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Bucket list experience:

A woman dressed as old-fashioned maid walks down tunnel holding lantern

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

Far beneath the medieval streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town is one of its grittiest and most atmospheric, labyrinthine attractions.

As the capital’s elegant New Town was being built, many of the cramped, plague-ridden streets and tenements in the Old Town were simply bricked over. This is a real glimpse of 17th-century life rather than a Disneyesque experience.

Actors in character along the way include Mary King herself (an independent woman and successful merchant), a maid, a doctor, a poet – all weaving tales of daily life. It’s dark, it’s damp, it’s Les Miserables Scottish-style – with a touch of gallows humour.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £19
Minimum age: 5
Age suitable: 5+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 hour

Getting there & doing it

The standard entry includes a one-hour tour (all visits are on guided tours). You can also book private tours. This is a very popular attraction and only limited numbers can go down at any one time so book ahead. Wear sensible footwear. It’s dimly lit and uneven underfoot.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Cheval Old Town Chambers

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0 miles]

Chic, contemporary design and a family and pet-friendly ethos come as standard in these luxury apartments in Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town.

Official star rating:

Market Street Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]

A cool, central upside-down design hotel with a rooftop terrace and champagne lounge. Perfect for those who love cool design and champagne sundowners.

Official star rating:

The Witchery by the Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

A flamboyant, historic bijoux bolthole in the shadow of the castle, its sumptuous suites the most romantic in Edinburgh. For lovers and history lovers who want to step back in time.

Official star rating:

The Balmoral Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

The grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, this luxurious landmark hotel is still the epitome of elegance.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Region, United Kingdom (UK)

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

Scotland’s history, culture, art and design, science and technology – under one state-of-the-art roof. Special exhibits include the story of Mary Queen of Scots and Dolly the sheep.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

Edinburgh’s impressive hilltop castle, with bags of history and a bird’s-eye view over the capital.

Best for ages: 4+ | £1,750

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

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Edinburgh Dungeon

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]

An underground yomp through the darkest episodes in the city’s history, including the story of body-snatchers Burke & Hare, a torture chamber and the Grassmarket Gallows – a re-creation of when Edinburgh’s central square was famous for its hangings.

Best for ages: 10+ | £18

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Writers’ Museum
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Writers’ Museum

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]

This hidden gem in the medieval Old Town is a treasure trove of artifacts and manuscripts belonging to three of Scotland’s most famous writers; Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Camera Obscura - two people inside a mirrored room
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Camera Obscura

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

The city’s oldest purpose-built tourist attraction, at the top of the Royal Mile, is topped with a periscope that transfers images of Edinburgh’s skyline onto a table-top.

Best for ages: 4+ | £16 | Around 1 hour 45 min

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The Chocolatarium
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The Chocolatarium

Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

This micro-chocolate factory in the city centre offers 90-minute introduction tours to all aspects of chocolate-making, and you get you create your own bar to take away. There are also truffle-making masterclasses, and a unique chocolate and Scottish whisky experience that pairs artisan chocolates with single malts.

Best for ages: 6+ | £20

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