Auld Reekie Tours offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and captivating stories of Edinburgh through guided walking tours. With knowledgeable guides, the tours delve into the city's past, including its infamous ghost stories and historical landmarks. Visitors can experience the charm of Edinburgh as they traverse its cobbled streets, listen to tales of its dark history, and discover hidden gems that showcase the city's fascinating heritage. Auld Reekie Tours is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in Edinburgh's culture and lore.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Engaging Storytelling Guides are frequently praised for their engaging storytelling abilities, making the tour both informative and entertaining.
- Knowledgeable Guides Guides are well-versed in Edinburgh's history, providing interesting details and answering questions effectively.
- Manageable Duration Lasting about an hour, the tour is a good fit for those seeking a shorter activity, especially after extensive city walking.
- Unique Vaults Experience This tour provides access to underground vaults, offering a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's history that is not accessible otherwise.
- Varied Tour Options With options like Terror Tours and Vaults & Graveyard Tours, visitors can select an experience that aligns with their interests.
Criticised
- Limited Above-Ground Time Some tours spend a relatively short amount of time above ground, potentially missing out on other historical sites.
- Price Concerns The cost of the tour can be a sticking point, especially when currency conversion is involved.
- Spookiness Level While marketed as a 'Terror Tour', some may find it not particularly scary, especially those over 18.
- Stair Access The vaults require navigating a number of steps, which may present challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
- Vault Similarity Some visitors find the vaults repetitive, lacking unique features in each chamber.
The longer read
Auld Reekie Tours receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly for its engaging and knowledgeable guides. Many reviewers specifically mention guides by name (Darren, Ally, James, Jordan, Rachel, Lisa, Louisa, Daryl, Claudia), praising their storytelling abilities, humor, and ability to create a spooky atmosphere. These guides are adept at sharing Edinburgh's history in an entertaining way, even for those who might be easily frightened. The tours are considered a great way to learn about the darker aspects of Edinburgh's past, including witch hunts, torture, and the lives of people who lived in the vaults. Many reviewers appreciate the guides' willingness to answer questions and engage in conversation. Tours like the Vaults and Graveyard tour and the Terror Tour are specifically mentioned as being well-received. The vaults themselves are a key attraction, offering a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's underground history. While some reviewers note that the vaults can be similar in appearance, the guides' stories bring them to life. The tours are generally considered to be a good value, especially for those interested in ghost stories and the supernatural. Some reviewers even report taking photos with unexplained apparitions. The tours are suitable for adults and teenagers, with a good balance of humor and historical information. The length of the tour (approximately one hour for some tours) is appreciated by those who prefer a shorter experience. The pace of the tour is manageable, even for those with mobility issues, although the vaults do require navigating a number of steps. Auld Reekie Tours distinguishes itself by providing access to underground vaults that are not accessible through other tours. A few reviewers suggest that there are better underground tours (such as The Real Mary Kings Close) if you are looking for more substance. However, if you are looking for an entertaining and spooky experience with a great storyteller, Auld Reekie Tours is a great choice. Many recommend booking in advance, as the tours can be popular. The Harry Potter inspired tour with Claudia is also a highlight for those interested in the connection between Edinburgh and the famous books.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 557 4700
- Website
- auldreekietours.com
| Mon | 10:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.6 across the 173 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Edinburgh Castle.
Still deciding?
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Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.