The 5 Spookiest Places I Visited in Edinburgh

If you love a good ghost story or just enjoy that delicious shiver of history meeting the supernatural, Edinburgh is your perfect destination. Between its medieval closes, echoing vaults, and centuries of dark tales, the city is practically built on haunted ground. I recently returned from a trip to Scotland, and here are the five spine-tingling spots from its capital city, Edinburgh, that left the biggest impression on me.

1. Edinburgh Castle

Towering over the city atop volcanic Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle has seen everything including sieges, royal drama, even a ghostly piper who vanished while exploring the tunnels beneath. Some say his faint piping still echoes through the stone on stormy nights. With its dungeons and eerie silence after sunset, it’s no wonder this fortress is often called one of Scotland’s most haunted places.

2. Greyfriars Kirkyard (and Bobby, of course)

By day, it’s a peaceful place of loyalty and love, thanks to Greyfriars Bobby, the devoted little dog who watched over his master’s grave for 14 years. But when the sun sets, the cemetery’s darker side awakens. The restless spirit of “Bloody” George Mackenzie, who persecuted the Covenanters in the 1600s, is said to still roam his mausoleum, causing cold spots and even fainting spells among unlucky visitors. Beautiful? Absolutely. Haunted? Undeniably.

3. The South Bridge Vaults

Hidden deep below the city, these tunnels were once a bustling underworld of workshops, taverns, and eventually, slums. Over time, they became the stuff of nightmares — associated with crime, body snatching, and desperate lives lived in darkness. Stepping inside, you immediately feel the temperature drop. It’s not just the chill of the stone… it’s the feeling that you’re not alone.

4. Holyrood Palace and Abbey Ruins

At first glance, Holyrood Palace feels like pure royal splendor, but its halls hold secrets soaked in blood. In 1566, Mary, Queen of Scots watched in horror as her secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered by her jealous husband. His bloodstain still marks the floor of the chamber, impossible to scrub away even centuries later. (Can confirm. I saw it! But no photos are allowed indoors.) Outside, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey glow silver under the moonlight. 

5. The Grassmarket

Now one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, The Grassmarket was once the site of public hangings. One of the most famous victims was Maggie Dickson, condemned in 1724, who miraculously survived her own execution. After she revived on the way to her burial, the courts ruled she’d technically fulfilled her sentence and set her free. Her spirit is said to linger near the pubs that now bear her name. Raise a glass to Maggie, and maybe keep an eye on your reflection in the window.

Edinburgh’s beauty and its ghosts coexist perfectly. It’s a city where the past never quite lets go. Would I go back? In a heartbeat.

Kathleen Anckner - Travel Advisor

919-247-4573

kathleen@moderntravelpros.com