Edinburgh Audio Tours & City Guides Edinburgh speaks.
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Where ancient myths whisper through cobbled closes and history breathes from every stone of the old town.

Two Ways to Rediscover Edinburgh

A first taste of the best stories the city has to offer. Many more tours are waiting for you.

Shadows and Sovereigns: The Royal Mile's Hidden Spine – Edinburgh Audio-Tour
Tour 01
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Image by Gary Todd on Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Shadows and Sovereigns: The Royal Mile's Hidden Spine

Discover the profound duality of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. While the main thoroughfare showcases grand processions and royal power, the narrow, hidden closes branching off it reveal a secret world of cramped tenements, unsolved murders, and the resilient lives of ordinary people. Join Max and local historian Elisa as they guide you down the spine of the Old Town, from the imposing fortress of Edinburgh Castle to the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, uncovering the architectural evolution and dramatic social stratification of this ancient city.

8 Stops
116 Min
Flesh and Bone: The Burke & Hare Murders – Edinburgh Audio-Tour
Tour 02
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Image by Richard Webb on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Flesh and Bone: The Burke & Hare Murders

Step into the shadows of 19th-century Edinburgh, a city split between Enlightenment brilliance and desperate, grinding poverty. On this immersive true-crime journey, you will trace the bloody footsteps of William Burke and William Hare, two men who turned murder into a highly profitable business. Discover how the insatiable demands of the medical establishment created a black market for human corpses, and explore the chilling ethical lines crossed in the name of science. This is not just a story of serial killers; it is a tale of class, complicity, and the forgotten victims of the Old Town.

6 Stops
94 Min

Discover Edinburgh – Stories Worth Hearing

Red Thread is an iOS and Android app with over 1,500 guided audio tours through cities worldwide - including in Edinburgh.

Perched dramatically on ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh is a city where every shadow holds a story, and the past is an ever-present companion. Its vibrant energy pulses through cobbled closes and grand avenues, inviting you to delve deeper.

Beneath the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle and along the historic Royal Mile, lies a tapestry of tales both glorious and grim. Our audio tours transform these iconic landmarks and their hidden corners into a living narrative, guiding you through the true events that shaped this captivating capital.

Edinburgh Highlights
  • Explore the labyrinthine closes of the Old Town.
  • Discover centuries of history beneath your feet.
  • Unearth local legends and chilling true stories.
  • Experience Edinburgh's timeless magic at your own pace.

Start for free – Premium from €12.99/month. Compare all plans →

Learn more about Red Thread

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh

General questions about the app, pricing and features are answered in our full FAQ on the main page.

How long does it take to walk the Royal Mile and what will I see?
Our 'Shadows and Rulers' tour along the Royal Mile takes approximately 116 minutes, guiding you through its hidden closes, historic landmarks, and the secrets of Scottish power. You'll uncover tales from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.
Are the stories on the 'Burke & Hare' tour suitable for all ages?
The 'Burke & Hare Murders' tour delves into a chilling chapter of Edinburgh's medical history, exploring the darker side of its Old Town. While historically significant, it deals with mature themes and parental discretion is advised for younger listeners. The tour lasts about 94 minutes.
Can I create my own tours in Edinburgh?
Yes, with the XL or Unlimited subscription you can use our AI-powered tour creator to build your own personalized tour in Edinburgh on a topic of your choice.
Can I use the Edinburgh tours offline?
Yes, with an XL or Unlimited subscription you can download tours for offline use.
Can I do Edinburgh tours together with friends?
Yes – with Together Mode (from XL plan) the whole group listens in sync on their own devices. Up to 4 people on XL, up to 10 on Unlimited.
In which other cities does Red Thread offer tours?
Further tours are available in 100s more cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Lisbon. All cities can be found here.
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