Edinburgh is known for its medieval streets, historic castles, and cultural festivals, but it also has a darker side. The city has long been associated with chilling ghost stories and unexplained paranormal activity. One of the most famous tales comes from the South Bridge Vaults, where visitors reported hearing whispers and footsteps in empty tunnels! Stories like these have made the city a hub for what is now called dark tourism, where travelers seek out eerie locations filled with supernatural legends. Are you ready for spooky ghost stories? Let us deep dive into the top 10 haunted places in Edinburgh to reveal the hidden haunted spots in the city.
Key Takeaways
- Edinburgh is considered one of the most haunted cities in Europe.
- Famous haunted places include Edinburgh Castle, Mary King’s Close, Greyfriars Kirkyard, South Bridge Vaults, Holyrood Palace, The Witchery by the Castle, Canongate Kirkyard, The Banshee Labyrinth, Calton Hill, and the Blair Street Vaults.
- Many haunted places in Edinburgh are open to the public, and paranormal reports range from ghostly apparitions to sudden cold spots.
- Dark tourism adds a unique and spooky layer to exploring Edinburgh.
The 10 Most Haunted Places in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s oldest landmarks, dating back to the 12th century. Legends tell of ghostly pipers disappearing into tunnels and soldiers marching through empty halls. Visitors often describe strange sounds and sudden chills, especially in the dungeons. The castle is open to the public and still attracts thousands of people daily. With its imposing stone walls and panoramic views, it is as fascinating for history lovers as it is for ghost hunters. Interested? Check out our guide to the top 5 castles in Edinburgh, and see for yourself if the other ones are also haunted or not!
The Real Mary King’s Close
Located beneath the Royal Mile, Mary King’s Close is a preserved 17th-century street. It was once home to plague victims who were quarantined here, giving rise to ghostly tales. Some visitors claim to feel unseen hands tugging at their clothes. The underground street is now a popular attraction where you can walk through narrow passages and dimly lit rooms. Its eerie atmosphere makes it a must for anyone interested in haunted places in Edinburgh.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
This graveyard is famous for the restless spirit of George Mackenzie, a lawyer from the 1600s. Reports of scratches, bruises, and fainting spells have made the Black Mausoleum notorious. Greyfriars is open to visitors who stroll among weathered tombstones surrounded by Gothic architecture. By day, it feels like a historic cemetery, but by night, it is one of the most unsettling spots in Edinburgh.
The South Bridge Vaults
Beneath the South Bridge lies a network of stone vaults built in the 1700s. Originally used for storage and workshops, they later became slums filled with crime and disease. Visitors today report whispers, shadows, and sudden drops in temperature. The vaults remain accessible with guided visits, showing damp stone corridors and dark chambers. It is considered one of the most haunted underground sites in the city.
Palace of Holyrood
Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, also has a haunted reputation. The spirit of Agnes Sampson, accused of witchcraft in the 1500s, is said to appear here. Witnesses describe her ghostly figure walking the palace grounds at night. Despite the spooky stories, the palace remains open for public tours, showcasing royal chambers and ornate halls. Its haunted legends add an eerie layer to its grandeur.
The Witchery by the Castle
This luxurious hotel and restaurant near the castle has an unsettling past. The site was once linked with witch trials during the 16th century. Guests have claimed to see ghostly apparitions and feel sudden cold spots while dining or staying overnight. Today, The Witchery is decorated in lavish Gothic style with candlelit rooms and rich tapestries. You can even stay overnight to experience the ghostly stories firsthand. It definitely still attracts visitors for both its fine dining and spooky reputation.
Canongate Kirkyard
Located at the lower end of the Royal Mile, Canongate Kirkyard is the final resting place for several notable figures. Stories tell of spirits wandering near the graves, including a mysterious woman in a grey cloak. Visitors can stroll through narrow paths lined with historic gravestones. There are multiple burial trails you can walk down while listening to podcasts explaining the background. The site remains peaceful in daylight, but its haunted reputation continues to draw those seeking ghostly encounters.
The Banshee Labyrinth
This bar on Niddry Street is said to be Scotland’s most haunted pub. It was built into old vaults where eerie activities have been reported. A famous story tells of a workman who saw a screaming woman vanish into thin air! The Banshee Labyrinth is now open to the public, offering drinks, live music, and cinema nights. Its dark rooms, deemed lights, and underground tunnels give it an unmistakable haunted charm. Their cave bar adds an extra layer of spookiness to visitors seeking paranormal experiences.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is best known for its monuments and panoramic views, yet it also has ghostly tales. The hill was once a site for public executions, and locals believe spirits still wander here. Visitors sometimes report ghostly figures near the old jail that once stood on the hill. Today it is a popular spot for walks and photography, offering both beauty and an eerie atmosphere.
Blair Street Vaults
Different from the South Bridge Vaults, the Blair Street Vaults have their own stories of haunting. Built in the 18th century, they were once used by traders but quickly fell into disrepair. Visitors describe sudden drops in temperature and unexplained shadows moving across the walls. The vaults are accessible through guided visits, where low ceilings and damp stone chambers add to the unsettling mood.
Conclusion
Edinburgh’s haunted locations reveal a city where history and ghostly legends intertwine. From castles and cemeteries to vaults and pubs, each site carries a story that still unsettles visitors today. If you want to experience these haunted places in Edinburgh with local ghost storytellers, join Amitylux’s private tour in Edinburgh. You can fully customize your journey to include the city’s most chilling spots and uncover the eerie past behind its historic streets!
Wondering about additional places to visit in Edinburgh? Here are our guides to the best hiking spots in Edinburgh, or where to get the best whisky in Edinburgh!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is paranormal activity in Edinburgh?
Paranormal activity in Edinburgh includes unexplained sounds, cold spots, ghostly apparitions, and physical sensations reported at historic sites like vaults and graveyards.
What is the ghost story in Edinburgh?
One of the most famous ghost stories is the Mackenzie Poltergeist in Greyfriars Kirkyard, where visitors report scratches and sudden fainting near the Black Mausoleum.
What is the most haunted pub in Edinburgh?
The Banshee Labyrinth is widely regarded as the most haunted pub in Edinburgh, with stories of ghostly figures and eerie sounds reported by staff and visitors.
What is dark tourism in Edinburgh?
Dark tourism in Edinburgh refers to visiting sites linked with ghost stories, executions, and witch trials, where travelers seek eerie experiences alongside historical insight.
