Straight answers to the questions that come up most before a trip below South Bridge. Still unsure? The visiting guide has more detail.
What are the Edinburgh underground vaults?
They are man-made stone chambers built into the arches beneath South Bridge in 1788, later abandoned, then rediscovered in the 1980s. You can only enter them on a guided tour.
Can I visit the Edinburgh underground vaults without a tour?
No. Access is by guided tour only; the chambers are gated and led by licensed operators, so there is no independent entry.
Which Edinburgh underground tour is best for first-timers?
The underground vaults walking tour and the world-famous ghost tour both cover the core chambers with strong storytelling, and are the usual first choice.
Are the Edinburgh underground tours scary?
They range from family-friendly history walks to a strictly adults-only late-night terror tour, so you can pick as gentle or as intense an experience as you like.
How long do Edinburgh underground tours last?
Most run between 60 and 105 minutes, with roughly 40 to 45 minutes of that spent below ground.
How much do Edinburgh underground tours cost?
From about 22 US dollars for an afternoon walk up to around 130 US dollars for the luxury whisky tasting, with most ghost tours in the mid-range.
Are the vaults suitable for children?
Family and afternoon tours generally welcome children from age five, and there is a dedicated kids' tour. Several evening tours bar under-fives, and a few are strictly adults-only.
Are the Edinburgh underground vaults wheelchair accessible?
No. Entry is by a step and a spiral staircase over uneven stone floors, so the vault tours are not wheelchair accessible. An above-ground Old Town walk is the most accessible alternative.
Is it cold underground?
Yes. The vaults are cool and damp all year, even in summer, so a warm layer and flat, non-slip shoes are a good idea.
Where do the Edinburgh underground tours meet?
Depending on the operator, at 300 Lawnmarket or 124 High Street on the Royal Mile, at the Mercat Cross, or at John's Coffee House on Parliament Square. Your confirmation names the exact spot.
How do I get to the meeting points?
Edinburgh Waverley station is a five to ten minute walk, and many buses stop on South Bridge. Driving is not recommended in the congested Old Town.
Can I take photos in the vaults?
Photography policies vary by operator, and some ask that you do not film underground, so check with your guide at the start.
Are the vaults really haunted?
They are among Britain's most-reported paranormal sites. We relay the stories as they are told and let you make up your own mind.
What is the stone circle in the vaults?
It is a circle built inside one chamber by a Wiccan group in the 1990s. It is a modern feature rather than an ancient one, though it is tied to several ghost stories.
Did Burke and Hare use the vaults?
That is a popular legend. Historically the pair are tied to the medical school and the lodging houses near Infirmary Street, not to these chambers, which were already abandoned by then.
Is there a whisky or gin tasting underground?
Yes. Guided whisky and gin tastings run in the vaulted rooms of The Lost Close on Parliament Square, separate from the ghost tours.
What is the difference between the vaults and Mary King's Close?
The vaults sit inside the arches under South Bridge, while Mary King's Close is a separate preserved 17th-century street hidden off the Royal Mile.
Can I cancel my booking?
Every tour listed on this site offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
How far in advance should I book?
In peak season the popular tours sell out days ahead, so book before you travel rather than relying on walk-up availability.
Are there evening and late-night tours?
Yes, including early-evening ghost walks and a strictly adults-only late-night terror tour after dark.
Do any tours include a graveyard?
Several combine the vaults with a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard or Canongate Kirkyard for extra dark history above ground.
Are tours available in other languages?
Yes. There is a Spanish-language ghost tour, and some walks and the Real Mary King's Close offer multiple languages or audio guides.
Is the tour suitable if I am claustrophobic?
The chambers are tight, dark and enclosed. If small spaces are difficult, consider a small-group tour, a daylight history tour, or the above-ground walk.
Is there a toilet on the tour?
There are generally no facilities during the tour, so it is best to plan ahead before you set off.
Are gratuities included in the price?
No. Tips are at your discretion and are not included in the tour price.
How do I book a tour on this site?
Choose a tour and you are taken to the operator's secure checkout to complete the booking. We are a guide to the tours, not the seller.
Are prices shown in US dollars?
Yes. Prices are shown in US dollars and may vary slightly by date, availability and promotion.
Which tour spends the most time underground?
The small-group vaults and graveyard tour and the exclusive history tour give roughly 45 minutes in the chambers, more than the shorter walks.
Is the afternoon tour good for families?
Yes. It is a lighter, daylight-friendly option that suits children and anyone who prefers a less intense atmosphere.
What should I wear for an underground tour?
Flat, non-slip shoes and a warm layer. The ground is uneven and the air is cold and damp below the bridge.
Are the tour groups large?
Group size varies: the flagship ghost tours can be busy, while small-group and history tours are capped at around 8 to 18 people for a quieter experience.
Do the tours run in winter?
Yes. The tours run year-round; the vaults stay a similar cool temperature whatever the season above ground.
Ready to choose? Compare every option on Edinburgh Underground Tours.