edinburgh haunted underground tour

The Edinburgh Underground Tours You Have to Try Once in Your Lifetime

• Published on: April 24, 2022

Explore the hidden secrets of Edinburgh’s Old Town with a group of like-minded folk on a guided walking tour. Hear tales of espionage, treason and bloody revolution. Visit nooks and crannies you never knew existed. There are many underground ghost tours in Edinburgh that explore the area but which ones offer the best experience?

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What is an Underground Ghost Tour?

A ghost tour is a guided walking or driving tour of a city’s popular or notorious ghost sites. Some tours evoke the ghosts of a locale’s past through stories, legends, and folklore.

Some people say that you feel an eerie feeling when you go on a ghost tour. A lot of times there are scary stories about the buildings and towns so it can be a kind of frightening for some people. Edinburgh is a city of legends and stories, where you’ll find hidden secrets. Some of these legends are about the ghosts that haunt the underground streets of Edinburg h .

What to Expect From Underground Ghost Tour Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is one of the most haunted cities in the world, with sites ranging from royal palaces to dark alleyways. A typical  Edinburgh underground ghost tour  will take you on a journey through this rich history, taking you back to the stories of witches, ghosts and ghouls that have been roaming around the city for centuries.

The tours are guided by actors, which create an immersive theatre experience for the audience. The actors act out different characters in different stories to make the experience even more real. Most  Edinburgh underground ghost  tours will take you through the heart of the city, which is where most of the spooky tales are centred

Greyfriars Cemetary

Top Scariest Places to Visit in Edinburgh

The dark streets and vaults in Edinburgh, with so many beautiful yet abandoned buildings, make it a perfect setting for a horror story. Particularly, the Old Town of Edinburgh is a beautiful, eerie and intriguing place. But we all know that the city has so much more than just its castles and cobbled streets to explore and experience. Underground vault tours in Edinburgh will take you through spooky stories of crime and punishment.

Here are the Top of the Spookiest Places for Those Who Love a Good Scare!

1. The Canongate Kirkyard, which is located at the top of Holyrood Road. This place is significant because it was originally built as a cemetery for people who lived in this area but has now transformed into an area where many famous people are buried, including Sir Walter Scott and Alexander Wilson. This place is haunted by many phantoms, as many people were executed as witches here during the 16th century. Late-night underground vaults terror tour is a hair-raising experience!

2. Edinburgh Castle , which has been said to have been cursed by King James VI of Scotland . There have been reports from those who have visited the castle late at night who say they saw figures walking around carrying candles and wearing all-black robes.

The Vennel Steps

3. The Vennel: A narrow alleyway near the Grassmarket which leads down to the Cowgate. It was at one time the main thoroughfare for this medieval town. There are many hidden places, and it’s not uncommon for all sorts of strange sounds or voices to be heard coming from these nooks and crannies. 

4. Cockburn Street: Rumoured to be the site of an ancient leper colony, Cockburn Street has seen much death and destruction throughout its long history. With its dark, winding corridors abandoned is one of the scariest streets in the city. Edinburgh murder mystery stories are the secret stories that lurk beneath the surface of Edinburgh . You’ll be amazed by what you can find in those hidden corners

Follow along with this guide for some hauntingly  mysterious Edinburgh murder mysteries and ghost stories.

I’ve put together a list of the best underground ghost tours in Edinburgh

The tours are aimed at people who like ghost stories, mysteries and legends. The underground ghost tours are guided by actors, which create an immersive theatre experience for the audience. Experience the history, legends, and tales from this unique perspective.

Here find the best underground ghost tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour

The secret Edinburgh’s underworld is located just under Tron Bar at Blair Street. Now, you can visit vaults with award-winning storytellers of  Mercat Tours . They are the only walking company with exclusive access to the vaults.

Even though the underground passages are empty now, the guide, who is also a professional entertainer, brings the history to life and sets the scenes for each part of the tour, making it unique and individual. This E dinburgh underground ghost tour is highly recommended by Tripadvisor.

Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

Expect to get shivers on a tour of the haunted sites of Edinburgh and visit the Greyfriars Kirkyard and Edinburgh Vaults. Learn about the dog that cocked his leg where rotting corpses lay and hear stories about notorious criminal

Late Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour

Go under the streets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile to hear terrifying ghost stories on a 75-minute tour of the Auld Reekie. See the infamous stone circle vault, and a horrifying torture exhibition. Wander the wynds and closes off the Royal Mile above ground.

Comedy Horror Show: Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour

If you prefer to sit comfortably rather than walking, then this  haunted history bus tour  is perfect for you. With this tour, you’ll be exploring Edinburgh’s murder mysteries, locations in this macabre theatrical journey around the city of Edinburgh.

On these horror fun evening tours in a voltage bus, you’ll hear tales too, including Burke and Hare murders as well about the paranormal side of Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour

Take a late-night walk around Scotland's capital and be prepared to have the scariest night of your life. Visit Edinburgh's most haunted graveyard and then follow your guide into the Underground Vaults where all sorts of strange stuff happen after dar

City of the Dead's Double Dead Tour

Named by Lonely Planet Edinburgh’s  Best Ghost Tour  and acclaimed several other awards, these tours are a combination of history, hair-raising horror and humour.

Guides are professional entertainers, so if you dare to visit  the most haunted graveyard that tour  is your best choice. Please keep in mind that the tour can cause distress, so you join it at your own risk.

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

During the16th and 17th centuries, Edinburgh was one of Europe’s most vibrant centres for witch killing. A time of fear and panic where thousands of innocent men and women were prosecuted and flew into flames.

Scotland’s King James VI believed witchcraft was a form of Satanism and anyone actually could be accused of witchcraft (herbalist or mentally ill most often). As a result, more women were murdered here than anywhere else in Scotland (around 4.000). The local guide conducts the tour of Edinburgh murder mysteries.

