Edinburgh Vaults
Edinburgh Vaults is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Edinburgh audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~75 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~75 min
- Edinburgh Edinburgh guide
About Edinburgh Vaults
A mysterious network of underground chambers beneath the South Bridge, once home to tradesmen, the poor, and alleged criminals.
The Edinburgh Vaults are a series of chambers formed in the arches of the South Bridge, built in the 1780s. Originally used as workshops and storage, the vaults gradually became home to Edinburgh's poorest residents, and darker stories of body snatchers and criminals emerged. Sealed for nearly 200 years, the vaults were rediscovered in the 1980s and are now one of Edinburgh's most popular and atmospheric attractions.
Did you know? The vaults were sealed and completely forgotten for nearly 200 years before being rediscovered in the 1980s by former rugby player Norrie Rowan.
How long should you spend at Edinburgh Vaults?
Plan about ~75 min at Edinburgh Vaults. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Edinburgh Vaults worth visiting?
Edinburgh Vaults is one of the 26 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Edinburgh, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Edinburgh
Hear the story of Edinburgh Vaults
Preview the Edinburgh tour free in the Gingerguide app.