Edinburgh: Old Town Ghost Walk & Underground Vaults Tour

Summary

Walk the cobbled streets of edinburgh old town then descend into shadowy vaults beneath the city

You’ll step into Edinburgh’s shadowy past on this guided ghost tour through Old Town and Greyfriars cemetery, then descend into exclusive underground vaults only accessible with your group. Hear chilling tales—some funny, some unsettling—and catch glimpses of daily life above while hidden below ground. Every detail lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We started winding through Edinburgh’s Old Town just as the streetlights flickered on — it felt like the city was holding its breath. Our guide, Marta, had this knack for pausing at exactly the right spot, letting us listen to distant laughter from a nearby pub or the sudden hush when she started a story about witches. I remember my shoes catching on uneven stones and thinking how many people had walked here before us, maybe some of them never really left. The air smelled like rain and old stone — kind of metallic, honestly.

Greyfriars cemetery came next. It’s not just famous because of Harry Potter (though yeah, you’ll see people hunting for names), but because it actually feels alive in its own way. Marta pointed out a grave covered in coins and little tokens — apparently for a loyal dog, which made me weirdly emotional. I didn’t expect that part. Kids in our group whispered to each other about ghosts; even one dad looked nervous when Marta described what supposedly happened right where we were standing.

The real twist was heading down into the underground vaults. There’s this moment where your eyes have to adjust — it’s damp and colder down there, walls rough under your hand if you need to steady yourself (I did). You can look up through this odd window and see people walking above you, totally unaware we’re below their feet listening to stories about torture and hauntings. At one point Marta cracked a joke about Scottish ghosts being extra grumpy if you mispronounce their names — she laughed when I tried “MacKenzie” with my accent. I still think about that echoing silence after her last story down there; it stuck with me more than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's dark history

• Drive through Edinburgh Old Town
• Visit Greyfriars Cemetery
• Enter underground vaults
• Hear ghost and torture stories

Top questions

Is this Edinburgh ghost tour suitable for children?

Yes, children over five years old can join if accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour include entrance to Edinburgh’s underground vaults?

Yes, exclusive entrance to the underground vaults is included.

What language is the guide for this tour?

The guide leads the tour in Spanish.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour includes a guided walk through Old Town and Greyfriars cemetery; moderate fitness is recommended.

Are there any age restrictions for adults?

The tour welcomes adults under 100 years old.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No, hotel pickup is not included in this experience.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town and Greyfriars cemetery with stories told in Spanish, plus exclusive entrance to the city’s underground vaults—just bring comfortable shoes and a bit of courage before heading back above ground.