Edinburgh: Underground City of the Dead Tour & Damnation Alley

Summary

Edinburgh’s hidden tunnels, ghost stories and the chill of Damnation Alley

You’ll step straight into Edinburgh’s haunted underbelly with a local guide who knows every shadowy corner. Feel the chill of Damnation Alley, hear real stories from centuries past, and sense why people say something still lingers down there. It’s part history lesson, part dare — but mostly an experience you’ll keep replaying in your head long after you climb back up into daylight.

What’s the experience like?

Your eyes need a minute to adjust — that first moment in the vaults under South Bridge is just blackness and the smell of old stone, like wet pennies and something burnt. Our guide, Jamie, had this way of pausing right before he’d tell us something grim, letting the silence settle so you could almost hear your own heartbeat echoing off the walls. I kept close to the group (not ashamed), because honestly it felt like someone was breathing down my neck half the time. Maybe it was just the cold air moving through those narrow tunnels, but I’m not convinced.

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did on this Underground City of the Dead tour — Jamie had all these stories about people who’d lived down here when Edinburgh was overflowing above ground. He pointed out where families would have slept, right there in the dirt. Sometimes he’d switch from Scottish to this weirdly formal English accent mid-story, which made me snort inappropriately loud once. There was one bit where he talked about “Damnation Alley” and everyone went quiet; even my friend who never shuts up just stared at her shoes.

The whole thing took about 80 minutes but time went strange underground — no phone signal, no sunlight, just lantern light flickering over centuries-old graffiti and what looked suspiciously like claw marks (probably not, but still). You can book a day or night tour; we went for late afternoon because I’m a coward after dark. If you’re thinking about it: wear decent shoes and maybe bring someone whose hand you can squeeze without shame.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Edinburgh's haunted underground city

• Meet local expert guide
• Enter South Bridge Vaults
• Walk through Damnation Alley tunnels
• Listen to stories of underground misery
• Experience dark history and hauntings

Top questions

How long does the Underground City of the Dead Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 80 minutes.

Is there an age restriction for this Edinburgh underground tour?

The minimum age is 12 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there daytime and nighttime tours available?

Yes, you can choose between day or night time tours when booking.

Is this walking tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Who leads the Underground City of the Dead Tour?

A local expert guide leads each group through Edinburgh’s underground vaults.

Where does this haunted Edinburgh tour take place?

The tour explores the South Bridge Vaults beneath Edinburgh’s streets, including Damnation Alley.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The guided walking tour is conducted in English only.

What’s included

Your experience includes entry to Edinburgh’s most haunted underground vaults with a local expert guide leading your group through Damnation Alley; you can choose between day or night tours depending on your nerves or curiosity.