Free Ghost Tour

Come to the FREE 1.5 hour Ghost Tour and hear  ghostly tales and sinister stories  that will transport you back to the terrifying past of old Edinburgh as we walk spooky shadows and haunted alleyways.

Underground City of the Dead Tour

Discover Edinburgh's Underground City, known as the city's most haunted location, on a tour that takes you below the streets. With a guide, you'll explore tunnels known as 'Damnation Alley' and learn about their history and ghosts.

The Real Mary King's Close

A reputation for the  most haunted place in Scotland  has given Mary King Close a major boost as a tourist attraction. The Great Plague of 1645, the most devastating epidemic, killed nearly half of the population.

The Edinburgh Authorities wanted to separate the healthy from dying and so there is a local legend that they bricked 300 victims into the underground of Mary King Close and left them to die. Wrapped in myths and legends, this incredible place offers an authentic experience.

My name is Kate and I created Scotland Itinerary Planning to give you those life-changing experiences right in the beautiful country I call home.

I’m proud to live in Edinburgh, Scotland , one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities. Living in Edinburgh has provided me a base to explore extensively around this magical little country.

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The 13 Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh (Updated 2024)

Is it a trip to Edinburgh if you don’t do something spooky? I recommend taking one of the best ghost tours in Edinburgh to complete your spooky Scottish itinerary.

The Scottish city of Edinburgh is known for its disturbing dark past, and ghosts linger in every corner of the city.

With nearly 900 years of history, Edinburgh survived plagues, witchcraft, grave robbers, and so much more dark history. Want to learn more and find out more about the ghosts that haunt Edinburgh? Check out one of the ghost tours down below.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please see my  Privacy Policy  for more information.

The 13 Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh, Scotland

1. auld reekie tours.

Head down to Edinburgh’s haunted vaults by taking the Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour . This is one of the best ghost tours in Edinburgh and offers a unique experience as you head into the vaults. 

The Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour begins with a walk around Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, where you will hear tales of the terrifying Tolbooth Prison that once sat outside St. Giles Cathedral.

Before heading down to the haunted vaults, you will pass through a small museum that features an array of medieval instruments once used on real people in the past. Finally, you can find out what a scold’s bridle was used for!

The tour takes you down to the South Bridge vaults, where you will see the infamous stone circle vault . The stone circle is said to hold an evil presence. If you step inside the circle, you may regret it! (I stepped inside, and I am fine if that makes you feel better, or am I?!)

And, to top it off, the vaults are home to a former witch’s coven, so if you are interested in witchcraft history in Scotland , this is the tour to take.

Book here: Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

2. Mercat Tours

If you want to find things for adults to do in Edinburgh , check out the Edinburgh Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky .

The tour takes you through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, where you will hear all about the gruesome and ghastly tales that occurred on Edinburgh’s historic cobbled streets.

Once you are properly spooked by the terrifying tales that occurred above ground, you will be taken down to the atmospheric Blair Street Vaults.

The vaults are home to various ghosts, including the friendly cobbler and the very scary Mr. Boots! Be sure to take the tour to hear all about their history!

What makes this tour even better? While listening to more ghost stories, you will drink some delectable Scotch Whisky in a candlelit vault.

One thing that makes this one of the best ghost tours in Edinburgh is they provide headphones to listen to the tour guide so that you won’t miss out on any of the spooky stories.

Looking for spooky things to do in Edinburgh? Going on a ghost tour is the perfect way to spend Halloween in Edinburgh .

Book here: Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Evening Ghost Tour with Whisky

3. City of Edinburgh Tours

On The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour , follow an expert guide dressed in a period costume deep down into Edinburgh’s haunted vaults.

Fully immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s spooky past while walking through Greyfriars Kirkyard before heading deep into the underground vaults.

What helps make this one of Edinburgh’s best ghost tours? All of the guides are dressed up as real people from Edinburgh’s sinister past. Will you walk through Old Town Edinburgh with Dr. Robert Knox, Deacon Brodie or Maggie Dickson? (to name a few). 

This is a family-friendly tour, so feel free to bring the kids along to experience a fright!

Book here: The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

4. Sandemans New Europe – Britain

Edinburgh’s Dark Side Walking Tour is one of the best ghost tours in Edinburgh, as it takes you to the site where witches were burned during the Great Scottish Witch Hunt on Calton Hill. 

If you want to learn more about Edinburgh’s historic graveyards and who is buried within them – the tour also stops at either the Old Calton Burial Ground or Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh’s most haunted graveyard .

This tour covers a lot of ground, so be prepared to do quite a bit of walking, including hills – but the views and stories along the way are worth it!

Book here: Edinburgh’s Dark Side Walking Tour

5. Auld Reekie

Head down to Edinburgh’s spooky Niddry Street vaults and visit Edinburgh’s most haunted graveyard with the Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour .

Follow an expert guide through Edinburgh’s dark streets as they regale you with tales of Edinburgh’s dark past. The tour takes you to places where criminals like Burke and Hare would roam the city streets.

Wander through the haunted Greyfriars Kirkyard, where you will hear the terrifying tales of the poltergeist who scratches people who visit the graveyard.

Finally, the tour ends in the haunted Niddry Street Vaults, home to a cursed stone circle and former witches coven.

Book here: Edinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour

6. The Ghost Bus Tours

If you love ghost stories but would instead enjoy them in a warm vehicle? Look no further than the Ghost Bus Tours ! Why walk around in the cold weather like a sucker when you can ride through town in a vintage black double-decker bus?

The ghost tour is full of theatrics and comedy over super scary stories. So, if you want an evening of fun rather than stories so frightening you won’t be able to sleep – you must take this tour.

One of the best things about this ghost tour is it allows you to cover so much more ground than a walking tour! You can see sights that most tours won’t visit in one night!

