
Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour worth booking?
Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour is a 1.8-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $34 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (21)
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- $34 per person
Enjoy a Halloween Tour and learn more about Edinburgh's dark past. Visit Canongate Kirkyard, learn about the Black Death, and visit sites of 19th-century serial killers on this chilling walking tour. Discover about corpses, but about the black market of corpses from the 19th century and serial killers, William Burke and William Hare. We will visit Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard. We will also show you some nice views across Edinburgh whilst talking about a particularly dark chapter in the city’s history, the burning of witches and warlocks , and we will see if any of those who do this tour would have ended up on those bonfires. Learn more about Scotland’s mythical site and the Scottish faeries. All this mystery and mysticism that surrounds Edinburgh for decades attracts hundreds of tourists to the city wanting to know what happened in these centuries, are you going to miss it?
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a Halloween Tour and learn more about Edinburgh's dark past. Visit Canongate Kirkyard, learn about the Black Death, and visit sites of 19th-century serial killers on this chilling walking tour. Discover about corpses, but about the black market of corpses from the 19th century and serial killers, William Burke and William Hare. We will visit Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard. We will also show you some nice views across Edinburgh whilst talking about a particularly dark chapter in the city’s history, the burning of witches and warlocks , and we will see if any of those who do this tour would have ended up on those bonfires. Learn more about Scotland’s mythical site and the Scottish faeries. All this mystery and mysticism that surrounds Edinburgh for decades attracts hundreds of tourists to the city wanting to know what happened in these centuries, are you going to miss it?
What's included
Included
- Tour Guide
Not included
- Tea and coffee
What you'll see and do
Old Calton Burial Ground
We will talk about corpses, but about the black market of corpses from the 19th century and serial killers, William Burke and William Hare. We will visit Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard.
Pass by without stopping
Royal Mile
Learn about the alleys where the 17th century people lived in the city of Edinburgh.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
We will be at 351 High Street (Royal Mile), opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral and in front of the entrance to Advocate's Close. Look black umbrella!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Halloween-Tour auf Deutsch
Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour
Tour di Halloween in italiano
Tour Halloween en español
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Scotland City Tours - Somos Escocia
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing
Niamh was amazing. She definitely made it a wonderful experience. She was so knowledgeable and such a great vibe. This was my favorite tour of my whole trip!
via Tripadvisor
10/10
First time in Edinburgh, really interesting learning some of the dark history of Edinburgh. Thanks Charlie!
via Tripadvisor
A great story teller
Sonja was a great tour guide, a fantastic story teller, we enjoyed your tour very much
via Tripadvisor
Fun for history and spooky fans!
Great tour, hear some fun spooky stories as well as fun history and gossip of the city. The guide, Charlie was very funny and kind!
via Tripadvisor
Must do
Gavin was a fantastic tour guide best tour we have done so far
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Scotland City Tours - Somos Escocia, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 84.2 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Scotland City Tours - Somos Escocia runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour cost?
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Prices start at $34 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 1.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour?
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Included: Tour Guide. Not included: Tea and coffee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour?
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We will be at 351 High Street (Royal Mile), opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral and in front of the entrance to Advocate's Close. Look black umbrella! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour?
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Across 21 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Halloween-Tour auf Deutsch, Edinburgh: Dark Secrets of the Old Town Halloween Tour, Tour di Halloween in italiano, Tour Halloween en español. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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