Architecture Tours of Edinburgh

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Edinburgh walking tours for discerning travellers

A host to dramatic landscapes, picturesque Old Town, exquisite Georgian architecture, as well as exciting modern pieces, the Scottish capital has a story to tell. We believe the most meaningful way to discover Edinburgh is through its built heritage.

This is why we invite you to join our guided tours, where architects and architecture students will reveal how and why the city was constructed.

Where we tour

Our Edinburgh city tours depart daily to three of its most distinguished locations – Old Town, New Town, and Dean Village.

Their unique street layouts, building proportions, materials and tools used, details, patterns, and trade insignia will hint at historical events and local characters.

The lifestyles, values, and ideas of different eras will reveal themselves as you stroll the atmospheric narrow closes, elegant crescents, grand squares, and romantic gardens.

ARCHITECTURE TOUR OF

OLD TOWN

2.5h | £27pp

HIDDEN CASTLES

For the seekers of romantic bonnie Scotland

ARCHITECTURE TOUR OF

NEW TOWN

2h | £27pp

THE MODEL CITY

For the admirers of scholarly classical beauty

ARCHITECTURE TOUR OF

DEAN VILLAGE

2h | July offer: £20pp

HERITAGE VALLEY

For those eager to explore off the beaten path

EXTENDED ARCHITECTURE TOUR OF OLD TOWN

PICTURESQUE FANTASY

Half Day | Lunch Stop | £57pp

For true explorers. Discover the mysterious creatures lurking overhead and wander the multitude of atmospheric closes, courtyards, and gardens.

EXTENDED ARCHITECTURE TOUR OF NEW TOWN

ATHENS OF THE NORTH

Half Day | Lunch Stop | £57pp

For modern Georgians. Soak in the spirit of the Scottish Enlightenment. Roam beyond the first New Town and into the crescents and lanes of its slopes.

What travellers love

about Cobble Tales

Ben, Lancaster

Olga was one of the best guides we've ever had on a walk, and we could have happily carried on all day. Worth every penny for architecture lovers, and even those with a vague interest (like myself!).

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Margaret, Sydney

The tour guide really improved my understanding of the higgledy piggledy Old Town, and made subsequent explorations of this non grid town very easy.

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William, Texas

Things I would have never noticed without the trained eye of my guide.

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Ian, Edinburgh

Whether you are new to Edinburgh, or already know the city, you will get a huge amount from it.

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Hilary, New York

We have visited Chicago and took many Architectural Foundation tours there, and Cobble Tales ranks at the same if not higher level.

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Lynn, Edinburgh

One of the highlights was access to the locked Queen Street Gardens! We've done architectural tours in a number of cities and this ranks among the top!

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Andrew, Melbourne

This walking tour was a good survey of all the elements of Scottish architecture and the significant buildings explaining the story and history of the city.

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Rosalind, Dunbar

It was fascinating to learn about all the influences on Edinburgh’s architecture, from brochs and baronial castles to Le Corbusier.

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Elisabeth, Newcastle

I saw the city in a new light through the excellent commentary and images Agustina shared.

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Magdalena, Zurich

It was a pleasure to see Edinburgh through the eyes of a guide who can explain the details of the architectural history of the city.

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Inez, Kentucky

Thanks to this Royal Mile tour, we had a much greater appreciation and understanding of all the different architecture and history throughout the rest of our trip.

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Harvey, New York

We had the most amazing time with our tour guide Olga learning about the architectural history of Edinburgh.

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Edinburgh Tour Giftcard

Special day coming for your beloved architectural enthusiast? Family coming to visit?

Surprise the urban explorers you know with the perfect tour for inquisitive minds. Whether they live in Edinburgh or are just visiting, this gift will leave them full of insights about Edinburgh’s architectural secrets.

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