
Old Town Historical and Underground Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 1,908 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 $13 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 1,908 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (1,908)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $13 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
What you get
- 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.
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






Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $13 to $20
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 668
- 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 84
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 $13 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 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 1,908 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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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 1.5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Old Town Historical and Underground Tour?
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Around 668 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 Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. 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.
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