Year: 2025

There’s something special about June in Edinburgh. The days stretch long into the evening, the city’s gardens burst into bloom, and there’s an energy in the air that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, summer in Scotland’s capital offers up a feast of festivals, markets, exhibitions and day …

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This June we are celebrating Pride Month. You can hear the real stories of Edinburgh’s former residents, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland. Here is an introduction to Robert Fergusson and Sophia Jex-Blake, who you will meet on our Pride History tours. Robert Fergusson Born in Edinburgh in 1750, the poet inspired the work of …

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In a city known for its ancient stories, The Real Mary King’s Close is making a little modern history of its own. We’ve just become the first attraction in Edinburgh to install self-service kiosks, making your journey into our hidden world smoother, speedier, and even more immersive. Innovation beneath the cobbles Tucked beneath the historic …

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This Pride History Month, we’re peeling back the layers of the past to uncover Edinburgh’s often-overlooked LGBTQIA+ stories. Our Pride History Tour at The Real Mary King’s Close takes you underground to meet the real people who challenged the norms, lived authentically, and left their mark on Scotland’s capital. Created with the support of LGBT …

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Step down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and you’ll find far more than just history beneath your feet. You’ll discover a treasure trove of independent gift shops, each bursting with charm, character, and curious finds. From sweet treats to Scottish gemstones, this historic street is home to some of the city’s most creative makers and merchants. At …

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The Plague. The Black Death. The Foul Pestilence. Whatever name you use, it remains one of the deadliest diseases in history. In the 17th century, Edinburgh was devastated by its 11th recorded outbreak, leaving thousands dead in just two years. The city’s attempts to control the disease ranged from plague doctors in beaked masks to …

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We are delighted to announce a record-breaking year for 2024 after welcoming over 282,000 guests underground to explore the hidden streets of Edinburgh. We welcomed 282,525 visitors from 159 countries, smashing the previous record set in 2023 by nearly 25,000, July was our busiest month in history, welcoming 32,517 guests. In 2024, we were also …

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