Small group guided tour Blair Street Underground Vaults, Edinburgh
Blair Street Underground Vaults, Edinburgh © Mercat Tours
Blair Street Underground Vaults, Edinburgh © Mercat Tours
Get exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults – the largest system of underground caverns in Edinburgh. Built in the 18th century beneath South Bridge, we’re the only walking tour company with access.
Beneath the bustle of Edinburgh’s Old Town you’ll discover a dark, damp world unchanged since the 18th century. Your expert guide will lead you deep into the Blair Street Underground Vaults, and together you’ll explore their history – including how they became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants.
Want to see Edinburgh’s darkest secret? Descend into the vaults, exclusive to Mercat Tours.
It’s a story rooted in Edinburgh’s Georgian past – grand feats of engineering, the expansion of the city, and those who were left behind in its darker corners.
But why were the vaults built? And who used them? Save your questions for your Mercat tour guide, a masterful storyteller who will bring the history of the vaults to life – and talk you through some of the artefacts that have survived.
The walking tour takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, with time at the end in our Discovery Room – complete with 3D model and artefacts.
COVID-19 information
This business has confirmed that they have implemented, and will ensure ongoing compliance with, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels protocols. The Safe Travels stamp is based on self-assessment and it is not a certification.
Contact details
Mercat Tours
28 Blair Street
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 1QR
28 Blair Street
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 1QR
Key facilities
Audio Loop
Hearing Loop
COVID-19 facilities
- Advance booking essential
- COVID-19 measures in place
- COVID-19 refund and cancellation policy in place
- COVID-19 risk assessment completed
- COVID-19 staff training completed
- Capacity limit
- Contactless payment only
- Face mask essential (not provided)
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Hand sanitiser available to visitors & staff
- Online booking only
Tour prices
From
- £20 Per Adult
- £15 Per child
- £18 Concession
Book now
Prices are subject to change depending on season
Attractions
Tour company information
Mercat Tours
'𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮, 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 ' 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙣! Enjoy immersive storytelling experiences as you explore Edinburgh's Old Town. 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩 You'll have a deep connection with the people & places of the past and build remarkable memories of Scotland's ancient & beautiful capital. 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙔𝙤𝙪, 𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 😊 Choosing us, a local, independent family business and Living Wage employer, means you support an ethical team rooted in our local community since 1985
