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Mercat Tours Edinburgh

4.6
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore Edinburgh's hidden history and haunted past with Mercat Tours, from atmospheric underground vaults to chilling ghost stories.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evening

Spookiest atmosphere!

CrowdMedium
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Mercat Tours Edinburgh - Image 1

Mercat Tours Edinburgh

Best Time

Evening

Spookiest atmosphere!

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Edinburgh's hidden history and haunted past with Mercat Tours, from atmospheric underground vaults to chilling ghost stories.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Fantastic and worth this ghostly adventure. Our guide was amazing and played her role well."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎧 Listen Up!

Most tours provide listening devices and headphones, ensuring you don't miss a word from your guide.

📚 Grab the Tour Book

Consider buying the tour book for extra historical info and pictures; it complements the tour well.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Vaults Exploration

Underground Vaults Exploration

South Bridge

Descend into the atmospheric, historic subterranean chambers beneath Edinburgh's streets. A truly unique glimpse into the city's past.

Instagram
Ghostly Tales of the Old Town

Ghostly Tales of the Old Town

Royal Mile & surrounding areas

Hear chilling stories and local legends from knowledgeable guides on a captivating ghost tour. Perfect for a spooky evening adventure.

Instagram
Secrets of the Royal Mile

Secrets of the Royal Mile

Royal Mile

Uncover the rich history and hidden stories of Edinburgh's most famous street with an engaging walking tour.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Edinburgh Vaults Adventure

Dive into Edinburgh's hidden history with Mercat Tours! The underground vaults are a must-see, but tours fill up fast. Book your spot in advance, especially for popular ghost tours, to avoid disappointment and secure your journey into the city's mysterious past. Reddit

Comfortable Shoes for Cobblestones

Exploring Edinburgh's historic streets and underground vaults means a lot of walking on uneven surfaces. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes to navigate the cobblestones and ancient passages with ease. You'll be glad you did after a few hours of discovery! TikTok

Best Times

When
Evening
Why
Spookiest atmosphere!
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon
Why
Great for history buffs
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Beth Gameren it’s such an interesting piece of architecture! We hope you can visit us next time youre in Edinburgh! 🤗 #stitch #edinburgh #Scotland #History #weirdhistory
@mercattours
194.4K likes • 2.6M views

🎧 Listen Up!

Most tours provide listening devices and headphones, ensuring you don't miss a word from your guide. Reddit

📚 Grab the Tour Book

Consider buying the tour book for extra historical info and pictures; it complements the tour well. Reddit

PS men can build their own watch boxes! #islanderworkshopexperience #islanderworkshop #islanderworkshopedinburgh #edinburghsouvenir #edinburghscotland #cottagecoreaesthetic #thingstodoinedinburgh #edinburghtiktok
@periodicadventures
143.2K likes • 1.7M views
A day in the life of the Mercat Support Team: emails, candles, and ghosts (sometimes). 👻 5-star tours of Edinburgh don’t run themselves! Here’s a little sneak peak of what it looks like behind the scenes. We’re recruiting! We’re currently looking to expand our Support Team, so head to our website (bit.ly/MTHiring1) for more information and submit your application by 5pm this Friday! #ADayInThe...
mercattours
43 likes • 835 views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Cobblestones and underground exploration demand comfortable footwear for a better experience. TikTok

👻 Ghost Tour Choice

Mercat is recommended for vaults, while others might offer different experiences. Reddit

A fantastic underground ghost tour in Edinburgh on Halloween weekend. Booked with Mercat Tours, our guide Steph was brilliant and made for a superb tour. #retiredtravellers #slowtravel #theslowworldtour #retiredtraveler #retiredtravel #retiredtravels #edinburgh #edinburghlife #edinburghcity #edinburghroyalmile #royalmile #scotland #edinburghcastle #heartofmidlothian #edinburghnightlife #edinburg...
the.slow.world.tour
19 likes • 771 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎧 Listen Up!

Most tours provide listening devices and headphones, ensuring you don't miss a word from your guide. Reddit

📚 Grab the Tour Book

Consider buying the tour book for extra historical info and pictures; it complements the tour well. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Cobblestones and underground exploration demand comfortable footwear for a better experience. TikTok

👻 Ghost Tour Choice

Mercat is recommended for vaults, while others might offer different experiences. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

Keep an eye out for potential paranormal activity – some visitors have captured orbs in photos! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mercat Tours Edinburgh receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with visitors frequently praising the engaging and knowledgeable guides, particularly for their ghost and underground vault tours. The atmospheric historical insights and well-organized logistics, including listening devices, are consistently highlighted as major strengths. While most experiences are highly recommended, some find the ghost tours more atmospheric than truly terrifying.

