Edinburgh Coffee History: A Unique Walking Tour

Uncover the fascinating history of Scotland’s coffee trade on a small-group walking tour in Edinburgh. Visit original historic coffee houses, including an exclusive access to an 18th Century meeting point. Discover an underground section of the city not open to the public for 200 years!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The Lost Close - Events & Experiences - We have exclusive access to a hidden, underground space, which was once a coffee house dating back to the 18th century, used by prosecutors and pirates alike.
    For the second half of our tour, we’ll be exploring a series of underground rooms, where we’ll drink coffee and finish our tour. There are also toilets…
What's Included
  • Access to The Lost Close, unique underground venue
  • Experienced Local Guide
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

Experience a unique walking tour in Edinburgh, focused on the fascinating history of the coffee trade in Scotland.
Start your adventure at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, established in 1688 and once a favorite spot for Enlightenment figures like Adam Smith and David Hume. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup from local roaster Common Coffee while delving into the…

Location
John's Coffee House & Tavern
Parliament Square
The meeting point is OUTSIDE of John's Coffee House & Tavern. Just off the Royal Mile, behind St Giles Cathedral on Parliament Square. We'll head underground from there.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(78 Ratings)
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Sstignielsen
Oct 24, 2025
Secrets beyond coffee - I was an excellent and very educational tour led by a great tour guide. Highly recommended if you’re looking for some secrets about Edinburg!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexherbe
Sep 7, 2025
Coffee served fresh. - Very nice tour with a really dedicated guide, Sarah. Entertaining and informative. We learned a lot about the story that we didn't know before.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zzabba
Sep 7, 2025
How coffee came to Edinburgh - Informative and a lot of fun. Very worthwhile for coffee lovers and anyone interested in the history of coffee in Edinburgh.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielle_p
Aug 29, 2025
I loved this tour!! It... - I loved this tour!! It was very fun and the guide was sooo funny!! I learned so much about the history of coffee while laughing all along the way!! I would definitely recommend this tour! Great job and thanks for all the laughs!
Review provided by Viator
A2361qmemilyt
Aug 23, 2025
Incredible Coffee and History - This was by far one of the best things we did in Edinburgh! Our guide was funny, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. He told stories with genuinely funny jokes and a perfect amount of enthusiasm. It’s a short walk around the royal mile and a brief tour underground, learning history about both Edinburgh and coffee. Plus, you get two orders of coffee per person. The coffee is absolutely incredible, smooth and rich! Come for the coffee, stay for the stories!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Globetrotting598842
Aug 6, 2025
Absolutely a Must! - Not only were the stories intriguing and entertaining, the coffee was the BEST in the entire city! Very friendly friendly!
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Emmib605
Jul 31, 2025
An historical epic tour - The historical facts and anecdotes were very interesting. The tour guide made it very attractive. The lost close is an amazing place to see. And the coffee tastes delicious!
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Liv_h
Jul 24, 2025
Coffee in history, what could be better? - The tour guide was knowledgeable and engaging. The tour itself just helped to open my eyes to the beauty and history of Edinburgh.
Review provided by Viator
K7037lcab
Jul 22, 2025
Great tour with Nicky - Great and very interesting tour with Nicky, she knew so much, took questions and made a wonderful coffee. I had a lovely time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamesgm2564yc
Jul 18, 2025
The best guide at the Real Mary Kings Close. - My wife and I did the early morning coffee and The real Mary Kings Close tour. Sarah was professional, energetic and knowledgeable and Annabel at the real Mary Kings Close tour was one of the best guides I've ever seen and heard She was in character the whole time, spoke clearly and well, was humorous and professional. A true asset to the tour. Thankyou! James and Charissa. South Australia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $20
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).