Book here: The Ghost Bus Tours

7. Mercat Tours

If you want to go on a ghost tour in Edinburgh but hate large crowds, I recommend going on Mercat Tours Small Group Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour .

The tour starts with listening to gruesome stories while wandering around Edinburgh’s Old Town before you descend into the dark and spooky Blair Street Vaults. Spend time listening to the horrifying tales of Edinburgh’s dark past, including stories of body snatching with flickering candles as the only light source.

The Blair Street Vaults are home to their own ghosts whose spirits linger in various spots within the vaults. Listen to the spooky tales of ghosts, including the cobbler and the terrifying Mr. Boots.

So, if you want to take one of the best ghost tours in Edinburgh but want to avoid the big groups, I highly recommend the Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour.

Book here: Small Group Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

8. Auld Reekie

Why not make a ghost tour even more terrifying by taking it late at night? They do say that ghosts become more active at night!

Auld Reekie’s Late-Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour takes you deep below Edinburgh South Bridge into the dark South Bridge Vaults, home to the super scary ghost known as The Watcher. 

If you feel a tingle on your neck or shivers run up your spine, the Watcher may be following you as you tour through the haunted vaults. You will hear stories about the former criminals who used to roam through the vaults, causing a reign of terror.

The tour also features a cursed stone circle vault and a museum of medieval devices that punish people who committed simple crimes. 

Book here: Edinburgh: Late-Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour

9. City of the Dead Tours

Visit the incredibly haunted Covenators Prison with the City of the Dead’s Double Dead Tour . This is the only tour that takes you to the locked-up area of Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard. Why is the prison locked up? The ghosts that haunt the area are brutal, and tour guests often leave with scratches, bruises or feeling unwell.

Then, head down to the South Bridge Vaults, where you may meet the evil presence known as the South Bridge Entity. The vaults are terrifying and give off a creepy vibe. This gives the South Bridge Vaults the perfect spooky atmosphere for people who love to be scared.

Book here: City of the Dead’s Double Dead Tour

10. City of the Dead Tours

The Underground City of the Dead Vault Tour takes you to vaults known as Damnation Alley. The vaults were recently unsealed, and a dark poltergeist was discovered to haunt them. 

You will stand within the ominous vaults, and the City of the Dead tour guides will regale you with Edinburgh’s macabre history as you stand in dark, quiet vaults where this history once occurred.

I spent the night inside these terrifying vaults and experienced a lot of paranormal activity, including a dog barking through an EVP recorder. It was a cool experience, and I recommend taking the  Underground City of the Dead Tour if you enjoy being scared.

Book here: Underground City of the Dead Tour

11. The Cadies & Witchery Tours

Want a light-hearted tour filled with laughter but still want to be scared? Then, check out the Ghosts and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh .

Your guide for the evening is Alexander Clapperton, a deceased cemetery director who ruled over the cemeteries of Edinburgh in the 1840s.

You will learn all about the horrors of witchcraft history in Edinburgh and all of the dark histories that lurk within the shadows of the city’s ancient closes.

What makes this one of the best ghost tours in Edinburgh? The tour includes a free book, “Witchery Tales” by Adam Lyal. 

They also do a great tour for those who want to tour Greyfriars Kirkyard. Check out their Edinburgh: Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour if you are interested.

Book here: Ghost and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh

12. Historic Edinburgh Tours

If you want to tour the dark history of Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard, you should take the Historic Edinburgh Tour of Greyfriars.

This private tour, called Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour in Edinburgh , takes you around the graveyard, telling you about the macabre history that sits right beneath your feet.

This tour is not paranormal, but it discusses the history of body snatchers, Covenanters Prison, and all of the gruesome histories in between.

Your tour guide, Robert, is an incredible storyteller. He will keep you captivated from start to finish!

Book here: Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour in Edinburgh – Private tour

13. Thistle Knights Tours

One thing Scotland has a lot of is Witch History. The Great Scottish Witch Hunt consumed Scotland, and much witch-related torture occurred between 1590 and 1690 in Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh: The Witches Tour takes you around Edinburgh and details why someone may have been accused of being a witch. Why witchcraft existed in Edinburgh and shows you actual human remains that were once used for witchcraft rituals.

What makes this one of the witch tours in Edinburgh? You get a chakra reading and balance work done on the tour. This is done for an extra cost if the Witches shop is open.

If you would like to learn more about witches in Scotland , check out the podcast episode on YouTube . 

Book here: Edinburgh: The Witches Tour

More Spooky and Haunted Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

• Spooky Things to Do in Edinburgh
• Unusual Things to Do in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Castle Ghosts – Is Edinburgh Castle Haunted?
• The 10 Best Cemetery Tours in Edinburgh
• Haunted Hotels in Scotland
• The Dark History of Half Hangit Maggie
• The 17 Best Edinburgh Vaults Tours

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Auld Reekie Tours

We offer tours through edinburgh’s most extensive set of vaults & are the only ghost & history tours company with authentic links to witchcraft..

Christmas & Hogmanay Opening times

Christmas Edinburgh Vaults Hogmanay Opening Hours South Bridge Vaults Winter Solstice Yule

Friday 24th November

E-gift vouchers for your loved ones.

Christmas Edinburgh Vaults Gift Gift Voucher South Bridge Vaults Winter Solstice Yule

NOW HIRING – We are looking for actors and actresses to deliver history and ghost tours.

Special Offer Tickets – 4 PEOPLE FOR £70 on all regular public tours *

Magical Potter Tour

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays + Monday 1st April

£20 per person, £70 for 4 people

The Vaults Tour

Not suitable for under 5s

The Vaults & Graveyard Tour

Not suitable for under 12s

£24 per person, £70 for 4 people

The Terror Tour

Strictly over 18s only

Daily from Friday 22nd March

Haunted Vaults Tour

Until Thursday 21st March 2024.

