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Book Edinburgh Ghost Tours & Tickets
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Get exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a 75-min guided walking tour.
- Why choose this: Visit the Blair Street Underground Vaults with the only walking tour company that has exclusive access to the city’s oldest vaults with an expert guide.
- Everything you get: Learn how the vaults were a space for taverns and then home to the poor from your English guide and get access to the Discovery Room.
- Famous for: Being home to the city’s poorest residents and its poor living conditions, and its associations with ghost encounters.
- You will do: Walk through Old Town’s historic wynds and closes before descending into the Blair Street Vaults and learning about the daily struggles of those who once lived here.
Get exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a 75-min guided walking tour.
- Why choose this: Visit the Blair Street Underground Vaults with the only walking tour company that has exclusive access to the city’s oldest vaults with an expert guide.
- Everything you get: Learn how the vaults were a space for taverns and then home to the poor from your English guide and get access to the Discovery Room.
- Famous for: Being home to the city’s poorest residents and its poor living conditions, and its associations with ghost encounters.
- You will do: Walk through Old Town’s historic wynds and closes before descending into the Blair Street Vaults and learning about the daily struggles of those who once lived here.
Inclusions
- 75-min guided walking tour of Blair Street Underground Vaults
- Entry to the Blair Street Underground Vaults and the Discovery Room
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Small group of max 18 people
- Audio devices
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Food and drinks
- Children between the ages of 5 and 15 years and seniors above the age of 65 enjoy reduced pricing upon presentation of a valid ID.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Explore Edinburgh’s ghostly past with a guide in the city’s most haunted underground vaults.
- Why choose this: Perfect for true crime and ghost story lovers, listen to tales of murder, torture, criminals, and other mysterious occurrences in the haunted vaults.
- Everything you get: A small-group English-guided walking tour in the Blair Street Underground Vaults, about the tortured and murdered spirits that still haunt the place.
- You will do: Visit the Old Town closes and the Blair Street Underground Vaults, the most haunted places in Edinburgh, and hear true stories of torture, hangings, and ghosts.
Explore Edinburgh’s ghostly past with a guide in the city’s most haunted underground vaults.
- Why choose this: Perfect for true crime and ghost story lovers, listen to tales of murder, torture, criminals, and other mysterious occurrences in the haunted vaults.
- Everything you get: A small-group English-guided walking tour in the Blair Street Underground Vaults, about the tortured and murdered spirits that still haunt the place.
- You will do: Visit the Old Town closes and the Blair Street Underground Vaults, the most haunted places in Edinburgh, and hear true stories of torture, hangings, and ghosts.
Inclusions
- 75-min guided walking tour of the Blair Street Underground Vaults and the Old Town closes
- Entry to the Blair Street Underground Vaults
- Live English-speaking guide
- Small group of max 18 people
- Audio devices
Exclusions
- Transportation between attractions
- Food and drinks
- For safety reasons, guests under the age of 5 years are not allowed on this experience.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
- Safety first! This experience is restricted for people with cardiac issues.
- If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination.
- Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Learn about Edinburgh’s darkest true stories on an adults-only ghost tour with underground vault visits.
- Why choose this: Believe in ghosts? Listen to true tales of murder and hauntings from your guide on this after-dark, adults-only tour.
- Everything you get: The goriest, most-graphic, scariest, adults-only ghost tour through Old Town and Blair Street Vaults, covering true stories of the worst events.
- You will see: The spooky streets of Old Town, Mercat Cross, and the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults - the site for murders, tortures, and ghostly sightings.
Learn about Edinburgh’s darkest true stories on an adults-only ghost tour with underground vault visits.
- Why choose this: Believe in ghosts? Listen to true tales of murder and hauntings from your guide on this after-dark, adults-only tour.
- Everything you get: The goriest, most-graphic, scariest, adults-only ghost tour through Old Town and Blair Street Vaults, covering true stories of the worst events.
