How to Plan Your Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

Are you planning a trip to the stunning city of Edinburgh? If you’re interested in uncovering hidden secrets and learning more about the fascinating history of Scotland’s capital, you won’t want to miss the Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. This incredible tour takes you beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh and deep into the city’s past, where you’ll explore the Real Mary King’s Close – the only preserved 17th-century street in Edinburgh. In this guide, we’ll show you how to book the tour, what to expect, and answer any questions you might have before embarking on this exciting journey into Edinburgh’s hidden history.

Booking Your Tour

Booking your Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile couldn’t be easier. The tour is run by GetYourGuide, one of the world’s leading travel agencies. Simply click the following link: book the tour here

What to Expect

The Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is a unique experience, giving you the opportunity to delve deep beneath the city’s busy streets and explore its fascinating history. From the moment you step into the Real Mary King’s Close, you’ll be transported back in time to over 400 years ago. You’ll follow in the footsteps of former residents and hear their real-life stories, uncovering the day-to-day lives of Edinburgh’s people from centuries past. The tour’s expert guide will reveal the secrets hidden within the close’s dark and winding streets, painting a vivid picture of life in the 17th century. It’s a fully guided tour, lasting around an hour, and a great opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience something truly unique.

Highlights

The Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is filled with fascinating, insightful and memorable highlights. Here are just a few:

Discover Edinburgh’s Only Preserved 17th-Century Street

As you explore the Real Mary King’s Close, you’ll see first-hand the incredible preservation efforts that have gone into keeping this unique piece of Edinburgh’s history alive. You’ll see the close’s original layout and be able to imagine what life might have been like for its former residents.

Follow Former Residents and Uncover Their Real Stories

The tour is led by expert guides who have studied the close’s history in depth, revealing the stories of former residents and what life was like for them living in this unique place.

Experience Over 400 Years of History

The Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is a journey back in time, revealing over 400 years of history through the close’s preserved streets and buildings.

Enjoy a 1-Hour Fully Guided Tour

The tour lasts around an hour and is led by expert guides who will bring the history of Edinburgh’s past to life.

Go on a Tour That is Voted Scotland’s Best Heritage Experience

The Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is an award-winning tour, voted Scotland’s Best Heritage Tourism Experience.

What’s Included

When you book your Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you’ll receive the following: – Entrance fee to the Real Mary King’s Close – The opportunity to explore one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems – Expert guided tour – A chance to learn about over 400 years of history Please note that food and drinks and photographs are not included in the tour.

What’s not Suitable

The Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is not recommended for the following: – Children under 5 years – People with claustrophobia – Wheelchair users

Book Your Tour Now

The Underground Guided Tour Beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is a must-visit if you’re interested in uncovering the hidden secrets of Edinburgh’s past. With expert guides and preserved buildings, you’ll be transported back in time to an age when Edinburgh was a very different place. Book your tour today to experience one of Edinburgh’s best-loved heritage experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and a city steeped in rich history, incredible architecture, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are always questions to be asked about this incredible city. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Edinburgh, along with helpful answers.

1. What’s the best time of year to visit Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh in terms of weather is during the summer months (June, July, and August), when temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C. During these months, there are many festivals, shows and events happening throughout the city. The most famous of these is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which takes place in August and is the world’s largest arts festival.

2. What are the must-see tourist attractions in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is full of incredible tourist attractions, including: – Edinburgh Castle: This iconic castle is perched on top of a rocky hill and has been a key part of Scotland’s history for centuries. – Royal Mile: This is one of the most famous streets in Edinburgh and is home to many historical buildings and shops. – Holyrood Palace: The official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. – Arthur’s Seat: A dormant volcano that sits on the edge of the city and offers incredible views of Edinburgh. – National Museum of Scotland: This museum is home to collections from Scotland’s history and culture.

3. What are the best areas to stay in Edinburgh?

There are many great areas to stay in Edinburgh, depending on your budget and preferences. – Old Town: This is the historic heart of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s home to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and many other tourist attractions. – New Town: This is the Georgian-era part of the city and is full of beautiful architecture and upscale shops. – Leith: This is a vibrant area that’s home to many great restaurants and bars, as well as the famous Royal Yacht Britannia.

4. Is it expensive to visit Edinburgh?

Edinburgh can be an expensive place to visit, especially during peak tourist season. However, there are many ways to save money, including: – Visiting free attractions, such as the Scottish National Gallery and the Museum of Childhood. – Eating at budget-friendly restaurants, such as pub grub or street food vendors. – Taking advantage of public transportation, such as buses or trams.

