(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

3,066 Reviews 4.81 out of 5 stars Based on 3,066 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 96% of reviewers
96% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Edinburgh, Scotland
Book online or call us
Chat now

from US$27.81 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends Image 1
Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends Image 2
Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends Image 3
Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends Image 4
Dark side Walking Tour of Edinburgh

Loading Options
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

See Edinburgh’s shady side. The gruesome and the glorious. The ghostly and the ghastly. This 2-hour tour is a wickedly entertaining walk on the wild and dark side of the Scottish capital. Explore the spots where murders, monsters and mayhem have become things of legend, and visit Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard, two of Edinburgh’s most chilling cemeteries. Throughout the tour, hear real-life tales of witches, body-snatchers, vampires, cannibals and more from your entertaining guide.

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1QS, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Royal Mile

Meet your guide on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, and then set off on foot to begin your walking tour of the city’s shade side. Edinburgh is crawling with odd activity, and there are tales of murderers, vampires, monsters and even cannibals that locals nervously recall to each other.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

North Bridge

Follow your guide through dark courtyards and eerie alleys, and hear spine-chilling stories of executions, murders, torture, ghosts and witchcraft. Then, make for the North Bridge, with its own formidable history, before climbing Calton Hill.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Calton Hill

Feel the hair on the back of your neck stand on end as your guide tells real-life tales of gore and gruesomeness, including stories about the witch trials that once took place here. Discover how the site is still used today for pagan rituals such as the Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival, and drink in 360-degree views of the city’s skyline.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Old Calton Burial Ground

Then, continue to the Old Calton Burial Ground, one of Edinburgh’s chilling cemeteries. See the imposing mausoleum that marks the final resting place of David Hume, who is said to have made a deal with the devil, and perhaps hear of the infamous body snatchers Burke and Hare.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Canongate Kirk

Alternatively, visit the Canongate Kirkyard cemetery, which dates back to the 17th century. Rest assured, there is no staged gimmickry, monster masks or made-up stories on this tour.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Old Town (Pass By)

After roughly two hours, your tour concludes at a local pub near the Royal Mile, where you can purchase a pint of beer or a dram of whisky to help cool your nerves after this entertaining and intriguing tour (own expense).
Read more
Show 4 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The independent guides who employ us to market their tours have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group
  • We unfortunately do not advise guests in wheelchairs to join the Dark Side Tour, due to the narrow stairways and steep hills. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-6785EDGHOST

Traveler Photos

See more
See more

Reviews

4.81
3,066 reviews

Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 3,066 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
2,715
4 stars
220
3 stars
69
2 stars
30
1 star
32

Loading Options
Edinburgh Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Private Loch Ness and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

Private Loch Ness and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

New To The Site!
 12 hours  Hotel pickup offered
from
US$1,139.09
From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Highlands & Hairy Coos
Likely to Sell Out

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Highlands & Hairy Coos

2
 11 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$78.41
Ghost Tour in Spanish

Ghost Tour in Spanish

147
 1 hour 15 minutes  Instant Confirmation
from
US$24.76
Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

149
 9 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$94.92

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included

631
 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$50.90
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

5,709
 12 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$82.54
Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
Likely to Sell Out

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

3,741
 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$50.90
Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh

Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh

1,188
 1 hour 20 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$28.89

Frequently Asked Questions (6)

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Professional guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The independent guides who employ us to market their tours have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group
  • We unfortunately do not advise guests in wheelchairs to join the Dark Side Tour, due to the narrow stairways and steep hills. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Lowest Price Guarantee

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

We Make It Easy!

Gather your information

Locate your City Boat Tours Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

Send it to us

Email [email protected] with the documents, your name, and your home address.

We'll review

We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • City Boat Tours promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Chat with us

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Concierge