- You will see: The spooky streets of Old Town, Mercat Cross, and the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults - the site for murders, tortures, and ghostly sightings.
Inclusions
- 1-hour late guided walking tour at night of Blair Street Underground Vaults and Old Town
- Entry to Blair Street Underground Vaults
- English-speaking guide
- Small group of max 18 people
- Audio devices
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Food and drinks
- For safety reasons, guests under the age of 18 years are not allowed on this experience.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
- Safety first! This experience is restricted for people with claustrophobia.
- Students and senior citizens aged 60 and above enjoy reduced prices on their tickets.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Explore Edinburgh’s haunted past with an expert storyteller, ending with a glass of whisky.
- Why choose this: Listen to ghost stories, tales of witches burned at the esplanade, and the Edinburgh Mob who brutally pelted or hanged so many innocents.
- Everything you get: A 2-hour guided walking tour of Old Town and the Underground Vaults, plus a glass of whisky or beer at Megget’s Cellar, as you hear true stories of torture.
- You will do: Listen to spine-chilling ghost stories and tales of torture in candlelit spaces, including the haunted underground vaults.
Explore Edinburgh’s haunted past with an expert storyteller, ending with a glass of whisky.
- Why choose this: Listen to ghost stories, tales of witches burned at the esplanade, and the Edinburgh Mob who brutally pelted or hanged so many innocents.
- Everything you get: A 2-hour guided walking tour of Old Town and the Underground Vaults, plus a glass of whisky or beer at Megget’s Cellar, as you hear true stories of torture.
- You will do: Listen to spine-chilling ghost stories and tales of torture in candlelit spaces, including the haunted underground vaults.
Inclusions
- 2-hour guided walking tour of Blair Street Underground Vaults and Old Town
- Entry to the Blair Street Underground Vaults
- Expert English-speaking guide
- A glass of Ballantine's Finest Scotch Whisky, Skeleton Blues hazy IPA, or Scottish-made soft drinks at Megget’s cellar
- Small group of max 18 people
- Audio device
Exclusions
- Transportation
- For safety reasons, guests under the age of 5 years are not allowed on this experience.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
- For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Savor 4 Scottish whiskies while uncovering Edinburgh’s rich whisky-making history.
- Why choose this: Experience Edinburgh’s whisky heritage with an English-speaking guide and a whisky specialist on a 2-hour walking and tasting tour.
- Everything you get: A guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town, a whisky-tasting session in Megget’s Cellar, and an immersive audio device.
- You will do: Sample 4 premium Scottish whiskies with expert guidance, learning about production techniques, tasting notes, and whisky’s historic role in Scotland.
Savor 4 Scottish whiskies while uncovering Edinburgh’s rich whisky-making history.
- Why choose this: Experience Edinburgh’s whisky heritage with an English-speaking guide and a whisky specialist on a 2-hour walking and tasting tour.
- Everything you get: A guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town, a whisky-tasting session in Megget’s Cellar, and an immersive audio device.
- You will do: Sample 4 premium Scottish whiskies with expert guidance, learning about production techniques, tasting notes, and whisky’s historic role in Scotland.
Inclusions
- 2-hour guided walking tour and whisky-tasting experience
- English-speaking guide and whisky expert
- 4 Scottish whiskies from Speyside, Highland, Islay, and Lowland distilleries
- Small group of max 18 people
- Audio device
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Gratuities
- Ensure your ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
- For safety reasons, guests under the age of 18 years are not allowed on this experience.
- This experience is not accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
- Safety first! This experience is restricted for people with cardiac issues and pregnant women.
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Walk Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with an expert guide, exploring its history and gems.
- Why choose this: Explore Royal Mile, the street between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and hear tales of historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns.
- Everything you get: A 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the Old Town and Royal Mile, where you’ll learn stories about the city’s past while exploring historic streets and closes.
- You will see: The upper half of the Royal Mile, lined with centuries-old buildings, wynds, and courtyards that have witnessed Edinburgh’s political and social evolution.
