‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

As the sun sets upon Edinburgh, the city’s narrow cobbled streets and shadowed alleys transform into portals to its eerie history. Known as one of Europe’s most haunted cities, Edinburgh draws visitors to explore its chilling past through ghost tours covering Greyfriars Kirkyard, the underground vaults beneath South Bridge, and Mary King’s Close. These tours cater to every adventurer, from family-friendly walks to spine-chilling experiences, offering a blend of history, mystery, and storytelling.

Quick facts about Edinburgh ghost tours

Guide in cloak holding candle in Edinburgh underground vaults on Doomed, Dead and Buried Tour.
  • Tours normally include: Guides in eerie costumes who lead you through the city’s darkest trails while sharing stories of witch trials, murders, and riots.
  • Starting point: Most Edinburgh ghost tours begin in the Old Town, with common meeting points along the Royal Mile and near the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard.
  • Annual visitors: It is estimated that over 100,000 visitors take part in Edinburgh’s ghost tours each year.
  • Sights covered: These tours unlock places most solo visitors never see, from hidden closes, sealed kirkyards, including Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of the world’s most haunted graveyards, and the ghost-filled halls of Edinburgh Castle.
  • Whisky and wine tastings: Some tours end underground in centuries-old cellars like Megget’s, where ghostly stories continue by candlelight over whisky or wine.

Why are Edinburgh ghost tours a must-visit?

Visitors react in fear during the Edinburgh Dungeon Cannibal Clan experience.
Barries Close alleyway with group on Ghostly Underground tour in Edinburgh.
Group on Edinburgh ghost tour in underground vaults with guide holding candle.
Tour guide in cloak leading group in Edinburgh underground vaults.
Guests with guide holding candle on Ghostly Underground tour in Edinburgh.
Guests enjoying whisky tasting at an underground tour in Edinburgh.
Group exploring Edinburgh underground vaults by candlelight.
1/7

Enthralling storytelling

Many guides are trained storytellers or historians, often appearing in period costume, bringing raw and centuries-old tales vividly to life, ensuring that both sceptics and believers are captivated throughout.

Unique access

Tours take you into “forbidden” places such as locked kirkyards, underground closes, and the sealed vaults beneath South Bridge, areas not accessible to solo travellers.

Theatrical experiences

Props, sound effects, and live actors heighten the tension, making the dark tales of murder, plague, and restless spirits feel startlingly real. Expect live re-enactments, sudden appearances, or unsettling effects that make the experience unforgettable.

Dingy settings

The narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town, flickering lanterns, and night-time chills provide a natural stage for ghostly encounters.

Centuries-old tales

Every story is rooted in real events, from witch trials to prison riots, giving visitors both shivers and genuine insight into Edinburgh’s turbulent past.

Whisky or wine tastings

Some tours end in centuries-old cellars where guests are offered whisky or wine as chilling stories continue, enhancing the eerie atmosphere.

Spirits observed

Several visitors have reported sightings of spirits and other paranormal phenomena. Some common ones are Mr. Boots (The Watcher), The Mackenzie Poltergeist and some residual spirits that include a spirit pacing on the ceiling or the sensation of feathers brushing past visitors.

What can you see on Edinburgh ghost tours?

Greyfriars Kirkyard & Mackenzie tomb

Interesting fact: Established in 1562, it is one of Edinburgh's oldest graveyards. It contains the graves of historical figures, including the famous Skye Terrier Greyfriars Bobby.

Known for: The infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist, believed to haunt the Black Mausoleum.

Real Mary King's close

Interesting fact: Beneath the Royal Mile, Mary King's Close, sealed off in 1753, offers a glimpse into 17th-century Edinburgh.

Known for: The site is also known for ghostly sightings, including a little girl named Annie, believed to have died during the plague.

South bridge vaults

Interesting fact: Constructed in 1788, the South Bridge Vaults were originally used for taverns and workshops.

Known for: The vaults became home to the city's impoverished and were associated with criminal activities over time.

Blair Street underground vaults

Interesting fact: The Blair Street Vaults are among the most haunted locations in Edinburgh. The harsh conditions and overcrowding led to disease and death, and it's believed that the spirits of former residents still haunt the vaults.

Known for: The vaults were originally used for storage and workshops, but became overcrowded with the city's poor.

