Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in Britain and one where the visitor route and the local route barely touch. A local friend walks the second.
What a day looks like#
| Plan | Why a local matters |
|---|---|
| The Old Town | The closes, the stories, not the ghost tour |
| Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill | At the hour the light is right |
| Stockbridge and Leith | Where Edinburgh eats and drinks |
| Whisky | A bar with a good list and no tartan |
| August | The Fringe with someone who's seen the good shows |
How it works#
Browse Local Friends in Edinburgh, message one, agree a plan, meet in public. Each sets an hourly rate; drinks and tickets are agreed first. Rent a friend in the UK explains the model and how much it costs explains the price.
For locals: getting paid#
August alone brings millions of visitors. Sign up free on Roavi, add real photos and a short bio, set your rate and your free times. Roavi takes no commission. Paid friend jobs describes the work honestly.
Live in Edinburgh? Get paid to show visitors your city.
Become a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
What do people do with a rented friend in Edinburgh?
Old Town closes and the Royal Mile without the tour groups, Arthur's Seat or Calton Hill at sunset, Stockbridge and Dean Village, Leith's restaurants, a whisky bar, the Fringe in August (which shows are worth it), Hogmanay, or a day trip to the coast.How much does it cost to rent a friend in Edinburgh?
Each Local Friend sets their rate, typically within the worldwide $15 to $50 an hour range (roughly £12 to £40). Drinks and tickets are agreed first.Is a rented friend useful during the Fringe?
Very. Thousands of shows, every venue full, every restaurant booked: a local who knows which shows are good this year and where to eat at 11pm changes the week.How do I become a rent-a-friend in Edinburgh?
Sign up on Roavi as a Local Friend, add real photos, write what you'd show someone, set your rate and free times. No commission. August is the busiest month by far.
This article was written with the help of AI and reviewed by the Roavi team.