- Upgrades: Opt for skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle, saving up to an hour in queues. Explore the fortress at your own pace and learn about its history after the guided tour.
Walk Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with an expert guide, exploring its history and gems.
- Why choose this: Explore Royal Mile, the street between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and hear tales of historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns.
- Everything you get: A 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the Old Town and Royal Mile, where you’ll learn stories about the city’s past while exploring historic streets and closes.
- You will see: The upper half of the Royal Mile, lined with centuries-old buildings, wynds, and courtyards that have witnessed Edinburgh’s political and social evolution.
- Upgrades: Opt for skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle, saving up to an hour in queues. Explore the fortress at your own pace and learn about its history after the guided tour.
Inclusions
- 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the Royal Mile and Old Town
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Audio devices
- Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle (as per option selected)
- 45-min introduction to Edinburgh Castle (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- This tour only covers the upper half of the Royal Mile.
- For safety reasons, guests under the age of 5 years are not allowed on this experience.
- This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Walk Edinburgh’s haunted Royal Mile and listen to ghost stories on a guided walking tour.
- Why choose this: Hear chilling tales of criminals, executions, and ghostly legends at the Royal Mile, especially at Mary King’s Close.
- Everything you get: A 1.25-hour guided walking tour, as you lose yourself to the tales of the headless drummer boy and the phantom of the Royal Mile.
- You will do: Uncover Edinburgh’s superstitions, spot hidden stonework clues, and hear gripping stories of the Edinburgh Mob and the legend of Johnny One Arm.
Walk Edinburgh’s haunted Royal Mile and listen to ghost stories on a guided walking tour.
- Why choose this: Hear chilling tales of criminals, executions, and ghostly legends at the Royal Mile, especially at Mary King’s Close.
- Everything you get: A 1.25-hour guided walking tour, as you lose yourself to the tales of the headless drummer boy and the phantom of the Royal Mile.
- You will do: Uncover Edinburgh’s superstitions, spot hidden stonework clues, and hear gripping stories of the Edinburgh Mob and the legend of Johnny One Arm.
Inclusions
- 1.25-hour guided walking ghost tour of Royal Mile
- Local English-speaking guide
- Audio devices
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Food and drinks
- For safety reasons, guests under the age of 5 years are not allowed on this experience.
- This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
- Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
EdinburghEdinburgh Ghost Tours
Top things to do in Edinburgh
Why go on Edinburgh ghost tours
- Historical significance: Hidden beneath the beauty and old-world charm of Edinburgh is a past that is steeped in drama, intrigue, and ghosts. Ghosts, like David Rizzio, Mary Queen of Scots’ advisor, are an integral part of Edinburgh’s history, and the Edinburgh ghost tours take you on a spine-chilling tour of the city’s underbelly.
- Storytelling: The charm of Edinburgh ghost tours lies in its storytelling. Unlike other guided tour experiences, your professional guide will spin and weave spooky stories about Edinburgh as they take you to some of the most ghostly locations in the city.
- Cultural experience: Immerse yourself in Scottish culture as you embark on Edinburgh ghost tours that are filled with locations like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle and stories about some of Edinburgh’s most infamous ghosts.
- Optional drinks: Take your Edinburgh ghost tour experience a notch higher by opting for tickets that include a glass of whisky. Scottish whiskey and eerie ghost stories, nothing can beat this combination!
Which Edinburgh ghost tour is best for you
If you’re interested in the underground vaults’ ghosts
- These tours take you beneath the city to explore the eerie Blair Street Underground Vaults, focusing on the darker aspects of Edinburgh's history, including tales of poverty, crime, and paranormal activity.
Recommended tickets:
- Historic Underground Vaults Walking Tour
- Ghostly Underground Walking Tour
- Hidden & Haunted Night Walking Tour
If you’re interested in the Royal Mile’s ghosts
- These tours focus on the historic Royal Mile, exploring its closes and wynds while recounting stories of witchcraft, torture, and restless spirits.