5. How do I get around Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a compact city and is easily walkable, especially in the city centre. However, there are many other transportation options as well, including: – Bus: Lothian Buses operates throughout the city, and there are also hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses available. – Tram: Edinburgh has a convenient tram system that runs from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre. – Taxi: There are many taxi companies in Edinburgh, and fares can be reasonable if shared between passengers.

6. What is the food like in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a vibrant food scene, with many international cuisines represented. However, there are also some traditional Scottish dishes that are worth trying, including: – Haggis: This is a savory pudding made from sheep organs, oatmeal, and spices. – Cullen skink: A soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. – Cullenbie: A smoked haddock pattie.

7. What is the weather like in Edinburgh?

The weather in Edinburgh can be unpredictable, with rain possible at any time of year. Summers are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C. Winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 7°C, and snow is possible.

8. What should I pack for a trip to Edinburgh?

It’s important to pack for the unpredictable weather in Edinburgh. Make sure to bring: – Layers of clothing, so you can add or remove clothing as needed. – Waterproof jacket and shoes, to protect against rain. – Warm clothing, including a coat and hat, for colder months. – Comfortable shoes for walking around the city.

9. How can I make the most of my time in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is full of incredible things to see and do. To make the most of your time, consider: – Booking a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the city. – Attending events and festivals, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. – Taking a day trip to nearby attractions, such as Stirling Castle or Loch Ness. – Trying the local food and drink, such as whisky and haggis.

10. What is the best way to experience Edinburgh’s culture?

Edinburgh has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many ways to experience it. Some of the best ways include: – Attending a live music or theatre performance. – Visiting museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Scotland or the Scottish National Gallery. – Exploring the city’s historical landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle or St Giles’ Cathedral. – Sampling local food and drink, such as whisky and Scottish ale.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Edinburgh: A Detailed Guide

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city with a rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. As a tourist, there are lots of things you can do in Edinburgh, from visiting historical sites to enjoying live music and festivals. In this guide, we will take you through how to spend your time as a tourist in Edinburgh.

1. Visit Edinburgh Castle

One of the must-see attractions in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle. The castle is situated on a hill overlooking the city, with a fascinating history dating back to the 12th century. Some of the things to see at the Edinburgh Castle include:

• The Crown Jewels of Scotland
• The One O’Clock Gun
• The Great Hall
• The Scottish National War Memorial
• The Royal Palace

2. Explore the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a famous street in Edinburgh that connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the Royal Mile, there are lots of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings to explore. Some of the things to see and do along the Royal Mile include:

• The Real Mary King’s Close
• The Museum of Edinburgh
• The Palace of Holyroodhouse
• The Scotch Whisky Experience
• St Giles’ Cathedral

3. Enjoy the View from Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is a peak in Holyrood Park, offering stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh city. The peak is about 251 meters high, and it takes about 30-45 minutes to hike to the top from the base of the hill. You can also access Arthur’s Seat from a car park located near the peak.

4. Visit the National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is a free museum situated in the heart of Edinburgh. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts from Scotland’s history, including the Lewis Chessmen, the Maiden, and Dolly the Sheep. Some of the galleries to explore at the National Museum of Scotland include:

• Natural World
• The Discoveries
• The Art, Design, and Fashion
• The Science and Technology

5. Go on a Ghost Tour

Edinburgh is a city with lots of ghostly tales and creepy history. Ghost tours are a popular way to explore some of the city’s haunted sites and learn about the spooky happenings that took place there. Some of the best ghost tours to try in Edinburgh include:

• The Edinburgh Ghost Tour
• The City of the Dead Tour
• The Witchery Tour
• The Mercat Tour

6. Watch a Live Show

Edinburgh is well known for its live shows and festivals. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh Book Festival, and the Edinburgh Jazz Festival. Some of the best venues to catch a live show in Edinburgh include:

• The Edinburgh Playhouse
• The Usher Hall
• The Royal Lyceum Theatre
• The Festival Theatre

7. Sample Scottish Food and Drink

Edinburgh is famous for its food and drink culture, and there are lots of delicious dishes and drinks to try while you are here. Some of the best Scottish foods to try include haggis, neeps, and tatties, Cullen skink, and cranachan. You can also try some of the famous Scotch whiskies, such as Glenfiddich, Talisker, and The Macallan. Some of the best places to try Scottish food and drink in Edinburgh include:

• The Scran and Scallie
• The Kitchin
• The Witchery by the Castle
• The Bow Bar

Book Your Tour Now

Edinburgh is a city that offers lots of activities for tourists. From historical sites to live shows, there is something for everyone. We hope this guide has given you some ideas on how to spend your time in Edinburgh. By following the tips we’ve provided, you are sure to have a memorable experience in this beautiful Scottish city.