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.

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

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