The Real Mary King's Close Edinburgh
Step back in time into Edinburgh's hidden 17th-century streets, preserved beneath the Royal Mile. Explore history and hear captivating tales.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
The Real Mary King's Close Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time into Edinburgh's hidden 17th-century streets, preserved beneath the Royal Mile. Explore history and hear captivating tales.
"A fascinating historical deep dive into Edinburgh's past, brought to life by engaging guides."
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Popular tours sell out quickly! Book online at least a day ahead to guarantee your spot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, so wear comfortable footwear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Preserved 17th-Century Street
Underneath the Royal Mile
Walk through a street frozen in time, offering a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's past life.
Tales of Plague and Daily Life
Various rooms and closes
Hear captivating stories from costumed guides about the hardships and everyday lives of former residents.
The 'Haunted' Rooms
Specific chambers within the close
Experience the atmospheric and sometimes chilling tales that have earned the close its ghostly reputation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for This Underground Gem
Not Your Average Ghost Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Popular tours sell out quickly! Book online at least a day ahead to guarantee your spot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, so wear comfortable footwear.
🤫 No Photos Downstairs
Photography is prohibited in the underground areas to preserve the atmosphere.
👂 Listen to Your Guide
The costumed guides are excellent storytellers; their insights bring the history to life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Popular tours sell out quickly! Book online at least a day ahead to guarantee your spot.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, so wear comfortable footwear.
🤫 No Photos Downstairs
Photography is prohibited in the underground areas to preserve the atmosphere.
👂 Listen to Your Guide
The costumed guides are excellent storytellers; their insights bring the history to life.
👻 Not a Scare Attraction
It's historical and atmospheric, not a jump-scare haunted house. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Real Mary King's Close for its fascinating historical insights and engaging guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's past. While some find the price a bit high and photography restrictions inconvenient, the immersive experience and knowledgeable guides are consistently highlighted as major positives. It's considered a worthwhile historical attraction rather than a purely scary ghost tour.
"My son and I visited last May, and I was a bit apprehensive do to the possibility of steep walking areas, but to my surprise it was just fine. The ladies upon entrance were perfect, and our guide was wonderful, telling about the tales of Edinburgh of long ago, unfortunately we didn't see any ghosts, and Dr. Death was interesting to sit with, and the end of the tour was special too. (Don't want to blow it for others.) ENJOY, and have a brilliant time in magical Scotland."
S Brooks
"I had a lot of fun on this tour! I won’t spoil everything down there, but there’s definitely a lot to keep you entertained. Our guide was excellent and had a plethora of knowledge. No pictures are allowed, though you can buy an overpriced one at the end if you so choose. Wonderful gift shop too. We definitely picked up some Christmas gifts. Reservations are highly recommended as only so many people can fit down there at a time and your preferred time slots may sell out."
Cody P
"First we were sad not to be able to take pictures downstairs (upstairs and in the shop it's allowed) but you don't have any time to be honest. Everything was exciting and the told history about Edinburgh and those buildings was fascinating! Anthony was the best tour guide we could imagine! His voice was perfectly loud, clear and well understandable! He gave clear instructions and was always kind and also very sweet at the end! His jokes were actually great and we had a lot to laugh between the facts and the "kind of dark" story about Mary King."
Tristan Summerer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The entrance is located just off the Royal Mile, a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and St Giles' Cathedral. You can easily reach it on foot from most central Edinburgh locations.
Yes, numerous bus routes stop along the Royal Mile, making it very accessible. The nearest tram stop is also a short walk away.
Parking in Edinburgh's Old Town can be challenging. The closest car parks are Waverley and Holyrood, but walking or using public transport is often more convenient.
Taxis can drop you off on the Royal Mile, and the entrance is a short walk from there.
The entrance is clearly marked on the Royal Mile, near St Giles' Cathedral. Look for the signs for The Real Mary King's Close.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but expect to pay around £20-£30 per adult. Booking flex tickets in advance is recommended, especially if your plans are uncertain.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended as tours often sell out, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Opening hours typically run from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last tour starting around 4 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
While same-day tickets may be available, it's risky as tours can sell out. Booking ahead is the safest option.
