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City of Edinburgh Tours

8 story sections
History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome to the historic heart of Scotland's capital, a city where the layers of time are etched into every soot-stained stone and narrow wynd. As we begin our exploration of the Old Town, it is essential to understand the unique…

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  2. 2Section 1 — The Royal Mile and the Heart of Midlothian

    We stand now upon the Royal Mile, the historic thoroughfare that connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This stretch of road is not just a street; it is the ceremonial spine of the nation. …

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  3. 3Section 2 — Riddle's Court and the Hidden Closes

    Step away from the main thoroughfare and enter the quiet sanctuary of Riddle's Court. This is one of the most beautiful and historic merchant houses remaining on the Royal Mile, built in the late 16th century by the wealthy…

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  4. 4Section 3 — Victoria Street and the Inspiration for Diagon Alley

    Descending from the heights of the Royal Mile, we find ourselves on Victoria Street, arguably the most photogenic and charming street in the entire city. Built between 1829 and 1834 by architect Thomas Hamilton, this sweeping,…

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  5. 5Section 4 — The Grassmarket and the Shadow of the Gallows

    Entering the wide, open expanse of the Grassmarket, the atmosphere shifts. Today, this is a vibrant social hub filled with outdoor cafes, lively pubs, and the occasional hotel, but its history is deeply shadowed. …

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  6. 6Section 5 — The Vennel and the Flodden Wall

    To find one of the city's best-kept secrets, climb the steep stone staircase known as The Vennel, located at the western end of the Grassmarket. As you ascend these steps, take a moment to look back. …

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  7. 7Section 6 — The Writers' Museum and Makars' Court

    Returning toward the center of the Old Town, we enter Makars' Court, an evolving literary monument situated just off the Royal Mile. The word 'Makar' is an Old Scots term for a poet or writer, and this courtyard celebrates…

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  8. 8Closing

    As our journey through the Old Town comes to a close, we find ourselves once again near the bustling heart of the Royal Mile. We have traversed a landscape that is both a fortress and a home, a place of high drama and quiet…

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What is City of Edinburgh Tours?

City of Edinburgh Tours is a place with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
TypeHeritage
Story sections8
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates55.9490, -3.1869
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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