About Edinburgh Vaults
Heritage background, architectural provenance & visitor guide
Edinburgh's Underground City
The Edinburgh Vaults (also known as the South Bridge Vaults) are a series of chambers formed in the nineteen arches of the South Bridge, completed in 1788. For around 30 years, they housed taverns, cobblers, and storage space, but they eventually became a damp, dark slum for the city's poorest residents and a hub for illicit activities.
"Walking through the cold, dark stone chambers feels like stepping back into the shadows of 18th-century Edinburgh."
Tours & Legends
Forgotten for over a century, the vaults were rediscovered in 1985. Today, they are accessible only by guided tour. Visitors can explore the spooky chambers, hear stories of the vaults' residents, and learn about the paranormal activity that makes it one of the most haunted places in Scotland.
Visitor Perspectives
Verified authentic traveler observations
“Incredibly atmospheric and spooky! Our guide was a fantastic storyteller who brought the history to life.”
“Very cool experience to walk underground. Quite dark and damp, but very historic.”
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