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- Excellent Quality
- Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof
Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh
- Duration1 hour 15 min
- GroupShared · max 18
- TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
- LanguagesEnglish
- BookingInstant confirmation
About this activity
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 to expect
Mercat Cross
Mercat Cross, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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.
Edinburgh Vaults
30 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1LL, United Kingdom
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.
Continue your journey in our Vaults Museum, where authentic historic artifacts and informative interactive displays provide further insight into the vaults' past.
Pickup & meeting point
There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.
Start
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
Mercat Tours, 28 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR. This tour ends after a visit to our Blair Street Underground Vaults.
Redemption
To provide a fully immersive experience, we'll provide a personal audio device. Your Storyteller will use a headset with microphone to ensure you hear every word over the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh's lively Old Town. You are welcome to bring your own headphones (3.5mm jack) or use a pair of ours. Please arrive at the Mercat Cross on The Royal Mile (High Street) EH1 1RF, 15 minutes before the start of your tour and check-in with the on-street representative from Mercat Tours.
What's included
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
Good to know
Accessibility & suitability
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Traveller requirements
- Minimum 1 traveller per booking
- Maximum 8 travellers per booking
- At least one adult must be included in the booking
- Age bands: Child (5–15), Adult (16–64), Senior (65–99)
Additional information
- Children over 5yrs only
- Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
Languages
- Guide
- English
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 1+ days before100% refund
- 0–1 days before0% refund
- This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Important booking information
- Booking cut-off
- Bookings close 1 hour before the activity starts.
- Confirmation
- Confirmed immediately after booking.
- Tickets
- One per booking
- Local time zone
- Europe/London
- Product code
- 293404VAULTS
What you'll be asked when booking
- Any special requirements
Traveller reviews
4.7/ 51,555 reviews
Ratings aggregated from Viator (281) and Tripadvisor (1,274).
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Ready to book Exclusive Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh?
From GBP 28 per person · Free cancellation available
Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.