The Real Mary King's Close

The Real Mary King’s Close is one of Scotland’s most unique historic sites. It took its name from one Mary King, a merchant burgess who resided on the close in the 17th century. Due to the building of the Royal Exchange in the 18th century, the close was partially demolished and buried, and was later closed to the public for many years. The Real Mary King's Close now operates as a tourist attraction with guided tours. Beneath the famous Royal Mile, discover the hidden streets, homes and passageways where citizens of Edinburgh lived, worked and died in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Real Mary King's Close is Edinburgh’s only preserved 17th century street, featuring a labyrinth of Old Town alleyways. Tours in these subterranean chambers are led by guides in the character of real people who lived in the close. There are also souvenir shops and a courtyard café. Tours last one hour and are fully guided.

What's On @ The Real Mary King's Close

Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour

3 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026

Step down into Edinburgh’s darkest days Beneath the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile lies a hidden world frozen in time. Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour at The Real Mary King’s Close invites you to explore the grim reality of life during the city’s plague years, through an immersive, story-led guided experience. Set in 1645, when bubonic plague swept through Edinburgh, this tour reveals how ordinary people lived, worked and survived as disease tightened its grip on the city. Guided by a costumed character, you will journey through the underground streets and spaces of Mary King’s Close, uncovering true stories of fear, resilience and superstition. Along the way, you will encounter Edinburgh’s infamous plague doctor, learn about the dangerous work of the foul clengers who cleaned infected homes, and discover the unsettling medical practices of the 17th century. From beaked masks to brutal treatments, this experience separates myth from reality while bringing the past vividly to life. Atmospheric, informative and rooted in real history, Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour offers a deeper understanding of how disease shaped the city and the lives of those who lived beneath its streets.