Certified by GetYourGuide

Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

4.5861773 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.5861773 out of 5 stars
10432 reviews
Activity provider:Auld Reekie Tours
Certified by GetYourGuide
Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour
4.5861773 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.5861773 out of 5 stars
10432 reviews
Likely to sell out

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

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

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

P
Patricia – United Kingdom

Brendan was the perfect guide for this tour. His interactive story telling had us hanging on his every word as he entertained us with historical facts along the way. All 4 of us agreed that he made the history of these underground vaults come alive.

J
Jennifer – Canada

Louisa was an amazing tour guide! She was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and kind. We had such a fun and enlightening time.

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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 10432 reviews

Review summary

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

Customer photos

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P
Patricia – United KingdomJune 20, 2025 – Verified booking
Brendan was the perfect guide for this tour. His interactive story telling had us hanging on his every word as he entertained us with historical facts along the way. All 4 of us agreed that he made the history of these underground vaults come alive.
J
Jennifer – CanadaJune 18, 2025 – Verified booking
Louisa was an amazing tour guide! She was very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and kind. We had such a fun and enlightening time.
D
Dario – FranceJune 18, 2025 – Verified booking
Big Thanks to Dom, really appreciated how dedicated and fun he was !

Product ID: 47520

Activity provider:Auld Reekie Tours

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