7 Unusual Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is way too interesting not to shake things up a little. Sure, it’s known for its historic Old Town, the Royal Mile, and being the inspiration behind the world of Harry Potter, but the city is so much more than that. There are tons of unusual things to do in Edinburgh that can turn up the dial of excitement of your trip. Check out these underrated sites off the beaten path—the cool, the quirky, and the fresh, new adventures.

NOTE: THIS POST HAS BEEN SPONSORED AND/OR CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THROUGH WHICH I EARN A COMMISSION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. SUPPORT A WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (LIKE MINE!) TODAY. (P.S. ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE MY OWN. OF COURSE.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS > Click to open

Where To Stay in Edinburgh

You’ll need a decent place to sleep in order to check off the most fun things and off beat attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland. I recommend the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel for its super convenient location and top-notch service.

The rooms are also nice and spacious, so you can feel free to sprawl away after a frenetic (but hopefully exciting) day of sightseeing. It is a bit pricier, but after enduring awful, rock-hard mattresses of cheaper hotels on my own trip… trust me. It’s worth it.

Warmly lit bar interior with orange tiled counter and matching leather bar stools lined up along the front. Large windows flood the space with natural light while shelves behind the bar display bottles, plants, and glassware. Cozy lounge seating with red armchairs sits nearby, creating a relaxed and stylish atmosphere.

Historic stone building with classical architecture and arched entrance framed by columns along a quiet street. Flags fly from the roof while cars are parked outside, and banners near the entrance read “Apex Hotels,” indicating the building’s current use.

Modern indoor spa pool with clear blue water and metal handrails leading into the shallow end. Soft lighting, skylights, and dark tiled walls create a calm atmosphere, while white lounge chairs and potted plants line the edges for relaxation.

Cozy loft-style bedroom with a sloped ceiling and warm wood paneling behind the bed. A neatly made bed sits beside a small workspace with a desk and chair, while a wall-mounted TV and framed flamingo artwork add modern decorative touches.

Wood-paneled sauna room with tiered bench seating and a heater filled with hot stones in the corner. Warm amber lighting highlights the natural wood walls and ceiling, while a small wooden bucket sits on the tiled floor for pouring water over the stones.

PHOTO CREDITS: APEX WATERLOO PLACE HOTEL VIA HOTELS.COM

PLANNING A TRIP TO EDINBURGH SOON?

Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans!

Popular Tours & Activities in Edinburgh:

Top Places to Stay in Edinburgh:

You Might Also Like These Global Debauchery Posts:

9 Best Places to Taste Test Whisky in Edinburgh (Coming soon!)
Edinburgh in One Day: Ancient Twists and Turns (Coming soon!)
8 Day Trips from Edinburgh without a Car for Shameless Fun (Coming soon!)

Unusual Things to Do in Edinburgh

Beyond the well-trodden paths of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle lies a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be discovered in Edinburgh.

Dean Village

This place is like a hand-painted postcard. It’s so damn picturesque, and I wouldn’t believe it was real if I hadn’t been there myself. The buildings have so much old-world charm, and overall it makes for a delightful stroll where you won’t be swamped by tourists from every angle.

Well, probably. When I went last, it was pretty tourist-free, but it’s steadily grown in popularity. I’d still recommend it, though, especially for an early-morning visit.

Address: 3 Hawthornbank Ln, Edinburgh EH4 3BH, United Kingdom (Dean Village Viewpoint)

Sunlit stone cottage with textured exterior walls and a sloped roof covered in weathered red tiles. A small window and wooden door sit beneath a bright blue sky, giving the building a rustic and charming countryside feel.

Ornate Celtic cross headstone with intricate carvings standing prominently in a sunlit graveyard. Surrounding it are rows of older gravestones and a leafless tree casting shadows across the green grass, creating a peaceful and historic atmosphere.

Charming cobblestone street lined with historic stone and brick houses, featuring a distinctive round turret with a مخروط roof on the corner. Warm sunlight highlights the textured buildings and chimneys under a bright blue sky, giving the street a quaint and picturesque feel.

Picturesque riverside scene with historic stone houses and steep red roofs overlooking a gently flowing stream. Lush greenery lines the water while sunlight illuminates the buildings and trees under a clear blue sky, creating a peaceful and storybook setting.

