Explore Edinburgh’s hidden history beneath the Royal Mile on a fully-guided tour of the Real Mary King's Close. Discover what it was like for the people who lived, worked, and died on the Close.
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 hour
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Live tour guide
- English
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Sam was our guide. He stayed in character as Andrew the whole time and was knowledgeable about the history of Mary King’s Close. He was able to paint a great story with his words and we felt like we went back in time. I feel this is an important part of Edinburgh’s history.
Hannah was a great tour guide! She was enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable!
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Meeting point
2 Warriston's Close, Royal Mile, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PG.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Not allowed
- Pets
- Cameras
- Smoking
- Intoxication
- Unaccompanied minors
Know before you go
- For health and safety reasons, children under 5 years old cannot be admitted. Children under 16 years old should be accompanied by an adult
- The Real Mary King's Close is unsuitable for wheelchair access
- Due to uneven surfaces and some steep inclines, sturdy footwear is recommended
- There are 58 steps to climb down and 38 to climb up as part of the tour
- Many areas are dimly lit, and some visitors may experience disorientation or claustrophobia
- Due to the site’s underground nature, visitors with asthma are advised to bring any medication/inhalers
- Visitors under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted
- Tour guides are equipped with a radio, so any visitor needing to leave may do so under escort from the duty manager
- No photography is permitted during the tour