The Edinburgh Vaults are open 24 hours daily, but you can only visit them with a guided tour.
This means that the timings for your visit will depend on the guided tour you choose.
The average tour duration for Edinburgh Vaults is 1 to 2 hours.
Edinburgh Vaults Tour Hours
You can enter the Edinburgh Vaults only if you’ve booked a guided tour.
Edinburgh Vaults tours start in the morning and go up until late at night.
There are multiple Edinburgh Vaults guided tours to choose from.
Here are six guided tours with timings starting from 10 am and the last tour starting at 10 pm.
There are several tours to choose from when it comes to visiting Edinburgh Vaults. We’ve narrowed down some of the best Edinburgh Vaults tours for you!
Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour
This tour of the South Bridge or Edinburgh Vaults has visiting slots throughout the day.
You get to explore the deep, dark history of the vaults and also view the torture exhibition if you select that option.
Tour Hours
The slots for these tours start at 10 am, with a new slot every 30 minutes going up to 4.30 pm.
Then, slots are available for the evening tour at 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm.
The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour of Edinburgh Vaults
This tour of Edinburgh Vaults takes 75 minutes and begins past 6 in the evening.
Dive deep into the mystery of the vaults with your guide dressed up as a major historical figure from Scotland.
Tour Hours
This underground tour starts in the evening and has three slots.
The slots for this tour are at 6.10 pm, 6.45 pm and 7.45 pm.
Ghostly Underground Edinburgh Vaults Small-Group Tour
In this tour, get a tour of the Edinburgh Vaults by an award-winning guide.
It is a small group tour with a maximum of 6 participants.
You also get devices for an enhanced experience.
Tour Hours
This tour has five slots, depending on the date you choose for your visit.
It has one morning slot at 11 am.
The next slots are at 1 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm.
Late-Night Underground Edinburgh Vaults Terror Tour
The late-night terror tour is the best if you want the complete eerie experience of the Vaults.
The nighttime adds to the charm of Edinburgh Vaults.
Listen to ghost stories and learn about the dark past of the vaults.
Tour Hours
This is a late-night guided walking tour with only one slot at 10 pm.
Edinburgh Vaults Ghost Tour with Whisky
On this 2-hour underground tour of the South Bridge Vaults, you get a complimentary local drink towards the end of your tour.
The drink can be beer, whisky or a soft drink.
It is a small group tour that also provides headphones and talking devices.
Tour Hours
This is an evening tour with only one slot at 7 pm.
Edinburgh Vaults and Graveyard Tour
Experience the most extensive section of the Edinburgh Vaults in this tour of the Vaults and Canongate graveyard.
You will travel through this ancient city’s streets with your experienced guide.
Tour Hours
This graveyard and vaults tour is also an evening tour.
It has only one slot at 6.30 pm.
Best Time to Visit South Bridge Vaults
For the best experience at Edinburgh Vaults, visit during off-peak hours, like early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays.
Avoiding weekends and peak tourist times ensures a better exploration of the historic underground chamber.
If you want a more thrilling experience, you can book the evening or night tour, as the nighttime adds to the charm of this spooky place.
The slots for Edinburgh Vaults are limited and fill up fast. You can only enter the vaults with a guided tour. Make sure you book your tour in advance for your preferred slot.
Edinburgh Vaults Closing Days
The Edinburgh Vaults are closed on Christmas Day.
There may be other closing days due to certain events.
You can check out the availability when booking your Edinburgh Vaults tour.
FAQs
What are the opening hours of Edinburgh Vaults?
The Edinburgh Vaults or South Bridge Vaults are open 24 hours every day. However, you can only enter the Vaults with a guided tour.
What is the best time to visit Edinburgh Vaults?
The best time to visit the Vaults in Edinburgh is during the morning or afternoon off-peak hours. You can visit at night with a guided tour for the best spooky experience.
Can I enter the Edinburgh Vaults for free?
You can only enter the Vaults if you’ve booked a guided tour. We recommend booking a guided tour online in advance because the slots are limited and fill up quickly.
When are the Edinburgh Vaults closed?
The Edinburgh or South Bridge Vaults are not open on Christmas Day. There may also be closing on some other days due to certain events. You can check this out while booking your ticket.
What are the tour timings for Edinburgh Vaults?
The timing of your tour depends on the tour you pick for your visit. Multiple tours start from 10 am and go up to 10 pm. You can check out our handpicked selection of tours to make your visit hassle-free.