Quirky Things To Do In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a beautiful and historic city, steeped in culture and steeped in a rich and vibrant history. Located on the east coast of Scotland, it has been a popular destination for tourists for centuries, and its popularity continues to grow year on year. With its stunning architecture, world-renowned festivals and exciting events, Edinburgh has become one of the most popular cities in Scotland – and the world – to visit. With so much to see and do, there are plenty of quirky things to do in Edinburgh that you may not be aware of. From sightseeing tours to outdoor activities, theatre performances to historical attractions, there are plenty of fun and creative things to do in Edinburgh that can help make your trip even more memorable.

A Brief History of Edinburgh

Edinburgh has been a settlement since at least the 7th century, when it was known as ‘Edinbrugh’ – meaning ‘the fort of the rock’. By the early 12th century, it had become an important trading port and by the late 15th century, it had become a major inland trading centre. The city rapidly grew in size and importance, with the establishment of the University of Edinburgh in 1583, the signing of the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England in 1707, and the opening of the Forth and Clyde Canal in 1790.

Today, Edinburgh is a thriving city of over 500,000 people and is Scotland’s second largest city. It is renowned for its beautiful architecture, diverse culture and its iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the National Museum of Scotland. It is also home to a number of world-famous festivals including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Hogmanay celebrations.

Unique Activities in Edinburgh

For anyone looking for something a little different to do in Edinburgh, there are plenty of unique activities to choose from. Here are some of our favourites:

Visit the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

The Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a unique attraction located in the heart of Edinburgh. This historic building houses an interactive display of optical illusions, interactive exhibits and camera obscura effects. Visitors can explore five floors full of interactive exhibits, optical illusions, holograms, 3D art installations, talking robots, puzzles and more. This is a great activity for those looking for something a little different during their visit to Edinburgh.

Go on an Urban Adventure Tour

The Urban Adventure Tours offer an exciting way to explore the city. This two-hour tour takes visitors through some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems, from hidden alleyways to hidden courtyards. As well as exploring the most secret corners of the city, visitors will also learn about Edinburgh’s history and culture. This is a great way to discover a side to Edinburgh that many visitors miss out on.

Learn about Scotland’s Whiskey History

Scotland has a long and storied history with whiskey production, and you can learn all about it at The Scotch Whisky Experience. This interactive tour takes visitors on a journey through Scotland’s whiskey-making history, from production to tasting. There is also an interactive tasting room which allows visitors to sample a range of whiskies from around Scotland.

Visit the Real Mary King’s Close

Mary King’s Close is a unique underground street located beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. This historic street dates back to the 17th century and was once home to hundreds of people. Now it has been transformed into an interactive museum which allows visitors to explore its hidden secrets and history. The tour includes audio-visual presentations, interactive displays and costumed actors who bring the history of this hidden street to life.

Take a Ghost Tour

Edinburgh is said to be one of the most haunted cities in Europe, so what better way to explore its spooky side than with a ghost tour? There are several companies offering ghost tours in Edinburgh, all of which will take visitors on a journey through the city’s darkest tales and mysteries. These tours are great for those looking for something a little spooky during their visit.

Popular Tours

As well as unique activities, there are also plenty of popular tours that visitors can take part in while visiting Edinburgh. Here are two popular tours that you can book online:

Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour

The Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour takes visitors on a journey through centuries of Scottish history. This two-hour tour takes visitors through the history and legends surrounding one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks – Edinburgh Castle. Visitors can explore the grounds and discover hidden secrets as well as learning about the castle’s history from local guides.

Book an Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour here

Private Tour: Royal Yacht Britannia Cruise

The Royal Yacht Britannia Cruise offers an exclusive look at one of Britain’s most iconic ships – The Royal Yacht Britannia. This two-hour tour takes visitors on board the ship to explore its luxurious interiors and learn about its fascinating history. Visitors will also have an opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the ship’s deck as well as enjoying spectacular views of the River Forth from the decks.

Book a Private Tour: Royal Yacht Britannia Cruise here.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is an exciting city full of quirky activities and attractions that are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. From interactive museums to ghost tours, there are plenty of unique activities that visitors can take part in while exploring the city. There are also plenty of popular tours available which allow visitors to explore some of Edinburgh’s most famous sites in depth. Whether you’re looking for something unique or something more traditional, there is something for everyone in this historic city.