Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh

4.7 (1,557 reviews) Edinburgh, Scotland
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Duration1h 15m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 18 travelers

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
  • Master Storyteller: Uncover 18th-century Old Town History with an expert Mercat guide
  • 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

What to expect

  1. Mercat Cross
    15m
    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.
  2. Edinburgh Vaults
    45m
    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.
  3. 15m
    Continue your journey in our Vaults Museum, where authentic historic artifacts and informative interactive displays provide further insight into the vaults' past.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Mercat Cross, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF. Look for the 8 sided monument with white Unicorn on top. You will find a member of our visitor services team waiting here to check you in. They will be dressed in black, holding an iPad, wearing an orange lanyard & holding a black & orange umbrella.

End point

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

Additional information

  • 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.7 (1,557)
From
£28.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Mercat Tours · Booked through Viator
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