Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Greyfriars is a sloping, unpaved cemetery in the middle of Edinburgh. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a map to find specific historic stones.
Getting there
Walking is the easiest way to arrive from the city center.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk: Walking from the Royal Mile, head south down George IV Bridge for about 5-10 minutes. | 10 minutes | Free | A very scenic and straightforward walk in the Old Town. |
| Bus: Take Lothian Buses (routes 23, 27, 41, etc.) to the George IV Bridge or Forrest Road stops. | 15 minutes from Princes Street | Around £2.00 per single journey | Contactless payment is accepted on all Lothian Buses. |
| Train: Arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station, then walk up the hill to the Old Town. | 15 minutes walk | The walk involves a fairly steep climb up from the station, so comfortable shoes are recommended. | |
| Tour: Join one of the many walking or ghost tours that include the kirkyard. | 1.5 to 2 hours | £15 - £25 | Some specific tours provide exclusive access to locked sections like the Covenanters' Prison. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
The site is open daily, generally from dawn to dusk. Visit during daylight hours in spring or summer if you want to read the headstones. Visit at dusk in autumn (September and October) for a darker atmosphere.
Ghost tours usually run in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures drop rapidly at night, so bring extra layers.
What to bring
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Do not rub the nose of the Greyfriars Bobby statue.
The oils on human hands wear away the historic bronze.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to explore the grounds.
A self-guided route to see the main highlights on your own schedule.
- Greyfriars Bobby
Stop at the statue on Candlemaker Row, then enter the gates to see his headstone.
- Harry Potter Graves
Walk to the western Flodden Wall to find Thomas Riddell and William McGonagall.
- Mortsafes
Examine the heavy iron cages designed to stop 19th-century grave robbers.
- Depart
Exit the kirkyard and continue into the Old Town.
Join a guide to hear legends and access the locked prison.
- Meet Guide
Meet your tour group in the Old Town (check your ticket for the exact spot).
- Enter Kirkyard
Listen to historical commentary about Edinburgh's dark past and executions.
- Covenanters' Prison
Step behind the locked gates to hear about the Mackenzie Poltergeist.
- Tour Ends
The tour concludes, often near the Mackenzie Mausoleum.
What to bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. The ground is 2.5 acres of uneven, unpaved grass and dirt. Bring a waterproof jacket and an umbrella, as Scottish weather changes quickly.
There are no restrooms or food facilities inside the cemetery. Bring your own water. If you visit in the evening, carry a small flashlight to read the graves, or rely on your smartphone's camera light.
Easiest way to do it
City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour in Edinburgh
1 h 30 min 4.7 (259)
- Local, expert guide
From$31per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long does it take to visit Greyfriars Kirkyard?
You can walk the main paths and see the famous graves in 30 to 45 minutes. Guided history and ghost tours usually last 1.5 to 2 hours.
Are there rules for visiting the graves?
Yes. Stay on designated paths to protect the grass. Do not climb, lean on, or deface any of the centuries-old gravestones. Keep noise to a minimum, as the Kirk is a functioning place of worship.
How do I find the Thomas Riddell grave?
The Thomas Riddell grave is located along the western Flodden Wall. Look for an area where the grass is worn away from heavy foot traffic, or use a downloaded grave map.