The Real Mary King's Close — Attraction in City of Edinburgh

"A Must-Visit Historical Experience in Edinburgh!"

I’ve visited The Real Mary King’s Close three times now, and each time has been just as thrilling and immersive as the first. I’ve brought family and friends along, and without fail, everyone has been absolutely captivated by the experience.

The actors are truly fantastic! They do an amazing job of bringing history to life, especially with their spine-chilling stories about the Great Plague that devastated Edinburgh. Their performances really set the tone, and they’ve got the perfect balance of spooky vibes and educational storytelling. It’s an eerie yet fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s dark past, making it a memorable experience.

The settings are perfectly recreated, giving you a real sense of what life was like in the 17th century. You walk through narrow, cobbled streets and small rooms that transport you back in time, while the haunting tales of the plague and the people who lived (and died) here really add to the atmosphere.

A few additional things I’d like to mention:

Ticket Prices: As of now, tickets generally cost around £20-£25 for adults, with discounts available for students, children, and seniors. It’s definitely worth the price, considering the quality of the tour and the time the actors and staff put into making the experience feel authentic and engaging. Duration of Tour: The guided tour lasts about 1 hour, which is the perfect amount of time to really immerse yourself in the history without feeling rushed. Accessibility: The site is underground, and there are some narrow passageways and stairs, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues, but they do provide helpful information on accessibility in advance. History: The Close dates back to the 16th century and is one of the best-preserved examples of Edinburgh's old streets. It was once a bustling, vibrant neighborhood before being sealed off in the 19th century. The place is steeped in history and is said to be one of the most haunted locations in the city, making it even more intriguing for fans of paranormal activity.

The staff are incredibly friendly and passionate about the history they’re sharing. They’re always ready to answer questions and give further insight into the history of the place. The whole experience, from start to finish, is just outstanding and truly brings Edinburgh’s hidden past to life.

Whether you're into history, spooky tales, or just want to experience something unique, I would highly recommend adding The Real Mary King's Close to your Edinburgh itinerary. It’s a must-see attraction that provides an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s fascinating and sometimes...

I don’t usually post reviews but I really need to let everyone who comes here know what they’re dealing with.

I bought a ticket for 11/06 at 11:45am and trust me, I was really looking forwards to this tour.

Unfortunately I was stuck in a meeting for work that ran late. As I don’t see any form of contact information on the email with my ticket, I figured I’d go in person to try and talk to someone as soon as I got out of the meeting.

Upon arriving at the address, I was welcomed by a very lovely lady, I explained my situation and she called her manager to see if it was possible to switch to another day/time.

MARTHA - the so called “interim manager” was TOTALLY rude, and asked if I tried to call them to let them know I was late. I said no because my phone doesn’t make calls because I am not from the UK. Plus there is no phone number or any form of contact information on the email. I kindly asked her almost in tears already if she was the manager she could do something about it, because 30 euros is A LOT of money for me. She simply replied in a very rude way ‘yeah I know it’s a lot of money I am from Poland’ Like what does that have to do with anything? I replied I am from South America, SHE doesn’t have an idea of how much money we are talking. I asked one more time if there wasn’t anything she could do, already in tears. She replied ‘you can buy another ticket’ and that’s it.

MARTHA if you’re reading this: I sincerely hope one day you’re the one in my shoes begging someone that has the power to do something for you, and they show you the same lack of kindness and empathy for you.

I don’t care how good this attraction is, I left the place crying because the manager clearly doesn’t know how to talk to clients and is just an awful person.

You guys are dealing with tourists, that make sacrifices to arrive in Edinburgh which is a city full of nice people, only to have a rude Polish lady that has no knowledge how to treat tourists with respect and dignity, and to run one of the main attractions in the city. You could have said no but the way you did, made me cry for a long time after I left this place.

Just an awful experience unfortunately, thanks Martha for...

This is a guided tour of some of the original structures in the Closes that are now located beneath the public market area. The tour provides access to an otherwise unavailable part of Edinburgh’s landmarks, which makes it a worthwhile excursion in my eyes.

Photos and video aren’t permitted during the tour, so there’s nothing to share as a preview. They do offer a purchasable ‘souvenir photo’, if you’re into that type of thing.

The setup in the waiting area seems to hint at multiple characters that are a part of the experience, but it is essentially just your tour guide playing a role, with no other players joining in for reenactment. That bit was a bit disappointing, not having a more fleshed out production.

Our guide, Sam(wise) was polished and enthusiastic, making the experience very enjoyable and as authentic as possible.

The tour itself was not physically demanding. There were some sections that required standing on a sloped incline/decline, or stepping over or through some high stone steps. It you’re able to make it to the location along the Royal Mile, the actual excursion shouldn’t be an issue.

Some of the rooms included a hidden mounted air conditioning unit (very required), but some of the tourists standing directly under it for longer durations looked a bit uncomfortable. Me, I was thankful not to be in another sweatbox.

For a hour-long guided tour, the price...