About this experience
Explore Edinburgh’s hidden history beneath the Royal Mile on a fully-guided tour of the Real Mary King's Close. Discover what it was like for the people who lived, worked, and died on the Close.
Highlights
- Follow former residents and uncover their real stories
- Experience over 400 years of history
- Discover Edinburgh's only preserved 17th-century street
- Enjoy a 1-hour fully guided tour
- Go on a tour that is voted Scotland's Best Heritage Experience
What's included
- Entrance fee to the Real Mary King's Close
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
Step down into Edinburgh’s hidden history at The Real Mary King’s Close, voted Scotland’s Best Heritage Tourism Experience. Discover over 400 years of history and learn about the intriguing stories of Edinburgh’s past residents.
From the deadly plague epidemic to a famous royal visitor, there is a myriad of tales just waiting to be told. Journey through time and find out why the Close, once open to the skies and bustling with trade, came to be underground.
An experience rooted in social history, this 1-hour character-guided tour also includes an immersive walk-through of the city’s uniquely preserved streets and spaces, all located underneath Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. Expect a truly unique glimpse into the city’s past.
Free audio and multimedia guides are available in multiple languages, including British Sign Language and International Sign Language. Download yours in advance to follow along during the tour.
Terms & conditions
• For health and safety reasons, children under 5 years old cannot be admitted. Children under 16 years old should be accompanied by an adult
• The Real Mary King's Close is unsuitable for wheelchair access
• Due to uneven surfaces and some steep inclines, sturdy footwear is recommended
• There are 58 steps to climb down and 38 to climb up as part of the tour
• Many areas are dimly lit, and some visitors may experience disorientation or claustrophobia
• Due to the site’s underground nature, visitors with asthma are advised to bring any medication/inhalers
• Visitors under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted
• Tour guides are equipped with a radio, so any visitor needing to leave may do so under escort from the duty manager
• No photography is permitted during the tour
To make your experience even more immersive, download one of our free audio and multimedia guides to follow along in one of ten languages (https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/audio-guides)