If you only have one day to explore Edinburgh, one part of that day would best be spent taking a tour of the real Mary Kings Close. You'll get to see a preserved part of the old city that was built over when the streets were brought up and level to the Royal Mile, hear about the people who lived and worked there, see their living spaces and workshops, and see how the space has been used since the construction. You'll also hear about the ongoing process of study and preservation of this literal slice of history. You won't need your coat during the tour, as most of the spaces are heated. As for accessibility, unfortunately parts involve narrow stone stairs, low ceilings, and steep inclines. This is a site in active historical preservation, too, so you'll need to take care when moving through certain spaces to avoid damaging parts of them. If you can, I'd recommend keeping your bags at home/your hotel or with a nearby left luggage business.

I loved the tour!!! It’s a must go. Our guide was Sam, he was so funny and made our experience better. The stories are very interesting and to be there in person while the guide explains everything is even better. There’s a shop after it, with a lot of unique sells. You can’t take pictures in the tour itself but there’s a possibility to take a picture there (they take it) and you can buy the photo afterwards in the shop. Make sure you get there at least 10 minutes before the time scheduled.

a hidden underground street beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. It was sealed when newer buildings were constructed above it, which helped preserve the homes and rooms below. The guided tour explains how people lived during that time, including stories about the plague and daily life in old Edinburgh. The guide was knowledgeable and engaging, and walking through the dark, preserved spaces felt like stepping back in time. A must-visit for history lovers and anyone curious about Edinburgh’s past.

Great tour! It was very interesting and impressive to hear about the history of the close, and to walk through the actual remains. Our guide Sam was absolutely amazing. He was a great storyteller. Charismatic, and incredibly engaging. If you're in Edinburgh, don't skip this tour, it is 100% worth it!

Very interesting visit. Great insight on the past in Edinburgh. It is a guided tour. Our guide was Lorraine and she did a great. The tour is one hour tour. I went with my son almost 13 years old and it was not too scary. Definitely, a must visit in Edinburgh.