Best of · WALKING TOURS
The 15 best castle walking tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Walk from the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle with guides such as Joe, Jen, Valeria, Nick, or Sonia. Hear stories of Mary Queen of Scots, sieges, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, then explore the castle buildings on your own after the 90-minute outdoor tour.
“it was wonderful to have Joe as a tour guide. He has a wonderful knowledge on the Royal mile and Edinburgh castle.”
Start near the Astronomical Clock with a live guide, then walk through Old Town and across Charles Bridge before taking a 15-minute tram to Prague Castle. Expect legends, statues, Hradčany views, and helpful advice from guides such as Míša, Peter, David, and Martina. Exterior visits only.
“Great walking tour and a perfect intro to Prague! Lots of interesting history along the way. Misha was an amazing guide - engaging, knowledgeable, and funny. Highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors like us.”
Enter Edinburgh Castle with a guide such as Joe, Raj, Sonia, or Valeria, and hear sharp stories about Mary Queen of Scots, royal feasts, and Scotland’s battles. The guided walk lasts about 90 minutes, mostly outdoors, followed by free time to explore the castle buildings on your own.
“Its great to start your stay in Edinburgh , short but but very informative. Started and ended on time.”
Meet near the Adam Smith statue on the Royal Mile, then walk to Edinburgh Castle with an English-speaking guide such as Koffe, Greg, Steph, or Euan. Expect 90 minutes of outdoor storytelling, skip-the-line entry, castle history, and free time to explore the buildings yourself.
“Tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Really interesting to learn so much about the castle. As it is primarily outside it is important to wrap up warm. Very happy with the tour overall.”
Walk Buda Castle’s courtyards with an English-speaking guide, then spend 30 minutes inside St. Stephen’s Hall, the palace’s fully restored royal interior. Guides such as Rita, Rosie, Eszter, and Kopp bring Hungary’s wars, royal stories, and restoration work to life. Expect one hour outdoors and some construction noise.
“Our guide Josie was amazing. Her English was perfect. She was very knowledgeable plus had a lovely sense of humour. We learned a lot. The tour is highly recommended.”
Walk Budapest’s Buda Castle District in a small group of up to 10. See Matthias Church, Fishermen’s Bastion, the President’s Palace, and Royal Palace courtyards while guides such as Monika, Zoli, Dominic, and Alexandra bring Hungarian history to life.
“This turned into a private tour and our tour guide was very knowledgeable, showed us the highlights of the beautiful Buda side of Budapest and gave us good insight into the history of the city and the buildings.”
Follow a licensed English-speaking guide from central Prague to Prague Castle by tram, then walk through St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane before ending at Charles Bridge. Guides such as Petra and Honza add history, humor, and useful local tips.
“My sister and I had a lovely time at this walking tour. Our guide Mike was very knowledgeable, entertaining and ensured nobody got left behind. The three hours went by quickly and it wasn’t tiring at all. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who is keen on learning about Prague’s history and architecture”
Walk Dubrovnik’s full 2-kilometer city walls with a licensed guide such as Michaela, Mihaela, or Desa. Expect stories about medieval defenses, the Homeland War, terracotta rooftops, and local life, plus time for photos. Choose early morning or sunset for cooler light and fewer crowds.
“Unfortunately I can’t remember her name (long blonde hair), but she was an amazing guide. We got so much out of this guided tour. Will recommend to any friends coming to Dubrovnik.”
Follow guides such as Craig, Linda, Nicola, and Marina through Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, medieval closes, Parliament Square, and Castlehill before a 45-minute introduction to Edinburgh Castle. The walk includes steep cobbles, headsets for larger groups, and free castle time afterward.
“The tour was phenomenal. This is through Mercat Tours, and our guide, Linda, was excellent. So much history and incredible information. The listing when we booked through Viator said 1 hour 15 minutes, but this is a 2.5 hour tour. Keep in mind for planning your day!”
Start at Krakow’s Barbican and follow the Royal Road through St Florian’s Gate, the Main Square, Collegium Maius, Planty Park, and Wawel Castle. An English-speaking guide such as Ania, Chris, Max, or Pawel brings Polish history to life in about two and a half hours.
“Pawel Mrozowicz was an excellent guide. He had an extensive knowledge of Krakow and the city sights, as well as the surrounding area and history. He was articulate in English and kept a walking pace to match the group. He has an art history background so he was able to discuss more of the cultural and art aspects of Krakow.”
See Budapest’s main sights in three hours with a live guide and air-conditioned bus. Walk Castle Hill to Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, stop at Heroes’ Square, and pause on Gellért Hill for Danube views. Guides such as Dora, Klara, and Maria are known for clear history and useful local tips.
“Very nice experience, our guide lady Ildikó was great, told a lot of interesting information and tips. The only negativ thing was sport time aroung the Buda castle ( partly for the trafice and overcrowded elevators)”
Walk Charleston’s historic core with Eric Lager, Ph.D., a history professor at The Citadel. In a group capped at 12, you’ll connect colonial Charleston, the Revolution, slavery, religion, architecture, and the Civil War while visiting 13 important sites over about three hours.
“This was a great experience, informative and fun. Eric really knew his stuff. Love the history of Charleston!”
Meet near Tron Kirk at 2pm, then walk up the Royal Mile with a local guide and enter Edinburgh Castle using priority admission. Expect about 90 minutes of stories, Crown Square, St Margaret’s Chapel, the dog cemetery, and the National War Museum, followed by free time inside the castle.
“Alisdair was great and shared so many fun anecdotes! Very knowledgeable and informative about the castle and surrounding area.”
Meet near Pile Gate and follow an English-speaking local guide through Dubrovnik’s Old Town and along its 2-kilometer walls. Expect steep stairs, hot sun, and superb views. Guides such as Davor, Goran, Mara, and Andrea bring the city’s wars, diplomacy, forts, and daily life into focus.
“Very pleasant guide Daroc,very informative, engaged very well with the whole group, good mix of past and current facts”
Join a guide, possibly Palak, for a 2.5-hour walk from Town Hall through Fort, Kala Ghoda, and Colaba. See Victorian landmarks, a synagogue, the Gateway of India, and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Groups are capped at 12, with a coffee break sometimes included.
“A very informative tour of Old Mumbai, including its history and architecture. Our guide was so nice.”
Pick a great one, a way in, or a shape of castle.
