5 Unique Things to Do in Edinburgh
You’ve seen the Castle, walked the length of the Mile and probably even taken a selfie with a certain famous dog… But what about the side of Edinburgh that most visitors miss?
Scratch under the surface and you’ll discover Edinburgh is a city of layers (quite literally!). Below the classic tourist spots lies a city full of hidden stories, strange corners, and unforgettable experiences, just waiting to be uncovered.
If you’re the kind of visitor who wants to dig deeper and experience something different, this guide is for you. Here’s our pick of the most unique things to do in Edinburgh - off beat and off the beaten track - but always guaranteed to be fun, fascinating and just a little spooky!
1. Unlock the City’s Past with an Outdoor Escape Trail
Go beyond the usual walking tour and step back in time with Escape The Past’s outdoor escape room City Trails. These self-guided adventures transform the city’s historic streets into a puzzle-filled playground.
Learn about Edinburgh’s darkest past as you follow a trail of cryptic clues to reveal hidden stories that most tourists never hear, and secret corners the most visitors miss. Along the way you’ll visit real historical locations and solve beautifully crafted puzzles.
It’s the perfect mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and puzzle-solving - ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends who love exploring in a more unique and interactive way. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local rediscovering your city, these outdoor escape rooms will show you Edinburgh in a whole new light.
2. Descend into the Blair Street Underground Vaults
Edinburgh was long rumoured to have an underground city and while this is only partly true, there are fascinating subterranean depths to explore…
Just off the Royal Mile lies one of Edinburgh’s most haunting secrets - the Blair Street Underground Vaults. These eerie chambers were once home to tradesmen, taverns, and less savoury residents, and are now open for guided tours that mix history, folklore, and a touch of the supernatural.
Exploring the vaults is like stepping back into a forgotten world. You’ll hear stories of smugglers, body snatchers, and the city’s hidden underbelly, all while wandering through candlelit stone corridors. It’s an unforgettable experience.
You can find more details and book tours through a number of companies including Mercat Tours and City of The Dead.
3. Embark on a Literary Pub Tour
Edinburgh’s literary legacy is legendary - after all, this is the birthplace of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and J.K. Rowling’s wizarding works. But instead of just reading about these inimitable authors, why not raise a glass in their honour?
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour blends theatre, storytelling, and a good dose of humour as you follow two actor-guides through some of the city’s most historic pubs. Along the way, you’ll learn about Edinburgh’s literary greats while enjoying a pint or two in the very spots they once frequented.
It’s culture with character and a must-do for book lovers or anyone who enjoys a fun and unique night out.
4. Discover the Witchery by the Castle
Okay, this one is perhaps less obscure but still easily missed by most visitors! If you’re after something truly atmospheric and luxurious, step inside The Witchery by the Castle.
Hidden down a narrow lane at the top of the Royal Mile, this Gothic-style 5* hotel and restaurant is dripping with candlelight, ornate woodwork, and old-world charm. It feels like stepping into a scene from a Jacobean period drama.
While a room for the night is out of budget for most, a fine dining dinner here is an expensive but well worthwhile treat, and simply stopping by for a drink is an experience in itself. The ambience is unlike anywhere else in the city; dark, mysterious, elegant, and utterly unique.
Our tip is to forgo their more conventionally ornate ‘dining room’ in favour of a table in their subturanian ‘secret garden’. Learn more or book a table at The Witchery by the Castle.
5. Explore the Anatomical Museum
For something truly unusual, The University of Edinburgh’s Anatomy Museum is home to fascinating (and often macabre) artefacts. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the world of medical history and human anatomy, curated by an institution who were pivotal in it’s advancement in Scotland.
Among its exhibits, you’ll find skulls, skeletons, and preserved specimens - including the skeletal remains of William Burke of the infamous Burke and Hare duo. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a captivating insight into the city’s scientific and sometimes sinister past.
Visiting hours for the museum are somewhat limited so we strongly suggest checking the University of Edinburgh’s official website in advance. If it’s closed during your trip Surgeon’s Hall also offers a fascinating collection of medical museums.
Experience Edinburgh Differently
Edinburgh is a city of contrasts - the ancient and the modern, the beautiful and the macabre, the well-known and the hushedly secret. Beyond the picture postcard attractions, it’s unusual experiences such as thesethat truly capture the city’s soul.
If you’re searching for a way to see Edinburgh differently, Escape The Past’s City Trails offer the perfect balance of history, mystery, and adventure. Take the cobbled road less travelled and discover this unique way to step right into Edinburgh’s past...
Check out 'A Trail of Burke and Hare' to learn more
