Scottish Crown Jewels. Entry is ticketed, and you can visit every day of the year.

The Castle is open from 9:30 am - 18:00 (6 pm) daily from April - September and from 9:30 am - 17:00 (5 pm) daily from October - March.

Tickets are £17.50 for Adults, £14 for Seniors and Unemployed, and £10.50 for Children. Visit the website .

Kids under 5 get in for free with an Adult. Alternatively, you can save money on tickets using either the Edinburgh Explorer Pass or the Royal Edinburgh Ticket.

We also offer a 25-stop audio tour of historic Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides, that you could take whenever you wish.

• Purchase an audio tour (£2.30)
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

The Witches’ Well

This monument was erected in memory of the more than 4,000 alleged witches who were burned at the stake in front of Edinburgh Castle from the 15th - 18th century.

The plaque features symbolic imagery including a foxglove plant which represents the use of herbal medicine, two heads representing evil and good, and a snake that is representative of both treachery and wisdom.

Many in Edinburgh would like to see an even better memorial, as this one is fairly small and has fallen into disrepair.

Castlehill Attractions

Castlehill is filled with notable attractions, but there are three, in particular, you may want to visit:

• The Scotch Whiskey Experience
• The Witchery
• Camera Obscura & The World of Illusions

The Scotch Whiskey Experience has one of the largest collections of Scotch Whiskey in the world, and it also has a ride that allows you to experience how this drink is made.

The Witchery is an interesting restaurant with 9 theatrical suites that are designed to look medieval. Although prices are high, this is a very popular location for tourists.

Camera Obscura & The World of Illusions is a family-friendly attraction with multiple interactive exhibitions.

It's also home to the Camera Obscura, which reportedly projected moving images 40 years before the motion picture was invented.

Princes Street Gardens & Museums

These beautiful gardens are located right alongside Edinburgh Castle, and there are a lot of great monuments to see in the area.

This is also the location where several local events and festivals take place every year.

Located across from the Prince Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery and Royal Scottish Academy are both beautiful art museums which you can visit for free.

The Scottish National Gallery is especially worthy of a visit because it houses works by Raphael, Claude Monet, and Paul Gauguin.

Museum on the Mound

This is the Head Office of the Bank of Scotland, and it was originally built in 1806.

Although it’s still used by the bank, there is also an interesting museum inside which is free to visit.

The museum focuses on the history of economics in Edinburgh, as well as the money and coinage used in the city over many centuries.

One of the most interesting exhibits is a £1 million note from the Bank of England.

The Museum on the Mound is open from Tuesday - Friday from 10 am - 17:00 (5 pm).

It’s also open on Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 13:00 (1 pm) to 17:00 (5 pm), and admission is free.

The Writer’s Museum

Housed in a historic building known as Lady Stair’s Close, this museum is dedicated to the lives and works of 3 well-known and beloved Scottish writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Robert Burns is known for poems like Halloween and Auld Lang Syne .

Sir Walter Scott is known for the poem The Lady of the Lake and novels like Rob Roy and Ivanhoe .

Robert Louis Stevenson is known for novels like Treasure Island and the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde .

The collection on display here includes portraits, written works, and personal objects owned by the three writers. Admission is free and the museum is open daily.

The Writer’s Museum is open daily from 10 am - 17:00 (5 pm) and admission is free.

Gladstone’s Land

This 17th-century tenement house is one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile.

And it has been restored to remain faithful to its roots so that visitors can experience what life was like hundreds of years ago.

Although admission isn’t free, it is fairly affordable and open daily throughout most of the year.

Check out the official website for more information.

High Court of Justiciary

This is the supreme criminal court of Scotland, and even to this day, they hear cases of both criminal trials and appeals.

One of the most interesting things to see here is the statue of David Hume, a philosopher who once coined the phrase “reason is the slave of the passions.”

Hume was inspired by the likes of Sir Isaac Newton and John Locke, and he saw philosophy as something that could be scientifically tested and experimented.

