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Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

1,485 Reviews 4.76 out of 5 stars Based on 1,485 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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. 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.

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

What's Included

  • Vaults Museum Entry: End your tour in our private museum featuring interactive 3D models
  • Take the Story Home: Enjoy our exclusive tour playlist and scent card
  • Multi-Sensory Experience: Touch authentic physical artefacts and experience historical scent cues
    See 3 moreSee 1 more

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    High Street
    Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    28 Blair Street
    Edinburgh EH1 1QR, UK

    Mercat Tours, 28 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR. This tour ends after a visit to our Blair Street Underground Vaults.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    Mercat Cross

    Meet your master storyteller at the Mercat Cross, where they will lead you down the closes and wynds while you breathe in the scent of Edinburgh's past.
    Read more

    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Edinburgh Vaults

    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.
    Read more

    45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Mercat Tours

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

    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Show 2 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Children over 5yrs only
    • Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-293404VAULTS

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.76
    1,485 reviews

    Average 4.76 out of 5 stars based on 1,485 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    1,244
    4 stars
    166
    3 stars
    44
    2 stars
    20
    1 star
    11
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Vaults Museum Entry: End your tour in our private museum featuring interactive 3D models
    • Take the Story Home: Enjoy our exclusive tour playlist and scent card
    • Multi-Sensory Experience: Touch authentic physical artefacts and experience historical scent cues
    • Crystal Clear Audio: Hear every detail effortlessly using Tour Talk audio headseats
    • Exclusive Access: Step into the Blair Street Underground Vaults - only Mercat Tours can take you
    • Master Storyteller: Uncover 18th-century Old Town History with an expert Mercat guide

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children over 5yrs only
    • Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name