Famous Underground Ghost Tour

Step into the darker side of Edinburgh as one of the city’s most infamous historical figures—whether a notorious resident or sinister local legend—guides you through the shadowy corners of the Old Town. Along the way, learn unusual skills or insights from history, such as cooking tips from Cassandra Bean or surgical ethics from the infamous Dr. Knox. Wander through the upper half of the Old Town, taking in St Giles Cathedral, the site of the former Scottish Parliament, and the location of the city’s notorious jail. As you explore, uncover the grim living conditions of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Edinburgh, gaining a vivid sense of life in the city during its darker centuries.

Crossing George IV Bridge, the tour continues in Greyfriars Kirkyard, a chilling 450-year-old cemetery steeped in macabre tales. Discover the story of the famously loyal dog, spine-tingling poltergeists, and the horrific crimes of the bodysnatchers and serial killers Burke and Hare. The adventure concludes underground, in a section of a former seventeenth-century close incorporated into South Bridge. Here, witness original bridge arches, walls, and doorways alongside the modern pavement, learning about the many inhabitants—some of whom didn’t quite move on. The tour ends as your guide leads you safely back to the ticket office, having experienced centuries of Edinburgh’s eerie and fascinating history.