Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour

If you’re visiting Edinburgh and are curious about its darker corners, stories of notorious criminals, or its connection to literary legends, this Old Town and Underground Historical Tour might just be the experience you’re after. It’s a popular choice, boasting a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 1,300 reviews, and it offers a look into the city’s lesser-seen sides that many travelers miss.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines expert storytelling with exclusive access to Edinburgh’s underground vaults, which are over 400 years old. Plus, it manages to mix historical facts with some fun and quirky stories, making it both educational and entertaining. The price point—around $24 per person—is quite reasonable for the depth of the experience, especially considering entry into the vaults is included.

One potential consideration is the physical aspect of the tour. It involves walking and, notably, descending eight steps into the vaults, which might be tricky for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer not to go underground. Also, the tour lasts just 1.5 hours, so if you’re really eager to explore every nook and cranny of Edinburgh’s past, it might leave you wanting more.

This tour seems best suited for history buffs, fans of spooky stories, or anyone interested in a different perspective on Edinburgh’s storied past. It’s family-friendly (with a minimum age of 5), so it can work for travelers with kids who are comfortable with walking and stepping down into underground spaces.

Key Points

• Expert Local Guides: The guides are passionate and well-informed, making the stories come alive.
• Unique Access: Get inside Edinburgh’s famed underground vaults, a highlight for many visitors.
• Rich Stories: Learn about infamous criminals, literary heroes, and local legends.
• Value for Money: The tour’s price includes entry and guided storytelling, making it a good deal.
• Engaging for All Ages: With a minimum age of 5, it’s accessible for families and curious travelers.
• Short & Sweet: At 1.5 hours, it’s a manageable and packed experience without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour in Detail: What to Expect

Starting Point & First Impressions

The tour kicks off at the Old Police Box on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, right in the heart of the city. This spot is an easy landmark, close to many attractions, and makes for a straightforward meeting point. As soon as you arrive, a friendly local historian greets you, setting a welcoming tone for what’s ahead.

Exploring the Underground Vaults

The star of the show is the Underground Vaults—a series of chambers that stretch beneath Edinburgh’s historic streets. You’ll go down a set of eight steps to enter, so comfortable footwear is a good idea. These vaults are over 400 years old, and you can feel their history in the air. The guide will share stories about the vaults’ original use, as well as some of Edinburgh’s darker tales, including stories of hauntings, criminals, and secret societies.

Reviews highlight how fascinating it is to stand in these hidden spaces, many of which are normally off-limits to the public. The experience is definitely atmospheric—dim lighting, narrow corridors, and the sense you’re walking through a piece of history. Several guests note that the underground part of the tour was surprisingly eerie, especially with the guide’s well-timed storytelling.

Walking Around the Royal Mile & Hidden Closes

After emerging from the vaults, the tour continues along the Royal Mile, the historic street that links Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Your guide will bring to life stories behind the closes (narrow alleyways) and hidden corners you might otherwise overlook.

You’ll learn about the city’s origins, including the fact that Edinburgh once had the first skyscrapers in the world—a surprising tidbit for many. Then, the guide will take you to spots of historical significance that aren’t on most tourist itineraries. These little alleys and courtyards have stories of their own—like the inspiration behind Jekyll and Hyde, or where Ebeneezer Scrooge is buried.

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Stories that Stick

A lot of reviews rave about the guides’ storytelling skills. They’re described as passionate, humorous, and knowledgeable, which makes the experience engaging. One reviewer mentioned how Emily kept the 10-year-old entertained, showing that the stories work well for families as long as kids can handle walking and some steps.

Another reviewer called Emilie “a fantastic guide,” noting her humor and ability to make history “come alive.” The stories about Edinburgh’s serial killers, Burke and Hare, are particularly popular, adding a chilling but captivating dimension to the tour.

Practical Details & Price

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours—a perfect length to keep everyone’s attention while still delivering a substantial dose of Edinburgh history. It’s priced at $24 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the insider access and expert guiding.

Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, or cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is in English, so it’s accessible for most visitors, and it runs at various times throughout the day (check availability when booking).

Why This Tour Works Well

From the high praise in reviews, it’s clear the guides are a major reason why this experience stands out. Their storytelling ability, combined with their deep local knowledge, creates a vivid picture of Edinburgh’s past. Many reviews mention how they managed to make history fun and accessible, even for those who aren’t typically history enthusiasts.

Guests love the exclusivity of the underground vaults, which add a tangible sense of adventure and mystery. The stories about Edinburgh’s criminal past and literary legends are not only intriguing but also give a fuller picture of the city’s character.

The value for money is also worth noting. For a little over $20, you get a guided tour with entry into a historic site, which many visitors feel is a fair trade for the experience they receive.

Downsides & Considerations

Not everyone will love the underground part of the tour if they have mobility issues, as walking down eight steps might be a challenge. The tour’s duration is short, so if you’re eager to explore every inch of Edinburgh’s history, you might find it somewhat limited.

Also, since the tour covers some spooky and dark stories, it might not be ideal for very young children or sensitive travelers. However, with a minimum age of 5, most families with children who enjoy a bit of mystery should be comfortable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those interested in history, storytelling, and atmospheric spaces. If you enjoy discovering hidden parts of cities and hearing about local legends—both creepy and charming—you’ll enjoy this tour. It’s also suitable for families, thanks to the flexible age limit and engaging guides.

If you’re short on time but want a rich, compact experience of Edinburgh’s dark side, this tour delivers on that front. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the reasonable price, especially since entry into the vaults is included.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 5 years, making it accessible to most families. Keep in mind, it involves walking and descending steps, so consider your child’s comfort with that.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, a manageable length that covers plenty of ground without feeling overwhelming.

What’s included in the price?
Entry into Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults and an expert guide are included in the $24 fee.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, you should be comfortable walking, and be prepared to go down eight steps into the vaults.

Is the tour guided in English?
Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves stairs and walking, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Police Box / Kiosk on the Royal Mile and ends back at the same spot.

Final Thoughts

This Old Town and Underground Historical Tour offers a captivating peek behind Edinburgh’s historic façade, revealing its secretive underground chambers and stories of infamous characters. It’s a well-rated, reasonably priced experience that combines storytelling, history, and a dash of mystery in a way that’s accessible and fun.

If you’re after an engaging, authentic look into Edinburgh’s darker, intriguing side, and you enjoy guided walks with knowledgeable hosts, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, brace yourself for some atmospheric underground spaces, and be ready for some stories that are as entertaining as they are eye-opening.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about Edinburgh’s lesser-known stories, this tour strikes a good balance between educational content and entertainment. It’s a solid choice for a memorable experience that offers a different perspective on one of the UK’s most historic cities.

You can check availability for your dates here: