Unlock exclusive access to Edinburgh’s hidden underworld on the Historic Underground tour of the Blair Street Underground Vaults—the city’s largest and most haunting network of 18th-century chambers. Tucked beneath the South Bridge and untouched by time, these dark, echoing vaults once sheltered the city’s poorest souls. Led by one of Mercat Tours’ expert storytellers, you’ll descend into this atmospheric space and uncover a forgotten world shaped by ambition, engineering, and survival. As the streets of Edinburgh buzz above, step into a silent past where the city’s expansion left many behind in damp, shadowy corners. Why were the vaults built? Who lived and worked here? What secrets still linger in the dark? With exclusive access only Mercat Tours can offer, you’ll explore the real stories and hidden history that bring the Georgian era to life—right beneath your feet. This is Edinburgh’s darkest secret, revealed.

Duration:
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Start Time:
To be confirmed at time of booking
Jan-March: 12:00pm, 2:00pm
April-Dec: 11:00am, 1:00pm,3:00pm
Nov-Dec+Jan-March26: 1:00pm,3:00pm

Inclusions:
Expert storytelling guide, sights as mentioned, exclusive access to Blair street underground vaults.

Exclusions:
Transport to/from hotel, food and drinks, gratuities

Meeting point:
Mercat Cross, High Street

Ending point:
Blair Street Underground Vaults, Blair Street, off Hunter's Square

Not Suitable For:
Child under 5 years old

Important Information:
Tour operates daily, all year round.