Entry Included

Hidden Vaults Tour – A Dark History

Uncover Edinburgh’s dark history with Auld Reekie Walking Tours!

Journey along the Royal Mile hearing some of Edinburgh’s darker history before visiting the infamous underground vaults. Hidden beneath the South Bridge in the city’s historic Old Town these dimly lit vaults were once home to the city’s poorest residents and a haunt for criminals, body snatchers, and alleged witches. Your guide will lead you through this eerie underworld, sharing tales of crime, disease, death, and the paranormal.

Highlights
  • Explore Historic Vaults – Discover the hidden vaults under South Bridge and hear stories of the unfortunate souls who once lived there.
  • Genuine Witchcraft Temple – Enter the former temple of the “Source Coven of the Blue Dragon” and learn why the witches had to abandon this vault.
  • Learn of Edinburgh’s Dark Past – Your guide will reveal all the gory details of crime, death, and disease that plagued the city.
Good to know before you arrive

A tour of Edinburgh’s most extensive haunted vaults. Dark tales of its past visitors and inhabitants.

  • Tours run daily, departing every 30 minutes from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
  • Total duration is 1 hour.
  • Tours start at the Tourist Information ticket booth and red telephone box outside of 300 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PH.
  • Be sure to arrive early and booking on the day is recommended to guarantee spaces. To book email info@auldreekietours.com, call 01315574700 (10am-5pm) or visit the Auld Reekie Tours office at 45 Niddry Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LG which is open daily 10am-5pm.
Top Tip!
Stop by the Banshee Labyrinth on Niddry Street, a spooky underground vault bar that’s reputedly the most haunted bar in Edinburgh. Enjoy a drink and watch scary movies in their free cinema.

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Features & Facilities
Family Friendly
Eco-Friendly

The Edinburgh City Pass saves you money and is easy to use. Each pass is valid for either one, two, or three consecutive calendar days and is simply scanned at each experience to gain entry. 


Your pass activates when you enter your first experience during your visit. We always advise customers to start using their pass first thing in the morning as from then on it works on a calendar day basis, not 24-hour period. The Edinburgh City Pass does not include fast track access, and you can use it only once per experience.

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Enjoy FREE admission to our favourite experiences and save up to 40%.
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Enjoy FREE admission to our favourite experiences and save up to 40%.
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Folks really love what we do and we love what we do too.
We’re flexible
If plans change you can cancel for free up to 24hrs before you get here.
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How it works

Pick your Pass
Pick your Pass One, two or three consecutive days
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Show your Pass
Show your Pass Scan for free entry at our favourite places

Also included with CityPass…

Free 24hr Hop-on Hop-off Bright Bus City Tour Usually £16.00 per person Entry Included Free Return Ticket from Airport to City Centre – Edinburgh Trams Usually £9.50 per person Entry Included Free Hidden Vaults Tour – A Dark History Usually £20.00 per person Entry Included Free Booking required Holyrood Distillery Tour – Edinburgh’s Finest Dram Usually £25.00 per person Entry Included Free Three Bridges Boat Tour – an Unforgettable Journey Usually £20.00 per person Entry Included Free Dynamic Earth – Science Centre & Planetarium Usually £20.00 per person Entry Included Free John Knox House Museum – A 500-Year Old Story Usually £7.00 per person Entry Included Free Harry Potter Walking Tour – Magical Inspirations Usually £15.00 per person Entry Included Free Scott Monument Museum – Spectacular Views Usually £8.00 per person Entry Included Free Craigmillar – Edinburgh’s Secret Stronghold Usually £7.00 per person Entry Included Free Booking required Invisible Edinburgh – Crime & Punishment Walking Tour Usually £15.00 per person Entry Included Free Inchcolm Island Cruise – Iconic Landmarks Usually £20.00 per person Entry Included Free Georgian House – Step Back in Time Usually £12.50 per person (open from 6th Feb 2025) Entry Included Free Gladstone’s Land – Life in the Tenements Usually £10.00 per person Entry Included Free Blackness Castle Boat Cruise – Historic Views Usually £20.00 per person Entry Included Free Booking required Real Women of Edinburgh – Walking Tour Usually £15.00 per person Entry Included Free The Murder by the Royal Mile – Murder Mystery Usually £22.00 per person Entry Included Free The Potions Cauldron – Tasting Experience Usually £10.49 per person Entry Included Free Gravity Trampoline Park Usually £13.50 per person Entry Included 10% Off Booking required Timberbush Tours – Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies £54.00 10% Discount 10% Off Booking required Timberbush Tours – The Ultimate Whisky Experience £54.00 10% Discount 10% Off Booking required Timberbush Tours – West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles £59.00 10% Discount
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What our customers say…

The views from the top of Scott monument was breathtaking. I would not have gone up without the pass. Would recommend as an easy and affordable way to enjoy Edinburgh.
Edinburgh city pass is a must do for anybody wanting to get the most out of a short holiday in Edinburgh.
Had a phenomenal time using my Edinburgh city pass! Was able to enter the venues smoothly with the card. Also, found a great side walking trip that was detailed in the guide.