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Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

4.587884 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.587884 out of 5 stars
10218 reviews
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Certified by GetYourGuide
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour
4.587884 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.587884 out of 5 stars
10218 reviews

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the vaults beneath Edinburgh's Old Town. Listen to tales from your guide about murders, witches, and the people who inhabited this supposedly haunted location.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

J
Joanne – United Kingdom

Really interesting. The guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining

E
Ellie – United Kingdom

Myself and other half went was well worth it especially if you want to know a bit more about Scotland’s capital history! Out guide Louisa was amazing and made it so interesting for us to learn new things about our country’s capital! Thank you Louisa you were awesome!

Select participants and date

Highlights

  • Take a guided tour of the dimly lit vaults beneath the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town
  • Explore the South Bridge vaults and learn about the history of what lies beneath the city’s streets
  • Hear about the squalid living conditions and diseases that ran rampant through the area

Full description

Experience a guided walking tour that takes you beneath the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town into a dimly lit space that many considered to be haunted. Your tour visits the vaults of the South Bridge that date back to the 1700s.
These are the same vaults mentioned on Most Haunted Live as one of the scariest places on Earth. Learn how the vaults have been used over the years, the living conditions endured by the poor and homeless residents, and the spirits that are supposed to haunt them.
The darker side of Edinburgh's history will unfold as you wander through the candle-lit underground area. From your guide, you'll hear about the Burke and Hare murders and the persecution of witches.
Discover the characters who stalked the streets of Edinburgh, and the paranormal stories associated with the vaults. The Haunted Vaults tour option will cover slightly more paranormal and ghost stories. Step into the torture exhibition and explore how and why these items were used.

Includes

  • Tour of the South Bridge underground vaults
  • Guide
  • Entry to the Torture Exhibition (If option selected)

Not suitable for

  • Children under 2 years
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of 300 Lawnmarket by the Tourist Information Booth and Red Telephone Box. This is located across the road from Deacon Brodie's Tavern. (55.949326, -3.192912)

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

  • Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
  • Intoxication
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Video recording

Know before you go

  • This tour is in English only. There are no audio guides or translations available
  • The entrance of the vaults has a 2-foot tall step and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
  • Single-floor spiral staircase at entrance/exit of vaults and further small sections of stairs inside
  • The walking pace and terrain may not be suitable for those with any difficulty walking
  • Filming or live streaming of the tour is strictly forbidden
  • Some historical content may be of a distressing nature and may include subjects like torture, hangings, death, and the like
  • Tour without Torture Exhibition suggested suitable for ages 5+
  • Tour with Torture Exhibition suggested suitable for ages 12+
  • Children under 2 years not permitted.
  • Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be turned away

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 10218 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5

Customer photos

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J
Joanne – United KingdomMay 16, 2025 – Verified booking
Really interesting. The guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining
E
Ellie – United KingdomMay 15, 2025 – Verified booking
Myself and other half went was well worth it especially if you want to know a bit more about Scotland’s capital history! Out guide Louisa was amazing and made it so interesting for us to learn new things about our country’s capital! Thank you Louisa you were awesome!
P
Pablo – MexicoMay 15, 2025 – Verified booking
It was a lot of fun, but it also was very interesting to learn the story of the vaults

Product ID: 47520

Activity provider:Auld Reekie Tours

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