Old Town Food & Drinks Walk, Edinburgh

This small-group tasting walk combines classic Scottish flavors with some easygoing sightseeing for the perfect three-hour introduction to Edinburgh. As your engaging guide leads you on a stroll from the Georgian New Town to the medieval Old Town, you'll pass landmarks like Victoria Street, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle, stopping to sample freshly-baked scones, fish and chips, local cheeses, and more. Warm up with some Cullen skink (a hearty haddock and potato chowder), try a modern spin on a traditional haggis, and raise a toast of sláinte as you wash it all down with a pint of Scottish ale.

This small-group foodie walk begins when you join your local guide at the meeting point in Edinburgh's New Town and set off on a relaxed (and delicious) three-hour stroll around the city. Your route and stops depend on the time of day: you might pop by a family-run bakery earlier on for some scones with clotted cream and jam, or warm up in the afternoon with a bowl of hearty Cullen skink (smoked haddock and potato chowder) at the city's oldest gastropub. 

Other highlights might include fish and chips at a Grassmarket pub with a ghostly history, a modern take on haggis with whisky marmalade at a cozy café off Cockburn Street, and tastings of aged Scottish cheddars and creamy Highland bries at an artisan cheesemonger's. You'll wash it all down with some of the country's favorite drinks—including a classic pint and some bright-orange Irn-Bru. 

In between tastings, you'll make your way into the Old Town as you weave through atmospheric closes and cobblestone alleys, passing the colorful houses of Victoria Street (the inspiration for Harry Potter's Diagon Alley), strolling in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, and following a portion of the Royal Mile. Finish with a sweet treat of ice cream or a decadent stuffed cookie, plus plenty of restaurant recommendations for the remainder of your stay.