Auld Reekie Tours e-gift voucher

Hire Our Vaults Overnight

Our vaults are now available to hire overnight for investigations, ghost hunts and film locations. Maximum 35 people and proof of public liability insurance required.

TIMES: 00:00 – 06:00

“The vaults tour is worth it, the guide was super entertaining and the whole experience was creepy, insightful and fascinating. Must go!”

“Very awesome experience if you like dark history. The tour makes you see some easy to overlook landmarks/monuments, that have macabre stories behind them.

Entering the vaults gives you a little taste of how the less fortunate people used to “live”, if you can even call it that.”

“Great tour with some (a little creepy ????) facts and figures about the Royal Mile and the South bridge vaults. Great atmosphere with a fun and knowledgeable guide.”

“Any time I travel to somewhere new, my partner and I love to do a ghost tour. We were recommended this tour by a family member and it really did not disappoint! We were totally spooked and had a laugh at the same time. The tour itself was very informative with comedic and spooky aspects as well, making it extremely entertaining and worth the money.”

 “My friends and I went on this tour, and it was absolutely amazing!! Our tour guide was so captivating with her knowledge on the spooky history of Edinburgh, and I loved hearing about everything she had to say. There was even a couple ghost stories that gave me the shivers, but it was nothing excessively scary.”

IMPORTANT: We don’t take bookings at the tour start, please make sure to book in advance online or visit our office at 45 Niddry Street.

Have questions?

Office Opening Times: Daily 10:00 – 17:00

0131 557 4700

[email protected]

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• 5 Edinburgh Ghost Tours (That Are Truly Worth it)

Edinburgh is said to be one of the world’s most haunted cities.

Its mist-laden hills, cobbled streets, ancient buildings and subterranean vaults are a wonderful place to explore – during the day or after dark. 

And as you explore and learn more of the fascinating and at times gruesome history of this place, you can also keep your eyes peeled for any ghostly visitors that might still haunt the Old Town. 

You could definitely simply take matters into your own hands, and explore areas of the city where a haunting might occur. But to gain the most from visiting these spooky locations, you might want to consider taking one of these 5 Edinburgh ghost tours:

5. Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour

5 edinburgh ghost tours you won’t want to miss, 1. small group edinburgh underground vaults and graveyard ghost tour.

This historically fascinating ghost-hunting tour will take you to two of the city’s most haunted locations – the shadow-shrouded subterranean world of Blair Street, and Canongate Kirkyard. 

• Meeting Point: Mercat Cross High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK ( open in google maps )
• Duration: 75 minutes
• Cost: currently about $34 ( check current pricing here )
• Free Cancellation: Yes!
• Where to Book: Book on Viator.com (here )
• Other: Adults-only (18+)

Blair Street Underground Vaults is a labyrinthine network of chambers below the South Bridge with a storied and at times horrific past. This is the place for an Edinburgh underground tour. 

Here, in 19 arches below the bridge, workshops, storage spaces and drinking establishments were abandoned and the seedy underbelly of the city moved in.

Brothels, gambling dens and moonshine distilleries were housed here, and it is believed that body-snatchers even used the dark spaces to store the corpses they stole. 

The rooms also housed some 2,000-3,000 of the city’s poorest residents – conditions were squalid and disease ran rife – until the city sealed off the vaults and they remained forgotten until the 1980s.  

After touring these eerie vaults you will weave your way to Canongate Kirkyard – a huge cemetery where you can keep your eyes peeled for spectres and ghouls wondering through the darkness.

As you explore these two locations your guide will regale you with a commentary filled with gruesome tales of cannibalism, torture and witchcraft and you can find the final resting places – or not – of a number of famous Scots. 

2. Terror Walking Tour in Edinburgh

This Edinburgh Walking Tour is one of the best ghost tours in the city! And the most popular on our list .

• Meeting Point: Tourist information police box across the road from Brodie’s tavern
• Where to Book: Viator.com

Starting at the tourist information police box across the road from Brodie’s tavern, this terrifying adults-only tour will take you on a 75 minute tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town after dark, culminating in a visit to the gruesome Torture museum, for which entry is included in the price. 

As on the tour above you will enter the notorious city vaults, see St Giles cathedral by night, and hear of the Tolbooth Prison and the troubled souls who were held there, with your professional guide. 

The Old Tolbooth was a mediaeval structure that has served a number of different purposes over the centuries. It was the main jail here where not only incarceration but also physical punishments and torture were routinely conducted, and from 1785, this was the site of public executions. The buildings were demolished in 1817 but who is to say whether or not some ghosts or ghouls may linger here on this site…

Then you will have the opportunity to enter the terrifying Torture Museum.

Is your stomach strong enough to handle the tales of brutal torture in times gone by and to learn how the devices you will see were used? 

3. Ghost and Gore Walking Tour of Edinburgh

This popular Ghost and Gore Walking Tour is perfect if you are looking for an early evening tour that is a bit more family friendly then this is one of the Edinburgh ghost tours might be a fun option to consider.

• Meeting Point: Outside the Witchery restaurant just before 7pm
• Duration: 80 minutes
• Cost: currently about $16 ( check current pricing here )
• Where to Book: Book on Viator.com (here)

Light-hearted yet informative, this 80 minute walking tour of the historic Royal Mile is full of fun and frolics. 

Meeting outside the Witchery restaurant just before 7pm, you will be guided by a former city cemetery director, mr Alexander Clapperton (deceased) and will meet a number of infamous apparitions along the way such as the mad monk of Cowgate, a witch called Agnes Fynnie, and bloody Highlander Rhuari McLeod. The tour includes a copy of ‘The Witchery Tales’ by Adam Lyal. 

Enjoy a fiendishly funny outing that will be enjoyed by the whole family as you walk the cobbled streets and courtyards of Edinburgh’s old town and are jumped out at by a host of different characters (typically played by the same person). 