Cluster of historic stone buildings with steep red roofs and tall chimneys surrounding a central courtyard. A clock tower with a green-topped spire rises above the scene, while soft daylight and a partly cloudy sky highlight the warm tones of the architecture.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com, Mellissa de Oliveira

Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland literally makes land into art. And I don’t just mean run-of-the-mill landscaping and architecture. There are some seriously impressive and creative pieces on display, from gardens enclosed in a miniature castle-like fence to gravity-defying metalwork. This is an absolute must-visit if you love art or anything weird and out of the norm.

If you plan your trip right, it’s only open between May and September, and you might be able to enjoy one of its many events. They have themed events like “Dogs Love Art Too” and events featuring specific artists, like Lindsey Mendick’s Sh*tfaced event, which showed off many headless statues. (Sounds like a fun party, amiright?)

Address: The Steadings, Bonnington House, Wilkieston, Edinburgh EH27 8BY, United Kingdom

Reflective abstract sculpture outdoors covered with layered, brightly colored panels in shades of red, blue, yellow, and green. The mirrored surfaces distort the surrounding greenery while sunlight enhances the vivid colors and dynamic shapes.

Manicured landscape of rolling green grass mounds surrounding a long, narrow reflective pool. Trees and a bright sky with scattered clouds frame the scene, creating a serene and sculptural garden setting.

Large colorful abstract sculpture resembling a flower with curved green stems and layered petals in red, yellow, and pink. It stands in an open grassy field with a small tree nearby and rolling landscape in the distance under a bright sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: Geograph.org.uk CC BY-SA 2.0, Geograph.org.uk CC BY-SA 2.0, Allan Pollok-Morris, courtesy of Jupiter Artland WikiMedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Wild West Town

I know what you’re thinking. The Wild West? In Scotland?? This place is way off the typical walking tour track, ya’ll!

So, once upon a time, a furniture store built a Wild West town as an advertisement. Honestly, this should probably top the list of unusual things to do in Edinburgh, if only because you wouldn’t expect to find the American Frontier in Scotland.

It’s a bit of a ghost town now that the furniture store has gone out of business, but you can still check out the abandoned buildings and enjoy the novelty of an unexpected find in the middle of the UK.

Address: Morningside Rd, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4QG, United Kingdom

Rustic row of weathered buildings with mixed wood and stucco exteriors along a quiet street. Painted signage reads “JAIL” on the wooden wall and “CANTINA” above a recessed doorway, with smaller text on the door reading “FIRE DOOR KEEP CLEAR.”

Weathered wooden building exterior with large painted sign reading “ED NEWBEY’S GRAIN HORSES LIVERY.” A small shuttered window and metal chain hang on the wall, adding to the rustic, old-fashioned atmosphere.

Weathered wooden storefront with a rustic sign reading “Pueblo Pine Company Traditional Santa Fe Style Furniture In Of The American West.” A worn wooden door marked “14” sits below the sign beside a small window, giving the building an old western appearance.

PHOTO CREDIT: Magnus Hagdorn on FLICKR, WikiMedia, and WikiMedia, CC BY-SA 2.0

Stockbridge Sunday Market

Stockbridge is a pretty nice place to visit. It has a very down-to-earth feel and many great pubs and restaurants—the perfect place to grab a bite. And since it’s along the Water of Leith Walkway, you can enjoy some of that scene before your meal.

If you can manage it, try to plan your trip to catch the Sunday Market, which is open from 10 am until 5 pm every Sunday. There are so many different souvenirs, and it is absolute foodie heaven. It’s not really my scene, personally, but if you like to sample street foods, Stockbridge’s market is your chance!

Address: Saunders St, Edinburgh EH3 6TQ, United Kingdom

Busy street scene with historic stone buildings, including a clock tower with a pointed roof and a tall church spire nearby. Pedestrians gather on the sidewalk beside parked cars, while sunlight highlights the warm tones of the architecture under a partly cloudy sky.

Outdoor market stall filled with crusty artisan loaves stacked across a wooden table. A handwritten sign reads “PAIN AU LEVAIN (WHITE SOURDOUGH) 3.50” while a vendor hands bread to a customer under a canopy in the background.

Outdoor market with rows of white and yellow canopy tents set up along a cobblestone path covered in fallen leaves. Vendors and visitors gather around tables, including one with a banner reading “Bikes for Refugees Scotland” and a sign offering “FREE BIKE REPAIRS,” creating a lively community atmosphere.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com

Gladstone’s Land

Most people will tell you to stroll down the Royal Mile, and I agree with them. There’s loads to see—too much, in fact! You’ve got to narrow it down, or you’ll spend your whole trip window-shopping.