Canongate graveyard

Interesting fact: Located near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate Graveyard is the final resting place of notable figures like economist Adam Smith and David Rizzio, the private secretary of Queen Mary of Scots.

Known for: Being a functional graveyard until the mid-20th century!

Edinburgh Castle

Interesting fact: Dominating the city's skyline, Edinburgh Castle has had a long and turbulent history, serving as a royal residence, military stronghold, and symbol of Scottish heritage.

Known for: The Crown Jewels of Scotland (the Honours), the National War Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National War Memorial, and other historical military exhibits.

Megget’s cellar

Interesting fact: Situated within the South Bridge Vaults, Megget’s Cellar is most often the last point of Edinburgh ghost tours and offers a unique experience combining ghost stories with whisky tasting.

Known for: It was originally built as part of the vaults in the late 18th century for merchant storage.

Plan your Edinburgh ghost tours adventure

Guests with guide holding candle on Ghostly Underground tour in Edinburgh.

Timings for Edinburgh ghost tours vary depending on the tour, but most are available only after 12 pm. Some tours run at specific times:

  • Hidden and Haunted Tour: 8 pm
  • Ghostly Tales of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Tour: 6 pm
  • Underground Whisky Tour and Tasting: 4 pm
  • Evening of Ghosts and Ghouls Tour: 7 pm

Edinburgh ghost tours operate year-round, except from December 24 to 26. Be sure to check the starting time of your chosen tour before booking your tickets.

Guide leading Edinburgh Royal Mile ghost tour with guests using audio guides.
  • Best month: December, when festive ghost stories add an extra shiver.
  • For maximum chills: The off-season (November–March) offers the darkest, eeriest tours.
  • For comfort: The peak season (June–August) is milder and less intense, ideal for families or first-timers.

Evening vs. Day

  • Evening tours: Darkness transforms Edinburgh’s closes and kirkyards into eerie stages, making every story more intense.
  • Day tours: Brighter and less spooky, especially during long summer daylight.

Weekend vs. Weekday

  • Weekends: Expect larger groups and busier streets, especially in summer.
  • Weekdays: Smaller groups mean more intimacy, clearer storytelling, and a deeper sense of mystery.

Peak vs. Off-season

  • Peak season (June–August): Warm weather and lively nights, but also bigger crowds and higher prices.
  • Off-season (November–March): Cold, dark, and often misty, creating the most spine-tingling atmosphere with fewer tourists.

Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • By tram: Edinburgh trams (St Andrew’s Square)
  • By train: ScotRail (Edinburgh Waverley)
  • By bus: 100 (Airlink), Edinburgh Airport Express, 3, 5, 7, 8, 14, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 45, 47, 49, Perrymans 51/52, First Bus X95, 23, 27, 41, 42 (Edinburgh Waverly Bridge Stop WA, North Bridge, or George IV Bridge)
  • By cycle: Edinburgh Cycle Streets (West Parliament Square)
  • By car: Via North Bridge and High St (Blair Street, Cowgate, Blackfriars Street, and Chambers Street)

Visitor tips for your Edinburgh ghost tour experience

  • Photography: Photography is encouraged on all the tours. However, the use of flash photography and tripods in the vaults are not allowed. 
  • Respect the environment: Do not touch walls, furniture, artifacts, or historic structures within the vaults or closes, as many are fragile and protected.
  • Stay on the designated paths: For safety reasons, guests must remain with the group and follow the marked tour route at all times.
  • Animals: Registered guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs, and medical detection dogs are allowed on the tours with adequate proof of registration on arrival. 
  • Drinking: Anyone found over the drinking limit will be refused entry to the ghost tours.
  • Age restrictions: The minimum age requirement for Edinburgh ghost tours is either 5 years or 18 years, depending on the specific tour.
  • Punctuality: Tours start promptly at their scheduled time. Latecomers may not be admitted once the group has departed.
  • No disruptive behaviour: Running, shouting, or deliberately trying to disturb or frighten other guests is not allowed.
  • Phone use: Mobile phones should be kept on silent mode during the tour to maintain the atmosphere. Limited use for photos is permitted where allowed.

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Ghost tours

These tours offer access to hidden, restricted sites like locked kirkyards and underground vaults that solo visitors cannot usually enter. Combined with immersive storytelling and theatrical elements, they create an experience unlike anywhere else.