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In summary

  • Exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults – the city’s oldest, deepest vault system 
  • Discover the history of day-to-day life in Old Town Edinburgh, as well as in the vaults 
  • Visit our Vaults Museum, with interactive 3D models and the Vaults Revealed audio-visual display 
  • See and touch authentic artefacts unearthed from the vaults 
  • Mercat Tours 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... 
  • Mercat exclusive - 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 vaults

Get exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults – the oldest and deepest system of underground caverns in Edinburgh. Built in the 18th Century beneath South Bridge, we’re the only walking tour company with access. 

Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll discover a dark, damp world that has remained unchanged since the 18th Century. Step into the depths of the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a multi-sensory journey of perfectly preserved history and learn how these vaulted chambers became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants.   

Breathe in the scent of Edinburgh’s past as our award-winning Storytellers share vivid accounts of life within the vaults, revealing Edinburgh’s history in a way you’ll never forget.  

This is more than a walking tour, it’s an unmissable immersive experience. 

Underground vaults tours

Want to see Edinburgh’s darkest secret? Descend into the vaults, exclusive to Mercat Tours.

It’s a story rooted in Edinburgh’s Georgian past – grand feats of engineering, the expansion of the city, and those who were left behind in its darker corners.  But why were the vaults built? And who used them? 

All your questions will be answered throughout the duration of our Historic Vaults tour, where our master Storytellers bring the history of the underground vaults to life.  

Continue your journey in our Vaults Museum, where authentic historic artifacts and informative interactive displays provide further insight into the vaults' past. 

Customer review

"Very interesting, learnt a lot about Edinburgh history and how the vaults came about, also how they were used."

Abi, Google

Book ticket

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Tour details

Dates & times

Daily; morning & afternoon

  • If you are a returning visitor and booked directly through Mercat Tours, you’re eligible for our Returner’s Reward

Duration

  • 1 hours 15 minutes

Step count

  • 650

Tour location

  • Start point: Mercat Cross, High Street
  • End point: Blair Street Underground Vaults, Blair Street, off Hunter's 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

  • Donate to help us reconnect vulnerable communities through storytelling - learn more about Our Stories, Your City.

  • Everyone has a warm welcome from us;
  1. Local Edinburgh residents eligible for concession rates (EH postcodes)
  2. Complimentary tickets are available for carers, to book call us on 0131 225 5445.
  3. Read how we include you here
  4. 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

"Very interesting, learnt a lot about Edinburgh history and how the vaults came about, also how they were used."

Abi, Google

Historic Vaults

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Souvenir Guidebooks

Don't forget to buy a Mercat Tours souvenir guidebook with your ticket.

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