"Thank you to Russell, Rory, and Marina for yesterday’s Secrets of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle tour. Russell helped us make sure we got there on time, Rory welcomed us and got us checked in promptly. We all really enjoyed Marina’s presentation of the Royal Mile and attentiveness to everyone in our group. The stories were great and our devices worked well."

Jonathan Thompson

"Absolutely must!
Steph our guide was amazing and played her role well.
Sure we also caught an orb on a picture we took. Didn't personally experience anything spooky but was early with young children present. Could.imagine any later it may have been.
Fantastic and worth this ghostly adventure.
Thanks again to Steph."

Pui-San Morgans

"Went on the Edinburgh: Underground Vaults and Graveyard Evening Tour on the 11th July 2025 and had a wonderful time.

Our guide Shannon was very knowledgeable with regard to the city and brought plenty of theatre to the experience.

Mercat tours provided a listening device and headphones to each guest that made the entire experience far better as there was no straining to hear our guide over the sounds of the city.

The vaults are fascinating and as haunting as you think.

Very much recommend this tour."

M. Murphy

What People Like

Engaging and knowledgeable guides
Atmospheric underground vaults
Spooky ghost stories

What People Dislike

Not terrifying enough for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mercat Tours meeting points are typically in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, often near the Royal Mile or South Bridge. Many are easily accessible by foot from major city landmarks. Public transport options like buses are plentiful in the city center. Check your specific tour booking for the exact meeting location. TikTok

Yes, most meeting spots are centrally located and well-known. However, Edinburgh's winding streets can be confusing. It's advisable to use a map app on your phone and allow ample time to find your way, especially if you're unfamiliar with the city. TikTok

Driving in Edinburgh's Old Town can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk. If you do drive, research parking garages near your meeting point in advance. TikTok

Absolutely! Edinburgh has an extensive bus network that serves the city center and Royal Mile area where most Mercat Tours depart. Check local bus routes for the most convenient options to your specific meeting point. TikTok

The underground vaults tours typically meet near the South Bridge area. This is a very central location, easily reachable by walking from most parts of the Old Town or by a short bus ride to the city center. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for Mercat Tours Edinburgh can be booked directly through their official website. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular ghost tours and underground vault tours, as they often sell out. Instagram

Yes, Mercat Tours offers a variety of experiences, including ghost tours, underground vault tours, and historical walking tours of the Royal Mile. Each tour focuses on different aspects of Edinburgh's history and mysteries. Instagram+1

Prices vary depending on the tour chosen. Generally, walking tours might be slightly less expensive than the underground vault or specialized ghost tours. Check the Mercat Tours website for current pricing and any available discounts. Reddit

While it might be possible for some less popular tours, it's strongly advised to book tickets in advance. Popular tours, especially ghost tours, sell out quickly, and you risk missing out if you wait until the day of. Instagram

Mercat Tours typically has a cancellation policy that allows for refunds or rescheduling up to a certain period before the tour. It's best to review their specific terms and conditions on their website when booking. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect a blend of historical facts and spooky storytelling. Guides are engaging and knowledgeable, often sharing local legends and tales of Edinburgh's haunted past. You'll likely explore atmospheric streets and potentially underground areas. Instagram+1

The underground vaults tours are atmospheric and can be quite eerie, with tales of historical hardship and hauntings. While not designed to be jump-scare heavy, they offer a genuinely spooky experience, especially for those sensitive to history and atmosphere. Reddit+1

Yes, Mercat Tours often provides listening devices and headphones for their tours. This ensures that everyone in the group can clearly hear the guide, even in noisy environments or when exploring underground. Reddit

Tour durations vary. Walking tours might be around 1.5 to 2 hours, while the underground vault and more in-depth ghost tours can last up to 2.5 hours. Always check the specific tour details when booking. Instagram

Mercat Tours often aims for smaller group sizes, especially for their underground tours, to enhance the experience and ensure comfort. This makes for a more intimate and less crowded exploration. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed on most Mercat Tours. However, be mindful of your surroundings, especially in dimly lit underground areas or when the guide is speaking. Some guides might ask you to refrain from flash photography in certain sensitive locations. Reddit

Look for atmospheric shots of the Old Town's closes and wynds, the historic graveyards, and the eerie interiors of the underground vaults. The dramatic architecture and shadowy corners offer great photographic potential. TikTok