4. Two Hour Ghost Tour

Back on the more serious side, this almost two hour long ghost tour starts and ends on High Street, Edinburgh. This is one of many Edinburgh walking tours that will allow you to explore the Old Town and learn more about its dark yet fascinating history. 

Quick Info:

• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: currently about $19 ( check current pricing here )
• Meeting Point: 190 High Street, Edinburgh
• Highlights: Edinburgh Old Town (after dark), High Street, Old Calton Burial Ground and more

Beginning at 6pm, it will lead you through Edinburgh’s Old Town where you can explore hidden closes and find out about the gruesome things that have gone on there over the centuries.

During this tour you will have the experienced narrative from your informative guide to help you navigate the history and wynds of this old part of the city. 

You will also have the opportunity to visit Old Calton Burial Ground – where the Scottish philosopher David Hume as well as several other notable Scots are buried. Atop Calton Hill , to the north east of the city centre, this burial ground was opened in 1718 and offers not only ghost-watching opportunities but also panoramic views over the city. 

Another option for adults who want to explore and go ghost hunting around the Old Town is this well-organised example, with stops in the Greyfriars cemetery as well as the underground vaults mentioned above.

If you are looking for an Edinburgh vaults tour with something a little extra this is one of many options to consider. 

• Meeting Point:
• Cost: currently about $25 ( check the most up to date pricing here )
• Highlights: Visit Edinburgh’s most haunted graveyard (after dark), underground vaults
• Where to Book: Book on Getyourguide.com (here)

Burials have been taking place at Greyfriars Kirkyard since the late 16 th Century. A number of notable Edinburgh residents are buried there.

Greyfriars takes its name from a Franciscan friary which used to be on the site. The graveyard is best known for Greyfriar’s bobby, a loyal dog who guarded his master’s grave, sleeping there for 14 years. 

This tour will take you to this haunted graveyard, then on through many wynds above the ground and the vaults below, in the presence of a theatrical and entertaining guide who will be dressed in appropriate costume for the evening. 

Even if you don’t actually see any ghosts on one of the Edinburgh walking tours above, you should still have a wonderful time. 

Other Top Rated Ghost Tours in Edinburgh that are not included in this list:

• Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour – read reviews here.

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9 Best Edinburgh Ghost Tours

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 5, 2023

Don’t miss adding an Edinburgh ghost tour to your itinerary! Discover the spookiest and most fun Edinburgh ghost tours with our complete guide.

Recognised as one of the most haunted cities in the world if taking a ghost tour of Edinburgh is a must-have inclusion during your visit to the Scottish capital (it was for my husband who enjoyed a Vaults Tour while I explored the Old City above ground) you will find our comparison guide to the best tours invaluable for choosing the best one for you.

We have included the best ghost walks in Edinburgh, ghost tours of Edinburgh vaults, a spooky tour suitable for kids and even an Edinburgh ghost tour bus option!

👻 Best Edinburgh Ghost Tours – Quick Picks

Edinburgh vaults: ghost tour, edinburgh ghosts & gore walking tour, terror walking tour in edinburgh, comedy horror edinburgh ghost bus tour, dark secrets of the old town ghost walking tour.

• Small Group Ghost Tour incl. Underground Vaults & free drinks in Megget's Cellar

Underground Vaults & Graveyard Evening Tour

Treasures of edinburgh: ghosts, myths & legends private tour.

• Old Edinburgh's Gory Stories: Kids Underground Tour

👻 Which Edinburgh ghost tour do you dare to take?

👻 best spooky tours & ghost walks in edinburgh.

• Access to Edinburgh Vaults
• Live tour guide

Enter the famous underground vaults (reputedly one of the most haunted places on earth) during this one-hour tour. Listen to tales of gruesome goings-on including witches, murders and even hangings in the oldest part of the city.

Learn about the history of the vaults and the ghosts that haunt it!

CLICK TO BOOK THIS TOUR

• Qualified Ghostly Guide
• Copy of the best-selling “Witchery Tales” book by Adam Lyal (deceased).

A popular ghost tour taken by award-winning Cadies & Witchery Tours the Edinburgh Ghosts and Gore Walking Tour receives rave reviews for their fun family-friendly tour.

• Professional guide
• 90 minute tour

Enjoy a 90 minute terror walking tour of Edinburgh’s ancient Old Town with a guide. Visit hidden underground vaults under cover of darkness and learn of famous landmarks from past and present such as Tolbooth Prison and St Giles’ Cathedral.

• Admission fees

If you fancy a laugh whilst ghost hunting this is the tour for you! Enjoy a one-hour bus tour of the Old and New City of Edinburgh and be entertained as you explore some of the spookiest destinations (including a chilling walk through one of Edinburgh’s spookiest graveyards)

• Walking tour

Discover Scotland’s mythical sites. Walk around the city of Edinburgh passing graveyards, aged houses, and the sites where witches and warlocks were burnt on this sinister yet insightful walking tour.

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

• Award-winning local storytellers
• Small group experience
• Exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults
• TourTalk radio receiver to enjoy immersive storytelling
• Alcoholic Beverage

During this evening tour visit the eerie Blair Street Underground Vaults, follow in the footsteps of the infamous Edinburgh Mob, and then settle your nerves with a dram of Scotch whisky in Megget’s Cellar!

• Radio receiver (to hear the guide)
• Entry to Blair Street Underground Vaults

Descend the underground vaults under cover of darkness before following your guide through the narrow streets to Canongate graveyard where many famous Edinburgh residents are interred.

• Local Guide
• Private Tour

Learn about Edinburgh’s ghosts, myths and legends and why they are such a unique part of the city’s character on this exclusive private tour.

