The Real Mary King's Close in Edinburgh: photos, reviews

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Top Choice Award

2025 Historical Buildings

Step back in time at The Real Mary King's Close in Edinburgh, where history comes alive beneath the city's bustling streets. Situated off The Royal Mile, this captivating attraction offers an informative and entertaining glimpse into Edinburgh's storied past. The guided tours, conducted by a team of witty and knowledgeable guides such as Ryan, Rachel, and Daisy, weave fascinating tales of the close's former residents, as well as legends and lore that have survived the centuries. Perfect for families, the 1-2 hour experience is designed to engage visitors of all ages, making history accessible and fun. With its impressive 4.5-star rating, it's an experience that promises to be both enlightening and memorable.

Recommended visit time

1-2 hours

Features

Suitable for children, Recommended buy tickets ahead

4.5

based on 17,952 reviews

Google

4.5/5 14,968 reviews

Facebook

4.6/5 2,984 reviews

steve5221

Our tour guide was captain Josh sparrow. The captain was very funny, bubbly and very informative. To discover how people lived in Edinburgh was very interesting. The poverty and squalor they endured and the horrible smells they lived amongst was astonishing. We even got to take a photo down the famous Mary kings close. Defo would recommend to anyone and well worth the money. The shop had some very interesting items to buy l, which we did.

andrew park

An excellent tour by Erin, our 400 year old guide.

Ksya Chanchikova

Unforgettable experience! We came with three kids (9, 13, 14) and they loved every moment. Our guide, Captain Josh Sparrow, was simply amazing – funny, super engaging, and full of energy, he kept everyone hooked and answered all questions. You can’t take photos inside, but honestly you don’t need to – the stories and atmosphere stay with you. 100% recommend!

What is the address of The Real Mary King's Close?
The Real Mary King's Close is located at 2 Warriston's Cl, EH1 1PG, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
How to get here by public transport?
The nearest public transport options provide quick and easy access:
- Bus stop Museum of Childhood (296 m walk)
- Bus stop Royal Mile Cashmere (163 m walk)
- Bus stop North Bridge (Stop NC) (314 m walk)
- Bus stop Chambers Street (301 m walk)
- Bus stop South Bridge (243 m walk)
How is The Real Mary King's Close rated by visitors?
The Real Mary King's Close has an average rating of 4.5 based on 17,952 reviews across platforms such as Google, Facebook.
Is it necessary to book tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets should be booked for The Real Mary King's Close online in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. This guarantees entry and avoids long queues.
How long should visitors plan to stay at the venue?
Visitors usually spend between 1 and 2 hours.

The Real Mary King's Close in Edinburgh

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Recommended visit time

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