Real Mary King's Close Tours
2 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
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Real Mary King's Close
Sort by:Featured

Explore Edinburgh On A Half-Day Tour With A Local: Private & Personalized
Visiting an unfamiliar city without knowing anyone there usually means relying on travel guides. Get a more personal experience in Edinburgh by spending time with a local Edinburgher who customizes your private, bespoke tour to your own interests. Go off the beaten path and discover locals' favorite spots.
…More
From
$112.47
Price varies by group size
From
$112.47
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

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.
…More
From
$70.29
Price varies by group size
From
$70.29
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

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.
…More
From
$527.06
per group
From
$527.06
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Queensferry Port Stopover With A Local: Private & Personalized
Make the most of your time on land. Even if you have only a short time in Edinburgh, you can squeeze in some sightseeing on this private tour. With the flexibility to customize the tour to your own interests, you can be sure that you won't waste any of your precious time.
…More
From
$233.02
Price varies by group size
From
$233.02
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

Edinburgh City Tour (Half Day)
Edinburgh, the Capital city of Scotland & United Kingdom's second most popular tourist destination attraction.Our aim to provide a great service for the customer professionally. Every customer are very Special for us. We are care about your Health and Safety.
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.
…More
From
$249.66
per group
From
$249.66
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

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.
…More
From
$83.22
Price varies by group size
From
$83.22
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

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
…More
From
$12.29
From
$12.29
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Things to do near Edinburgh
- Things to do in Stirling
- Things to do in Glasgow
- Things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Things to do in Inverness
- Things to do in Middlesbrough
- Things to do in Belfast
- Things to do in York
- Things to do in Londonderry
- Things to do in Manchester
- Things to do in Liverpool
- Things to do in Birmingham
- Things to do in Cambridge
- Things to do in North East England
- Things to do in The Scottish Highlands
- Things to do in North West England