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Edinburgh

The Real Mary King's Close

Discover the hidden history beneath Edinburgh's streets with guided tours.

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What it is

A historical tour through Edinburgh's preserved underground streets.

The Real Mary King's Close offers an opportunity to explore Edinburgh's hidden history through its preserved underground streets. Located at 2 Warriston's Close, this historical landmark provides guided walking tours that delve into the city's past, led by costumed guides. Visitors can expect an immersive experience, complete with tales of the people who once lived in these now-hidden streets.

Tourists often visit The Real Mary King's Close to gain a deeper understanding of Edinburgh's history, particularly the stories of its past residents. The attraction is known for its engaging tour guides, who bring history to life with their storytelling skills. This experience suits those interested in history, storytelling, and exploring unique aspects of the city.

This attraction is especially popular among visitors who enjoy learning about local history in an interactive way. The tours are designed to provide an educational yet entertaining experience, making it suitable for families and history enthusiasts alike. Booking in advance is recommended due to the popularity of the tours.

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Tickets

Ways to get in.

A woman in historical attire with pearl necklaces stands in a stone doorway, looking off to the side. The lighting is dim and warm.
Dimly lit narrow alley with stone walls, overhead clotheslines, and a sloping path leading to a dark doorway.
Person in historical attire walking with a lantern in a dimly lit room with framed portraits on a stone wall.
Dimly lit, rustic wooden room with exposed beams, stone walls, and warm lighting. No people are present.
A woman in a red skirt leads a small tour group in a dimly lit, narrow stone alley. The group listens attentively.

The Real Mary King's Close: Entry Ticket

Hear the real stories of Edinburgh's past residents underneath the city streets

Experience 400 years of history and discover the stories of your character guide during a 1-hour guided tour of historic Edinburgh. Imagine a warren of streets frozen in time, where centuries of stories are just waiting to be told. Discover authentic truths about Edinburgh's dark past, and find out what it was really like for the peop

Duration: 1 hora Free cancellation Guided in en Mobile ticket
Included* General admission * Multilingual audio-guide
from£28.50 See tickets

Sold by Tiqets. Prices checked on 20/08/2026.

The story

How it got here.

The Real Mary King's Close is a historical landmark in Edinburgh, offering a glimpse into life in the city centuries ago. The close, a type of narrow street, was named after Mary King, a prominent merchant who lived there in the 17th century. Over time, the area was built over, effectively preserving the streets and creating a time capsule of Edinburgh's past.

The site has become a popular attraction, allowing visitors to explore these preserved underground streets. Guided tours take visitors through various rooms and passageways, each with its own story and historical significance. The focus is on the everyday lives of those who lived there, including stories of the plague and other historical events.

Today, The Real Mary King's Close offers a unique opportunity to learn about Edinburgh's history in a setting that has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. It provides insight into the lives of past inhabitants, making it a valuable resource for understanding the city's historical development.

The visit

What you actually do.

Visitors to The Real Mary King's Close can expect a one-hour guided tour through the underground streets. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides in costume, who share stories and historical facts about the residents who once lived there. The experience is both educational and entertaining, with guides using humor and engaging storytelling to bring the past to life.

Photography is not allowed during the tour, which many visitors find enhances the immersive experience. Instead, guests can purchase photos taken during the tour from the gift shop, along with books and other memorabilia related to the history of the close. The tour is suitable for children and features wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

Tickets for The Real Mary King's Close tours can sell out quickly, so booking in advance is advisable. The tours run every day from 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM, offering flexibility for visitors. The site is centrally located, with several nearby dining options for those looking to explore the area further after their visit.

The tour includes a multilingual audio guide and covers 400 years of history in the heart of Edinburgh. It provides a comprehensive look at the city's underground past, with each space telling its own unique story. Visitors often leave with a newfound appreciation for Edinburgh's rich history and the lives of its past residents.

The Real Mary King's Close is a must-visit for those interested in history and the unique stories of Edinburgh's past. The combination of well-preserved historical sites and engaging storytelling makes it a standout experience in the city.

Before you go

Practical notes.

Book tickets in advance as tours often sell out.
Photography is not permitted during the tour.
The tour lasts approximately one hour.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available.
Tours run daily from 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
Consider visiting nearby restaurants after the tour.
The attraction is suitable for children.
Multilingual audio guides are included with the tour.

Opening hours

Monday8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Thursday8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Saturday8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Where it is

2 Warriston's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, UK

More things to do around here

Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.

Tours and activities ↗
The Real Mary King's Close
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Adam Smith Statue
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Luckenbooths
Luckenbooths 28 m walk · Restaurant
24 Royal Terrace
24 Royal Terrace 34 m walk · Coffee shop
Angels with Bagpipes
Angels with Bagpipes 38 m walk · British restaurant
Burgers and Beers Grillhouse
Burgers and Beers Grillhouse 46 m walk · Hamburger restaurant
South Bridge
South Bridge 249 m walk · Bus station
Boots Waverley Station
Boots Waverley Station 260 m walk · Bus station
South Bridge
South Bridge 281 m walk · Bus station
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland 287 m walk · Bus station
Questions people ask

Before you visit.

How do I get to The Real Mary King's Close?

The attraction is located at 2 Warriston's Close, Edinburgh. Nearby bus stations include South Bridge and Boots Waverley Station.

How long does the tour last?

The guided tour lasts approximately one hour.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yes, it is recommended to book tickets in advance as tours often sell out quickly.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes general admission and a multilingual audio guide.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, there are wheelchair-accessible restrooms available.

Can children attend the tour?

Yes, the tour is suitable for children.

Can I take photos during the tour?

No, photography is not permitted during the tour, but photos can be purchased afterward.

Are there places to eat nearby?

Yes, there are several dining options nearby, including Luckenbooths and Angels with Bagpipes.

What languages are the audio guides available in?

The tour includes a multilingual audio guide.

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