
Old Town Historical and Underground Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 1,994 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Old Town Historical and Underground Tour worth booking?
Old Town Historical and Underground Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $27 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 1,994 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (1,994)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $27 per person
Led by either the holder of a PhD in Scottish history or a guide with decades of experience providing historic tours in Scotland’s capital, this 90-minute tour is a fascinating journey through Edinburgh’s celebrated Old Town. Revel in the majesty of the famous Royal Mile with its stunning architecture, but also visit the secluded closes and courts lying just off the High Street and discover their dramatic stories. Find out about the world famous poets, novelists, philosophers and inventors who called this neighbourhood home but also the notorious thieves, murderers and bodysnatchers who stalked the streets after dark. The tour includes a trip through Canongate Kirkyard and a visit to our underground vaults below South Bridge, where you will find out how it came to be and who used to live there.
What you get
About this experience
Led by either the holder of a PhD in Scottish history or a guide with decades of experience providing historic tours in Scotland’s capital, this 90-minute tour is a fascinating journey through Edinburgh’s celebrated Old Town. Revel in the majesty of the famous Royal Mile with its stunning architecture, but also visit the secluded closes and courts lying just off the High Street and discover their dramatic stories. Find out about the world famous poets, novelists, philosophers and inventors who called this neighbourhood home but also the notorious thieves, murderers and bodysnatchers who stalked the streets after dark. The tour includes a trip through Canongate Kirkyard and a visit to our underground vaults below South Bridge, where you will find out how it came to be and who used to live there.
What's included
Included
- For those who want to learn more about Edinburgh’s past this tour is a must do!
- Access to our exclusive section of underground.
- Learn about the extraordinary events which shaped this great city.
- 90 Minute tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town and South Bridge vaults.
- Relaxed nature of the tour allows for plenty of questions and further discussion.
- Tour led by a well trained, highly knowledgeable and personable guide.
Not included
- N/A
What you'll see and do
City of Edinburgh Tours
Tron Kirk Niddry wynd Vaults Canongate Kirkyard
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City of Edinburgh Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,997 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
1,997 verified traveler reviews for Old Town Historical and Underground Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
100% Recommend
It was a great experience! Our guide Morven was very good. It was the perfect length, not too long or short. The atmosphere of the city helped with the stories.
via Tripadvisor
Edinburgh historical underground and streets tour
Morven, our guide , is a history major, super nice, very friendly and happy to answer questions and explain additional subjects. After reading up on Edinburg, going to historical places and museums, her explanations helped me to put things in context. Im glad we took the tour. Ended at canongate kirk church/cemetery, after we left, to our right we found Tolbooth Tavern, perfect little cantina for a snack and a beer. Thank you Morven!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour with Morven!
The tour was a wonderful way to see the underground and also many parts of the old town. Morven, our guide, was extremely knowledgable & a great storyteller. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience!
via Tripadvisor
Underground tour with Morven
We had a lovely private tour with Morven. She is very smar & is such a very good guide. Love to come back for another tour
via Tripadvisor
Very interesting insight into the underworld of Edinburgh.
Chion was very entertaining guide. He was very knowledgeable on Scottish history and he was more than willing to answer any and every question we had. Highly recommend Chion .
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 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
- 698
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by City of Edinburgh Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 76.1.
See everything City of Edinburgh Tours runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Old Town Historical and Underground Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Old Town Historical and Underground Tour cost?
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Prices start at $27 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 Old Town Historical and Underground Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Old Town Historical and Underground Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 1,994 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 Old Town Historical and Underground 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 Old Town Historical and Underground Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Old Town Historical and Underground Tour?
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Around 698 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Old Town Historical and Underground 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 Old Town Historical and Underground Tour?
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Included: For those who want to learn more about Edinburgh’s past this tour is a must do!; Access to our exclusive section of underground; Learn about the extraordinary events which shaped this great city; 90 Minute tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town and South Bridge vaults; and Relaxed nature of the tour allows for plenty of questions and further discussion. Not included: N/A. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Old Town Historical and Underground Tour 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 Old Town Historical and Underground 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.
What happens to Old Town Historical and Underground 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 Old Town Historical and Underground Tour?
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Across 1,994 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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