History Walks

Enlightenment Edinburgh

In summary

Explore Edinburgh’s fascinating role in the history of ideas
Visit Old & New Town, tracing the tales of how it developed in the history of Europe
Enjoy a private tour with a master storyteller guide
Mercat exclusive audio devices - get immersed and lost in the stories...
Choosing Mercat is 'Good for you, Good for Edinburgh' - our team, community and environment

About this tour

Discover Edinburgh at the moment it transformed the worlds of history, science, literature and philosophy. On this private tour you’ll see a city that was home to an extraordinary concentration of great minds: David Hume, Adam Smith, James Hutton and Walter Scott.

The enlightenment in Edinburgh transformed philosophy, history, science and literature. From this small stage, a few men laid the foundations of modern economics, and inspired great leaps for modern medicine. But how did Scotland’s capital gain its reputation as the Athens of the North? And what was it about the city that inspired so many thinkers?

Excitement and endeavour

On this private tour of Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, your expert Mercat guide will conjure the excitement and endeavour of the men who met for intense meetings at The Select Society and The Poker Club. We’ll take you to places where it all happened – the university, the Surgeon’s Hall, the observatory. Forget the guide books – this tour brings a city of radical ideas to life.

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Tour details

Dates & times

For 28 June only, EH residents use code Celebrate40June to book your free Edinburgh Enlightenment tour ticket. T&C's below.

Free tour is exclusively for EH residents.
Visitors are requested to bring proof of address to be verified on arrival.
Availability is limited and tickets are on a first come, first served basis.
Tickets to be booked online in advance.
Tickets for this tour cannot be exchanged for an alternative date.

Private group bookings

Can't make this tour on the scheduled date? Consider a private tour! Reconnect with friends and family on a tour just for you. We're happy to help on email groups@mercattours.com

Details

Donate to help us reconnect vulnerable communities through storytelling - learn more about Our Stories, Your City .
Everyone has a warm welcome from us;

Local Edinburgh residents eligible for concession rates (EH postcodes)
Complimentary tickets are available for carers, to book call us on 0131 225 5445 .
Read how we include you here
See our Euan's Guide Review s.

Language: English. Learn more on our FAQs

If you are a returning visitor and booked directly through Mercat Tours, you’re eligible for our Returner’s Reward

Duration

1 hours 45 minutes

Tour location

Start point: Mercat Cross, High Street
End point: Calton Hill

Need help booking?

Get in touch with us and one of our experts will be able to give you advice on our tours.

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Souvenir Guidebooks

Don't forget to buy a Mercat Tours souvenir guidebook with your ticket.

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