Free tour Guide to Edinburgh
Royal Splendor: Free Tour Guide to Edinburgh - Scotland's Majestic Capital
Welcome to your free tour guide to Edinburgh! This guide takes you through ancient medieval streets overshadowed by an imposing castle, past breathtaking Georgian architecture, and into hidden closes where centuries-old Scottish traditions blend with contemporary cultural innovation.
At Wingman, we’re your local friend, showing you where to savor the most authentic haggis in the Grassmarket and the hidden whisky bars with the best views of the Royal Mile.
We’ll walk with you from the historic Edinburgh Castle to the tranquil Holyrood Palace, sharing stories about Edinburgh’s royal heritage and its evolution into Scotland’s cultural and intellectual heart. Join us as we show you the real Edinburgh!
FROM ROYAL STRONGHOLDS TO LITERARY LANDMARKS
Edinburgh's Secret Sunrise Spot
Calton Hill, with its collection of striking monuments including the unfinished National Monument often called "Edinburgh's Disgrace," offers Edinburgh's most spectacular sunrise views overlooking the historic Old Town bathed in soft morning light. Few tourists realize this former astronomical observatory site provides an unobstructed panorama where the rising sun illuminates the city's harmonious blend of medieval architecture and elegant Georgian symmetry.
Top 3 wingman tours in Edinburgh
A Muggle’s Guide to Wizarding Edinburgh
“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good”. But I promise you will love every second of this tour!
Welcome to the magical world of Harry Potter in Edinburgh! Our magical journey begins at the Balmoral Hotel, where J K Rowling wrote the final chapters of her masterpiece. From there, we’ll stroll down Victoria Street, a real-life Diagon Alley.Â
Our path then leads to the eerie Greyfriars Cemetery, home to Tom Riddle’s grave – a chilling inspiration for He Who Must Not Be Named. We’ll gaze upon George Heriot’s School, whose grand towers and house system are reminiscent of Hogwarts itself.Â
Pages of Edinburgh
Named the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004, Edinburgh has inspired some of history’s greatest writers – and now it’s your turn to walk in their footsteps.
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From the poetic tributes of Makar’s Court to the treasured tales of The Writer’s Museum, Edinburgh is a living library of the imagination. Stand before the towering Scott Monument, honoring the legendary Sir Walter Scott, or visit the handprint of J.K. Rowling, who conjured Hogwarts from the city’s very soul.
Witch Walk - Edinburgh Tour
Let’s take a hauntingly enchanting walk through the shadowy corridors of Edinburgh’s witchcraft history. This tour invites you to explore the city’s dark past, where fear and superstition led to the tragic persecution of countless individuals accused of witchcraft.
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As you stroll through cobbled streets and hidden closes, hear the heartbreaking tales of those who suffered unjustly, their stories echoing through time.
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hidden gems of Edinburgh
Discover Edinburgh Like a Local with Wingman.
Navigate the city’s hidden gems with our GPS-guided audio tours, taking you beyond the tourist spots to authentic local experiences.
The Secret Gardens of Dunbar's Close
This meticulously recreated 17th-century garden, hidden just steps from the Royal Mile, offers an authentic slice of Edinburgh’s past through its formal terraced design. Behind its unassuming stone entrance lies a peaceful haven where immaculately trimmed hedges frame geometric herb beds and secluded stone benches, while the upper terrace provides unexpected views across the city’s medieval roofscape.
Local Guide Tip: Visit on Thursday mornings when the gardeners are tending the historic plants and are happy to share stories about Edinburgh’s horticultural history and medicinal plant lore that dates back to the Scottish Enlightenment.
Coordinates: 55.9528° N, 3.1836° W
The Vaults Beneath South Bridge
These eerie underground chambers, built within the arches of South Bridge in the late 1700s, once housed taverns, workshops and Edinburgh’s poorest residents. Now largely forgotten, their atmospheric stone rooms remain largely unchanged since the 19th century, with walls still bearing the marks of their former inhabitants and tales of hauntings that attract paranormal enthusiasts from around the world.
Local Guide Tip: Book the “Historian’s Tour” rather than the more common ghost tours to learn about the authentic social history of these spaces, including how they were rediscovered in the 1980s after being sealed for nearly a century.
Coordinates: 55.9487° N, 3.1881° W
Dean Village Water of Leith
This picturesque former milling village, just five minutes from Princes Street, feels worlds away from Edinburgh’s urban bustle. Its preserved 19th-century worker’s cottages, distinctive stone bridges and the gentle flow of the Water of Leith create one of Edinburgh’s most photogenic settings. Look for the carved stone plaques featuring baking themes that hint at the area’s four centuries as the city’s milling center.
Local Guide Tip: Follow the riverside path downstream to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, stopping at the hidden St. Bernard’s Well – a neoclassical temple built over a “healing spring” where you might spot local artists capturing the scene in watercolors, especially during golden hour.
Coordinates: 55.9522° N, 3.2158° W
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Dive into diverse cultures with our expertly crafted tours designed to enlighten and entertain.
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Edinburgh top sights with insider tips
1. Edinburgh Castle
Arrive 15. minutes before opening to beat the crowds and get unobstructed photos of the spectacular city views from the castle’s highest point at Mons Meg.2. Royal Mile
Explore the hidden closes (narrow alleyways) branching off the main thoroughfare to discover secret gardens, tiny museums, and historic courtyards that most tourists walk right past.3. Arthur’s Seat
Take the less-traveled eastern path up this ancient volcano for a more gradual ascent with superior views of the Firth of Forth and fewer fellow hikers.4. Palace of Holyroodhouse
Visit during weekday afternoons when the Queen isn’t in residence to enjoy the most comprehensive tour options and access to the rarely-mentioned abbey ruins.5. National Museum of Scotland
Head straight to the hidden roof terrace on the 7th floor for breathtaking 360-degree views of Edinburgh’s skyline that many locals don’t even know exists.6. The Royal Botanic Garden
Skip the main entrance and enter through the North Gate near Inverleith Row to immediately discover the stunning Victorian glasshouses without traversing the entire garden.7. Calton Hill
Visit at sunset on a clear day with a picnic from the Broughton Street delis for one of Edinburgh’s most romantic experiences away from the dawn crowds.8. Grassmarket
Look up to spot the hidden “shadow” clock on the wall of the Tolbooth St. John’s church, designed to tell time without a face or hands.9. Dean Village
Cross the iconic Well Court’s archway to find a hidden viewpoint of the historic red sandstone buildings reflecting perfectly in the Water of Leith on calm days.10. Greyfriars Kirkyard
Search for the gravestones that inspired Harry Potter character names including McGonagall, Moodie, and the real Tom Riddle, often overlooked among tourists only seeking Greyfriars Bobby.
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