Guided tours Edinburgh

The Real Mary King's Close is a collection of alleys and underground dwellings that were in the heart of Old Town in the 17th century. They took the name of one of the daughters of the lawyer Alexander Close who owned several properties there. In the 18th century, they were partially demolished and buried during the construction of the City Chambers. It was from that moment, in the bowels of the city, that the maze entered into the darkest mysteries and legends of Edinburgh; and this, for 400 years. Archaeologists' research has made it possible to understand how some poor families have found refuge there in the face of the capital's overpopulation. It was also here that the plague patients were isolated so that they would die hidden from everyone. The evocation of the disease is then an opportunity to disentangle the true from the false and to fight many preconceived ideas. Ghost stories are legendary, such as that of a little girl named Annie who was seen by a medium and to whom many visitors still bring gifts today, or those of the many victims of the legendary murderers Burke and Hare, whom they reportedly hid before selling them to hospitals. Reopened to the public in 2003, The Real Mary King's Close lifts the veil on dark hours and cursed destinies, in a gloomy universe that does not leave anyone indifferent. The visit lasts one hour and makes sense thanks to actors in costumes for a successful immersion.

Nicolas Loisel, your French guide, fell in love with Scotland after a few trips and settled there 10 years ago. With E-City, he becomes your guide and driver (in electric Tesla) to discover, for half a day (for Edinburgh), a day or a whole stay, Scotland in a totally personalized way. It will take you to the most emblematic sites as well as to unsuspected and even more breathtaking sites! He will offer you unusual and original experiences, 100% tailor-made, for a unique stay.

A Frenchwoman living in Edinburgh after an instant love affair with the city, Sarah takes you on a guided tour of her beloved capital in French. It offers different tours, to be taken in private or public groups: "On the Tracks of Harry Potter in Edinburgh", "The must-see in Edinburgh", an aperitif-walk, a "Crimes and Punishment" tour and tailor-made tours, according to the participants' requests. She will also be happy to give you her good addresses to have a drink, eat well or discover the hidden jewels of the city.

Mercat Tours offers several different tours about the history and ghosts of the city. Coupled towers with the castle are possible. An option is available in French: "Fossoyeur d'Histoire". The ghost tour reputed to be the scariest in the city. It takes place entirely under the cobblestones of the old town. Within the dark and damp walls, one witnesses stories staged with a creepy realism. For a challenging exploration of the bowels of the old city, this is the place to be.

This is probably the best ghost tour available. Your guides will lead you through Old Town to tell you the most disturbing legends at nightfall. 4 tours take you into the bowels of the city, to the South Bridge underground: the Vaults tour (60 min), the Haunted vaults tour (60 min), the Ghost & torture tour (for private groups only) and the Terror Group (at 10pm, adults only). Here the worst atrocities took place, perpetrated by criminals and witches. Sensitive souls should not go!

Since 1993, Rabbie's Tours has been offering ethical small group tours throughout Scotland. Driver-guides who know the stories, sights and secrets of the regions follow off-the-beaten-path itineraries created and tested by travel enthusiasts. This is an opportunity to support local communities. A wide range of options are available, from one-day to two-week adventures through distillery visits, castles or even private tailor-made itineraries. There are also tours of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh's celebrity does not rest solely on its ghosts, but fortunately also on its illustrious writers! Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson are evoked with humour and panache by Clart and McBrain, a duo of actors who take up the role. They walk you between the houses, courtyards and pubs where these personalities lived, got drunk and wrote their prose. Please note: the tour includes a pub crawl, minors (under 18 years old) are not allowed and the price of consumption is extra.

The guides tell you all the little anecdotes, from the great buildings to the small dark alleys. They tell you about the witches, the Covenanters, the Enlightenment, Harry Potter, Greyfriars Bobby, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde... An excellent first approach. Specialized paid tours are also available.

Pub Crawl: every night at 8pm for £15. Your wristband allows you to participate in an unlimited way for the rest of the year.

This lively and frightening visit to the city's basements is as much fun as it is thrilling thanks to eleven actors and numerous special effects. On the program: torture room, labyrinth, boat ride, staging and historical characters such as the cannibal Sawney Bean or the serial killers Burke and Hare. The tours leave every 10 minutes and last 80 minutes. Attention: children (under 15 years old) must be accompanied and the visit is not recommended for children under 8 years old. Special tours for an adult audience are also available.

Discover Edinburgh in a vintage bus, just enough retro to be full of charm. Two tours are available all year round: the Afternoon Tea Tour (or its variant with gin), which will invite you to indulge in gourmet delicacies as well as to observe the capital (a scone in hand, what else!) and the Harry Potter Tour, following in the footsteps of the sites that inspired J.K. Rowling. It's a good way to get a first glimpse of the city. Good plan: the adult "Afternoon Tea Tour" ticket includes a free seat for one child (under 16 years old).