Historic underground walking tour of Edinburgh
Do this because
- Get exclusive access to the famous Blair Street Underground Vaults
- Discover secrets and stories of Edinburgh’s underworld
- Enjoy a personal tour in a small group
- See and touch 19th-century artifacts
What to expect
Beneath the bustle of Edinburgh’s Old Town you’ll discover a dark, damp world unchanged since the 18th century. Your expert guide will lead you deep into the Blair Street Underground Vaults, and together you’ll explore their history – including how they became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants.
It’s a story rooted in Edinburgh’s Georgian past – grand feats of engineering, the expansion of the city, and those left behind in its darkest corners. Why were the vaults built? Who used them? Save your questions for your guide, a masterful storyteller who will bring the history of the vaults to life, talking you through some of the artefacts that have survived.
This walking tour takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, with time at the end in the Discovery Room – complete with 3D model and artefacts.
Important to know
- Please arrive at the meeting point (Mercat Cross, Royal Mile, EH1 1RF) at least 15 minutes before the beginning of your tour to allow time to check in
- Tour ends: Blair Street Underground Vaults, 28 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR
- Concession tickets apply to seniors (aged 65+) and students (aged 16+) with a valid student ID
- Children over five years of age are very welcome, but children under 5 are not permitted on any of our tours
- Please bring your own set of 3.5 mm jack headphones for use with the TourTalk devices, otherwise these can be provided for you
- Please note, anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted to join the tour
- This tour runs in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly to the weather. Sensible walking shoes are advised
- Please note only service dogs are welcome on this tour, no other pets
- The maximum number of participants is 18 people
What’s included
Guided walking tour
Headsets (to hear the guide)
Local guide
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Pickup points
To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.
Provider
Mercat Tours
Need a hand?
Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET
Phone number: +44 121 468 3145
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