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We curate the best ways to experience
We partner with the best
All the best options, in one place
Book with complete peace of mind

Back to Edinburgh’s haunted past with ghost tours

Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. But beneath its cobblestone streets and medieval buildings lies a darker world filled with legends, tragic tales, and restless spirits. Edinburgh ghost tours guide you through shadowy alleyways, underground vaults, and haunted closes, revealing chilling stories of plague victims, murderers, witches, and lost souls. Read on to discover more!

Why go on Edinburgh ghost tours

Princes Street Gardens with view of Edinburgh Castle, part of Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Fort William tour.
Victorian-era actor in makeup and costume in a dimly lit underground setting for paranormal tour.
Tour guide leading a group through Blair Street Underground Vaults.
Pouring whiskey into a glass at Megget's Cellar tasting event.
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What to expect when you visit

Edinburgh ghost tours take you through some of the city’s most haunted locations. Expect entry to historic sites such as Greyfriars Kirkyard, South Bridge Vaults, and Real Mary King’s Close, otherwise not open to solo visitors.

Why it’s a fun experience

Beyond the chills, the tours are packed with history and intrigue. Explore shadowy streets and vaults that once housed plague victims and figures like David Rizzio, Mary Queen of Scots’ advisor, and stay alert for paranormal activity.

Storytelling

What makes Edinburgh ghost tours truly special is the immersive storytelling. Expert guides bring the city’s supernatural past to life by dressing in period costume, adding drama as they lead visitors through streets, underground alleys, and haunted closes.

Drinks

Certain tours offer optional whisky tastings, allowing visitors to enjoy Scotland’s finest spirits while hearing ghost stories. This adds a uniquely local twist to the chilling tales, making the experience both memorable and distinctly Scottish.

Things to know before booking Edinburgh ghost tours 

  • Advance booking: Edinburgh ghost tours are among the city’s most popular experiences. Because these tours often sell out, especially in the evenings and on weekends, it is strongly recommended to book tickets online in advance. 
  • Ticket type: Tickets for Edinburgh ghost tours vary depending on the experience you’re looking for. The Edinburgh Underground Ghost Tour takes you through Blair Street Vaults and Greyfriars Kirkyard, while the Secrets of the Royal Mile or Ghostly Tales of the Royal Mile, gets you to explore more on foot, along with rich tales to accompany you on the side.
  • Immersive experiences: For a more theatrical experience, the Edinburgh Dungeon combines live actors, immersive sets, and interactive rides to bring to life tales of witches, plague victims and serial killers.
  • Additional inclusions: Whisky enthusiasts can enjoy the Underground Whisky Tour and Tasting, a 2-hour walking tour led by a guide and whisky specialist, sampling premium Scottish whiskies while learning about production techniques and history.
  • Guide: Most tours include an English-speaking guide, site entry, and storytelling delivered through live narration or audio devices. Tours last 1–2 hours and cover Edinburgh’s Old Town, underground vaults, and haunted streets. 
  • Age restrictions: Most tours have an age limit where young children might not be allowed. Certain night tours and whisky experiences require guests to be 18 and above
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Some areas are not wheelchair accessible, and tours may not be suitable for guests with photosensitivity, epilepsy, heart conditions, or claustrophobia. 

Which Edinburgh ghost tour is best for you

Ticket typeDescriptionRecommended ticket

Underground Vaults’ Tours

These tours take you beneath the city to explore the eerie Blair Street Underground Vaults, focusing on the darker aspects of Edinburgh's history.

Ghostly Night Walking Tour

Royal Mile Tours

These tours focus on the historic Royal Mile, exploring its closes and wynds while recounting stories of witchcraft, torture and restless spirits.

Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour

Whisky Tours

These tours include a visit to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, concluding with a complimentary drink in Megget's Cellar.

Underground Whisky Tour

What to see on Edinburgh ghost tours

Plan your visit to Edinburgh ghost tours

Visitor tips to follow on Edinburgh Ghost tours

  • Choose the right tour for you: Decide based on your preference for historical storytelling or scares. If you are interested in exploring dark underground vaults with jump scares and stories focusing on the darker aspects of Edinburgh’s past, then the Ghostly Underground Walking Tour is a good choice. If you prefer walking along the Royal Mile and exploring the castle, then the Secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Walking Tour or Ghostly Tales of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Walking Tour may suit you better.
  • Book in advance: Ghost tours are extremely popular, especially during summer and festival seasons. To avoid disappointment, reserve your spot before arriving in Edinburgh.
  • Consider timing carefully: Evening tours capture the perfect eerie atmosphere, while late-night tours after 9pm turn up the scares with darker settings, bolder storytelling, and smaller, braver groups.
  • Soak up the atmosphere afterwards: Extend the spooky mood with a pint in one of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town pubs, many of which have ghost stories of their own.

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh ghost tours

Most ghost tours last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the company and route. Some extended tours that include multiple sites can last up to 2 hours.