Edinburgh Dark History: Executions, Crime & Life in the Shadows

Edinburgh’s dark past is far more disturbing than the legends it inspired. From brutal public executions to poverty, body snatchers and murder, uncover the real stories hidden beneath the city’s streets.

Walk the streets where these events truly happened with a 5-star rated local guide. Hear the stories behind the myths, meet the people behind the crimes, and discover secrets most visitors never uncover.

On this dark history walk, explore Edinburgh’s most unsettling chapters — from the Grassmarket gallows to the infamous Burke & Hare murders.

Discover how executions became public spectacle, how poverty shaped life in the Cowgate, and how the city’s demand for anatomy led body snatchers to turn death into a trade — before Burke & Hare took it even further.

This is not a ghost tour. It’s the true story of a city shaped by inequality, disease, and rapid change — where progress often came at a human cost.

Along the route, we visit key locations including the Grassmarket, the Cowgate, Greyfriars Kirkyard and Old College, uncovering how death and survival were part of everyday life in Old Town Edinburgh.

⭐️ Ideal for those looking for a more authentic and thought-provoking experience

⭐️ Small groups for a more personal tour

By the end, you’ll see Edinburgh very differently.

Please note: some topics may not be suitable for very young children.