P
Leila was an excellent...
Leila was an excellent guide. Great people person, fab knowledge of the food industry in the area. She explained the local history well without being too over the top. Good food stops, good portions. Excellent experience.
Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour
+6 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Price from
- $127 / person
- Location
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 322 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 12
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- London Food Tours by Eating Europe
- Meeting point
- Meet your guide in St Andrew Square by the Melville Monument. Your guide will be wearing a purple tote bag and will be standing by the bench with Paddington Bear.
Description
Edinburgh doesn't give up its best stories easily, but it does give them up over food. On this 3-hour small-group tour, you'll move between the Georgian elegance of the New Town and the cobbled medieval closes of the Old Town, eating your way through four hand-picked stops that tell the city's story from the inside out. You'll try haggis in a way that surprises even the skeptics, warm up over a bowl of Scotland's finest smoked fish soup in a pub that's been here since 1823, visit a pub with a spooky past, and end with a sweet treat, and more! No lost-in-the-crowd moments, no rushed tastings; just a small group, an expert guide with real stories to tell, and a route that reads like Edinburgh at its most essential.
Tour Options
Itinerary
New Town
Your tour opens in Edinburgh's grand Georgian New Town. In the morning, you'll head to a multi-award-winning bakery beloved by locals since its beginnings in Leith, and try freshly made scones with cream and jam; afternoon guests will try instead a bowl of warming, traditional smoked haddock soup, cullen skink.
Taking in breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, and Arthur’s Seat, you’ll learn about the rich tapestry of Edinburgh’s history and how it weaves together the stories of the Old and New Towns.
Cockburn Street
A cozy café-restaurant renowned for serving the best haggis in town. Enjoy a tasting of haggis bon bons with raspberry whisky marmalade paired with an iconic Scottish soft drink.
Stand in the heart of Edinburgh’s most famous street, the Royal Mile. Stretching between Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle, this historic street marks where the city of Edinburgh began over 900 years ago.
Stroll along the colorful and winding Victoria Street, one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque and iconic streets, often said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
Situated right beneath Castle Rock, enjoy stunning views of Edinburgh Castle from below and hear the fascinating story of one of Scotland’s most infamous women, Maggie Dickson.
Grassmarket
Step inside this beloved local spot and discover their chilling legend! Named after a woman who survived her own execution, it’s the perfect place to enjoy fish and chips with a half-pint of local ale.
To finish the tour, end with a sweet seasonal dessert, an ice cream or a stuffed cookie.
What's included
Included
Guided walk through Edinburgh's closes, the Royal Mile, and Victoria Street
Generous food tastings across Edinburgh's Old and New Towns
Sweet finish at a beloved Edinburgh dessert spot (stuffed cookie or ice cream)
Local ale or Scottish soft drink paired with a savory tasting
Local English-speaking guide.
‘Food & the City’ Insider Tips
Not included
Gratuities / Tips for the guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Extra drinks
Traveller Ratings
4.9
322 reviews
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The tour is for ages 7 and above. Children under 7 may be refused entry due to vendor restrictions.
- This activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled or reimbursed.
- Please note that the tastings mentioned are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Both offerings and tour stops may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
- Have dietary requirements? Simply email us or add a note at booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free guests or other dietary needs where we can. For guest safety, this experience isn’t suitable for those with severe or life-threatening food allergies to ingredients found on the tour, and the company cannot take responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances.
- Walking Requirements: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking between food stops. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please consider your mobility when booking.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour take?
Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 8 stops.
How much does Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour cost?
Prices start at $127 per person for this Edinburgh experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet your guide in St Andrew Square by the Melville Monument. Your guide will be wearing a purple tote bag and will be standing by the bench with Paddington Bear. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller The tour is for ages 7 and above. Children under 7 may be refused entry due to vendor restrictions.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible Walking Requirements: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking between food stops. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please consider your mobility when booking.
Reviews(322)
P
Delicious food on a fun tour
Emery was an amazing guide; she was extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable! The food was delicious and we learned so many interesting facts about Edinburgh.
R
A perfect afternoon
Thoroughly enjoyed the tour! The pacing and views were spectacular. Food was excellent. Our guide Luanna was extremely knowledgeable and had insights into the history of the place as well great recommendations for further exploration. Highly recommend!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your lovely review! Luana is fantastic, we're glad you think so too!
4
Great way to see Edinburgh
Really great way to see the city and have delicious food.
E
Fun day
Leela (spelling) did a great job. Loved her knowledge of history and even the Haggis was good! Thanks.
Operator response
Thanks for your kind words about our tour! We are so glad you had fun with Layla and hope you'll join us again on your next European adventure!
W
Great tour!
Great tour. Jack was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Operator response
Thank you!
P
Great mix of food, history and company
My family and I had a wonderful time on this tour. Luana, and Olivia (who was training to become a guide), were excellent. They were informative and friendly. It was great to get to know them and the others on our small tour. I liked that we were a small group (9 people signed up). The tour was a great mix of the historical spots and a great variety of local, cultural food and drinks. My family and I loved it all.
Operator response
I am so glad you enjoyed your tour with Luana and Olivia! They are two of the best and will be so pleased to hear your kind words. Thanks so much for joining us!
A
Scottish eats highlights
Emery was awesome! Great intro to some can’t miss Scottish eats. Emery also gave us lots of other recs for our time in Scotland, greatly appreciated.
Operator response
Thanks so much for this lovely review, we are so glad you enjoyed our tour. I hope your Scottish holiday was lovely!
5
Food Tour
We had an extraordinary experience with Emery showcasing the fabulous food that Edinburgh has to offer.
Operator response
It was such a pleasure to meet you! Thanks so much for the kind words about our tour, we hope that you'll think of us again on your next visit to Europe (we have 23 delicious locations!).
S
Great mix of food, history and company.
My family and I had a wonderful time on this tour. Luana, and Olivia (who was training to become a guide), were excellent. They were informative and friendly. It was great to get to know them and the others on our small tour. I liked that we were a small group (9 people signed up). The tour was a great mix of the historical spots and a great variety of food. My family and I loved it all.
Operator response
Thanks so much for this lovely review! I am so glad you enjoyed your tour and appreciate the kind words. I hope you had a lovely Scottish adventure!
Compare similar tours in Edinburgh
- Lowest price: Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh — $24
- Best rated: Edinburgh Food Tour with 5 Authentic Tastings & Local Scotch — 4.9 (1,390 reviews)
- Shortest: Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town — 1 hour
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eating Edinburgh: Old Town Food & Drinks Tour | 3 hours | 4.9 (322) | $127 | |
 Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town | 1 hour | 4.7 (9,456) | $32 | View |
 Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh | 2 hours | 4.9 (2,348) | $24 | View |
 Edinburgh Premium Food and Drink Tour with EatWalk Tours | 3 hours | 4.8 (695) | $162 | View |
 90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town | 1h 30min | 4.9 (479) | $54 | View |
 Edinburgh Food Tour with 5 Authentic Tastings & Local Scotch | 3 hours | 4.9 (1,390) | $131 | View |
 The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour | 1h 15min | 4.6 (10,804) | $26 | View |
from$127
4.9(322) Free cancellation