Edinburgh often wears two faces. By day you’ll see grand architecture and a long history, but after dark the city’s mood changes — which is why locals sometimes call it The Jekyll & Hyde City. This walk explores that darker side, moving through the streets as the guides tell the city’s grimmer stories.
You will hear about murderers, thieves and cannibals, and about hangings and decapitations. The tour covers witches, the Plague and even accounts of streams of human waste. Along the way, you’ll learn about some of Edinburgh’s most notorious citizens and how the ghost stories and legends people tell today were born. This is not a ghost tour: there are no costumes or people jumping out from around corners. The city’s own dark history will be enough to make your skin crawl, and the guides love to share these chilling tales with visitors.
Why visit
- Live local guide revealing Edinburgh's darker history and notorious characters
- Tales of murderers, thieves, cannibals, hangings and decapitations
- Accounts of witches, the Plague and streams of human waste
- Costume-free tour focusing on historical facts rather than staged scares
What's included
- In-person guide
Accessibility
- Transport is wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Accessible to pushchairs/prams
- Service animals welcome
- Public transport links nearby
Tour available in your selected language
Additional information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please bring your ticket with you to the attraction.
Be aware that operators may cancel for unforeseen reasons.
You need to be 18 years or older to book. Children must be accompanied by an adult.