Scotland · GHOST & UNDERGROUND TOURS

Edinburgh Vaults & Ghost Tours: The 15 Best Walks

37 tours  ·  from $6

Two things sell these: the sealed chambers under South Bridge and the Covenanters’ graveyard. The 15 below split into history and theatre, and the listings make clear which is which, with prices and the quiet late slots marked.

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour - Through the closes and wynds of Old Town
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

1.The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,272 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $26Our pick

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a costumed guide playing a notorious Scottish character, then visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and South Bridge’s underground vaults. Expect dark stories, audience participation, stairs, and a lively performance style. Guides have included David, Maggie Dickinson, Dr. Robert Knox, Frederick, and the Fairy Wife.

“great storyteller. Lafayette enjoys his work made the tour into a game too. I think a few more stops should be added to it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town - How the South Bridge vaults set the scene
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Old Town Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

2.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,506 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Meet at 300 Lawnmarket for a guided walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town before entering the chilly vaults beneath South Bridge. Guides such as Josh, Louisa, James, and Kieran bring stories of poverty, crime, witchcraft, and ghost sightings to life. Expect uneven ground, tight spaces, steep steps, and roughly an hour in English.

“Very interesting learning about the history of the vaults. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and made the tour interesting and fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh - The Royal Mile and Old Town stories
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

3.Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,761 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Ride a vintage Routemaster through Edinburgh after dark as an English-speaking guide covers Burke and Hare, witch hunts, executions, and haunted sites. You’ll pass Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars, Grassmarket, and Holyroodhouse, with theatrical effects and a possible short stop near Greyfriars.

“This tour was hilarious and very informative thoroughly enjoyed, well worth the money spent. The guide and driver worked very well together”

Check availability →Read our full review

Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh - What the vaults were used for
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh

4.Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,183 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33Top rated

Meet your guide on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a short walk to the underground vaults. Guides such as James, Louisa, Dom, Aimee, and Brendan mix city history, torture displays, ghost stories, and humor during this one-hour tour. Expect steep and narrow stairs, unsettling subjects, and a quick but memorable look beneath Edinburgh.

“This was a very disappointing experience. We showed up at the designated location and were unable to locate the tour. There were multiple other tours but none that was ours. After 15 minutes of asking multiple groups, we gave up and decided it was a lost cause and we would have to acknowledge we would have to give up what we paid. I consider it to be a total rip off. Never again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh - Starting on the Lawnmarket
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh

5.Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,702 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $36

Walk Edinburgh after dark with a guide such as James, Jordan, Diva, Darren, or Brendan. Visit Greyfriars Kirk and the South Bridge vaults, hearing about executions, burial customs, crime, and reported paranormal activity. This 90-minute tour suits adults who enjoy history, true crime, and spooky stories more than theatrical jump scares.

“Jordan made it a very fun tour with a lot of cool stories. Definitely wouldn’t have understood the historical significance without his insight!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh - Old Town stories with murder, torture, and body snatching
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

6.Multi-Sensory Haunted Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,649 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Follow a cloaked Mercat Tours guide from Mercat Cross through Edinburgh’s Old Town, hearing tales of murder, torture, body snatching, and restless spirits. The 75-minute tour ends in the Blair Street Underground Vaults. Expect candlelit atmosphere, narrow stairs, dramatic storytelling, and no jump scares or manufactured effects.

“Be prepared as there are quite a few narrows stairs to go down. The information given by Mike was amazing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh - Walking the wynds of the Old Town
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh

7.Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,587 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $29

Meet a costumed guide at 124 High Street at 9:15 pm for an 80-minute walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the South Bridge vaults. Guides such as David Rizzio, Lafayette, Dr Knox, and Raticus use theatrical storytelling, dark history, humor, and ghostly tales. Expect cold air, narrow passages, and a distinctly adult tone.

“This is a great and spooky way to discover Edinburgh's darker past. Make sure you bring a coat - it gets cold!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Old Town Historical and Underground Tour - Niddry Wynd vaults below South Bridge
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Historical Tours, History Tours in Edinburgh, Old Town Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

8.Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,574 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Spend 90 minutes with a guide such as Chihon, Holly, Emilie, or Emily exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town, Canongate Kirkyard, and Niddry Wynd vaults. The pace is easy, the group is limited to six, and the English-language tour mixes street history with a look below South Bridge.

“Chihon was a great tour guide. The stories and history he told us made us feel like we could see how it felt to live way back then. Great group of people in our group.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Multi-Sensory Small-Group Historic Vaults Tour in Edinburgh - The stories behind Edinburgh’s darker reputation
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Historical Tours, History Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours

Multi-Sensory Small-Group Historic Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

9.Multi-Sensory Small-Group Historic Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,384 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Walk from Mercat Cross through Edinburgh’s Old Town to the Blair Street Underground Vaults. In about 75 minutes, your guide explains the chambers, former workshops, taverns, poverty, and darker tales linked to the city. Groups are limited to 18, and the tour ends with artifacts and displays at the Vaults Museum.

“Seniors should be aware that the terrain is quite rough and, in places, there might not be enough light for “old” eyes.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders - Canongate Kirkyard and the final stretch
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders

10.Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 762 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $22Best value

Follow an English-speaking guide from 351 High Street through Edinburgh’s old lanes, Old Calton Cemetery, and Canongate Kirkyard. Expect stories about 17th-century life, body-snatching, Burke and Hare, murders, witches, and local legends. Guides including Jen, Sonia, Gavin, Joe, and Melanie are praised for lively storytelling, though the tour involves hills, steps, darkness, and outdoor weather.

“Jen was great, really informative and captivating with her storytelling and knowledge. Brought the history of Edinburgh to life. A great way to scratch the surface of Edinburgh's past”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour - The Royal Mile and the North Berwick witches
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Historical Tours, History Tours in Edinburgh, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

11.Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 632 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Follow an English-speaking guide such as Juniper, Hazel, or Angelica through Edinburgh’s Old Town, hearing stories of witch trials, Mary Queen of Scots, warlocks, public executions, and Half-Hangit Maggie. The 70-minute route begins near St Giles’ Cathedral and ends in Grassmarket. Expect theatrical storytelling, steep streets, cobbles, and a serious look at people persecuted as witches.

“Witch Hazel was a pure delight! This is one of the best historical tours I have ever been on. She took a somber topic and treated it with reverence and respect, while also adding a touch of levity, magic, and mystery. She was such a fantastic guide. And we lucked out with the weather. This was a treat for my birthday and I can’t think of a better way to have spent my afternoon.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small Group Ghost Tour incl. Underground Vaults & free drink in Megget's Cellar - Entering Blair Street’s haunted chambers
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Small Group Ghost Tour incl. Underground Vaults & free drink in Megget’s Cellar

12.Small Group Ghost Tour incl. Underground Vaults & free drink in Megget’s Cellar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 608 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $43

Meet a cloaked storyteller at Mercat Cross for a two-hour walk through Old Town closes, grisly tales, and Blair Street’s underground vaults. Guides such as Sarah, Michael, Steph, Jack, Jade, and Naeve use humor and theatrical storytelling. Finish with Scotch whisky, beer, or a soft drink in candlelit Megget’s Cellar.

“A fantastic tour if you want to hear Edinburgh ghost stories and learn some dark history! The tour guide was amazing in her storytelling! The underground vaults are a must see! I highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Multi-Sensory Night Walking Tour with Haunted Vaults in Edinburgh - Entering the Blair Street Underground Vaults
Edinburgh Tours, Evening Experiences, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Multi-Sensory Night Walking Tour with Haunted Vaults in Edinburgh

13.Multi-Sensory Night Walking Tour with Haunted Vaults in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 596 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $37

Meet at Mercat Cross for an hour of ghost stories along the Royal Mile, then follow your guide into Blair Street Underground Vaults. Guides such as Nicola, Emily, Ross, and Stephanie combine history, humor, and theatrical storytelling. Expect candlelight, documented hauntings, headphones, and a brisk visit underground.

“Not as advertised; really rather boring. The guide had obviously done this many, many times and had no enthusiasm.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour - Entering the Blair Street Underground Vaults
Edinburgh Tours, Ghost & Underground Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour

14.Small Group Edinburgh Underground Vaults & Graveyard Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 454 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Meet your costumed guide at Mercat Cross for a small-group walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Blair Street Underground Vaults, and Canongate Kirkyard. Guides such as Shannon, Sarah, Michael, and Steph bring tales of witches, body snatchers, cannibals, and ghosts to life. Expect uneven ground, cold air, outdoor walking, and a history-focused performance rather than jump scares.

“Thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Edinburgh and its underground secrets. A very knowledgeable guide Shannon regaled the group with tales of witches and ghosts. I highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh's Old Town - Meeting at Parliament Square
Edinburgh Tours, Food & Drink, Food Tours in Edinburgh, Ghost & Underground Tours, Old Town Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Whisky & Distillery Tours, Whisky Tours in Edinburgh

90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Old Town

15.90min Underground Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh’s Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Meet at John’s Coffee House & Tavern in Parliament Square for a 90-minute introduction to Scotch whisky beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town. Your guide leads you through four regional drams in The Lost Close, explaining production, flavour, and Scottish whisky culture. Guides may include Mark, Dan, Haley, Eleanor, or Nicky, with small groups and optional higher-level tastings available.

“Interesting and tasteful unique whiskey tasting experience in a vibrant location with experienced guide!”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Ghost & Underground Tours

★ 5.0The Witches TourFrom $2448 reviews
★ 5.0High Street Graveyard TourFrom $1923 reviews
★ 5.0Ghost, Ghouls and Graveyards Private Highland Tour5 reviews
★ 5.0The Ghost of Mary Queen of Scots Escape RoomFrom $3824 reviews
★ 5.0Evolution of Gin and Underground Gin Tasting in Edinburgh | 1hrFrom $3759 reviews
★ 5.0Multi-Sensory Witches Trials & Truth Tour in EdinburghFrom $4024 reviews
★ 4.5Immersive Old Town Ghost Walking Tour in EdinburghFrom $3715 reviews
★ 5.0Private Greyfriars Kirkyard history tour67 reviews
★ 5.0Kids Multi-Sensory Underground Vaults Tour in EdinburghFrom $3520 reviews
★ 5.0Dark History and Ghost Tour of EdinburghFrom $2215 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh 2 Hour Nighttime Ghost Tour Italian Tour GuideFrom $2053 reviews
★ 4.5Beer Tasting Session in Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults | 1 hourFrom $3166 reviews
★ 4.0Ghosts, Mysteries, and Witches TourFrom $208 reviews
★ 4.0Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and TourFrom $725 reviews
★ 4.0Glasgow Ghost Hunt: The Soul That Got Away Exploration GameFrom $671 reviews

Keep browsing

Old Town Walking Tours26Walking Tours108City Tours49Historical Tours35Royal Mile Tours9Harry Potter Tours44
Scroll to Top

Explore the country

Pick a glen, a distillery or a castle.

Castles and battlefields

Castle ToursEdinburgh CastleStirling CastleEilean DonanCulloden

Whisky and the table

Distillery ToursSpeysideIslayGin TastingsFood Tours

Glens and lochs

The HighlandsLoch NessGlencoeLoch LomondThe Cairngorms

On foot and after dark

Walking ToursVault WalksHistory ToursOld Town WalksCycling Days