Old Edinburgh’s Gory Stories: Kids Underground Tour

• TourTalk radio receiver to enjoy live storytelling

This personal small group family-friendly tour is perfect for kids aged 5 and over. Learn about life for children in 19th century Edinburgh and explore some of the city’s spookiest haunts

Enjoy your ghost tour of Edinburgh – hope it is not too scary!

You can read more about planning your perfect trip to Edinburgh in the following posts:

• Things to do in Edinburgh (+ Itinerary Guide)
• Top tips for first time visitors to Edinburgh
• Where to stay in Edinburgh
• Best day trips from edimburgh
• How to get from London to Edinburgh (and vice versa!)

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History walks and ghost tours, from edinburgh's award-winning storytellers since 1985, history walks, ghost tours, exclusive: evening of archives and artefacts, new: ghostly tales of edinburgh's royal mile, gory stories: the kids’ tour, uncover more fascinating stories, scottish witches, religion & education: international women's day 2024.

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Things to do in Edinburgh: Spring 2024

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Underground Ghost Tours, History Tours, & Walking Tours in Edinburgh.

Experience the underground horror in edinburgh.

Our entertaining and professional ghost guides will lead you on a walking tour through Edinburgh’s hidden wynds and secret courtyards.

Come with us and explore the secrets of the underground beneath Edinburgh’s streets whilst hearing some of Scotland’s darkest stories, the curious, the uncanny and the terrifying.

Every City is full of secrets, Edinburgh is no exception.

Dare you descend?

• Most Popular
• Hour Glass 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
• Tags Ages 5+

World Famous Underground Ghost Tour @ 18:10; 18:45; 19:45

Edinburgh is undoubtedly the most haunted city in the world! are you ready to find out why? Let one of Edinburgh most infamous sons or daughters lead you round the dark side of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

• Tags Ages 18+

Extreme Paranormal Ghost Tour Edinburgh @ 21:15

For the hardened Ghost hunter, or the non-believer, this late night walking ghost tour is not for the faint-hearted! Explore the mysterious Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery and more at night.

Tour of Terror @ 20:45

Shiver at the weird noises… on this 75 minute guided ghost tour into Edinburgh’s extremely dark past, haunted streets, and winding wynds.

• Hour Glass 1 Hour

Old Town & Underground Ghost Tour @ 13:15; 15:15; 17:15

The Old Town & Underground Ghost Tour will then take you on a guided tour of Edinburgh’s underground vaults, for close encounters with the paranormal!

• Hour Glass 1 Hour and 30 Minutes

Old Town & Underground Historical Ghost Tour @ 11:00; 14:15

Join a local historian on our historical walking tour around Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. Learn about Edinburgh’s fascinating history, literature heroes, infamous criminals and battles that shaped our city.

• Hour Glass 1 Hora y 15 Minutos
• Tags Edades 5 +

EL TOUR DE FANTASMAS Y LAS BÓVEDAS SUBTERRÁNEAS @ 20:15

Serán conducidos por el pasado oscuro de Edimburgo y sus alrededores incluyendo el cementerio más encantado del mundo.

• Hour Glass 1 Hour and 45 Minutes

Original Whisky Tasting Experience @ 13:00; (17:00 in August)

The ultimate whisky tasting in the birthplace of Scotland’s national anthem. Enjoy 3 distinct whisky’s and learn the true history of Scottish whisky on this walking tour.

Charles Dickens Edinburgh Literary Tour

Delve into Edinburgh’s literary legacy with a tour tracing the paths of renowned writers like Dickens and Stevenson, including a visit to the alleged grave of a legendary fictional character.

Private Tours in English, Spanish, French & German

Daily ghost walk and historical tours are available for private booking with additional tours available on request only. Customize your groups walking tour of Edinburgh today!

AWARDS & REVIEWS

Tour was amazing and soldier jock didn't let them down. Lovely guy and done an amazing job. Had to deal with an unusual situation and he done it professionally

A perfect spooky treat for the family just before Halloween!! our tour guide was brilliant! she was very enthusiastic and got all the group joining in. Will definitely do it again!

Our guide was amazing. They went by the name James Barry. When we come back, we are definitely going to take the tour again and would love it if James could be our guide again. Lovely service. Amazing body language while telling stories. Well done.

Fantastically fun and spectacularly spooky evening walk full of historical stories and ghost tales with tour guide Soldier Jock who was very engaging, interesting yet friendly - ish! Would highly recommend

We was lucky enough to have Dr. Knox as our guide. He was fantastic. Made sure he spoke to everyone on the tour individually. Made fun of everyone. His storytelling and humour was just perfect. The tour was fascinating especially the underground bit at the end.

We went on the night tour with Soldier Jock, and what a brilliant time we had! Jock was informative and captivating with his stories, and there was a great blend of humour and horror on the tour. It was so interesting seeing a side of Edinburgh that's a lot darker than you first expect. Definitely recommended - thanks again, Soldier Jock!

Best Edinburgh ghost tours: Top underground and haunted walking tours to do in 2024

These top Edinburgh ghost tours are sure to get your spine tingling this winter.

• Laura Wybrow
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With January's long evenings, chilly weather and crisp breeze, it's hard to think of a more perfect time of year for a ghost tour...

Plenty of UK cities host ghost tours, but why is Edinburgh the most famous? The fondly named Jekyll and Hyde City is home to some of the most haunted places in the world. Its landmarks have been around for centuries, and have certainly seen some dark things over the years.

There’s Greyfriars Kirkyard, located in the old town, which witnessed countless religious persecutions in the 17th century, and Edinburgh’s Royal Mile bears over 400 years of history.

Perhaps one of the most ghostly places is the Edinburgh Vaults. When the city expanded in the 18th century, many inhabitants were forced to seek refuge underneath it in the vaults. Living underground is (unsurprisingly) bad for your health, and when people began to die, the infamous Burke and Hare would visit to claim their corpses.

