Mercat Tours

Tour operator · Old Town

1

@atlasobscura

"Construction on Edinburgh’s South Bridge was completed in 1788, and it soon became a bustling shopping street for those passing between the Old Town and the university. While crowds of people tramped atop the bridge, an underground world flourished in its shadows. The bridge’s 19 arches housed various vaults and chambers originally used by the businesses that lined it. Cobblers and smelters used the subterranean spaces as their workshops, merchants stored their excess goods out of sight, and even the pubs served patrons drinks in the lower-level chambers. But these legal businesses did not last long. In as early as 1795—not even a decade after the vaults opened—the shops began to abandon the vaults. The bridge hadn’t been properly sealed, leading to frequent flooding. The cold walls grew damp and musty, and insufficient ventilation made spending time in the dank chambers rather uncomfortable. Once the original businesses moved out, a seedier crowd took over. Brothels, gambling pubs, and unlicensed distilleries flourished within the labyrinthine spaces, tucked out of sight of the above-ground world. Its believed body snatchers even used the cool, dark vaults to store corpses. The rooms also served as housing for Edinburgh’s poorest residents, who crammed into the tight spaces. Entire families packed into the windowless chambers. There was no running water or sanitation, and disease ran rampant. It has been estimated that there were somewhere around 120 of these dank and dingy vaults. Each capable of holding up to 20-30 persons. This would have put the population living in these squalid conditions around an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 inhabitants. In the mid-19th century, the vaults were filled with rubble and sealed to displace those who dwelled within them. They remained forgotten until the 1980s, when the subterranean hub was accidentally rediscovered. Today, you can book a tour of the vaults and experience this once-forgotten part of Edinburgh’s history firsthand. You’ll traipse the uneven terrain, illuminated only by flickering candles and the occasional burst of light from a handheld torch. The vaults are rumored to be among the city’s most haunted spaces, adding to the unnerving atmosphere." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

These 10 Chilly Buildings Are Full of Seeds, Ice Samples, and Cheese
lrt228 (Atlas Obscura User)

28 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR, United Kingdom Get directions

mercattours.com
@mercattours

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

The Kitchin

Fine dining restaurant · North Leith

At The Kitchin, Tom Kitchin masterfully blends French techniques with Scotland's finest ingredients in a chic, whisky warehouse setting, making each meal a delightful culinary adventure.

5 Postcards

Teuchters

Pub · Dean

Teuchters is a cozy West End pub with rustic charm, offering a rich selection of ales and hearty Scottish bites, perfect for relaxed pints or game day excitement.

2 Postcards

Sherwood Guest House

Bed & breakfast · Prestonfield

Nestled in a charming Georgian terrace, this cozy B&B offers warm rooms, friendly Scottish hospitality, and an elegant dining room for a delightful stay.

0 Postcards

Eden Locke, George Street

Hotel · Dean

Nestled in a chic Georgian townhouse, Eden Locke offers hip suites with kitchenettes, a trendy cafe-bar, and a community vibe that elevates your Edinburgh stay.

4 Postcards

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Art gallery · Old Town

The National Gallery of Scotland, a stunning neoclassical gem in Edinburgh, boasts an impressive collection of Scottish and international art, making it a must-visit for culture lovers.

2 Postcards

Aesop

Beauty supply store · Stockbridge

Aesop offers a chic blend of high-end skincare and inviting design, where expert staff and natural materials create a welcoming shopping experience.

2 Postcards

239 The High Street

Gift shop · Portobello

Nestled along Portobello High Street, this charming gift shop is a haven for authentic Scottish treasures, from Harris Tweed footwear to quirky chocolates, all served with a warm smile by owner John Paul.

3 Postcards

Origin Coffee (South College Street)

Coffee shop · Old Town

Brew Lab, a trendy coffee haven near the University of Edinburgh, dazzles with meticulously crafted brews and artisanal bites in a vibrant, cozy setting.

6 Postcards

Studio Bizio

Art gallery · Canonmills

Studio Bizio is a charming framing haven where artistry meets expert consultation, transforming your art into a masterpiece with bespoke frames.

2 Postcards

MILK West End

Cafe · Viewforth

Nestled on Morrison Street, this cozy café offers a globally inspired menu with delightful brunch options, served in a charming minimalistic space.

0 Postcards