Old Town Historical and Underground Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Led by either the holder of a PhD in Scottish history or a guide with decades of experience providing historic tours in Scotland’s capital, this 90-minute tour is a fascinating journey through Edinburgh’s celebrated Old Town. Revel in the majesty of the famous Royal Mile with its stunning architecture, but also visit the secluded closes and courts lying just off the High Street and discover their dramatic stories. Find out about the world famous poets, novelists, philosophers and inventors who called this neighbourhood home but also the notorious thieves, murderers and bodysnatchers who stalked the streets after dark. The tour includes a trip through Canongate Kirkyard and a visit to our underground vaults below South Bridge, where you will find out how it came to be and who used to live there.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
For those who want to learn more about Edinburgh’s past this tour is a must do!
Access to our exclusive section of underground.
Learn about the extraordinary events which shaped this great city.
90 Minute tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town and South Bridge vaults.
Relaxed nature of the tour allows for plenty of questions and further discussion.
Tour led by a well trained, highly knowledgeable and personable guide.
N/A
What To Expect
City of Edinburgh Tours
Tron Kirk Niddry wynd Vaults Canongate Kirkyard
Options
Old Town Historical and Underground Tour
Reviews
1,239 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Alistar was a great tour...
Rangika F,
Aug 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Alistar was a great tour guide and was very knowledgeable!! Great great tour!! Fun stories!! Just fun
Meh.
Karin B,
Jul 31, 2025
- Viator
3.00Guide spoke very fast and with a small Spanish accent making it hard to understand sometimes. He was also hard to hear at some points of the tour due to street noise (unavoidable). The first half of the tour was underground (they mostly do “haunted” tours and there were some cheesy props visible) and the last half was above ground on the streets. If you are looking for a more thorough underground tour, I would recommend the following tour “Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town”.
Wonderful storytelling
SisseAagaard B,
Jul 30, 2025
- Viator
4.00Fantastic storytelling and great insight into the people who lived in Edinburgh in the past. Difficult to find the group initially.
The tour was theatre
Michael H,
Jul 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour was fantastic! Emily shared the perspective of the poor working class in Edinburgh that helped us understand what it was like for them. Her performance was superb as a historical working class women.
Excellent tour given by...
SAMANTHA R,
Jul 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent tour given by Emily. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and was entertaining and funny. Highly recommend!
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Operated by City of Edinburgh Tours