Small Group Multi-Sensory Historic Vaults Walking Tour
What your day looks like
Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and its past far beyond your visit. Take the Story Home: evoke the memories: - Smell the leather and smoke - Touch original artefacts - Listen to the tour playlist 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. As a certified B Corporation, we're dedicated to responsible tourism practices that benefit our community and environment. Join an unrivalled journey into Edinburgh's past, engaging all the senses to create a truly memorable experience that lasts long after your visit.
Why travelers choose this experience
- Exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults – the city’s oldest vault system
- Discover the history of daytoday life in Old Town Edinburgh, as well as in the vaults
- Visit our Vaults Museum, with interactive 3D models and the Vaults Revealed audiovisual display
- See and touch authentic artefacts unearthed from the vaults
- Take the experience home with our Vaults Scent cards and exclusive Tour Playlist!
Your day, step by step
Edinburgh
Sightseeing at Edinburgh Vaults.
Before you go
Included
Exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults – the city’s oldest, deepest vault systemVisit our Vaults Museum, with interactive 3D models and the Vaults Revealed audio-visual displaySee and touch authentic artefacts unearthed from the vaultsExclusive 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... Languages Available: en
Not Included
TIP_OR_GRATUITY Gratuities<br />Hotel pickup and drop off<br />Food and drinks, unless specified
What to Bring
This tour operates in all weather conditions. Warm clothing and sensible footwear advised.
Restrictions
We cannot accept children under the age of 5 on this tour. This tour is unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.
Meeting & Pickup
The tour starts at the Mercat Cross, High Street, EH1 1RF by St Giles High Kirk, opposite the City Chambers. The tour finishes at The Vaults Museum, Blair Street, off Hunter's Square.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
What travelers are saying
Very interesting tour
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and easy to listen to. We enjoyed that the tour gave us insight into not just the vaults but the entire city. We didn't like that the group was all crammed together into some small rooms at one time. We were trying not to be too close to people to avoid catching anything during our trip. Also, I would have like to explore more of the vaults, I felt a bit rushed once we were inside and didn't have much time for pictures.