
Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 1,561 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh worth booking?
Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh is a 1.3-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $38 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 1,561 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (1,561)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $38 per person
Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and its past far beyond your visit. Take the Story Home: evoke the memories: - Smell the leather and smoke - Touch original artefacts - Listen to the tour playlist Get exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults. Built in the 18th Century beneath South Bridge, we’re the only walking tour company with access. Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll discover a dark, damp world that has remained unchanged since the 18th Century. Step into the depths of the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a multi-sensory journey of perfectly preserved history and learn how these vaulted chambers became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants. This is more than a walking tour, it’s an unmissable immersive experience.
What you get
About this experience
Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and its past far beyond your visit. Take the Story Home: evoke the memories: - Smell the leather and smoke - Touch original artefacts - Listen to the tour playlist Get exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults. Built in the 18th Century beneath South Bridge, we’re the only walking tour company with access. Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll discover a dark, damp world that has remained unchanged since the 18th Century. Step into the depths of the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a multi-sensory journey of perfectly preserved history and learn how these vaulted chambers became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants. This is more than a walking tour, it’s an unmissable immersive experience.
What's included
Included
- Visit to our Vaults Museum, with interactive 3D models and the Vaults Revealed audio-visual display
- Evoke the memories - Take home an exclusive Scent Card
- Exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults
- Touch original artefacts
- Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices
- Exclusive Sounds of Edinburgh Tour Playlist
- Exclusive multi-sensory tours; with master Storyteller guides
What you'll see and do
Mercat Cross
Meet your master storyteller at the Mercat Cross, where they will lead you down the closes and wynds while you breathe in the scent of Edinburgh's past.
15 minutes here
Edinburgh Vaults
Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll discover a dark, damp world that has remained unchanged since the 18th Century. Step into the depths of the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a multi-sensory journey of perfectly preserved history and learn how these vaulted chambers became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants.
45 minutes here
Continue your journey in our Vaults Museum, where authentic historic artifacts and informative interactive displays provide further insight into the vaults' past.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Mercat Cross, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF. Look for the 8 sided monument with white Unicorn on top. You will find a member of our visitor services team waiting here to check you in. They will be dressed in black, holding an iPad, wearing an orange lanyard & holding a black & orange umbrella.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Mercat Tours, 28 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR. This tour ends after a visit to our Blair Street Underground Vaults.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mercat Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children over 5yrs only
- Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,558 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
1,558 verified traveler reviews for Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A hugely interesting experience
We went as a family ranging from 7 to 87. While the walking elements were challenging to the 87 year old, our guide Michael was very considerate, building in time for him to catch up with the group and guiding him with his torch over the very uneven flooring and gloomy lighting down in the vaults. The children were riveted and although we are Edinburgh residents, I would say we all learned a great deal from the tour. A great atmosphere and an excellent guide!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect
An excellent guide with great enthusiasm, which made it really interesting.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience do recommend! For tourists and Locals
Great experience! Hannah our guide tour was absolutely amazing and so enthusiastic, Even stayed behind for story telling/listening. Had a great time and do recommend. Especially as a scotsman never really was interested before hand but it was great to learn about the history and all the spooky ghost stories.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Yash and Bo were fantastic!! Great story tellers, funny and great timing on the jump scares!!
via Tripadvisor
The Vaults
Veni was very informative and we enjoyed the format a lot.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 546
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Mercat Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.8 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Mercat Tours runsWhy this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh cost?
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Prices start at $38 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 Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh take?
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Plan for about 1.3 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 Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 1,561 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 Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh?
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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 Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh?
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Around 546 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 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh 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 Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh?
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Included: Visit to our Vaults Museum, with interactive 3D models and the Vaults Revealed audio-visua; Evoke the memories - Take home an exclusive Scent Card; Exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults; Touch original artefacts; and Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh?
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Mercat Cross, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF. Look for the 8 sided monument with white Unicorn on top. You will find a member of our visitor services team waiting here to check you in. They will be dressed in black. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh?
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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.
What happens to Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh?
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Across 1,561 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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