Culture & History in Edinburgh

Discover the city’s most iconic monument with this self-guided audio tour. Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great volcanic summit. The story of the Castle has helped shape the nation's history: battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it. Learn about the many Scottish monarchs it has sheltered, including Queen Margaret (later St Margaret), who died here in 1093, and Mary Queen of Scots, who gave birth to James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval royal intrigues and feel like a participant in historical events in a place where time has stopped.

Visit the country's most popular museum with your own in-app audio tour! With this tour, you will not get lost in the endless labyrinth, as it will guide you to the museum's greatest highlights. Note that this museum has free (!) admission. By buying this audio tour, you don’t pay for your entry but get an opportunity to explore the beauty of the museum at your own pace, following the carefully planned route and listening to amazing stories. The tour starts in the Grand Gallery where you will explore the Natural World, World Cultures and Scottish History, and Archeology galleries. One of the highlights is the legendary Dolly the Sheep and learn that she wasn't the first-ever cloned mammal! Admire the wildlife diversity and see any animal you can think of: from the prehistoric T. Rex to the unique Scottish wildcat. Visiting the World Cultures galleries is the same as a round-the-world tour. You will see African masks, touch materials protecting people from Arctic colds, and learn about the life on the islands lost in the Pacific. The Scottish galleries will reveal the history of Scotland from ancient times till the present day. Look at the legacy of Mary Queen of Scots and see the iconic Lewis chessmen that inspired the 'wizard chess' in Harry Potter movies. Finally, try to resolve the mystery of Arthur's Seat coffins that has never been solved. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the National Museum of Scotland but is provided by an independent creator.

This in-app audio tour will guide you through timeless masterpieces of world art and Scottish artistic heritage housed in the Scottish National Gallery. Keep in mind that this museum has a free (!) admission. By buying this audio tour, you don’t pay for your entry. However, you get an opportunity to explore the beauty of the museum at your own pace, following the carefully planned route, seeing the best the museum has to offer, and listening to amazing stories. You will walk through the opulent rooms of the neoclassical jewel of Edinburgh and explore the highlights of the outstanding collection, including Botticelli, Titian, Velázquez, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and more. The tour will take you from the Middle Age to Renaissance, from the Baroque to Rococo, and to the all-time favourite Impressionism. You will hear little-known facts about the artists whose names are on everyone's lips, and trace how art developed throughout history. On top of that, you will discover the unique art of Scotland with its own authentic artistic traditions. The gallery boasts breathtaking Scottish landscapes and scenes from everyday life you don't want to miss. Marvel at iconic portraits by Sir Henry Raeburn, and travel back in time to 18th-century Edinburgh with David Wilkie. Note! This tour is not affiliated with the Scottish National Gallery but is provided by an independent creator.

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Scotland and relive the past of Edinburgh! Begin your discoveries of the Old Town with Holyroodhouse Palace and admire the serenity of its park contrasting with the striking modern complex of the New Scottish Parliament. Carry on to John Knox's house while listening to the peculiar life story of its owner, a man by no means ordinary. Go on then to lay your eyes on a gorgeous mass of High Kirk of St Giles, with its intricated Gothic motifs over the walls. After that, don't let the statue of Greyfriars Bobby pass you by, as his story is of an incredible and touching kind. Mount Castle Rock in order to get up close to the majestic figure of Edinburgh Castle looming over the city. You will then have a chance to look over the National Gallery of Scotland, conveniently situated next to the Royal Scottish Academy, so you can visit them both if you wish. Finish your tour with the picturesque view opening from Princes Street before you are left to enjoy the bubbly life of the New Town. Indulge yourself in a relaxing walk right amidst it! Put aside some time and be ready to discover the surprises Edinburgh has prepared for you!

Take a walk around Edinburgh, the home to the forensic science of Scotland! Begin your exploration by considering a plaque at the birthplace of Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the ingenious Sherlock Holmes. Go on to explore Governor's House as you learn about the real case that served as inspiration for Stevenson to create the infamous Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide from his novel. Immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of Old Surgeon's Hall, which story will unveil the dark times of Edinburgh. Admire the view that opens from Grassmarket, a peaceful street where you would never believe gallows have ever stood. Feel like a detective as you see over the High Court, listening about the cases solved in this imposing building and unraveling their mysteries. And for sure, let your eyes fix on the Heart of Midlothian, a beautiful yet gloomy reminder of the criminals executed right in the heart of Edinburgh. By the end of the tour, you will know everything about crime in Edinburgh, so dive into this city's chilling secrets...

Rising 251 meters above Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat is the highest point of the resident city volcano. Don't be alarmed: it erupted 350 million years ago, went extinct, and is now a harmless, beautiful hill in Holyrood Park. But the 360-degree panoramic view of the city it offers is as majestic as ever. There are several routes leading up to Arthur's Seat. This one you're about to take follows a slow and steady path that doesn't involve a lot of climbing. You'll enter Holyrood Park via the Queen's Drive, walk around St Margaret's Loch, and up to St Anthony's Chapel. Then via the Dasses and Piper's Walk, you'll reach the main destination of the tour—Arthur's Seat and its subsidiary Crow Hill. The trail back is going to be a bit steeper and more strenuous. But you will see the vertiginous cliffs of Raven's Rock and Hutton's Section and walk along the edge of awe-inspiring Salisbury Crags. After that, you'll descend into a valley and walk across Hunter's Bog, then exit the park and decide what you want to do next: visit the Dynamic Earth museum or hit the café in the same building. Before you set foot on the path, make sure you have good walking shoes on. Hiking boots are not a must, but you'll have to tread dirt and rock on the slopes, and the footing will be uneven, so nothing flimsy would give you a good grip. You'll also need some water and snacks—the walk there and back will take about two hours, so you will definitely want to have some refreshments along the way.

Delve into the heart of Scotland's capital with 'Uncover Edinburgh's Soul', a comprehensive self-guided audio tour for history enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike. Crafted for first-time visitors eager to explore Edinburgh's iconic landmarks and hidden corners, this tour offers a riveting narrative packed with tales, secrets, and insights into the city's storied past and vibrant present. The journey begins at the commanding Edinburgh Castle and culminates at the elegant Georgian House in New Town. Along the way, listeners are guided through the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, up the serene expanse of Holyrood Park, and into the hushed halls of St Giles' Cathedral. From the regal splendor of Holyrood Palace to the panoramic views atop Calton Hill, the route is a curated blend of Edinburgh's finest attractions, each with its signature story, all captured in rich audio detail. Travelers will find themselves enthralled by personal tales of literary giants at the Writers' Museum, the echoes of centuries past in Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the artistry on display at the National Museum of Scotland. The tour is not just about sightseeing—it's a multi-sensory experience that allows listeners to absorb the essence of Scottish culture, heritage, and the timeless aura of Edinburgh.