Hume inspired many notable figures, including people like Adam Smith and Benjamin Franklin.

The Heart of Midlothian Mosaic

This used to be the site of the Old Tolbooth, an administrative building that was also used as a prison and a site of public executions.

The mosaic that exists here now is named after the Midlothian county, of which Edinburgh was the county town.

It memorializes the location of the jail, and there is an odd tradition of spitting on it for good luck. 

While there’s no law against doing this yourself, it’s certainly not the most delightful of customs.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Although it was founded in the 12th century, this church became an important historical location in the 16th century during the period of the Reformation.

John Knox served as a minister when St. Giles’ became a protestant church in 1559, and he brought the language of the bible to everyday Scots, making it more accessible to the common man.

Although St. Giles was granted cathedral status from 1661-1689, it has been a Presbyterian church since then and is no longer technically a cathedral, but it’s still colloquially known by that name.

The most recent addition is the Thistle Chapel, built in 1909.

This chapel is fairly important, as it is the site of the ceremony where the Queen selects new members of The Order of the Thistle every other year.

The Real Mary King’s Close

This close was a pretty important location during the 17th-century, and it was the site where George Rae once treated victims of the plague using the suit that has since become known as the “plague doctor” attire.

Although parts of the close were demolished and buried during the 18th century, you can now visit daily and tour the close for yourself to see and learn about the area.

Many hauntings have been reported at Mary King’s Close over the years, and as a result, it has become a subject of fascination for believers of the supernatural.

Nowadays, you can get a fully guided tour of the close which is offered daily from 9:30 - 18:00 every 15 minutes.

Tickets are £17.95 for adults.

Adam Smith Statue

Built in 2008, this is the newest statue on the Royal Mile, and it depicts one of the most important Scottish figures in the history of the country.

Adam Smith is well known as one of the fathers of modern free trade economics, and he’s also the author of The Wealth of Nations, which would quickly become influential in American politics.

American founding fathers James Madison, James Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson all spoke very highly of Adam Smith’s ideas.

And it’s clear to see that his economic concepts were important both here in Scotland and in other parts of the world as well.

Mercat Cross

This was once the site where civic proclamations were publicly read to citizens by a town crier, and it was also used for many punishments including hangings and other public executions.

Although the original cross dates back to 1365, it has been damaged and altered multiple times over the years.

Today, a royal unicorn sits at the top with a Scottish flag beside it.

The Mercat Cross is lined with the royal arms of Britain, Scotland, England, Ireland, Edinburgh, Leith, the Canongate, and the University of Edinburgh.

Statue of James Braidwood

Although this figure may not appear familiar, he was actually a pretty important person in the history of Edinburgh and the United Kingdom as a whole.

James Braidwood not only founded the first fire service in the city, but he was also the first director of the London Fire Engine Establishment which would come to be known as the London Fire Brigade.

Braidwood is credited with developing modern fire fighting principles that are still in use today.

And he was recognized for acts of heroism during the great fires of Edinburgh in 1824 and London in 1830.

Parliament Square and Old Scottish Parliament

Located behind St. Giles Cathedral, this public square was formed in front of the Parliament House in 1632.

An equestrian statue of Charles II of Scotland stands at the entrance to the Old Supreme Courts of Scotland which is next to the Parliament House on the right.

The Parliament House would only be in use from 1639 - 1707 when it was dissolved as a result of the Acts of Union.

The Acts of Union led to the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Edinburgh City Chambers

As you come out from behind St. Giles’ Cathedral, you’ll see the memorial to the 5th Duke of Buccleuch ahead of you and the Edinburgh City Chambers on the left.

This is the meeting place of the City of Edinburgh Council, and these chambers have existed under one name or another since 1753.

The building here was originally designed to be the Royal Exchange, which led to the partial demolition and burying of Mary King’s Close, as we discussed earlier.

The Royal Exchange was never very popular among merchants, so the Town Council eventually took over the Northern part of the building and used it as the City Chambers starting in 1811.

