Real Mary King's Close Tours
1,029 Reviews
Hidden away beneath the cobbled streets of Edinburgh Old Town, the Real Mary King’s Close is a historic street that disappeared from view in the 1800s, when Edinburgh’s lower classes were forced underground to allow for the city’s modernisation. The street offers a family-friendly glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, with tours led by costumed character guides.
The Basics
Guided 1-hour tours take place throughout the day—pre-purchasing your ticket means you’ll avoid waiting in line and guarantee your preferred time slot. Guides lead you beneath the Royal Mile to explore the Close’s labyrinth while recounting the various myths and legends that surround the subterranean streets. Real Mary King’s Close also features on several ghost tours, which typically occur after dark and reveal Edinburgh’s history of hauntings.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Located on the Royal Mile—undoubtedly Edinburgh’s most famous street—Real Mary’s Close is a 5-minute walk from Waverley Railway Station and close to many major hotels. The nearest bus stop is Market Street, which is served by route number 6.
When to Get There
Real Mary’s Close is open seven days a week, closing only on Christmas Day. Tour times vary throughout the year and are extended during the summer, but tours generally run from morning through late evening. The site is at its most atmospheric after dark.
Coffee House
It’s worth sticking around after your tour for a meal or snack in Mary King’s Coffee House, which boasts a history all of its own. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the Royal Exchange Coffee House was where key figures associated with the Scottish Enlightenment would meet to debate the issues of the day. Today, the coffee house is located in the Burgh Courtroom and serves Scottish specialities such as soups, sandwiches, and cakes.
The Basics
Guided 1-hour tours take place throughout the day—pre-purchasing your ticket means you’ll avoid waiting in line and guarantee your preferred time slot. Guides lead you beneath the Royal Mile to explore the Close’s labyrinth while recounting the various myths and legends that surround the subterranean streets. Real Mary King’s Close also features on several ghost tours, which typically occur after dark and reveal Edinburgh’s history of hauntings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Real Mary King’s Close is a must-visit for those interested in Edinburgh history.
- There are many steps on the tour, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Much of the tour takes place in dimly-lit tight spaces and is not recommended for those with claustrophobia.
- There is a souvenir shop on site.
- Due to its tight spaces and protected status, Real Mary King’s Close is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Located on the Royal Mile—undoubtedly Edinburgh’s most famous street—Real Mary’s Close is a 5-minute walk from Waverley Railway Station and close to many major hotels. The nearest bus stop is Market Street, which is served by route number 6.
When to Get There
Real Mary’s Close is open seven days a week, closing only on Christmas Day. Tour times vary throughout the year and are extended during the summer, but tours generally run from morning through late evening. The site is at its most atmospheric after dark.
Coffee House
It’s worth sticking around after your tour for a meal or snack in Mary King’s Coffee House, which boasts a history all of its own. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the Royal Exchange Coffee House was where key figures associated with the Scottish Enlightenment would meet to debate the issues of the day. Today, the coffee house is located in the Burgh Courtroom and serves Scottish specialities such as soups, sandwiches, and cakes.
Address: High Street, 2 Warriston's Close, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, Scotland
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Real Mary King's Close
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1-Hour Real Mary King's Close Underground Tour in Edinburgh
Discover the secrets that lie beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on a 1-hour tour of the Real Mary King's Close. Accompanied by a costumed guide, experience Edinburgh’s past as you explore the underground streets, hear stories about real-life residents, and learn about life in Edinburgh during the 17th century.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
A Half Day In Edinburgh With A Local: Private & Personalized
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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2 Hours In Edinburgh, Your Way
Make sure you see all the spots you wanted to in Edinburgh on this personalized tour led by a private guide. Your customized itinerary takes you to the places you request, and your guide's commentary is based on your interests. You can go to famous locations, such as Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s crown jewels, or you can choose to go to areas known only by locals.
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$66.60
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
See Edinburgh With A Local: Private & Personalized
Settled in the rocky hills, Edinburgh offers everything from
beautiful architecture to stunning landscapes. You’ll join one of our local
Edinburgh hosts, and from here it’s up to you. You could strut your stuff down
the Royal Mile, or pay homage at the Scott Monument. Whether you have just
three hours to spare or a full day to play, your host will create an itinerary
according to your schedule and interests. Are you a landmark beeliner, or a
leisurely wanderer? Just tell us your pace and we’ll stick to it.
Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the
experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
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$78.84
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From
$78.84
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
The Life of Robert Louis Stevenson & Edinburgh Private Tour
Are you a lover of literature or a fan of Scottish authors? On this personalized tour, join your knowledgeable host and explore the life and works of Robert Louis Stevenson. Walk in the author’s footsteps throughout his birth city to discover the important spots which influenced his writings and venture into the special places close to the writer’s heart.
Learn about the childhood of Robert Louis Stevenson, visit his family home and discover the Stevenson family’s trade of working as engineers at the Northern Lighthouse Board. Let your enthusiastic host tell you how Robert Louis Stevenson changed the field of his studies and went from being a lawyer to an author who penned many famous novels. See the map used in the first edition of “The Treasure Island,” drawn to Robert Louis Stevenson’s specification, then find out what inspired him to acquire his distinctive writing style.
Ready to know more about Robert Louis Stevenson’s life?
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$51.85
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Queensferry Port Stopover With A Local: Private & Personalized
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$220.76
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Edinburgh City Tour
Edinburgh, the Capital city of Scotland & United Kingdom's second most popular tourist destination attraction, over 2.1 million visitors in 2018. We provide a first class service on every journey with full of excitement & memorable adventure all over the Edinburgh City, also you can make your own tour location and flexible time all over the day.
Tour will be our traditional black taxi within full Air-Conditioned & heating vehicle,free Wi-Fi on broad & complementary water bottle. Vehicle are fully insured and have full public liability insurance. Our driver are officially recognised by the City of Edinburgh Council. All tours are priced per vehicle which can hold up to 6 passengers. We assured fully safe & secure every tour with bespoke tour, also provide any pick up or drop off in Edinburgh based location,including Air-port transport.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Edinburgh: Self-Guided City Experience
- Discover Edinburgh's most famous and iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Sophisticated mobile technology turns your smartphone into the ultimate travel companion for the duration of your stay
- Tune into the multilingual audio commentary to hear interesting facts, stories and anecdotes for over 90 points of interest
- Opt for one of many recommended walking routes or customise your own with personalised pinpoints
- Audio guide available in English
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