Underground Edinburgh

Beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh's Old Town lies a hidden world frozen in time. The most famous of these subterranean spaces are the South Bridge Vaults and Mary King's Close. The South Bridge, completed in 1788, contains 19 arches, most of which were enclosed to house taverns, cobblers, and tradesmen. As conditions deteriorated, they became slums and illicit dens before being abandoned and filled with rubble.

Rediscovered in the late 20th century, these vaults now serve as one of Scotland's most atmospheric historical attractions. Walking through the damp, stone-walled chambers, visitors can almost hear the echoes of the 18th-century residents. Expert guides bring the history to life, detailing the harsh realities of life in a crowded, unsanitary city, and sharing chilling tales of the infamous body snatchers, Burke and Hare.

Reasons to Visit

• Experience a completely unique perspective of Edinburgh's history that cannot be seen from the modern streets above.
• Enjoy a weather-proof attraction that is perfect for rainy or cold Scottish days.
• Listen to world-class storytelling from theatrical and highly knowledgeable local guides.
• Step foot into perfectly preserved 17th-century streets that were buried to make way for the Royal Exchange.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid wearing high heels or open-toed shoes, as the historic cobblestones and stone floors are very uneven and often damp.
• Do not bring large backpacks or bulky luggage, as the passageways are narrow and storage is rarely available.
• Avoid taking flash photography in areas where guides explicitly ask you not to, as it ruins the carefully curated atmosphere.

Local Transportation Tips

The entrances to most underground tours are located along or just off the Royal Mile in the Old Town. The best way to reach them is on foot. If you are coming from further afield, numerous Lothian Buses serve the nearby North Bridge and George IV Bridge. Edinburgh Waverley train station is just a short, albeit steep, 5-10 minute walk away.

Travel Etiquette

• Always stay with your guide and do not wander off into unlit tunnels.
• Keep your voice down while guides are speaking, as acoustics in the vaults can amplify sound.
• Respect the historical integrity of the site by not touching the ancient stone walls or artifacts unless invited to do so.

Recommended Age Group

Underground Edinburgh offers a fascinating but intense environment that caters best to older children and adults.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not Recommended. The uneven floors, lack of stroller access, and dark, loud environments make it unsuitable for infants.
• Kids (3-12 years): Neutral. While older kids might enjoy the spooky stories, the dark spaces and tales of plague and ghosts can be frightening for younger children.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. The macabre history, ghost stories, and unique urban exploration aspect highly appeal to teenagers.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults will deeply appreciate the historical context, architectural marvels, and engaging storytelling.
• Seniors (65+ years): Neutral. The history is captivating, but the steep stairs, lack of seating, and uneven terrain can be physically challenging for those with mobility issues.

Accessibility Level: Low

• Due to the historic nature of the underground vaults and closes, wheelchair access is extremely limited or non-existent on most tours.
• Visitors must be able to navigate steep, narrow staircases and walk on uneven, sometimes slippery stone floors.
• Lighting is intentionally kept low to preserve the atmosphere, which may be difficult for those with visual impairments.
• Service dogs are generally permitted, but it is highly recommended to contact the specific tour operator in advance to confirm accommodations.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the South Bridge has 19 arches, but only one—the Cowgate arch—is visible from the street today? The rest are completely hidden by the buildings constructed on either side of the bridge, creating the dark vaults beneath.

Cool Statistics

• The South Bridge Vaults were completed in 1788 and abandoned by the mid-19th century.
• Mary King's Close was partially demolished and buried in 1753 to build the Royal Exchange.
• The vaults were completely forgotten until they were accidentally rediscovered by a former Scottish rugby international in the 1980s.