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Edinburgh Castle

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The Edinburgh Dungeon

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Arthur's Seat

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Loch LomondAttraction in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland

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Wallace MonumentAttraction in Stirling, Scotland

Firth of Forth

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Ask an expert: Edinburgh travel tips from Laurence Norah

Edinburgh: a 72-hour itinerary

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Edinburgh travel guide

Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
1462 reviews
Activity provider:
City of Edinburgh Tours
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Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
1462 reviews
Likely to sell out

Join a local published historian around Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile and visit its underground vaults. Learn about some of Edinburgh’s fascinating history, literary heroes, infamous criminals.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
C
Cindy – South Africa

Emily made the tour one to remember with her story telling skills! Considering the rain, Emily kept us well entertained on the underground tour, her knowledge and the way she told the folklore stories and history of Edinburgh made for an amazing time. Thank you!

5
5 out of 5 stars
E
Emily – United Kingdom

Really great tour and fantastic guide! Really interesting.

Select participants and date

Participants

Highlights

  • Be led around Edinburgh's Old Town by a local published historian
  • Gain exclusive access into Edinburgh's Underground Vaults
  • Explore Edinburgh's long and fascinating past
  • Visit some of the Old Town's hidden closes and historical sites
  • Enjoy our professional, informative and engaging tour

Full description

Immerse yourself in the history of Edinburgh on a guided city walking tour. Trace the origins of the city as you explore the Royal Mile, the underground vaults, and Old Town, with stories hidden behind every turn.
The historical tour begins at the Old Police Box on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, where you will be met by a local historian and proceed straight into the Underground Vaults. Edinburgh's Underground is over 400 years old and is full of fascinating history, all of which the guide will share with you.

After visiting the Underground Vaults, your guide will take you all around Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Old Town, visiting some hidden closes and other spots of historical significance. Delve into parts of Edinburgh that you did not know existed, mostly off the tourist trail. 

Hear that the first skyscrapers in the world were built in Edinburgh, discover the identity of the local criminal who became the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde, and learn where the phrase "Black Market" came from.
Find out where Ebeneezer Scrooge is buried – yes, really – and how Edinburgh University worked closely with the serial killers, Burke and Hare. Edinburgh’s history is long and fascinating, made even more special when told by your enthusiastic, passionate, and local guide. 

Includes

  • Expert guide
  • Entry into Edinburgh's Underground Vaults
  • Food
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • Children under 5 years
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

Police Box / Kiosk on the Royal Mile in front of StarBucks

Open in Google Maps

Important information

Know before you go

  • Entry into the Underground involves walking down eight steps.
  • Please note that the minimum age for this tour is 5 years old.
Likely to sell out

From $25 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5
4.5 out of 5 stars

based on 1462 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5

Customer photos

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5
5 out of 5 stars
C
Cindy – South AfricaJuly 2, 2025 – Verified booking
Emily made the tour one to remember with her story telling skills! Considering the rain, Emily kept us well entertained on the underground tour, her knowledge and the way she told the folklore stories and history of Edinburgh made for an amazing time. Thank you!
5
5 out of 5 stars
E
Emily – United KingdomJune 23, 2025 – Verified booking
Really great tour and fantastic guide! Really interesting.
5
5 out of 5 stars
E
Emma – United KingdomJune 19, 2025 – Verified booking
Great tour! Hollie was very knowledgeable, friendly and funny. Would recommend

Product ID: 73775

Activity provider:
City of Edinburgh Tours
  • United Kingdom
  • Things to do in Edinburgh
  • Tours in Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh Vaults

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