That being said, Gladstone’s Land is a solid stop and a real hidden gem along the Royal Mile. You’ll get a thrill from visiting somewhere a bit out of the norm. This 17th-century tenement building provides a glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants during the Renaissance period.

Guests can explore the restored rooms furnished with period-appropriate items on self-guided tours and learn about the daily lives of wealthy and working-class residents. Additionally, specialist guided tours are offered to explore different aspects of the building’s history and architecture.

Address: 477B Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT, United Kingdom

Black hanging sign mounted on a stone building reads “the National Trust for Scotland a place for everyone GLADSTONE’S LAND 1617 477b Lawnmarket.” Above it, a gold bird sculpture with wings spread is attached to the wall, adding a striking decorative detail.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kim Traynor, WikiMedia CC BY-SA 3.0

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Ever wondered what one of the oldest science museums in the world is like? Find out at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, which has been around for over 150 years. It all began with Maria Theresa Short, who opened the original Camera Obscura in 1835 atop Calton Hill. Originally a simple demonstration of optical illusions using sunlight and mirrors, it quickly became a popular attraction.

In 1853, the business moved to its current location on Castlehill, near the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Over the years, it evolved into the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, incorporating various captivating exhibits and interactive displays. This bad boy’s filled with telescopes, optical illusions, puzzles, mirror mazes, and a panoramic view from its rooftop observatory.

Tickets can be a bit pricey, but discounts are sometimes available. It’s truly one of Edinburgh’s best hidden gems – so don’t let the price of tickets deter you.

Address: 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, United Kingdom

Dark immersive corridor filled with repeating vertical pillars illuminated in deep blue light. Glowing light strips on the floor create zigzag patterns and reflections, giving the space a futuristic and maze-like appearance.

Immersive mirrored room filled with countless tiny lights in red, gold, and blue creating an endless star-like effect. Reflections stretch infinitely in every direction, forming a glowing tunnel that feels like walking through a galaxy.

Group of people standing close together shown in a thermal-style image with bright heat colors highlighting their faces and bodies. Warm tones like red and yellow contrast against cooler blues, creating a vivid, high-contrast effect that emphasizes body heat patterns.

Vivid tunnel with swirling rainbow-colored light patterns forming concentric circles around a narrow walkway. The illuminated path leads toward a doorway at the end, creating a mesmerizing and immersive optical illusion effect.

PHOTO CREDIT: WENDY, FLICKR, CC BY 2.0, WENDY, FLICKR, CC BY 2.0, GRAEME POW, FLICKR, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, GRAEME POW, FLICKR, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The People’s Story Museum

I’m not one who normally visits museums, but The People’s Story Museum has a pretty unusual concept. Instead of tackling big historical events or stuffy political figures, this museum focuses on the daily lives of regular folk in Edinburgh from the 18th century on.

The lives of “unimportant” people, i.e., the folk who make up most of society, aren’t easy to catalog, which only adds to the value this little spot offers. If you only visit one museum in Edinburgh, skip the National Museum of Scotland and come here instead.

Address: The Royal Mile, 163 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN, United Kingdom

Historic stone building with ornate details, featuring a turret and an overhanging clock mounted on the corner. A row of traditional buildings lines the street beneath a clear blue sky, highlighting the old-world architectural charm.

Decorative hanging sign reading “THE PEOPLE’S STORY” mounted on an ornate metal bracket. Above it, a sculpted figure in historical clothing holds up a rolled paper as if announcing news, set against a bright sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: Geograph.org.uk WIKIMEDIA CC BY-SA 3.0, Stefan2901 WIKIMEDIA CC BY-SA 2.0

Beyond What to Do in Edinburgh, Let Me Help You Plan an Epic Trip to Scotland

Boy, do I have more suggestions for epic things to do in Scotland!

As you plan your Scottish adventure, don’t miss the opportunity to spend a day exploring the historic streets of Edinburgh, indulging in whisky-tasting experiences, and embarking on day trips to nearby destinations, even without a car.

Beyond Edinburgh hidden gems, venture to Glasgow for its vibrant cultural scene, or head to Islay to taste Scotland’s finest whiskies. Consider visiting the Isle of Mull or the enchanting Isle of Skye for breathtaking landscapes.

With so much to explore, Scotland promises unforgettable memories at every turn.