About this Sightseeing Tour

History walks and ghost tours, from Edinburgh’s award-winning storytellers. Small and safe group walking tours in Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile. Accredited Guides.

Guided Walking Tour (shared)

HISTORIC UNDERGROUND TOUR (was previously “Historic Vaults Tour”)

Book this tour if you’d like…

• to explore the history of the famous Blair Street Underground Vaults, exclusive to Mercat Tours
• to see, and touch, artefacts from 19th Century
• to hear how real people lived, and worked, in the Vaults
• to visit our new Discovery Room with AV, 3D model and display

Get exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults – the largest system of underground caverns in Edinburgh. Built in the 18th Century beneath South Bridge, we’re the only walking tour company with access.

Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll discover a dark, damp world that has remained unchanged since the 18th Century. Your expert Storyteller will lead you deep into the Blair Street Underground Vaults, and together you’ll explore its perfectly preserved history – including how it became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants.

Underground tours
Want to see Edinburgh’s darkest secret? Descend into the vaults, exclusive to Mercat Tours.
It’s a story rooted in Edinburgh’s Georgian past – grand feats of engineering, the expansion of the city, and those who were left behind in its darker corners. But why were the vaults built? And who used them?
All your questions will be answered throughout the duration of our Historic Underground tour, where our award-winning storytellers bring the history of the vaults to life.

Advanced booking essential.

*Limited capacity of 18 pax

Schedule 2023/2024:
From 01/04/23- 31/03/24: DAILY at 14:00 hrs & 16:30 hrs

Schedule 2023/2024:
From 01/04/24- 31/03/25: DAILY at 12:00 hrs & 14.00hrs

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Start: Mercat Cross, High Street, Edinburgh.
Finish: Discovery Room, Blair Street, off Hunter Square.

Start: Mercat Cross, High Street, Edinburgh.
End point: Blair Street Underground Vaults, Blair Street, off Hunter’s Square

**No Tours: 24-26 December

Last Updated: 09.01.2024

Departure Point

MERCAT TOURS LTD
High Street,
Edinburgh
EH1 1RF
UK

Policies

CHILD POLICY: Children under 5 years old are not permitted on these tours. 5-15 year old are charged at reduced rate (see tariff).

CANCELLATION POLICY: once confirmed the booking may be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours prior to to tour. Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior and any non-arrivals will be charged in full.