By 1893, they had taken over the whole building, and it remained home to the city’s council of state for most of the years since.

Its other most important function was as a filming location for the movie Braveheart.

You can also find plaques on the ground with handprints of famous Scots, including J.K. Rowling. This is also a stop on our self-guided Harry Potter Tour .

The National Library of Scotland

Although it was initially opened in 1689, this library would not officially become the property of the nation until the 1920s, at which time it became the National Library of Scotland.

There are more than 26 million items of historic relevance here, and it’s also the home of Scotland’s Moving Image Archive which has over 46,000 videos and films.

Items of note in the library include a letter from Charles Darwin, a Gutenberg Bible, the First Folio of Shakespeare, and more.

Edinburgh Central Library

This was the first public library in Edinburgh, and it was initially built and opened in 1890 with the help of funding from Andrew Carnegie, the wealthy Scottish-American industrialist turned philanthropist.

Upon Carnegie’s insistence, the motto “Let There Be Light” was placed above the entrance.

Above the inner doorway, you’ll find the lintel from the home of Sir Thomas Hope, the owner of the home that was once located on this site before the library was constructed.

The Elephant House

Even though this cafe isn’t particularly old, it has still become a quite notable location in Edinburgh thanks to the famous people who have visited.

Perhaps most notably, JK Rowling is said to have worked on her first Harry Potter novel right here at the Elephant House, and you’ll see all kinds of signs that have been left there by fans.

Authors Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith also frequented the Elephant House, which makes this a popular stop for budding writers and fans of their work.

National Museum of Scotland

This is a relatively new museum just East of the Greyfriars Kirkyard which combines both the Museum of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Museum.

While the building of the Museum of Scotland opened in 1998, the connected Royal Scottish Museum building opened all the way back in 1866, which is why the museum includes such different architectural styles.

The focus of this museum is the achievements of Scotland and its inhabitants, including examples of art, science, technology, and historical artifacts.

Exhibits include Dolly the sheep -- the first successfully cloned mammal, one of Elton John’s suits, a kinetic sculpture known as the Millennium Clock, and many more.

Admission is free and they are open daily from 10:30 - 16:30 (4:30 pm). Advanced online booking is required.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Although this graveyard dates back to 1562, it has more recently become known as one of the locations where JK Rowling may have gotten a few ideas for the names of her characters.

This is also the location where the dog that would come to be known as the Greyfriars Bobby would stay by the gravestone of his deceased owner for 14 years until he also passed away.

Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, loyal dogs, or historic headstones, there’s plenty to see and experience at Greyfriars Kirkyard and it’s open from Monday - Friday.

Admission is ticketed , but it is very affordable.

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News / Entertainment

Taylor Swift thanked for generous donation to foodbanks in Edinburgh

More than 220,000 fans descended on the stadium over the weekend as the star performed at her first UK shows of the Eras Tour.

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More on this story, taylor swift concerts 'injected millions into city's economy' , taylor swift brings curtain down on trio of edinburgh shows.

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• City of Edinburgh

Taylor Swift has been thanked by an Edinburgh-based foodbank charity after the star made a generous donation during her record-breaking weekend in the capital.

Edinburgh Food Project revealed that as more than 70,000 fans gathered at Murrayfield Stadium for the singer’s first gig in the city on Friday, it discovered she was making a donation to support Edinburgh’s foodbanks.

More than 220,000 fans descended on the stadium over the weekend as the star performed her first UK shows of the Eras Tour.

Taking to social media, Edinburgh Food Project thanked Swift for her donation and said: “As fans gathered at Murrayfield on Friday for the first of three record-breaking gigs, Edinburgh Food Project found out that Taylor Swift would be making a donation to support foodbanks across the city. Taylor’s visit will live in Edinburgh’s memories for years to come, and this gift will mean people in crisis will also feel the long-lasting impact.

“Thank you so much Taylor – you have changed Edinburgh for good.”

