Edinburgh Underground Vaults Historical Walk

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. Step into the depths of the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a multi-sensory journey of perfectly preserved history and learn how these vaulted chambers became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants.
Breathe in the scent of Edinburgh’s past as our award-winning Storytellers share vivid accounts of life within the vaults, revealing Edinburgh’s history in a way you’ll never forget.

All your questions will be answered throughout the duration of our Historic Vaults tour, where our master Storytellers bring the history of the underground vaults to life.

Continue your journey in our Vaults Museum, where authentic historic artifacts and informative interactive displays provide further insight into the vaults' past.

Meeting Point

Mercat Cross

High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK

Mercat Cross, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF. Look for the 8 sided monument with white Unicorn on top. You will find a member of our visitor services team waiting here to check you in. They will be dressed in black, holding an iPad, wearing an orange lanyard & holding a black & orange umbrella.

What's included:

• Visit to our Vaults Museum, with interactive 3D models and the Vaults Revealed audio-visual display
• Exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults
• Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices
• Exclusive multi-sensory tours; with master Storyteller guides

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Mercat Cross

Mercat Cross, Edinburgh

Meet your master storyteller at the Mercat Cross, where they will lead you down the closes and wynds while you breathe in the scent of Edinburgh's past.

15 minutes

Edinburgh Vaults

30 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1LL

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. Step into the depths of the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a multi-sensory journey of perfectly preserved history and learn how these vaulted chambers became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants.

45 minutes

Mercat Tours

28 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR, UK

Continue your journey in our Vaults Museum, where authentic historic artifacts and informative interactive displays provide further insight into the vaults' past.

15 minutes