- You can also choose to upgrade to entry to Edinburgh Castle.
Recommended tickets:
- Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile Walking Tour
- Ghostly Tales of Edinburgh's Royal Mile Walking Tour
If you want a drink on your ghost tour
- These tours often include a visit to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, hear about the ghosts and the city’s whisky legacy, concluding with a complimentary drink or whisky tasting experience in Megget's Cellar.
Recommended tickets:
- Underground Whisky Tour and Tasting
- Evening of Ghosts and Ghouls Walking Tour with Whisky
What to see on Edinburgh ghost tours
Blair Street Underground Vaults
The Blair Street Underground Vaults are an elaborate network of vaults hidden under the South Bridge. The centuries-old vaults are believed to be one of the most haunted spaces in Edinburgh.
Canongate Graveyard
The Canongate Graveyard is the final resting place of many notable figures, including economist Adam Smith and David Rizzio, the private secretary of Queen Mary of Scots, murdered at the nearby Holyrood Palace.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, with its long and turbulent history, is unsurprisingly a hotbed of ghostly tales, including the Headless Drummer Boy and the Lone Piper, and even prisoner ghosts and ghost dogs near the pet cemetery on the castle grounds.
Megget’s Cellar
Enjoy some fine Scottish whisky at Megget’s Cellar as you listen to your guide and storyteller share eerie ghost stories in a candlelit setting. Because Megget's Cellar resides within the vaults, it shares in the reported paranormal activity of the area.
Plan your visit to Edinburgh ghost tours
Timings
Getting there
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Visitor tips
Dine
Stay
Nearby
Most Edinburgh ghost tours are only available after 12pm. However, some tours are only available at certain slots:
Hidden and Haunted tour: 8pm
Ghostly Tales of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile tour: 6pm
Underground Whisky Tour and Tasting: 4pm
Evening of Ghosts and Ghouls tour: 7pm
Closed: Edinburgh ghost tours operate tours all year, except December 24-26.
Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
- By train: ScotRail
Nearest stop: Edinburgh Waverley (0.32 km) - By bus: 100 (Airlink), Edinburgh Airport Express, 3, 5, 7, 8, 14, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 45, 47, 49, Perrymans 51/52, First Bus X95, 23, 27, 41, 42
Nearest stop: Edinburgh Waverly Bridge Stop WA, North Bridge, or George IV Bridge - By tram: Edinburgh trams
Nearest stop: St Andrew’s Square - By cycle: Edinburgh Cycle Streets
Nearest rack: West Parliament Square - By car: Via North Bridge and High St
Nearest parking: Blair Street, Cowgate, Blackfriars Street, and Chambers Street
- Toilets: The nearest public toilets can be found at the top of Blair Street at Hunter Square.
- Audio devices: You will be provided with a personal audio device so you can hear your guide clearly without any interruptions.
- Guidebooks: Souvenir guidebooks about the Blair Street Underground Vaults are available at the end of your tour.
- Wheelchair accessibility: Only the Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Ghostly Tales of Edinburgh's Royal Mile are accessible for wheelchair users as they are predominantly outdoors.
- Sensory bags: Sensory bags designed to enhance focus and promote relaxation for individuals with sensory processing differences, such as those with autism or ADHD, and anyone else who may find them helpful are available.
- Guide dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome on all of Edinburgh ghost tours.
- Carer tickets: Complimentary tickets for carers when booking a full price child/concession/adult ticket are available.
- Walking aid: Walking aids and stick stools can be requested in advance and returned at the end of the tour.
- Transcripts: A short, edited written transcript of all ghost tours are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Mandarin.
Toilets: The nearest accessible toilets can be found at Edinburgh Waverley Station or can be accessed at Radisson Blu Hotel or Starbucks.
- Animals: Registered guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs and medical detection dogs are allowed on the tours with adequate proof of registration on arrival. The tours are not suitable for emotional support animals.
- Photography: Photography for personal enjoyment is encouraged on all the tours. However, the use of flash photography and tripods in the vaults are not allowed. Videography, filming, or livestreaming of a complete tour is not permitted.