The project also directed anyone who wished to help to its donation page.

Bethany Biggar, director of Edinburgh Food Project said: “We are thrilled that Taylor has decided to support the foodbanks and leave a lasting impact on Edinburgh.

“Things are really tough for a lot of people right now, so it is lovely to see someone like Taylor spreading such positivity.”

The 34-year-old pop superstar treated rapturous crowds at Murrayfield Stadium to hits from across her 11 studio albums for three hours across Friday to Sunday night.

She will now take the show on the road to Liverpool where she will play three nights in a row at Anfield Stadium from Thursday to Saturday.

This will be followed by one show at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on June 18 and then three back-to-back shows at London’s Wembley from June 21 to 23.

Dublin’s Aviva Stadium is also set to host the singer-songwriter for three nights and after a host of shows in Europe, she will return to London in August to end the UK and European stint of the tour.

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Taylor Swift's generosity: Popstar donates to Edinburgh food bank

• Read more: Swift inspires 'secular religious mass ritual' among fans in Edinburgh

Popstar Taylor Swift has continued her streak of generosity after donating to local foodbanks in Edinburgh while in the city in the first UK leg of her sell-out Eras tour. 

The international superstar, 34, has quickly earned a reputation for her donation to charitable causes around the world as she travels the globe with her much-anticipated three-and-a-half hour show.

But after her first concerts in the Scottish capital broke long-standing attendance records, saw tens of thousands flock to the city and residents reporting her music could be heard miles away, it was revealed Swift had also left behind a sizeable charitable donation.

Taking to social media on Monday, the Edinburgh Food Project, said it was informed before her first concert on Friday that she would be 'making a donation to support foodbanks across the city'.

The charity told MailOnline it has agreed not to reveal the exact amount of money donated by Swift, but said it will 'make a big difference to the people we support.'

Director Bethany Biggar said: 'We are thrilled that Taylor has decided to support the foodbanks and leave a lasting impact on Edinburgh. 

'Things are really tough for a lot of people right now, so it is lovely to see someone like Taylor spreading such positivity.'

Edinburgh Food Bank also included a link for members of the public to donate £13 in their post - a nod to current speculation among fans - known as Swifties - that there may be an announcement coming from the singer on June 13. 

This date also marks her 100th show of the Eras tour. 

It is not the first time the Down Bad singer has contributed to food initiatives on her tour.

Before beginning the leg of her tour in Tampa, Florida in April 2023, she donated an unspecified large sum to Feeding Tampa Bay.

The charity said Swift had donated enough money to fund 125,000 meals for those in need , and praised her for 'being a hero' on its Instagram page.

And in the state of Victoria, Australia, Swift also made a significant donation to Foodbank Victoria. 

Taking to Instagram, Foodbank Victoria posted a familiar image of the superstar on-stage with the caption 'OMG Thank you'.

'As if we couldn’t love you anymore than we already do,' the organisation captioned the post.

It is thought the singer makes donations in all the cities she visits during the Eras tour.

Fans were quick to praise her actions, with one writing today: 'She's just great.' 

A second added: 'Wow. And wow again. Babe, speechless. It was awesome when I saw you do this in Houston. Love you so much.'

The Edinburgh Food Project has seven foodbanks and a further donation point for food to be dropped off. 

It comes after Swift thanked fans in Edinburgh after her shows broke Scottish attendance records for a concert three nights in a row. 

Taking to Instagram on Monday, she wrote: 'Edinburgh!!! You truly blew me away this weekend. 

'Thank you for breaking the all-time attendance record for a stadium show in Scotland 3 times in a row and for all the ways you made us feel right at home. Love you, all 220,000 of you!!!'

She is now preparing for the second leg of her UK visit, with three concerts in Liverpool from Wednesday, before heading to Cardiff, London and later on to the Republic of Ireland.

It was reported earlier that she has rented a private cottage in the Cotswolds, where she will stay for the remainder of her time in the UK. 

On Friday before her first Edinburgh show, she was in London visiting friend and model Cara Delevingne. 

Representatives for Taylor Swift were contacted for comment. 

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Taylor swift concert marred by arrest of man for voyeurism in scotland, taylor swift alleged voyeur arrested, charged at scotland show.

Taylor Swift is known for her adoring fans ... but there was an alleged black sheep among Swifties in Scotland over the weekend and the police were forced to take action.

The pop superstar hit the stage for her sold-out Saturday concert at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh – and while she was performing, some 64-year-old man in attendance allegedly committed a perverted crime.

Scotland Police Superintendent David Happs confirmed to TMZ ... the man was arrested and charged with voyeurism during the show, but it's unclear if Taylor was the target or someone else.

Happs kept the details of the incident under wraps, while releasing the suspect, who will now have to appear before an Edinburgh judge in court at a later date.

Meanwhile, Taylor experienced more drama in Edinburgh while onstage the previous night. Last Friday, Taylor stopped her performance when one of her fans needed assistance and it was all caught on video.

In the clip, you can see Taylor standing at the mic directing first responders to the person in need while refusing to sing until the issue was resolved. By the time Taylor got underway again, everyone in the crowd was happy and the show went off without another hitch.

As you know, Taylor has been on the international leg of her super popular "Eras" tour, which arrives in Liverpool, England, this week.

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The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve been visiting it regularly for over a decade and even spent some time living there. It’s a city with a misunderstood reputation, often glossed over as simply a place to party and partake in the illicit Red Light District.

But Amsterdam has so much more to offer.

If you want to explore the city, there are really only two ways to get around: biking and walking. And fortunately, for those who like to walk (and/or bike) the Dutch capital offers a legion of picturesque strolls: along leafy canals, past centuries-old churches and cozy canal houses, and down narrow cobblestoned lanes.

To really get a glimpse below the city’s surface, take a walking tour. I take them in every city I visit. They’re the best way to learn about the history and culture while connecting with an expert local guide who can share their tips and insight.

Amsterdam, unsurprisingly, offers an array of unique tours: from sex worker-led tours through the famed Red Light District to tours that explore the city’s recreational drug culture to strolls that focus on the history of the city.

To help you decide which ones to take, here’s my list of the best walking tours in Amsterdam!

BEST PAID TOUR

Take Walks is my go-to tour company. Their tours are fun, detailed, and use expert local guides so you always learn ton. They also get you behind the scenes with special access to attractions that other tours just can’t get (they have an early-access tour to the Rijksmuseum so you can beat the crowds). If you want to really learn about the city and connect with a knowledgable guide, this is the company for you! I love their tours the best.

Best Free Tour

Sandemans New Europe

Sandemans does free tours in many big European cities and they know what they’re doing. With a local guide leading the way, their three-hour walking tour hits all the major sites in Amsterdam. Start at the National Monument and end at the Anne Frank House and in between stroll along canals while stopping in the Jewish Quarter, various churches, bridges, and canal-side houses along the way.

  For more suggestions, here’s a few other walking tours worth checking out in Amsterdam:

1. Amsterbike

This tour with AmsterBike a perfect way to connect with the local pace of life. AmsterBike offers a few different types of tours, including a cycling tour around the canals and tours out into the countryside.

For their Amsterdam city tour, spend three hours pedaling along canals and down narrow atmospheric streets of this loveable city, learning the history of the place as you go along while stopping at some of the city’s most iconic spots.

Tours from 34.50 EUR.

Book your tour here!  

2. Free Food Tour Amsterdam

Dutch gouda cheese, scrumptiously sweet and gooey stroopwafels, deep-fried savory bitterballen, and fresh herring are all on offer during this free two-hour walking tour that explores the food of Amsterdam. The expert local guides give a nice overview of the history and culture of Dutch cuisine while you nibble on samples of traditional foods. And yes – you really do get free food on the tour (just be aware that these are tasting bites, don’t expect to get full here). Just tips the guide at the end.

