114 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Edinburgh - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

Mary King's Close

17th century streets hidden under Edinburgh were once a breeding ground for the black death.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

360° views of the city plus five floors of optical illusions and hands-on science.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Holyrood Abbey Ruins

Ruined 11th century abbey built by King David I in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh

One of the oldest scientific gardens in Britain, containing more than 13,302 plant species in its core collection.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The Witches' Well

The fountain marks the area where hundreds of accused witches were burned at the stake.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Gilmerton Cove

This series of Scottish caves has no clear purpose other than baffling historians.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Burke & Hare Murder Dolls

Tiny effigies of the victims of Edinburgh's famous Anatomy Murders.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Old Calton Cemetery

A 18th century graveyard and its astonishing cortege of macabre iconography.

See All 114 Things to Do in Edinburgh See All 114 Places

Unique Food & Drink in Edinburgh

Pinch 'n' Sip

At a subterranean Edinburgh bar, drinkers can assemble their cocktails via kitschy claw machine.

Fried Haggis

Scotland's beloved traditional dish is deep-fried and served up fast-food style.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Inside the Fringe: Festival Season in Edinburgh

Experience the world's premiere performance festival as an Edinburgh insider.

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Glasgow City Chambers' Staircase	4 October 9, 2019	1145	October 9, 2019
Paisley Abbey's 'Alien' Gargoyle	2 November 1, 2019	1581	November 1, 2019
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Stories About Edinburgh

One of Darwin's finches in the Galapagos.

The Extraordinary Life of the Freed Slave Who Taught Darwin Taxidermy

John Edmonstone was a mentor to the budding teenage naturalist.

by Sabrina Imbler

"The Anatomist overtaken by the Watch carry'ng off Miss W in a hamper." William Austin, 1773.

A Beginner's Guide to Body Snatching

Where to go for an education in grave robbery, the grisliest chapter in medical history.

by Molly McBride Jacobson

January 26, 2017