South Bridge Vaults, Underground chambers in Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland.
The South Bridge Vaults are underground chambers built beneath the streets of Edinburgh's Old Town. They contain around 120 rooms built into massive stone arches that extend for a considerable distance below ground.
Building started in 1785 as part of a bridge construction project, and the spaces first served merchants and craftspeople. Conditions worsened over time, leading to abandonment around 1820.
The vaults started as trading spaces but later became homes for people with little money. This shift shows how living conditions changed for many in Edinburgh as the city grew during the Industrial Revolution.
Access to the chambers is through guided tours that depart from locations near the city center. Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for cool, dark underground conditions.
During World War II, some sections served as air raid shelters for local residents. This hidden history shows how the spaces were repurposed during times of crisis.
Location: Edinburgh
Address: 30 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL, UK
Opening Hours: Monday 03:00-17:00; Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00
Phone: +441315574700
Website: http://auldreekietours.com
GPS coordinates: 55.94901,-3.18686
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:08
Edinburgh sits on volcanic rock, with its castle overlooking a medieval street that runs down to a royal palace. The Old Town preserves buildings from centuries past, while the New Town displays Georgian architecture in wide streets and elegant squares. Museums hold collections from Scottish...
Edinburgh Vaults
49 m
Old College
163 m
Tron Kirk
124 m
South Bridge
34 m
St Cecilia's Hall
27 m
Dovecot Studios
149 m
The Royal Oak
117 m
Edinburgh, South Bridge, Police Call Box
136 m
Edinburgh, 5-6 Chambers Street, Adam House
107 m
Lady Yester's Kirk
101 m
Russell Collection
23 m
Edinburgh, 16, 18, 20 Robertson's Close
95 m
Edinburgh, 16 Chambers Street, University Of Edinburgh, Women's Union
148 m
Chambers Street, Lamp Standard
112 m
Edinburgh, 9-10 Hunter Square
80 m
7, 8, 9 South Bridge, Edinburgh
87 m
Edinburgh, 1, 3, 5, 7 Blair Street
91 m
Edinburgh, 9, 11, 13, 15 Blair Street
79 m
Edinburgh, 3-4 Hunter Square
120 m
Secession Chapel, 13 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh
118 m
Edinburgh, 208-210 Cowgate
28 m
Edinburgh, 1, 2 And 3 South Bridge, The Bank Bar And Hotel
113 m
Edinburgh, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 And 59 South Bridge
144 m
Edinburgh, 29-31 North Bridge, Royal Bank Of Scotland
157 m
5, 7 And 9 Niddry Street, Edinburgh
101 m
Edinburgh, 179 High Street, Royal Bank Of Scotland
163 m
Edinburgh, 27 Blair Street
57 m
Edinburgh, 29 Blair Street
56 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes