Explore the Hidden Side of Edinburgh with an Underground Walking Tour

Edinburgh is a city that is steeped in history, with landmarks and attractions that draw millions of visitors from across the world every year. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the iconic Arthur’s Seat, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the Scottish capital. However, if you want to step off the beaten track and explore the city’s hidden secrets, an underground walking tour of Edinburgh is a must.

What is the Underground Walking Tour of Edinburgh?

The Underground Walking Tour of Edinburgh is exactly as it sounds – a guided tour of the city’s underground vaults, which were built below the South Bridge in the Old Town. The vaults were originally used as storage space for local merchants, but their location soon made them a refuge for the city’s poor and destitute. They also had a darker side, having become the hub of illegal and immoral activities.

The tour takes you through a series of ancient passageways, known for their dark stories of hardship and struggle in 18th-century Edinburgh. You will learn about the history of the vaults, why they were built, and what life was like for those who lived and worked there.

What Can You Expect on the Tour?

On this tour, you can expect to explore the winding passageways and hear grisly stories about their dark past. You will also have the opportunity to see a hidden witchcraft temple, gain insight into city life during the 18th century, and learn about the deadly diseases which threatened Edinburgh’s inhabitants.

The tour is operated by a third-party company, and meets outside the Bank of Scotland in the Lawnmarket area. The tour lasts for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes and takes place entirely underground, so it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues.

What’s Included in the Tour?

The tour is led by a professional guide who will provide you with insight into the vaults’ unique history. Gratuities are not included in the tour price but can be given if you feel the guide went above and beyond.

What Do You Need to Know Before You Book?

It’s important to note that the entrance to and exit out of the vaults is via a 2-foot-tall step, followed by a single flight of a spiral staircase, and has steeper mezzanine staircases of between 5-7 steps inside the vaults between levels. The tour is also not recommended for anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Moreover, if you are thinking of canceling your booking, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time of the tour, you will not receive any refund. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the start time of the tour will not be accepted.

How to Book the Underground Walking Tour of Edinburgh?

You can book the Underground Walking Tour of Edinburgh via Viator, which is a highly rated online booking platform. You can choose between different booking options depending on your schedule and preferences, such as group or private tours, and daytime or night-time tours.

Booking your underground walking tour in advance ensures that you secure your spot and won’t be disappointed if the tour is already fully booked. The tour is incredibly popular among visitors to Edinburgh, so it’s advisable to book well ahead of time, especially if you are visiting during the busy summer months.

Conclusion

An underground walking tour of Edinburgh is an experience not to be missed, taking you off the tourist trail and giving you a glimpse into the city’s hidden history. It’s a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about a different side of Edinburgh, one that many visitors miss.

If you want to make the most out of your visit to Edinburgh, booking an underground walking tour is highly recommended. It’s the perfect activity for solo travelers, couples, and families alike! So, what are you waiting for? Book your tour today via Viator and experience the city’s hidden secrets for yourself.

Discover Edinburgh Like a Local: An Insider’s Guide

Edinburgh is a beautiful and lively city, steeped in history and culture. As a tourist, it can be easy to get caught up in the crowded tourist spots, but to experience the real Edinburgh, you need to explore the hidden gems that only locals know about. Here’s our insider’s guide to Edinburgh:

Local attractions

While Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are must-see attractions, there’s so much more to explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots. Why not hop on a bus and head to Portobello Beach, just three miles east of Edinburgh city centre? With its long stretch of sand, Victorian-era bathhouses, and quaint seaside charm, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a quieter side of Edinburgh. Another spot to visit is Calton Hill, overlooking the city with incredible views and an atmospheric reminder of Edinburgh’s ancient pagan past.

Dining spots

Edinburgh is known for its traditional Scottish grub, and there are plenty of places to satisfy your haggis cravings. The Sheep Heid Inn is the oldest pub in Scotland, established in 1360, and they serve up some excellent haggis. For something different, try Dishoom in the city centre for a taste of Bombay and Edinburgh fusion. An interesting bit of history, the city was once known as “Auld Reekie” (Old Smoky) and because of its coal-rich history, the traditional Auld Reekie smoked salmon is a must-try.

Cultural experiences

Edinburgh is so much more than just Bagpipes and kilts! It’s a city rich in culture, especially during the Festival Fringe in August, the world’s largest arts festival. Check out the National Museum of Scotland, which tells the story of Scotland’s history through artifacts and interactive exhibits. For a taste of local music, visit Sandy Bell’s pub, where traditional Scottish music flows through the tavern walls. Step into the Writers’ Museum, dedicating itself to the legacy of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Local history

Uncover the city’s interesting dark history through one of the many ghost tours. There is no better way to connect with the past than to walk on the same ground that countless generations before walked, especially in places like Greyfriar’s Kirkyard and Canongate Kirkyard. These tombstones date back centuries and it’s not uncommon to feel a strong sense of the past when exploring them. For more recent history, head to The Real Mary King’s Close, a network of hidden alleyways beneath the Royal Mile that once housed the city’s poorest residents.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

If you’re looking for something unique to do, why not embark on an underground walking tour of Edinburgh? Descend into tunnels and passages that run below the streets, including the infamous Blair Street Vaults once used by whisky smugglers, brothel-workers and other undesirables. For those feeling energetic, the Arthur’s Seat hike leads to the summit of a dormant volcano, with incredible views over the city. Finally, visit Jupiter Artland, an outdoor contemporary art gallery set within 80 acres of woodland just outside the city.

With this insider’s guide to Edinburgh, we hope you get to experience the city’s hidden treasures with a fresh perspective on all that Edinburgh has to offer.