The Real Mary King's Close is one of Edinburgh's most fascinating attractions—a labyrinth of underground streets and spaces preserved beneath the Royal Mile. When the grand City Chambers was built above in 1753, these 17th-century closes were simply built over, leaving Edinburgh with a hidden layer of history waiting to be discovered.
On guided tours led by costumed storytellers, you'll walk through original buildings from 400 years ago—homes, shops, and taverns where generations of Edinburgh citizens lived and worked. The stories told here span the city's golden age and its darkest hours, including the devastating plague of 1645.
While myths about plague victims being sealed underground aren't true, the real history is equally compelling. From merchants like Mary King herself to the poorest residents crammed into tiny spaces, the closes reveal the stark realities of life in Edinburgh's Old Town before it became the city we know today.
What You'll Experience
Underground Streets
Walk through preserved 17th-century closes (alleyways) that were built over when the Royal Exchange was constructed above them in 1753.
Original Buildings
Enter actual homes and businesses from 400 years ago, preserved beneath the modern city. See original stone floors, fireplaces, and architectural details.
Annie's Room
The famous room where visitors leave toys for the ghost of a young plague victim named Annie. One of Edinburgh's most poignant spots.
Costumed Guides
Expert storytellers in period costume bring the past to life, playing characters who lived and worked in the closes centuries ago.
The Plague Story
Learn how the closes fared during Edinburgh's devastating plague outbreak of 1645 and the myths about sealed-up victims (spoiler: it's more complex than the legends suggest).
City Chambers Above
Your tour starts in the magnificent City Chambers, Edinburgh's city government headquarters, before descending into the historic closes beneath.
Annie's Room
The most famous spot in Mary King's Close is Annie's Room, a small chamber said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl named Annie. According to legend, Annie was abandoned during the plague and left to die alone.
A psychic visiting in 1992 claimed to sense a cold, frightened child searching for her lost doll. Since then, visitors have left thousands of toys, dolls, and gifts in the room for Annie's spirit—creating a poignant and slightly eerie memorial.
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there's something undeniably moving about this small room filled with offerings from visitors touched by the story. The toys are periodically donated to children's charities.
Myth vs Reality
Myth: The close was sealed up with plague victims inside
Reality: Not true! The closes were built over in 1753, over 100 years after the plague. Residents moved out normally when the Royal Exchange was constructed above.
Myth: Mary King was a woman who lived here
Reality: Mary King was indeed real - a merchant burgess who ran a successful business here in the early 1600s. The close was named after her.
Myth: The underground city is vast
Reality: The tour covers a small section of the original closes. Most of Edinburgh's Old Town was built on top of older buildings, but little remains accessible.
Visitor Tips
- ✓Book tickets online in advance - tours sell out
- ✓Arrive 15 minutes before your tour time
- ✓Wear comfortable shoes - surfaces are uneven
- ✓Bring a light layer - it's cool underground
- ✓Tours run every 15-20 minutes throughout the day
- ✓Last tours are usually around 5pm (varies seasonally)
- ✓No under 5s allowed due to safety concerns
- ✓Leave bags in lockers if possible
- ✓Tours run in English; check for other languages
- ✓Combine with exploring the Royal Mile above
Visitor Information
Tour Times
- Daily tours: 10am - 5pm (varies)
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Extended hours in summer/festivals
Ticket Prices
- Adults: £18-20
- Children (5-15): £12-14
- Under 5s: Not permitted
- Online discount: Sometimes available
Location
Entrance: 2 Warriston's Close, High Street (Royal Mile)
Look for: Sign on Royal Mile opposite St Giles' Cathedral
Inside: Edinburgh City Chambers
Important Notes
- Advance booking strongly recommended
- Not wheelchair accessible
- No photography during tour
- Cool underground - bring a layer
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Mary King's Close tickets?
Adult tickets cost approximately £18-20. Children (5-15) pay around £12-14. Under 5s cannot join the tour due to uneven surfaces and dark spaces. Book online for guaranteed times and sometimes discounted prices.
How long is the Mary King's Close tour?
Tours last approximately 1 hour. They run throughout the day, typically every 15-20 minutes. The entire experience including check-in and gift shop browsing takes about 1.5 hours.
Do I need to book Mary King's Close in advance?
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended. Tours are limited in size and popular times sell out, especially in summer and during festivals. Book online to guarantee your preferred time.
Is Mary King's Close scary?
It's atmospheric rather than frightening. The tour focuses on history rather than horror, though ghost stories are mentioned. Some areas are dark and enclosed. It's suitable for most visitors but might unsettle very young children.
Is Mary King's Close suitable for children?
Children must be 5+ to join the tour. It's engaging for older children interested in history, but involves an hour of walking and listening. Under 5s cannot participate due to safety considerations.
Is Mary King's Close wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the historic nature of the site means it's not wheelchair accessible. The tour involves stairs, uneven surfaces, and narrow passages. Contact the attraction directly for accessibility information.
Is Mary King's Close haunted?
Many visitors and staff report unexplained experiences, and it regularly features in lists of haunted places. Annie's Room is particularly associated with paranormal activity. Whether you believe depends on your perspective!
Can you take photos at Mary King's Close?
Photography is not permitted during the tour to preserve the atmosphere and allow guides to tell stories effectively. You can take photos in the entrance area and gift shop.