Ghost Tours
Hidden & Haunted
In summary
- Uncover the most sinister side of Edinburgh’s Old Town on this dark adults-only ghost tour
- Follow your guide deep underground into the famous Blair Street Underground Vaults
- Mercat’s exclusive multi-sensory tours; master Storyteller guides are at the heart of each experience, enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices - be immersed and get lost in the stories...
- Choosing Mercat is 'Good for you, Good for Edinburgh' - our team, community and planet
About this tour
Edinburgh underground ghost tour
This is easily our goriest, most graphic and spine-chilling Edinburgh ghost tour, where we take you on a dark and eerie journey through Old Town’s sinister wynds and closes before descending into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults.
Hear of tales not fit for the glare of daylight — or for those under the age of 18. Descend into the sights, smells and sounds of auld Edinburgh. Perhaps what’s spookiest of all is that these twisted tales of history at its worst are all true stories.
Your ghost tour begins above ground at the Mercat Cross, before making your way through the city’s narrow cobblestone streets where murders, misdeeds and mischief took place. You’ll learn about bloody plots that led to treason and torture, as well as secret lives that led to horrific deaths and tormented souls.
Pay attention to the shadows around you. Do you hear the creaking of the gallows, the shuffle of a foot, the ghostly echoes of a child's haunting song?
Descend and discover...
Is it your imagination, or did it just get a little colder? There’s an unsettling feel to our Blair Street Underground Vaults, like sinking into real history: the scent of leather, the flicker of a candle, the echo of a drip — or a footstep.
Your master Storyteller will reveal troubled tales as you continue this underground Edinburgh walking tour. Expect true stories of murder and hangings, all in the atmosphere of the vaults.
Pick out evidence of life in the distant past — and perhaps more — lurking just beyond the faint glow of your Storyteller’s candlelight.
Customer review
"What an amazing addition to my trip to Edinburgh my Hidden and Haunted tour was!"
Christie, GoogleBook ticket
Tour details
Dates & times
Daily; evening
If you are a returning visitor and booked directly through Mercat Tours, you’re eligible for our Returner’s Reward
Duration
- 1 hours
Step count
- 900
Tour location
- Start point: Mercat Cross, High Street
- End point: Hunter Square
Private group bookings
Reconnect with friends and family on a tour just for you. Book online now, or we're happy to help on email groups@mercattours.com
Details
-
Over 18s only on this tour. These are dark, late night tours; please don’t drink any alcohol before you arrive.
-
Donate to help us reconnect vulnerable communities through storytelling - learn more about Our Stories, Your City.
- Everyone has a warm welcome from us;
- Local Edinburgh residents eligible for concession rates (EH postcodes)
- Complimentary tickets are available for carers, to book call us on 0131 225 5445.
- Read how we include you here
- See our Euan's Guide Reviews.
- Language: English. Learn more on our FAQs
Need help booking?
Get in touch with us and one of our experts will be able to give you advice on our tours.
Customer review
"What an amazing addition to my trip to Edinburgh my Hidden and Haunted tour was!"
Christie, GoogleOther tours you might like
Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls
Stories of blood, guts & gore in the Old Town, then a whisky or soft-drink in a candlelit cellar to warm the heart.
Evening. Ages 5+.
Witches; Trial and Truth
The witching hour has come — it’s time for a reckoning. Follow in the tortured footsteps of real people who suffered in Scotland’s witch trials. Bear witness to the accusations, the trials and finally, the truth.
2pm, Saturdays

Souvenir Guidebooks
Don't forget to buy a Mercat Tours souvenir guidebook with your ticket.
See inside