
Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 9,570 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town worth booking?
Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town is a 1-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $33 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 9,570 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (9,570)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $33 per person
Journey along Edinburgh's Royal Mile hearing some of Edinburgh's darker history before visiting the infamous hidden and supposedly haunted vaults beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town. Hear tales of how the poor and unfortunate lived in these former slums. Explore these dimly lit vaults by candlelight, once the haunt of criminals, body snatchers and witches alike, said by some to now be occupied by a few of the spirits of these inhabitants long since dead. Each vault has stories of crime, disease, death and lots more... with which your guide shall enlighten you in all the gory details! You will see a genuine witchcraft temple, recently used by a Wiccan coven and you will enter their former temple. Join us to learn why it is no longer safe for them to practice their craft in that vault. DARE you step inside the infamous stone circle?
What you get
About this experience
Journey along Edinburgh's Royal Mile hearing some of Edinburgh's darker history before visiting the infamous hidden and supposedly haunted vaults beneath the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town. Hear tales of how the poor and unfortunate lived in these former slums. Explore these dimly lit vaults by candlelight, once the haunt of criminals, body snatchers and witches alike, said by some to now be occupied by a few of the spirits of these inhabitants long since dead. Each vault has stories of crime, disease, death and lots more... with which your guide shall enlighten you in all the gory details! You will see a genuine witchcraft temple, recently used by a Wiccan coven and you will enter their former temple. Join us to learn why it is no longer safe for them to practice their craft in that vault. DARE you step inside the infamous stone circle?
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Haunted vault visit
- Live English-speaking guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to/from meeting point
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
The tour starts from the Red Telephone Box and Tourist Information Police Box, outside of 300 Lawnmarket. This is on the opposite side of the road from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern. Please be there at least 5-10 minutes early as the tour will always depart on time.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Auld Reekie Tours Ltd
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- not suitable for children under 5 years of age, children under 2 years of age are not allowed on tour.
- Entrance/Exit to the vaults is via a 2 foot tall step followed by single flight spiral staircase.
- Mezzanine staircases of 5-7 steps inside vaults between levels.
- Alcohol/Drugs are strictly forbidden and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be turned away.
- Non-service animals are not allowed.
- • Some historical content may be of a distressing nature with regards but not exclusively to Torture, Hangings, Death
- The walking pace and terrain may not be suitable for those with any difficulty walking.
- We do not have any luggage storage so please make alternate arrangements.
- No toilet stops or toilets available during tour.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9,560 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 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
9,560 verified traveler reviews for Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Kirian was a great...
Kirian was a great storyteller and laid out some of the dark history of Edinburgh on the way to and within the vaults. Worth booking this tour.
via Viator
Worth a go
Didn't expect much. Hubby's idea, not mine. The guide, an Aberdeen loon, was a delight. Got much more info about surrounding Edinburgh than I expected. Underground was great too.
via Tripadvisor
Good place!
It was good place to walk in this beautiful contry ,the weather was verry nice and beautiful
via Tripadvisor
Very different but fun tour
This was a very different tour to the usual ones I’ve done. Going underground to understand how the less fortunate of the city lived. Kieran was amazing and very affable. I would definitely recommend this for something a little different.
via Viator
Fun experience
Louisa was very informative and fun guide
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 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
- 3,350
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Auld Reekie Tours Ltd, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 83.7 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Auld Reekie Tours Ltd runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town cost?
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Prices start at $33 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 Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town take?
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Plan for about 1 hour 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 Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 9,570 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 Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town?
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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 Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town?
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Around 3,350 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town 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 Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town?
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Included: Professional guide; Haunted vault visit; and Live English-speaking guide. Not included: Gratuities; Food and drinks; and Transportation to/from meeting point. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town?
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The tour starts from the Red Telephone Box and Tourist Information Police Box, outside of 300 Lawnmarket. This is on the opposite side of the road from Deacon Brodie’s Tavern. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town 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 Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town?
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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 Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town 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 Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town?
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Across 9,570 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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