While generally permitted, it's always best to follow your guide's instructions. In some very confined or historically sensitive areas, they might request no photography to preserve the atmosphere or protect the site. Reddit

For dimly lit underground vaults, you'll want to use a camera with good low-light performance. Consider increasing your ISO, using a wider aperture, and a steady hand or tripod if permitted. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively. Reddit

It's polite to ask your guide if you wish to take a photo of them. They are often happy to oblige, especially if it's for personal memories of the tour. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mercat Tours can be a great option for families, but choose your tour wisely. The underground vaults and ghost tours can be quite atmospheric and potentially spooky, so consider the age and sensitivity of your children. Some tours might be more suitable for older children and teenagers who can appreciate the historical and slightly eerie aspects. Reddit

For younger families, a historical walking tour of the Royal Mile might be a better fit, focusing more on the history and less on the supernatural. Always check the tour descriptions for age recommendations and consider bringing snacks and drinks for younger ones. The use of listening devices can also help keep kids engaged. Reddit

👻 Thrill-Seekers & Paranormal Enthusiasts

If you're drawn to the supernatural, Mercat Tours' ghost tours and underground vault tours are a must. These experiences are designed to immerse you in Edinburgh's haunted history, with guides who are adept at sharing chilling tales and local legends. Instagram+1

Many visitors on these tours report feeling the eerie atmosphere of the vaults and streets, with some even capturing unexplained phenomena in photos. The combination of historical context and ghostly narratives makes for a truly memorable and thrilling adventure. Reddit

📚 History Buffs

For those fascinated by history, Mercat Tours offers excellent walking tours of the Royal Mile and in-depth explorations of the underground vaults. These tours provide a deep dive into Edinburgh's past, from its medieval origins to its more recent, and sometimes darker, history. Instagram+1

Guides are typically well-versed in historical details and local lore, offering insights that go beyond standard guidebooks. The use of listening devices ensures you won't miss any of the fascinating historical narratives. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Edinburgh's Underground Vaults

The underground vaults beneath Edinburgh's South Bridge are a fascinating and often eerie part of the city's history. Constructed in the late 18th century, these chambers were originally intended for shops and storage but quickly became associated with poverty, crime, and illicit activities. Over time, they were sealed off and largely forgotten, contributing to their mysterious reputation. TikTok

Mercat Tours offers some of the most popular tours that delve into these subterranean spaces. Visitors often describe the experience as atmospheric and haunting, with guides sharing tales of the people who lived and worked in the vaults. The tours provide a unique perspective on Edinburgh's social history, revealing a hidden layer beneath the bustling city streets. Reddit

When visiting the vaults, be prepared for uneven surfaces and potentially damp conditions. Wearing comfortable shoes and dressing in layers is advisable. The tours are designed to be informative and engaging, offering a glimpse into a seldom-seen aspect of Edinburgh's past. Reddit

The Art of the Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Edinburgh is renowned as one of the most haunted cities in the world, and Mercat Tours capitalizes on this reputation with its captivating ghost tours. These excursions go beyond simple scares, weaving together historical accounts, folklore, and chilling local legends. Guides are often skilled storytellers, bringing the city's darker past to life with dramatic flair. Instagram+1

Many tours explore the atmospheric closes and wynds of the Old Town, as well as venturing into the aforementioned underground vaults or historic graveyards. Visitors frequently praise the guides for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to create a truly immersive experience. Some even report capturing unexplained phenomena in their photographs, adding to the mystique. Reddit

For those seeking a thrilling and historically rich evening activity, an Edinburgh ghost tour with Mercat is a highly recommended choice. It's a chance to learn about the city's spectral inhabitants and the historical events that may have led to their lingering presence. Instagram

Walking Through History: Mercat's Royal Mile Tours

Mercat Tours also offers excellent walking tours that focus on the rich history of Edinburgh's iconic Royal Mile. These tours are perfect for getting acquainted with the city's layout and understanding its historical significance. Guides often share personal anecdotes and local insights, making the history feel relatable and engaging. Instagram+1

These tours typically cover key landmarks, hidden closes, and significant historical sites along the Royal Mile, providing context for the city's development and its famous residents. They are a fantastic way to orient yourself on your first day in Edinburgh, offering a comprehensive overview that helps you build a mental map of the Old Town. Reddit

With the use of listening devices, you can be sure to catch every detail, even in bustling street environments. These walking tours are a great introduction to Edinburgh's heritage, blending historical facts with captivating storytelling. Reddit