If you dare to visit these spooky Edinburgh locations, prepare to potentially see or hear from the restless souls that inhabit them. There have been reports of voices, children screaming, moving shadows, sudden drops in temperature and more unexplained phenomena.

More like this

As well as scary stories and potential sightings, our hand-selected Edinburgh ghost tours are jam-packed with history. You’ll visit some of the most famous and historic sites in the world, and come away with plenty of knowledge about the city’s dark past – because if you’re going to spend money on a tour, you want it to be worthwhile. The RadioTimes.com team knows you’ll want to get the most out of experiences; that’s why we do plenty of digging to find the best ones.

Up to 23% off city experiences and more with these exclusive discount codes

• Get 23% off experiences at Buyagift
• Get 18% off experiences at Red Letter Days

We’ve put together guides to the best London walking tours , best London scavenger hunts and UK Harry Potter tours , too.

Plus, we like to review the things we recommend, so be sure to take a look at our 2:22 A Ghost Story review , what is Frameless ? guide, and BBC Earth Experience review .

• Best Edinburgh ghost tours at a glance

Best Edinburgh ghost tours to visit in 2024

Best way to travel to edinburgh, best places to stay in edinburgh, best edinburgh ghost tours at a glance:.

• Edinburgh - Dark History, from £14
• The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour, from £17
• Fright Night Tour, from £18
• Private Edinburgh Dark History Tour - Auld Reekie After Hours, from £18.75
• Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh, from £20
• The Edinburgh Dungeon, £25 £20.50 (save £4.50 or 18%)
• Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends, from £20.97
• Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh, from £21
• Ghostly Edinburgh Underground Vault Tour for Two, £40
• Hidden and Haunted Edinburgh Tour for Two, £40

The Edinburgh Dungeon

These tours aren’t for the faint-hearted, but if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably not afraid of things that go bump in the night. So for a truly terrifying evening, step right this way, please…

We couldn't start this ghost tour guide without first mentioning The Edinburgh Dungeon. The dungeon features a mix of live actors and special effects in a range of terrifying rooms such as The Torture Chamber, The Courtroom, and The Anatomy Theatre, plus the Drop Dead ride. It goes without saying that this experience isn't for the faint hearted.

Buy The Edinburgh Dungeon tickets for £25 £20.50 (save £4.50 or 18%) at daysout.co.uk

Take a look at the best UK dungeons for the top dungeons up and down the country, from Blackpool to London.

Edinburgh - Dark History

This tour isn’t built on speculation; there are no ghostly stories of apparent happenings and definitely no actors jumping out from behind buildings in spooky costumes — everything you hear is from Edinburgh’s sinister history. You’ll listen to stories of murderers, thieves, cannibals, decapitations, witches, and the plague.

Buy Edinburgh - Dark History from £14 at Viator

For the best London bus tours (spooky or otherwise), take a look at our best list.

Fright Night Tour

Who said you can only get spooked at Halloween? This Fright Night Tour focuses on the 18th century slums, wynds and vaults of Edinburgh, with a special trip to a graveyard. The 75-minute tour covers everything from historical and ghoulish tales to folklore and mysteries.

Buy Fright Night Tour from £18 at Viator

For more spooky activities, take a look at the best escape rooms , best UK Halloween events , and the best UK zombie experiences .

Ghostly Edinburgh Underground Vault Tour for Two

Behind the picturesque scenery of Edinburgh’s old town is a dark and gloomy history. As you explore the old town and Royal Mile, you’ll hear stories of unsettled ghosts, rampant crime and diabolical conditions from a seasoned ghost tour guide. Once you’ve explored the spooky happenings above ground, you’ll head down into the famously haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults.

Buy Ghostly Edinburgh Underground Vault Tour for Two for £40 at Virgin Experience Days

For more terrifying events, take a look at how to get Fright Night tickets and Scarefest tickets — two Halloween events at the UK's top theme parks.

Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

Looking for something that goes bump in the night? Oh, our bad, that was just a speed bump. This next ghost tour is one with a twist: it’s on a bus. From your seat on a vintage double-decker bus, you’ll hear chilling tales while looking at historic sites like Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket and the Royal Mile. It beats listening to a podcast on public transport, that’s for sure!

Buy Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh from £21 at Viator

If you're based in London, be sure to check out these top experiences in the capital city such as best VR experiences and the best immersive experiences .

Plus, did you know the Balloon Museum (as seen in Emily in Paris) has come to London?

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

Think you know a lot about Edinburgh’s ghastly history? Think again. This walking tour uncovers stories of witch trials, pagan rituals and executions, and you’ll visit the sites where these gruesome happenings took place. The evening tour also takes you to either the famous Old Calton Burial Ground or the Canongate Kirkyard cemetery.

Buy Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends from £20.97 at Viator

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Hidden and Haunted Edinburgh Tour for Two

To hear truly gruesome and terrifying stories, this tour from Virgin Experience Days is the one for you - because if you were faint-hearted, you wouldn’t be looking for haunted tours! The Blair Street Underground Vaults are home to some of the darkest stories and with this experience, you’ll hear about the characters who once lived there and which souls still haunt the vaults today.

Buy Hidden and Haunted Edinburgh Tour for Two for £40 at Virgin Experience Days

This haunted tour for two is a unique experience to spend with your loved one. For more date night activities, check out the best couple's experience days and best London date ideas .

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

This ghost tour is world famous for a reason: a seasoned tour guide will take you around Greyfriars Kirkyard and the old town, as well as through the underground vaults and wynds to uncover ghost stories. You’ll stop at various haunted locations throughout the tour to potentially hear and see paranormal activity.

Buy The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour from £16 at Viator

Stay up to date with our Going Out section for great activities to do across the country, such as the best candlelight concerts , the top UK driving experiences , and the best UK water sports .

Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh

With a late departure time of 9:15pm and a 15-person limit per group, this 90-minute walking tour is perfect for paranormal fans as everything will seem more intense and vivid. You’ll hear gruesome stories of torture, murder and body snatching, and visit the underground vaults. Although some of the above tours are suitable for the whole family, this one, unsurprisingly, isn’t.

Buy Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh from £20 at Viator

Phew! After all that ghost hunting, you'll probably want to book yourself in for some R&R. We have the best London spa experiences for you.

Private Edinburgh Dark History Tour - Auld Reekie After Hours

If there’s something specific you’d like to hear about, then this private tour is perfect for you. All tours have customisable content, duration and routes, so the guide can focus on aspects of Edinburgh’s creepy history that you’re most interested in.

Buy Private Edinburgh Dark History Tour - Auld Reekie After Hours from £18.75 at Viator

Think you could solve a murder? Then take a look at the best murder mystery experiences .

Whether you're travelling to Edinburgh from London, Manchester, Newcastle or another UK city, you'll want your trip to the Scottish capital to be relatively straightforward and painless (with as few changes as possible, please!). We've put together a guide on how to travel to Edinburgh, and if you're planning on staying a night or two in the historic city, we've also hand-picked some accommodation.

What is the easiest way to get to Edinburgh?

If you're travelling to Edinburgh from a nearby city, such as Liverpool, Glasgow or Newcastle, the easiest way to get to the Scottish capital is by train.

Edinburgh has two mainline train stations: Edinburgh Waverley, which is in the city centre, and Haymarket Station, which is in the West End. For these ghost tours, we recommend travelling to Edinburgh Waverley.

The TransPennine Express connects northern locations like Manchester, Preston, Leeds, York and Newcastle to Edinburgh, with the LNER also providing services from Newcastle, York, Leeds and Aberdeen. If you're travelling from somewhere else in Scotland, Scotrail is your best bet as it operates a full schedule of trains throughout Scotland. For more southern cities, such as Birmingham and Coventry, Virgin Rail will get you to Edinburgh.

If possible, it's best to book an 'off-peak' ticket to save a few pennies. 'Off-peak' is any time outside of the busiest travelling times, so commuting hours and weekends. Plus, a Railcard is a guaranteed way to save a third on the price of a train fare. For more money saving tips when travelling by train (and the RadioTimes.com team have them in abundance!) check out our how to get cheap train tickets guide.

Buy a Railcard at Trainline

To help you do the things you love for less, the Going Out team have put together guides on how to get Disneyland Paris tickets , how to get cheap cinema tickets , and how to get cheap LEGOLAND tickets , plus plenty more.

What is the best way to get from London to Edinburgh?

One of the RadioTimes.com team travelled from London Victoria to Edinburgh Bus Station when they visited the Fringe Festival last summer. It took 12 hours and was pretty uncomfortable. However, it was incredibly cheap, so it's worth bearing in mind that if you're on a tight budget, Megabus and National Express offer coach rides to Edinburgh.

There is, of course, an LNER train service from London to Edinburgh which takes approximately five hours. But if you'd prefer to do something a little more special, why not opt for a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper? The Caledonian Sleeper is an overnight service which operates between Euston and Edinburgh, so you can go to sleep in London and wake up in Edinburgh!

Buy Caledonian Sleeper tickets at Trainline

If you're travelling from London (or from somewhere equally as far afield) to Edinburgh, then you'll probably want to make a few days of it.

Wowcher is fantastic for finding the best discounts and offers on top Edinburgh accommodation, including four and five star hotels. Plus, a lot of the deals include added perks like afternoon tea, Prosecco and chocolates (an upgrade on the one chocolate on the pillow!). Take a look at some of our suggestions below:

• Mercure Edinburgh stay for Two with breakfast and wine for £270 £149 (save £121 or 45%) at Wowcher

If you liked this guide then be sure to take a look at some of our others, including the best London theatre shows and the top London boat tours .

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Looking up along the Niddry Street Vaults corridor

Niddry Street Vaults, Edinburgh

The Vaults Tour

Join this tour in Edinburgh and visit the vaults beneath Old Town, dating back to the early 18th century. Your costumed guide will tell you about murders, the persecution of witches and the people who inhabited this scary place.

This vaults tour takes you beneath the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town into a dimly lit space that many considered to be haunted. Your 1-hour tour visits the vaults of the South Bridge that date back to the 1700s. These are the same vaults mentioned on Most Haunted Live as one of the scariest places on earth.

Learn how the vaults been used over the years, and the living conditions endured by the poor and homeless residents who frequented them. The darker side of Edinburgh's history will unfold as you wander through the candle-lit underground area.

From your costumed guide, you'll hear about the Burke and Hare murders and the persecution of witches. Discover the characters who stalked the streets of Edinburgh, and the paranormal stories associated with the vaults.

From £20 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 (0131) 5574700
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Edinburgh - City Centre
• Small Group (1-16)
• Ghosts and Supernatural

Covid 19 Facilities

• Advance booking essential
• COVID-19 measures in place
• COVID-19 refund and cancellation policy in place
• COVID-19 risk assessment completed
• COVID-19 staff training completed
• Capacity limit
• Clear signage
• Face mask essential (not provided)
• Face masks required for staff in public areas
• Hand sanitiser available to visitors & staff
• Hygiene screens in place
• Online booking only
• Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
• Staff required to regularly wash hands

Tour prices

From £20 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour gallery

Tour company information

Auld reekie tours.

Auld Reekie Tours was formed in 1995. Since then we have been offering a wide range of underground and graveyard tours to visitors from all over the world. We are the only tour company that owns its own vaults, having exclusive use of them. Apart from lighting, our vaults have remained mostly unchanged since they were built in the 1700s.

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Opening times

Everyday 10:00 - 22:00 Please see website for current covid-19 opening hours

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