The Atlas Obscura Guide To Edinburgh
173 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
Updated May 16, 2024
Unusual Attractions in Edinburgh
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Hidden Edinburgh
Crowds clog Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the main artery between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The road is dotted with stores selling Nessie trinkets and lined with bagpipers and street performers pulling off dazzling tricks. But look beyond the tartan tourist traps, and you’ll discover tucked-away gardens, remnants of the city’s medieval past, and much more.
![Look closely and wander widely: Parliament Square is full of charm.](https://img.atlasobscura.com/UkAipoIHA2BaHxJWEK6yEZivAPlFTAqu1T0-sx0bGyo/rs:fill:380:380:1/g:ce/q:81/sm:1/scp:1/ar:1/aHR0cHM6Ly9hdGxh/cy1kZXYuczMuYW1h/em9uYXdzLmNvbS91/cGxvYWRzL2l0aW5l/cmFyeV9wcmVzZW50/YXRpb25faW1hZ2Vz/LzcyYWEwZDg1LWVi/MDAtNDYwYi1iNDBm/LTJhMzZlMzJhMTlm/NTlhZmM1MDc3NTMy/OTM1OTMyOV9fUGFy/bGlhbWVudCBTcXVh/cmUgRWRpbmJ1cmdo/X2ltYWdlIGJ5IE1p/aGFlbGEgQm9kbG92/aWMgKDYpIGNvcHku/anBn.jpg)
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Recent Edinburgh Activity
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has been to Greyfriars Bobby
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has been to Library of Mistakes
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has been to Beltane Fire Festival
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wants to go to The Witches' Well
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has been to The Scotsman Steps