5 Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city brimming with history, mystery, and fun - but with so many incredible things to see and do, deciding where to start can feel like a challenge.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor planning your perfect trip, we’ve put together a quick list of our top five fun things to do in Edinburgh. From blustery outdoor adventures to mind-bending indoor experiences, you’ll want to make sure these exciting activities are on your itinerary.
1. Immersive yourself in an Historical Escape Room at Escape The Past
Step back in time with an unforgettable escape room adventure at Escape The Past. See, touch and even smell old Edinburgh - vividly brought to life as you race against the clock to unravel a historical mystery.
Blending fascinating stories from the city’s past with ingenious puzzles and challenges, each of our experiences is designed to test your wits, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. It’s more than just a game — it’s a journey into history where you become part of the story.
Escape rooms are the perfect activity for families seeking a fun day out, friends who love a challenge, couples looking for a memorable date, or colleagues in search of a unique team-building experience. With options suitable for groups of 2 to 30 people, there’s something for everyone.
Rain or shine, Escape The Past is the ideal indoor adventure in Edinburgh. It’s a unique way to combine fun, history, and puzzles for a truly thrilling experience you’ll talk about long afterwards. Ready for your adventure? Book your immersive escape room experience at Escape The Past.
2. Summit an Extinct Volcano at Arthur's Seat
For an outdoor adventure that rewards you with unrivalled views, make your way up Arthur’s Seat. Standing 251 metres above sea level, this extinct volcano is the highest point in Edinburgh and provides a panoramic view of the entire city. The climb is relatively straightforward, with several routes suited to different fitness levels. Whether you choose a gentle meandering walk or a more direct ascent, the journey is worth every step.
Not every city can boast a former volcano at its core and Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park that surrounds it offer a chance to connect with nature in the middle of the city. The grassy slopes and rocky trails are a popular spot for picnics, photography, or simply soaking in the fresh Scottish air (wrap up warm on that front if it’s blowing a gale!). On clear days, the views stretch out to the Firth of Forth and beyond, giving you a whole new perspective on the city.
This iconic landmark is a must-do for anyone visiting Edinburgh. It’s the perfect blend of activity, natural beauty, and memorable sightseeing and for anyone who’s read or watched “One Day”.
3. Discover the Secrets of the Real Mary King's Close
Hidden beneath the Royal Mile lies one of Edinburgh’s most fascinating attractions: ‘The Real Mary King’s Close’. This historic site is a warren of underground streets and dwellings that were once bustling with life centuries ago. Today, guided tours bring these eerie, atmospheric spaces back to life with stories of plague, crime, and the real people who once lived here.
The experience is more than just a history lesson. It’s fun, immersive, dramatic, and tinged with spookiness, making it a great option for visitors who revel in the more mysterious side of Edinburgh. Storytelling guides will transport you back in time, weaving together fact and folklore in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the city’s past and maybe even a few goosebumps.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Edinburgh’s hidden secrets, Mary King’s Close offers a fun adventure beneath the city’s streets.
4. Get Lost in World of Illusions at Camera Obscura
For something more light-hearted and playful, make sure to stop by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Located near the top of the Royal Mile, this attraction is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits, mind-bending illusions, and quirky displays that delight visitors of all ages. From shrinking rooms and vortex tunnels to optical tricks and hands-on experiments, there’s something around every corner to amaze and amuse.
The highlight is, of course, the original Victorian ‘camera obscura’, which projects a live moving image of Edinburgh onto a viewing table. It’s a fascinating piece of technology that has been entertaining visitors for over 150 years. Add to that the rooftop terrace, which offers some of the best city views, and you’ve got a full experience that combines history, science, and pure fun.
Families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a fun day out will find this attraction hard to beat. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time while laughing, experimenting, and viewing Edinburgh in a completely new way (literally!).
5. Embark on an Outdoor Escape Room with Escape The Past
Take your puzzle-solving skills to Edinburgh’s cobbled streets with Escape The Past’s City Trails. Here, the city itself becomes your game board, filled with authentic historical sites and hidden mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
Armed with your map, a satchel, and its enigmatic contents, you’ll set off on a trail that leads you back in time, blending sightseeing with escape room–style challenges.
This isn’t your bland app-based scavenger hunt. The experience is tangible, expertly researched and beautifully presented, complete with unexpected twists to keep you guessing.
Perfect for families (ages 8+), groups of friends, or colleagues seeking a team adventure, City Trails are as flexible as they are fun. Set your own pace, pause for a coffee or photo stop along the route.
By the end of your journey, you’ll have uncovered fascinating stories, solved clever puzzles, and discovered hidden corners of Edinburgh you’d likely otherwise have walked straight past. It’s a sightseeing experience with a fun twist - giving you a whole new perspective on this fascinating city. Book your Outdoor Escape Room adventure.
Your Edinburgh Adventure Awaits…
From breathtaking hikes to historical mysteries and mind-bending illusions, Edinburgh is packed with activities that entertain, inspire, and thrill visitors of all ages, rain or shine.
But for an adventure that truly stands out - combining history, puzzles, and unforgettable fun - Escape The Past is the perfect place to start.
Whether experiencing our award-winning indoor escape rooms or venturing outdoors to follow a City Trail through the heart of the city, you won’t forget our experiences in a hurry.
Plan your visit to Escape The Past.
