The Real Mary King's Close
About
Buried beneath the Royal Mile lies a warren of 17th-century streets and homes that were sealed off and built over when the Royal Exchange (now the City Chambers) was constructed on top of them in 1753. The Real Mary King's Close takes you underground into these preserved spaces, where costumed guides tell the real stories of the people who lived and died here — from plague victims to merchants to a 17th-century seamstress. It's not a dungeon tour or a ghost walk (though it is genuinely atmospheric). The guides are engaging and knowledgeable, and the preservation of the original spaces — including rooms with their original fireplaces, walls, and even residual soot marks — is remarkable. You're walking through spaces that haven't seen daylight since the 18th century. Book in advance, especially during the Festival. Tours run every 15-20 minutes and last about an hour. The temperature underground is cool year-round, so bring a layer. Not ideal for very young children or anyone with mobility issues (there are steep stairs and uneven surfaces). It's one of Edinburgh's most unusual and memorable experiences.
https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/ 0131 225 0672
Tickets & Pricing
Adult £19.95, Child (5-15) £13.50, Under 5s free. Family tickets available. Book online for guaranteed entry.
Opening Times
Daily. Tours run every 15-20 mins. First tour 10:00, last tour 17:00 (varies seasonally). Extended hours in summer.
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