Step into Edinburgh’s haunted past with a thrilling ghost tour through its eerie Old Town. Discover chilling tales and secret vaults that bring the city’s history to life—if you dare.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
75 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, no special physical conditioning required
Wildlife
History
Edinburgh’s haunted reputation dates back centuries, fueled by legends, plague tales, and historical tragedies that still echo through its streets and crypts.
Conservation
The tour supports preservation of Edinburgh’s historic sites by promoting respectful tourism that enhances community engagement and awareness.
City of Edinburgh Tours
Step into Edinburgh’s haunted past with a thrilling ghost tour through its eerie Old Town. Discover chilling tales and secret vaults that bring the city’s history to life—if you dare.
City of Edinburgh Tours runs guided walking tours and ghost experiences in Edinburgh, Scotland. The company offers a range of public tours focused on the Old Town, Royal Mile and the city's Underground Vaults. Guided experiences include the Old Town & Underground Ghost Tour led by a costumed guide; the Old Town & Underground Historical Tour guided by a local historian; the Extreme Paranormal Ghost Tour, a 75-minute character-led experience; the Famous Underground Ghost Tour, a 75-minute journey through key haunted sites; and Tour de Fantasmas en Español, a Spanish-language ghost tour.
Tours visit Edinburgh landmarks such as St Giles Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Underground Vaults, and they explore themes including ghosts, poltergeists, bodysnatchers, witchcraft, torture and historic crime. Guides use storytelling, historical detail and character performance to present both chilling tales and contextual history. Some tours blend eerie anecdotes with humour to suit families and adult audiences.
City of Edinburgh Tours presents publicly scheduled group walks and themed experiences concentrated in the city's Old Town. The operator emphasizes on-location interpretation and first-hand route knowledge of closes, vaults and landmark sites. Booking information, availability and specific meeting points are set per tour. Guests should consult the tour operator's official listings for current schedules, age guidance and accessibility details before booking.
Many tours combine dramatic re-enactment with factual background, and several experiences explicitly reference Victorian history and the city's social past. The operator offers tours suitable for visitors seeking both entertainment and historical context. Details are available on official listings.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Based in Edinburgh's Old Town
Tours Offered
5 tours
Ghost, historical and Spanish tours
Durations
75 mins (some tours)
Some tours are 75 minutes
Guides
Character & historian-led
Costumed, character and historian guides
Check availability and book the exact City of Edinburgh Tours experience that fits language and intensity preferences.
Dress in layers
The underground vaults and night air can be cool and damp, so wear comfortable, layered clothing.
Bring a flashlight
A small flashlight can help illuminate dark corners in underground areas and add to the atmosphere.
Wear sturdy shoes
Cobbled streets and uneven underground steps require comfortable, supportive footwear.
Prepare for darkness
Some areas are poorly lit, so be mindful of steps and uneven surfaces for safety.
Warm Clothing
Layered clothing helps stay comfortable during outdoor and underground portions of the tour.
winter|fall|spring|summer
Comfortable Shoes
Supportive footwear ensures comfort on cobblestones and uneven surfaces.
Small Flashlight
A small flashlight can enhance visibility in dark underground vaults.
Rain Jacket
Protects against unexpected rain or damp conditions during outdoor segments.
spring|fall|winter