This is a chance to descend and discover our world famous Underground Vaults – the deepest, largest and most extensive in the city.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 75 minutes
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Private group available
Experience
Highlights
- Explore the history of the famous Blair Street Underground Vaults
- Hear how real people lived, and worked, in the Vaults
- See, and touch, artefacts from 19th Century
- Have a thrilling day with Scotland's first 5-star walking tour
Full description
The Story of the Underground
This is a chance to visit our Underground Vaults – the deepest, largest and most extensive in the city in the company of a Mercat historian. After sitting unexplored for two centuries, there are many questions waiting to be answered…Why were the Vaults built? When and who by? Who used the Vaults? When and why? How did they work, and play?
Your guide will recount their history, recall their stories and answer your questions during this glimpse into our past.
Includes
- Shared or private tour (depending on option selected)
- Visit to Interpretation Centre
- Award-winning local storytellers
- TourTalk radio receiver to enjoy live storytelling at a safe distance
- Exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
Covid-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers must bring their own headphones
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meeting point is at the Mercat Cross, an 8-sided stone monument on the Royal Mile, next to St Giles Cathedral and opposite the City Chambers.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Know before you go
- Tours operate rain or shine