I’ve always been drawn to places with interesting and somewhat dark stories, and the Real Mary King’s Close tour in Edinburgh was one of those activities that lived up to the hype for me. I booked the tour because I wanted to understand the city beneath the streets – the old alleys, the people who lived there, and how life really was centuries ago. It’s one of those experiences that doesn’t rely on dramatic theatrics. It’s historical, grounded, and, in its own way, strangely moving.
One thing to keep in mind before I share more details: photos aren't allowed during the underground part of the tour, but they are allowed at the upstairs area and the gift shop.
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| photospot in the upstairs area |
What to Expect at the Real Mary King's Close Tour
When you arrive at Real Mary King’s Close, you start your visit in the building’s upper floors. This area provides context and introduces you to the history of Edinburgh’s Old Town and how the closes, or narrow alleyways, came to be covered over as the city expanded. You’ll see displays, maps, and information that set the stage for what you’re about to experience.
Then comes the part most visitors are there for: the actual underground tour. This is where you get to walk through the preserved close and into spaces that were once streets and homes. You get to hear stories of real people who lived here hundreds of years ago. Our guide shared accounts of daily life, burial practices, and the devastating outbreaks that changed Edinburgh. It was a bit spooky, but you'd feel the change in atmosphere as you move from light to dimly lit passages, which adds to the sense of stepping back in time.
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| cutaway model showing Edinburgh’s streets and the closes beneath |
Because photography isn’t allowed underground, you’re fully present, listening and absorbing the stories. It was a strange but effective way to experience the history.
How to Get to Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King’s Close tour is right off the Royal Mile, which makes it easy to include in a walking day around Edinburgh’s Old Town. If you’re already exploring the area – St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, Victoria Street – it’s just a short walk from all of them. Public buses that run along the Royal Mile also stop close by, so it’s accessible whether you’re walking or using public transport.
Because it’s in such a central area, once you’re in the vicinity of the Royal Mile, you’ll see signs pointing you toward the entrance. You enter from the street level and then proceed to the reception area upstairs before the tour starts.
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| entrance to the tour building |
Where to Get Tickets to the Real Mary King's Close Tour
Tickets for the Real Mary King’s Close Tour can be booked online, and I’d recommend doing that ahead of time, especially in peak tourist season. Tours run at regular intervals throughout the day, but they do sell out. There are also tickets available at the entrance, but queueing on the day can be unpredictable. When I visited, I had already booked my ticket weeks ahead with the confirmation saved on my phone. They check it at the reception before you’re led downstairs with your guide.
The Real Mary King’s Close tour is exactly the kind of activity that feels worth doing in Edinburgh. You’re hearing about real people who lived, worked, and struggled in these spaces, and that gives the tour a quiet weight.
If you’re curious about the real history of the Old Town and want to see beyond the surface, this tour is a must-do. It’s easy to fit into a day of exploring, and it adds a deeper layer to your Edinburgh visit that you won’t get just walking above ground.
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