
Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 598 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour worth booking?
Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour is a 1.8-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $44 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 598 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (598)
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- $44 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 - Listen to the tour playlist Experience the eerie and frightening atmosphere of the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults. Beware, though, for maybe those whispers you hear aren't just in your head... It might be something to do with the change in temperature. Or the perpetual darkness. Or the ever smaller rooms, stretching beyond the weak beam of a torch or flicker of candlelight. Whatever the reason, there’s something unsettling about the Blair Street Underground Vaults. From there, it’s on to the spooky Canongate graveyard, where the spirits of the dead await. Join a journey into Edinburgh's past, engaging all the senses to create a truly memorable experience that lasts long after your visit.
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 - Listen to the tour playlist Experience the eerie and frightening atmosphere of the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults. Beware, though, for maybe those whispers you hear aren't just in your head... It might be something to do with the change in temperature. Or the perpetual darkness. Or the ever smaller rooms, stretching beyond the weak beam of a torch or flicker of candlelight. Whatever the reason, there’s something unsettling about the Blair Street Underground Vaults. From there, it’s on to the spooky Canongate graveyard, where the spirits of the dead await. Join a journey into Edinburgh's past, engaging all the senses to create a truly memorable experience that lasts long after your visit.
What's included
Included
- - Exclusive Sounds of Edinburgh Tour Playlist
- Small group experience
- Visit to Canongate Graveyard
- Exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults, the city’s deepest & largest
- Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices
- Exclusive multi-sensory tours; with master Storyteller guides
Not included
- This tour is not suitable for those under the age of 18
What you'll see and do
Mercat Cross
Tour meeting point - The distant sound of a rope pulled tight, the scraping of a foot behind you, a crowd baying for blood in the distance. Explore the dim close and wynds of Old Town Edinburgh and learn of the unsavoury characters who used to occupy these streets.
15 minutes here
Edinburgh Vaults
Experience the eerie and frightening atmosphere of the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults, which Mercat Tours has exclusive access to. Beware, though, for maybe those whispers you hear aren't just in your head... It might be something to do with the change in temperature. Or the perpetual darkness. Or the ever smaller rooms, stretching beyond the weak beam of a torch or flicker of candlelight. Whatever the reason, there’s something unsettling about the Blair Street Underground Vaults — and your master Storyteller will reveal the troubling tales on this underground Edinburgh ghost tour.
45 minutes here
Canongate Kirk
A walk through shadowy closes to the Canongate graveyard will bring you to the resting place of Edinburgh’s most famous figures, many of whom met a tragic and gruesome end. Adam Smith, the father of economics; David Rizzio, confidant of Mary, Queen of Scots; and James Douglas, 3rd Marquess of Queensberry — the infamous cannibal of the Canongate.
45 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Tour starts from the Mercat Cross - the 8 sided stone monument with a Unicorn on top Opposite the City Chambers, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Canongate Kirk, 153 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN. This tour ends in the Graveyard of the Canongate Kirk on the Royal Mile, about an 8 minute walk straight down the hill from where your tour began.
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
- Mercat Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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 598 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 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
598 verified traveler reviews for Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Edinburgh tour with an even better host
Tour was great. Very informative. Our tour guide Ash was the best. She was a great storyteller.
via Tripadvisor
Spooky stories
We had a great experience with Ash’s storytelling of some very interesting facts and stories from Edinburgh’s history. She was a terrific guide for the visit and we will always remember her expressive storytelling. This tour is worth the time and money if you are looking to do something in the evening.
via Tripadvisor
Interesting tour with wonderful guide
Interesting tour that includes walking around the city center, a part of the underground vaults and the canongate kirkyard. Our guide Hamish really made this a very special experience. He was funny, detailed and caring.
via Tripadvisor
Spooky Tour for October
This was an amazing tour! Our guides Sarah and Hannah did a wonderful job of telling the history of Edinburghs darker side. The story telling was phenomenal!
via Tripadvisor
Best Tour In The Town
Best Tour yash is really good guide
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
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 209
- 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 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $44 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 Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour take?
+
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 Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 598 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour?
+
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 Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour?
+
Around 209 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?
+
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 Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour?
+
Included: - Exclusive Sounds of Edinburgh Tour Playlist; Small group experience; Visit to Canongate Graveyard; Exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults, the city’s deepest & largest; and Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices. Not included: This tour is not suitable for those under the age of 18. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour?
+
Tour starts from the Mercat Cross - the 8 sided stone monument with a Unicorn on top Opposite the City Chambers, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour offered in?
+
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 Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour?
+
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 Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour if the weather is bad?
+
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 Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour?
+
Across 598 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour.
Pick your date




