About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I've spent a decade chasing high RevPAR and managing leads for luxury resorts, but sometimes the "polished" side of tourism feels like a total snooze. We're constantly told that "premium experiences" require white gloves and silence, but frankly, that's a load of rubbish. The Edinburgh Comedy Horror Ghost Bus is exactly the kind of disruptive product the industry needs more of. It mocks the stuffy, high-brow historical tours while actually delivering more engagement than a standard walking tour. It’s a bit cheeky, definitely dark, and reminds us that travel should be about stories—not just checking boxes on a map. If you're tired of the same old "on your left is a building from 1802" spiel, this is the pivot you need.
About the Tour
Step aboard a piece of living history—or perhaps, dying history. The Ghost Bus is a beautifully refurbished vintage double-decker, clad in a traditional midnight black livery that stands out even in the moody mists of Auld Reekie. Once part of the ill-fated Necropolis Bus Company fleet, this is the sole survivor of a mysterious 1967 fire that claimed every other vehicle in the line.
Inside, the atmosphere is thick with more than just spirits; the cabin is decked out with velvet curtains and flickering lamps that set the stage for a journey through Europe's most haunted city.
What to Expect on the Journey:
- A Masterclass in Macabre: This isn't your typical dry history lesson. You'll dive deep into the city's gruesome past, from the terrifying exploits of the body-snatchers Burke and Hare to the tragic tales of the hundreds of women executed as witches.
- The Sightseeing "Hits": While the stories are dark, the views are iconic. You’ll pass through the Old Town and New Town, catching glimpses of:
- Edinburgh Castle
- The Royal Mile
- Greyfriar's Kirk
- Holyrood Palace
- Grassmarket
- Theatrical Horror: The tour guides don't just recite facts; they perform. Expect a blend of comedy and "fright-seeing" that explores the sites of real-life murders, tortures, and executions.
This is a tour for those who prefer their history with a side of adrenaline and a healthy dose of cynicism toward the typical "tourist trap" fluff. It's weird, it's hilarious, and it's probably the most fun you can have in a graveyard-on-wheels.
Highlights
- Enjoy a comedy horror sightseeing show through Edinburgh
- Get spooked, learning about the most haunted city in Europe
- Explore city sights, where the restless spirits still wander
- Ride the midnight black Ghost Bus and learn about the legend of Burke and Hare
Know before you go
- Please note that the tours are conducted in English.
- The Ghost Bus can take no responsibility for items left on the bus. Personal items are carried at the owner's risk and The Ghost Bus can take no responsibility for items damaged or lost
- Smoking, eating, and drinks, other than bottled water, are not permitted on the bus.