Edinburgh: Ghost Tour with Underground Vaults & Whisky

Summary

Old Town ghost stories, vault chills & whisky warmth in Edinburgh

You’ll wander through Edinburgh’s shadowy Old Town closes, descend into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults with a local guide, and finish with whisky or beer by candlelight in Megget’s Cellar. Expect laughter, goosebumps, and stories you’ll remember long after you leave those stone corridors behind.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely met our guide—he wore this heavy black cloak, looked like he’d stepped out of some old painting—when he grinned and asked if we believed in ghosts. I laughed, but honestly? The way the wind whipped down those narrow closes off the Royal Mile, it felt like something was watching. There was this older couple from Glasgow with us, and she kept nudging her husband every time the guide mentioned “the mob” at Mercat Cross. He just shrugged like he’d seen worse at football matches.

I didn’t expect how much you can smell in those Blair Street Underground Vaults. Damp stone, old earth—almost metallic. Our guide paused under a dripping archway to tell a story about some spirit that supposedly still lingers down there. He whispered it so quietly I had to lean in, which made it worse somehow. You could hear distant footsteps echoing above us—maybe just late-night workers or maybe not, who knows. I caught myself holding my breath more than once.

Afterwards we climbed back up into the night air—Edinburgh always feels colder after you’ve been underground—and ducked into Megget’s Cellar for a dram of Scotch (they had local beer too). Candlelight flickered on the stone walls while our storyteller spun one last tale about witches and restless souls. Someone’s phone buzzed and nobody reached for it; everyone just listened. I still think about that hush before he finished his story—it stuck with me longer than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Edinburgh ghost tour and whisky tasting

• Meet at Mercat Cross
• Join Edinburgh mob reenactment
• Walk through medieval closes
• Descend into Blair Street Underground Vaults
• Listen to ghost stories in vaults
• Gather in Megget’s Cellar
• Enjoy whisky or local drink
• Hear more ghostly tales by candlelight

Top questions

How long does the Edinburgh ghost tour last?

The tour typically lasts around 2 hours from start to finish.

Is the Blair Street Underground Vaults access included?

Yes, exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults is included in your booking.

Do I need to book in advance for this ghost tour?

Booking ahead is recommended as group sizes are small and tours run year-round.

Are drinks included on this Edinburgh ghost tour?

Your ticket includes a dram of Scotch whisky or a glass of local beer or soft drink at Megget’s Cellar.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for children aged 5 years and above only.

What should I wear on the underground vaults tour?

Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes—the vaults can be chilly and uneven underfoot.

Where does the ghost tour start?

The meeting point is at Mercat Cross in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Are service animals allowed on this ghost tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided storytelling through Edinburgh’s Old Town closes, exclusive entry to the Blair Street Underground Vaults with audio devices for enhanced soundscapes, plus a small group gathering in Megget’s Cellar where you’ll enjoy a dram of whisky (or local beer or soft drink) before heading back out into the city night.