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Underground City of the Dead Tour

4.6 · 300 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 90% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Edinburgh Operated by City of the Dead Tours Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
1h 30m
Group
Shared tour
Guide languages
English
Start & pickup
20:00, 20:30 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
Instant confirmation · mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

Explore the underground tunnels known as 'Damnation Alley' through stories of life beneath Edinburgh's streets.

A guided walk is included; it runs in English only and the minimum age is twelve. 4.61 from 300 reviews at €27 per person for 1h 30m.

In our comparison: #26 of 28 in Ghost Tours & Vaults, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Price and inclusions

One price for every traveller: €27 per adult.

Included and not included

  • Local, expert guide
  • Transportation to/from attractions

Child prices by age band are shown at checkout. Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 1 October 2026.

Reviews

4.6
300 ratings
Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor

90% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 271 of 300

Star breakdown of all 300 ratings

5 stars
246 · 82%
4 stars
25 · 8%
3 stars
8 · 3%
2 stars
8 · 3%
1 star
13 · 4%

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the storytelling and vault atmosphere, but some feel there is little to see beyond empty rooms.

Praised

  • Engaging storytelling that blends Edinburgh's darker history with ghost tales
  • The vaults' dark, eerie atmosphere adds suspense to the stories
  • Guides use humour and theatrical delivery to hold the group's attention
  • Friendly guides who help guests feel comfortable during the scares

Complaints

  • Some find the tour insufficiently scary, while others leave feeling unsettled
  • Some find the acting excessive, while others enjoy the theatrical delivery
  • Little to look at beyond empty vaults, with much of the visit spent listening to stories
  • Meeting point directions can make the group hard to locate

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (20 May 2024 to 6 September 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
Tours leave from the tree on the pavement at the side of St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile. NOT THE FRONT! (The map has us on the wrong side of the church and we can't change it!) Please arrive at meeting point 10 minutes prior to departure. Please contact us if you're unable to join your tour. · Open in Google Maps
Departure
20:00, 20:30 on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun; scheduled through March 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
City of the Dead Tours; booking and payment are completed on Viator

Itinerary

About this tour, from the operator

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult

Accessibility

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Good to know

  • Age 12+ minimum age to join

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund

Compared with other Ghost Tours & Vaults

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #26 of 28€271h 30m4.61 (300)shared
Edinburgh - Dark History€222h4.96 (915)shared
Haunted Histories walking tour€221h 30m4.98 (211)shared
Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour€221h 10m4.9 (714)shared

Ranked #26 of 28 in Ghost Tours & Vaults by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €19 to €113, median €27; typical length 1h 30m. 1 of 28 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 28 Ghost Tours & Vaults

From €27 per adult