The Real Mary King's Close — a 17th-century underground alley maze hidden beneath Edinburgh's Royal Mile, a medieval "ghost town" forgotten by time. When the Black Death ravaged the city in 1645, the entire street was bricked up and sealed, leaving 300 to 500 residents to die in despair in the darkness. In 1753, the City Chambers were built on top, burying the close underground for 250 years until it reopened to the public in 2003. Don a hood and follow costumed guides deep underground, touch the original 17th-century cobblestones, hear the life-and-death stories behind the plague doctor's beak mask, and explore Annie's room filled with hundreds of dolls — a one-day in-depth tour through Edinburgh's darkest and most moving chapter of history.
From the Heart of Midlothian at St Giles' Cathedral to the ghostly whispers of the underground close, step into the scene of Black Death life and death, savour traditional Scottish cuisine beside the old town alleys
Start your morning at St Giles' Cathedral, gazing up at its iconic Crown Spire, and step on the "Heart of Midlothian" set into the pavement — marking the site of Edinburgh's former gallows, where locals still spit as a curse against the executions of old. Gather at noon at the entrance to Mary King's Close opposite the cathedral, and follow a guide dressed in 17th-century costume deep underground — an alley maze buried and sealed beneath the City Chambers for 250 years. Touch the original 17th-century cobblestones, listen to the true story of plague doctor George Rae wearing his beak mask as he moved through sickrooms, and stand in Annie's room filled with dolls lining the walls and filling every corner — feeling the despair of a mother and the loneliness of a child during the Black Death. In the afternoon, stroll along the Royal Mile, exploring medieval closes and tartan workshops. As evening approaches, head to Greyfriars Kirkyard — not only the resting place of loyal Greyfriars Bobby, but also the most concentrated area of Edinburgh's underground ghost legends, providing the perfect end to a day of dark history exploration.
Just a 3-minute walk from Mary King's Close, the restaurant is named after the hundreds of witches burned alive in the 16th-17th centuries, commemorating this tragic history from the reign of James VI. The Gothic dark decor and candlelit atmosphere perfectly echo the underground close tour. Signature dishes include Scottish seafood platter, Angus steak and venison. Afternoon tea offers homemade cakes paired with salmon infused with Edinburgh gin. Average £20-£45 per person.
A historic pub on Lawnmarket, just a 2-minute walk from Mary King's Close. Named after Deacon Brodie, the "two-faced" man who was a respected craftsman by day and a burglar by night — the real-life inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde. Victorian wooden bar and open fireplace create an authentic Old Town atmosphere, with live bagpipe music every evening. Must-order Scottish smoked salmon platter and venison pie, paired with local craft ale. Average £15-£30 per person.
One of the key locations where J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series, a 5-minute walk from Mary King's Close. Window seats overlook the Old Town's slate rooftops — the corner where Rowling's manuscripts came to life. A perfect rest stop after the underground tour, must-order items include rich hot chocolate and Scottish cream tea. The bathroom walls are covered in graffiti messages from Harry Potter fans. Average £8-£15 per person.
A Michelin-starred restaurant on Canongate, a 3-minute walk from Mary King's Close. Owner Paul Wedgwood is renowned for using local wild ingredients — venison, pigeon and wild mushrooms transformed into creative dishes. The restaurant also offers a custom "Wild Foraging Experience" taking you to gather ingredients around Edinburgh. A fine dinner here after the underground tour is the perfect reward for a day of exploration. Average £20-£50 per person.