3. Hungry Birds

For nearly a decade this female-owned tour company has been feeding hungry visitors with knowledge and food of Amsterdam. “Mother birds,” as they refer to their guides, lead food-loving visitors around this charming Dutch metropolis for 4.5 hours, snacking on all manner of edible Dutch delights. Tour-goers get the chance to sample street food, traditional Dutch fare including herring and stroopwafels, some non-Dutch treats like Surinamese and Indonesian cuisine, as well as food at an old-school atmospheric food market.

Tours from 79 EUR.

4. HistoryWalks

Despite the country’s neutrality during World War II, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1939 shortly after the war broke out. Led by a retired history professor, their “World War II and the Holocaust in Amsterdam” tour takes visitors on a whirlwind around the city viewing it through the lens of World War II. It’s a fascinating three hours and the guides really know their stuff. If you’re a history buff like me — or if you just want to learn more about the war from a Dutch perspective — this is the tour for you.

Tours from 40 EUR.

5. Ultimate Party Amsterdam

These wild, party-themed pub crawl tours are festive and fun. Hop on the Red Light District pub crawl where the tour begins with unlimited vodka shots for the first 30 minutes (and then at every stop you get another free shot of booze). The tour concludes with free entry into Amsterdam’s biggest nightclub. This tour isn’t all just about getting drunk (though that’s a big part of it) but is a good way to discover some cool party spots so you can come back later and explore more on your own. It’s a great way to meet people too if you’re traveling solo.

Tours from 25 EUR.

6. Eating Europe

Started in Italy a decade ago, Eating Europe now has tours in many big European cities, including Amsterdam. The local guides know how to eat — and where! The food tour through the hip neighborhood of Jordaan gives a great taste of the amazing food scene there. The 3.5-hour walking tour hits some of the coolest spots in the neighborhood, plus street food and food markets to sample traditional and creative takes on Dutch food as well as some great international food. The knowledgeable guides also give a great account of the history of Dutch cuisine and the history and culture of feasting in Amsterdam.

Tours from 94 EUR.

7. O My Amsterdam Tours

Amsterdam is famous for its tolerance of recreational drug culture, particularly marijuana. In certain cafes, it’s totally fine to light up a joint and get higher than a kite. This 2.5-hour tour takes a bong-sized hit of drug culture and history in Amsterdam, leading curious visitors to cannabis grow rooms and the marijuana museum, among other spots, all the while explaining drug culture here. The guide even explains the difference between bad weed and good weed. It’s a real trip!

8. Prostitute Information Center Tours

The Prostitute Information Center, or PIC, in Amsterdam aims to dispel some myths and misconceptions about prostitution, in general, and in Amsterdam, in particular. Every Wednesday to Saturday at 5pm, a current or former sex worker leads tours around the Red Light District, explaining the practices of the trade and taking tour-goers into an actual room where prostitutes entertain customers. And of course, you can ask a lot of questions. It’s everything you ever wanted to know about sex work but were afraid to ask.

9. AllTourNative Amsterdam

This Dutch metropolis has a huge alternative culture scene. And the best introduction to it is to take a guided walking tour. AllTourNative Amsterdam’s “Street Art and Alternative Amsterdam” tour takes visitors to see some of the city’s best street murals, galleries, and coffeehouses that support and create alternative culture in Amsterdam. The 2.5-hour tour will definitely take you to spots you would not normally have heard of as a tourist. They even have a street art bike tour for a different perspective of the city’s vibrant murals.

Tours from 20 EUR.

Book your tour here!

Amsterdam is an amazing city that really does have something for everyone — and every budget. Whether you want to learn about the drug scene and the Red Light District or have tamer tastes and are interested in the city’s storied past, there’s a walking tour for you. Start with Take Walks and go from there!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Amsterdam: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Some great places to stay in the city are:

• St. Christopher’s at the Winston
• Flying Pig Downtown

If you’re looking for more place to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in Amsterdam .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for nomads)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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