The Real Mary King’s Close

The Real Mary King’s Close discover

Guided visit of the preserved rooms and buried alleyways beneath the City Chambers – Edinburgh’s 17th-century everyday history.

Beneath the City Chambers lie preserved rooms and sections of alleys that bring early modern, densely built Edinburgh to life. The name commemorates Mary King, a 17th-century merchant. The site is not simply an unchanged medieval street network: the construction of the Royal Exchange from 1753 onwards altered and built over older structures.

Today's visit is a guided tour lasting about an hour and not a freely accessible passageway. The historic rooms are narrow and dark in places; the operator notes numerous stairs and rules out wheelchair access for the underground route. Ghost stories are part of local folklore and tourism storytelling, not verified historical events.

What to Expect

• Preserved historic interiors
• Covered alley layout
• Daily life in the 17th century
• Guided interpretation

Plan Your Visit

Location

Beneath today’s City Chambers.

Last name

Named after the merchant Mary King.

History

Built over by the Royal Exchange from 1753 onwards.

Visit

Opened as a visitor attraction in 2003; standard tour lasts about an hour.

Access

Only as part of guided tours; check times with the operator

Tips for Your Visit

• Book a guided slot in advance; not an open-access alleyway.
• 58 steps down and 38 steps up; no wheelchair access on the tour.
• Photography and filming are prohibited during the tour; German audio guides are available.

Here You’ll Find The Real Mary King’s Close

2 Warriston’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 1PG