Tours/Edinburgh/Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min
Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min
5.0(81)Edinburgh1h 30min
VIATOR4.9(30)TRIPADVISOR5.0(51)
+7 photos
At a glance
Duration
1h 30min
Price from
$21 / person
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 81 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 8
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Meeting point
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.
There's no tour like it in Edinburgh! A walking tour specifically around the history of the coffee trade in Scotland.
Begin your journey at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, originally opened in 1688 and once frequented by Enlightenment thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume. Sip a freshly brewed cup from Edinburgh roaster Common Coffee as you explore the role of coffee houses in Scotland’s intellectual and social history.
From there, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of key historic sites tied to Edinburgh’s early coffee culture, revealing how coffee arrived in Scotland and how it helped shape conversation, commerce, and community in the capital.
Your tour ends with a second coffee at The Lost Close, an atmospheric underground vault hidden beneath the city and sealed for nearly 200 years after the Great Fire of 1824
Tour Options
Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min
Itinerary
Admission included45 min
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 and water available here.
45 min
The Old Town of Edinburgh has a rich history of coffee houses, we'll visit a few of the locations on a walk. For the first half of the tour, we will be outside exploring the closes and wynds, the narrow alleys of Edinbuurgh's Historic Old Town.
Most of the ancient coffee houses have long since perished, through fire or changing business, and we'll be hunting these down on our adventure.
Highlights
Access to The Lost Close, unique underground venue
Experienced Local Guide
Coffee and/or Tea
What's included
Included
Access to The Lost Close, unique underground venue
Experienced Local Guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Traveller Ratings
5.0
81 reviews
5
80
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour is strictly for adults. Children under 18 and infants under 1 year old cannot be accommodated.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min take?
Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min cost?
Prices start at $21 per person for this Edinburgh experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 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. . Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is strictly for adults. Children under 18 and infants under 1 year old cannot be accommodated.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(81)
9
929cocon
August 1, 2026
Great tour
We were welcomed nicely and the guide was enthousiastic to talk about the history of the place, which made me feel motivated to learn more about it. The guide in real marys kings close played his character very funny, which made tour more engaging.
Operator response
Thank you for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear that the warm welcome and enthusiastic storytelling helped bring Edinburgh's rich coffee history to life and sparked your curiosity to learn more. Creating engaging experiences through authentic stories is at the heart of what we do, so it's wonderful to know the characters and history made such a lasting impression. We hope to welcome you back soon for another journey through Edinburgh's fascinating past.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
L
lukemQ1524PF
July 12, 2026
Great experience, highly recommend!
We arrived for our tour and were greeted by Zander, and discovered that we were the only two signed up for the first tour of the day. Zander was an excellent tour guide, sharing lots of information about the Lost Close, the coffee history of Edinburgh (and about the delicious coffee provided). It was fascinating to learn about the ongoing excavation and research being done in the Lost Close - really glad we took this tour!!!
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that Zander made your visit such an enjoyable and personal experience, and that you had the opportunity to explore The Lost Close at a relaxed pace. The continuing excavation and research beneath Edinburgh's streets means there are always new stories waiting to be uncovered, making every visit part of an evolving journey into the city's past. We're also pleased you enjoyed the coffee, which pairs perfectly with a morning of hidden history and discovery.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
T
thomasmJ4971MD
July 9, 2026
Interesting history. Great coffee.
I attended the Coffee and Closes tour, booked via The Real Mary King's Close. The Lost Close was a great prelude to The Real Mary King's Close. Our guide Zander expertly took us through the history of the place, with a welcome dash of humour. Coffee was excellent too.
Operator response
Thank you, Thomas, for your lovely review. We're delighted that The Lost Close provided such an enjoyable introduction before your visit to Mary King's Close. Zander's passion for bringing Edinburgh's hidden stories to life, combined with a touch of humour, helps make each visit memorable. We're also pleased to hear the coffee hit the mark, proving that great stories and great coffee are a perfect pairing beneath the city's streets.
Slainte,
The Lost Close Team
S
sstignielsen
October 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!
Operator response
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed the tour and discovered some of Edinburgh’s hidden stories with us.
— Emilie, Marketing Manager
A
alexherbe
September 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.
Operator response
Vielen Dank für Ihr tolles Feedback! Es freut uns, dass Sarah Ihnen die Geschichte so spannend vermitteln konnte. – Emilie, Marketing Manager
Z
Zzabba
September 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.
Operator response
We’re so glad you enjoyed the session and found it both fun and informative. Thank you for your lovely review! – Emilie, Marketing Manager
D
Danielle_P
August 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!
Operator response
We’re so happy you had fun and learned a lot while laughing along the way! Thank you for your fantastic review. – Emilie, Marketing Manager
A
A2361QMemilyt
August 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!
Operator response
So happy you enjoyed the mix of stories, history, and coffee! It sounds like you truly embraced the whole experience.
– Emilie, Marketing Manager
G
GlobeTrotting598842
August 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!
Operator response
We're delighted you had such a great time! We’ll pass on your kind words to the team, and we hope to see you again soon for another memorable visit.
– Emilie, Marketing Manager
E
emmib605
July 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!
Operator response
We’re so happy you enjoyed the combination of history and hospitality! The Lost Close really is a special place, and we love when guests enjoy all the little touches — including the coffee. Thanks again for visiting and sharing your experience.
– Emilie, Marketing Manager
Compare similar tours in Edinburgh
Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
Small-Group Historic Coffee Tour in Edinburgh | 90min
