Best Things to Do in Edinburgh in May 2026

There’s something stirring beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile… and this time, the world has noticed.

We’re thrilled to announce that The Real Mary King's Close has been named one of Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice® Best of the Best attractions for 2026, placing us among the top 1% of listings worldwide.

Not only that, but we’ve been ranked number 6 in the world.

Yes, really. Somewhere between the closes, candlelight, crooked alleyways and tales of plague doctors, Edinburgh’s hidden streets have climbed into the global tourism spotlight once again.

This latest recognition follows another landmark moment for the attraction in 2024, when The Real Mary King’s Close was crowned the UK’s best tourist attraction in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice® Best of the Best Awards.

For over two decades, we’ve invited visitors to step beneath the city and wander through the preserved streets and spaces frozen beneath the capital. Here, the echoes of Edinburgh’s past still linger in the shadows. Stories of merchants, maidservants, poets, criminals and everyday residents are brought vividly to life by our extraordinary team of storytellers.

And it seems those stories continue to leave their mark.

This recognition is based entirely on reviews from our guests across the world. More than 25,000 reviews have helped secure our place among some of the planet’s most celebrated visitor attractions, with visitors praising everything from the immersive atmosphere to the unforgettable guides who lead each tour beneath the city streets.

One recent guest described their visit as:

“A great and informative tour of underground Edinburgh… funny, entertaining, and full of gruesome details.”

We’ll take that as a compliment.

Since opening in 2003, we’ve welcomed millions of visitors underground to uncover the real stories of Edinburgh’s past. What began as an ambitious vision to reveal the hidden history beneath the Royal Mile has become one of the city’s most celebrated experiences.

Paul Nixon, General Manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said:

“Our attraction is truly unique. Being able to bring the centuries-old stories of Edinburgh’s dark past to life in such an engaging and fun way is a testament to our brilliant team of storytellers who capture the imagination of our guests.

To be continuously recognised as one of the top attractions in the world is a huge achievement. But the most important thing is knowing that our guests genuinely enjoy their time with us and will want to return.”

From spine-tingling tales to hidden corners of the city untouched by time, every visit underground offers something a little unexpected. Whether you’re joining us for the very first time or returning for another journey into Edinburgh’s hidden history, this award belongs as much to our guests as it does to us.

So, to everyone who has stepped down into the Close, left a review, shared a story, or recommended us to fellow travellers across the globe:

Thank you.

The closes are waiting.