Viator Rating : 5 (9147 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.8/10 (Solid Experience)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Underground Vaults & Graveyard
75
Overview
The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh takes people on a spooky walk through the city's Old Town. A guide dressed as a scary character from Edinburgh's past leads the way!
This tour explores the hidden alleys, called wynds, off the Royal Mile. People will hear scary secrets about Edinburgh's history. Then, the tour visits Greyfriars Kirkyard, a graveyard known as one of the most haunted places in the world. Finally, the group goes underground to see the Edinburgh Vaults. These rooms under the city were built in 1788. They were once used as shops and to hide things, even bodies from Burke and Hare, who were famous killers.
Be ready to hear true stories about hangings, torture, murders, and witches from over 400 years ago. People might even hear strange noises or smell weird smells in the dark! This 75-minute walking tour goes through the Old Town, including the South Bridge vaults. Guides play real characters from Scotland’s history. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Instagram Factor (7 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Highlights
Spooky Stories: Hear scary stories of murders, executions, and hauntings.
Underground Vaults: Travel back in time and go under the streets.
Greyfriars Kirkyard: Visit the world-famous, spooky Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Old Town Walk: Walk through the Old Town’s closes, wynds, and squares.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers enjoyed the spooky stories and the atmosphere of the vaults.
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Many reviewers loved the tour guides, finding them entertaining and knowledgeable.
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Some people felt genuinely scared and excited by the experience.
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The tour was the right amount of time for the cost.
Some people felt the tour was too crowded.
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A few reviewers thought the stories were a bit repetitive.
The Journey
Edinburgh's Old Town Wynds and Closes
Wander through Edinburgh's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and get lost in its labyrinthine network of 'wynds' (narrow lanes) and 'closes' (alleys). These historic passageways, some dating back to the medieval era, offer a glimpse into the city's past, revealing hidden courtyards, unique architecture, and whispers of centuries of stories. Experience the authentic atmosphere of old Edinburgh as you explore these fascinating, often overlooked corners of the city.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Brave a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh's most haunted graveyard, a place steeped in history and legend. Famous for its eerie atmosphere and tales of restless spirits, including the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist, the Kirkyard also boasts stunning architecture and notable gravesites. Discover the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier, and explore the Flodden Wall, remnants of the city's defenses. This atmospheric graveyard offers a unique blend of history, mystery, and spectral intrigue.
Edinburgh Vaults
Descend beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh and explore the Edinburgh Vaults (also known as the South Bridge Vaults), a series of chambers hidden beneath the city's arches. Originally used as workshops and storage spaces in the 18th century, these vaults became notorious slums and eventually gained a reputation for being haunted. Guided tours reveal the chilling history of the vaults, complete with tales of poverty, crime, and paranormal activity. Experience the eerie atmosphere and uncover the dark secrets of Edinburgh's underground world.
Know Before You Go
This walking tour includes a guide who plays a real character from Scotland's history. The tour is 75 minutes long and explores Edinburgh's Old Town and South Bridge vaults, including the eerie Greyfriars Kirkyard. It goes through the Old Town’s closes, wynds, and secluded squares. The evening tour starts at 6.45pm and is suitable for families, but not for children under 5. The tour does not include anything else not listed. People will hear stories of hauntings, murders, executions and cannibalism and descend into a section of underground street.
Hot Tip
Some reviewers suggest wearing comfortable shoes and dressing warmly, as parts of the tour are outdoors and can be chilly, especially in the underground vaults. Also, be prepared for jump scares and spooky stories!
Review Summary
People finds this tour highly engaging and worth experiencing, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides, atmospheric underground vaults, and authentic historical storytelling that brings Edinburgh's dark past to life[1][3]. The most frequently mentioned positive aspects include the character-driven narration, the combination of above-ground Old Town exploration with underground vault access, and the eerie, immersive atmosphere of the 400-year-old chambers[1][3]. Some travelers note that the tour is genuinely spooky without manufactured frights, making it appealing to those interested in both history and paranormal experiences[1]. The main limitation mentioned is that the tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the underground terrain and narrow passageways[1].
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