We all love a good bit of horror right? But there's no reason that all the jumpscares be limited to films. This city is full of creepy corners and unsettling underground vaults, and there's plenty of places to get your fix of the paranormal.
We've rounded up the very best haunted hotspots across the area, from tours of graveyards to sinister bus trips and ghostly pubs. So for your next fix of frights, check out these spooky things to do in Edinburgh.
Creepy Attractions In Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Professionals in the scaring game, the team at The Edinburgh Dungeon are sure to send a shiver down your spine. This 70-minute immersive experience uses live actors, spooky special effects and thrilling rides to bring more than 1,000 years of Scottish history to life, focusing on some of the more gory goings-on over the years.
You'll walk through the courtroom, a torture chamber, the Grassmarket Gallows and even the Edinburgh haunted vaults, among many other terrifying sites. Each of the ten locations has a dark past to it, from murders to witches' trials. You can nab tickets to this chilling experience for as little as £19 per person, and every second Friday they offer late-night sessions for those of you really after a fright.
Head here every second Friday for creepy things to do in Edinburgh at night.
Mercat Tours
Five-star company Mercat Tours delivers Edinburgh's secrets in a theatrical and fascinating way across their history and ghost tours. Pick one of the latter for a spooky day out, with four different options to choose from. They offer both daytime and evening sessions, with certain scarier tours reserved for adults only.
Prepare to hear some horrific tales from the city's past, as you venture through chilling locations like the Blair Street underground vaults and Canongate graveyard. You'll learn about everything from cannibals to deals with the devil from your expert guide, with prices starting from £22 and small groups guaranteed.
Book a spook-tacular experience with Mercat Tours.
The Real Mary King's Close
A favourite when it comes to dark tourism in Edinburgh, the Real Mary King's Close can be found on the Royal Mile. This eerie attraction involves an hour-long tour of these maze-like streets, led by a theatrical guide in character and costume.
You'll learn about more than 400 years of history, meeting individuals like a maid caught up in a murder in 1535, plague doctors and tragic poet Robert Fergusson. Prices start from £22.50 per person, or you can book an exclusive private tour for £425. What's more, you can calm your nerves in the on-site coffee shop afterwards.
Uncover Edinburgh's dark secrets on this mysterious tour.
City Of The Dead Tours
These award-winning tours are not for the fainthearted. City of the Dead Tours have been thoroughly researched and created by historical author Jan-Andrew Henderson, promising a terrifying experience in some seriously haunted locations. They're led by professional actors and historians, equal parts unnerving and entertaining.
They've been shortlisted for the prestigious Screamie Awards three times, as well as being named as the best Edinburgh ghost tour by Lonely Planet. There's even said to be a poltergeist called Mackenzie that haunts visitors. Choose between graveyards, South Bridge Vaults (known as Damnation Alley), and other historic destinations, setting you back £19 per person.
Watch out for poltergeist activity on these tours.
The Ghost Bus Tours
For a combination of comedy and horror, check out The Ghost Bus Tours. This scary road trip lasts roughly an hour and 15 minutes, taking you on a journey through all the city's top attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, The New Town, The Royal Mile and beyond.
This theatrical show will teach you all about the haunted history of some of these popular sites, with plenty of laughs thrown in along the way. Tickets cost just £19 per person, but seats are unreserved so make sure to arrive early to nab the best spot.
Hop on board this spooky ride.
Auld Reekie Tours
It's no secret that Edinburgh's vaults are pretty creepy, and Auld Reekie Tours offers you the chance to explore them in depth. These guys won the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award for 2024, thanks to their authentic experiences and knowledgeable guides.
Apart from adding in lights and safety features, these vaults have remained unaltered since the 1700s, and you can find out all about their eerie links to witchcraft and other paranormal activity. There are several different tour options, staring from £20 per person, with the chance to visit a graveyard too.
Could this be the most haunted place in Edinburgh?
Haunted Pubs In Edinburgh
If you're looking for an eerie outing that also involves a few pints, then why not set off on a crawl of Edinburgh's most haunted pubs. This historic city is full of buildings with a troubled past, and the spirits aren't just behind the bar at these boozers.
We've rounded up the top spots for a fright with your beer, including 17th century haunt The Last Drop where condemned prisoners had their last drink, as well as Tolbooth Tavern that's often been the site of ghost sightings. Check out the full list in our guide.
These boozers come with some of the best ghost stories in Edinburgh.
If you can't get enough of the scares, then you'll love our roundup of Halloween events. For all the latest, sign up to our newsletter.
