Does Edinburgh have an underground city?
Yes, Edinburgh has streets, vaults and tunnels beneath its surface, which are sometimes referred to as an underground city. Some of them are now popular tourist attractions, while others remain closed off and hidden from view. Here are some key underground locations in Edinburgh…
The Real Mary King’s Close
This historic site located below the Royal Mile was once a bustling network of streets filled with merchants and residents. Sealed off for 250 years, it was preserved beneath modern structures, and eventually excavated and opened to the public as a tourist attraction. At the Real Mary King’s Close, visitors can explore the narrow alleyways, homes and businesses of old Edinburgh and learn about the people who lived and worked there.
The Edinburgh Vaults
The Edinburgh Vaults are a series of chambers built in the late 18th century beneath South Bridge. Originally intended as storage and workshop spaces for businesses, the vaults were notorious for their dark and damp conditions. Over time, they became associated with illicit activities, such as smuggling and gambling. Today, these vaults are a popular attraction, with tour companies such as Mercat Tours and City of Edinburgh Tours offering guided experiences that delve into their dark history and spooky stories.
Edinburgh Dungeon
The Edinburgh Dungeon is not a real dungeon. It’s located in a former 19th-century warehouse basement on Market Street. But nevertheless, it is one of the most popular underground attractions in Edinburgh. This interactive walk-through tour brings Scotland’s dark history to life through immersive, theatrical experiences. With a combination of live performances and rides, it’s a fun way to learn about some of the most gruesome and gory parts of Scottish history.
Edinburgh Castle Prisons
If you want to see a real dungeon, you can visit the vaults below Edinburgh Castle, which were once used as Prisons of War. The conditions were notoriously harsh, with cramped, damp cells and poor ventilation. Many prisoners endured brutal treatment and some even attempted daring escapes. During a tour of the castle, you can view a recreation of the vaults as they would have looked around 1800.
Railway Tunnels
As sections of the rail network were decommissioned during the 19th and 20th centuries, several railway tunnels fell into disuse. Many of them now lie closed off and forgotten, such as the Scotland Street Tunnel, which ran beneath the New Town. At over a mile long, the tunnel was an engineering marvel of its time. It was abandoned in 1861, but you can still see its gated-off archway in George V Park. Other railway tunnels have been repurposed as walking paths and cycle ways. One notable example is the Colinton Tunnel in the southwest suburb of Colinton, which has been recently renovated with new lighting and brightly coloured murals.
Gilmerton Cove
Gilmerton Cove is a mysterious series of hand-carved underground chambers and passageways located beneath the Edinburgh suburb of Gilmerton. The origin and purpose of the cove remains unknown, although some speculate it may have been a secret club, drinking den or smuggler’s hideout. The chambers are intricately designed with stone benches, tables and various rooms. For many years, the cove was open as an attraction, but it is currently closed to visitors.