- Drinking: Anyone found over the drinking limit will be refused entry to the ghost tours.
- Age restrictions: The minimum age requirement for Edinburgh ghost tours is either 5 years or 18 years.
- Footwear: You will be walking a lot during Edinburgh ghost tours, so it’s a good idea to wear comfortable footwear.
- Best time to visit: Plan your visit to Edinburgh ghost tours during the late afternoon after 3pm to avoid crowds, queues, and waiting times. Avoid planning your visit during winter since Edinburgh becomes extremely cold and chilly during December and January.
- After your tour: To continue the eerie theme of Edinburgh ghost tours, don’t forget to grab a pint at one of the historic pubs in the Old Town of Edinburgh.
- What to carry: Keep yourself well-hydrated during Edinburgh Ghost tours and carry a light sweater just in case you get cold.
- The Doric Tavern: Enjoy traditional Scottish fare in the restaurant upstairs at the Doric Tavern, and indulge in delicious and authentic ales and whiskies at their pub downstairs at the city’s oldest gastro-pub.
- Filling Station: With its retro gas station vibe, the Filling Station is a US-style pub and diner that serves yummy burgers, wings, American dishes, and cocktails.
- Gurkha Cafe and Restaurant: The Gurkha Cafe and Restaurant serves traditional Indian and Nepalese cuisine. You can enjoy delicious curries and traditional breads in their warm and rustic dining area.
- Bubba Q: Bubba Q is a local favorite that serves classic BBQ plates, burgers, hot dogs, and delicious draft beers and cocktails.
- Budget hotels: St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh Old Town (from £28 | 170 m), Kick Ass Greyfriars (from £30 | 400 m), Edinburgh House Hotel (from £37 | 1.9 km)
- Mid-range hotels: ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile (from £70 | 200 m), Old Waverley Hotel (from £75 | 440 m), Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile (from £88 | 230 m)
- Luxury hotels: Hilton Edinburgh Carlton (from £124 | 70 m), Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre (from £131 | 70 m), The Scotsman Hotel (from £163 | 110 m)
- St. Giles’ Cathedral: Founded in 1124 by King David I, the cathedral has been a working church for over nine centuries!
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: The Palace of Holyrood House is the official royal residence of the British monarch, King Charles III in Scotland.
- Edinburgh Castle: A historic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, with a rich history as a royal residence and military stronghold.
- Harry Potter tours: Explore the city that inspired J.K. Rowling's magical world. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard (with Tom Riddle grave) see Edinburgh's architecture that inspired Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, and more.
- Scotch Whisky Experience: Go an immersive journey into the world of Scotch whisky, featuring interactive tours that explain the whisky-making process, see a vast whisky collection, and sample different Scotch whiskies.
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh ghost tours
How long do Edinburgh ghost tours take?
It will take you around 1 to 2 hours to complete the Edinburgh ghost tours.
How big is the group size for Edinburgh ghost tours?
The group size is limited to 18 people per group to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the experience. Some groups may also encounter smaller groups depending on the content of the tour.
Are the ghost tours conducted in other languages?
All tours are in English. Unfortunately tours in other languages are not offered at this time.
How many steps are there down to the Blair Street Underground Vaults?
There are 3 flights of stairs with a total of 28 steps. There is a handrail.
Is it cold in the Blair Street Underground Vaults?
The air is warm throughout the year in the Blair Street Underground Vaults. The temperature doesn't fluctuate with the season so it can feel warm in winter and cooler in summer, compared to the outside.
What if it rains or snows?
Your tour will be conducted no matter the weather. However, do dress for the cold (hat/gloves) especially in the evenings and in winter.
What happens if I am late for the beginning of my ghost tour?
If you are late by a few minutes, you can join the tour easily. If you are delayed by more than 15 minutes, it won't be possible for you to join your Edinburgh tour, as you will have missed too much of the experience and disrupt the tour for others.