Check their website for potential discounts for students, seniors, or families. Flex tickets offer more flexibility but are usually more expensive.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour typically lasts about an hour, with an additional 30 minutes for the gin tasting if you opt for that package.
It's more historical and atmospheric than outright scary. While there are eerie tales, it's not a haunted house with jump scares. +1
Photography is not permitted inside the underground sections of the close. They do offer an optional photo purchase at the end.
Yes, it's generally suitable for children, though younger ones might find some of the historical stories a bit intense. The guides are good at engaging all ages.
The underground temperature remains fairly constant year-round, often cooler than outside. It's advisable to wear layers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a gift shop with some small souvenir items, but no full dining facilities. However, numerous restaurants and cafes are available on the Royal Mile nearby.
Some special tours, like the 'Stories & Wonders' event, include a tasting of Edinburgh Gin. Otherwise, drinks are not typically served.
The Royal Mile offers a vast array of dining options, from traditional pubs to international cuisine, catering to all budgets.
Absolutely! The central location makes it easy to enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries on the Royal Mile before or after your visit.
Yes, Edinburgh has a thriving food scene with many restaurants offering excellent vegetarian and vegan choices along the Royal Mile and surrounding streets.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited within the underground sections of The Real Mary King's Close to maintain the historical atmosphere.
Yes, the attraction offers an optional professional photo taken of your group during the tour, which you can purchase afterwards.
You can take photos on the Royal Mile before and after your tour, capturing the historic streetscape.
The Royal Mile itself offers many iconic photo opportunities, including views of Edinburgh Castle and St Giles' Cathedral.
Early mornings or late evenings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photographic conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing and provide a different perspective on Edinburgh. Remember that photography is not allowed downstairs, so encourage kids to focus on listening and observing. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the old streets.
👻 Ghost Enthusiasts & History Buffs
History buffs will appreciate the preserved 17th-century street and the detailed narratives provided by the guides. It offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and understand the realities of urban life centuries ago. The site's connection to historical events like the plague adds a significant layer of historical interest.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
It's also a great opportunity to meet other travelers if you're inclined to chat before or after the tour. The central location makes it easy to combine with other solo explorations of the Royal Mile and surrounding areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History Beneath the Royal Mile
This fascinating underground network provides an unparalleled glimpse into the living conditions of the time. Visitors can explore the preserved rooms and learn about the daily lives, struggles, and even the superstitions of the people who inhabited this hidden city. The stories shared by the costumed guides bring these historical narratives to life, making it a truly immersive experience.
The close is named after Mary King, a resident who lived there in the 17th century. The site is also known for its tales of plague victims being walled up and ghostly encounters, adding an atmospheric layer to the historical exploration. While not a 'haunted house' attraction, the history itself is compelling and can feel quite eerie.
Navigating the Tour Experience
While the tour is primarily historical, the guides are skilled storytellers who can weave in elements of the close's more spectral reputation. Visitors often report feeling a sense of awe and a deeper understanding of Edinburgh's past. The no-photography rule in the underground sections helps maintain the immersive atmosphere, encouraging visitors to be present in the moment.
It's important to note that the terrain can be uneven, and there are stairs involved, so comfortable footwear is a must. The temperature underground is also consistently cooler than above ground, so dressing in layers is advisable.
Beyond the Close: Edinburgh's Hidden History
Beyond Mary King's Close, other 'closes' and 'wynds' crisscross the Old Town, many with their own fascinating histories. The South Bridge vaults, for instance, are another popular underground attraction, often associated with ghost tours and historical mysteries. These sites collectively paint a picture of a city that has constantly adapted and built upon its past.
For those interested in further exploring Edinburgh's historical depths, consider visiting the National Museum of Scotland, which often has exhibits on the city's development, or taking a walking tour focused on the Old Town's architectural and social history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit