Edinburgh is a city of contrasts, where the ancient and modern blend seamlessly. From its historic buildings and winding streets to its vibrant arts scene and lively nightlife, there is something for everyone. As well as the the city’s famous landmarks and tourist hotspots, lies a treasure trove of hidden gems and unique experiences waiting to be discovered. Here’s our list of unique things to do and hidden gems in Edinburgh:
1. Dunbar's Close Garden
Hidden gems in Edinburgh city centre
Discover Dunbar’s Close, a hidden gem tucked within Edinburgh’s Old Town. This serene oasis offers a tranquil escape from the bustling Royal Mile. Immerse yourself in its manicured gardens, and captivating views. Don’t miss this enchanting sanctuary on your Edinburgh adventure.
You could spend hours exploring the alleys that branch off form cobbled streets of the Royal Mile – it could be a day’s activity in itself – The Real Mary King’s Close is another Close you could visit.
2. The Ross Fountain
Hidden gems in Edinburgh city centre
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of the Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens. This captivating centerpiece mesmerises with its intricate design and graceful water jets. Discover tranquillity amidst the bustling city as you witness the fountain’s soothing display. Don’t miss the magical allure of the Ross Fountain during your visit to Princes Street Gardens.
3. Edinburgh Castle
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
No list would be complete without the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Perched high above the city’s skyline, and with a rich history dating back centuries, this grand fortress holds tales of battles and royal reigns.
TOP TIPS on how to get the BEST view of Edinburgh Castle:
1. Buy your tickets for this hop-on hop-off bus tour (They are valid for 12 months from day you buy!). Kids go free too.
2. There are stops all over the city but we would recommend getting on at St Andrews Square. If you can, sit upstairs on the left hand side (if facing forward) around the middle.
Don't worry too much if you aren't able to sit on the left hand side right away if it's busy, you can do the full loop and then stay on for an extra couple of stops if you don't manage to get the shot you're looking for. One loop take one hour without getting off.
3. Use a stick of some sort for that elevated content! We used this lightweight, sturdy tripod from Amazon. If you don’t have prime you can sign up for their free 30-day trial to get free one day delivery.
Step into its storied halls and immerse yourself in the grandeur of its architecture. From the panoramic views of the city to the fascinating exhibits within its walls, Edinburgh Castle is a must-visit destination that will transport you to a world of legends and heritage. Consider doing a tour with a trusted guide to get the most out of your experience.
4. Visit the oldest pub in Scotland - The Sheep Heid Inn
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
The Sheep Heid Inn – this historic pub in Duddingston Village is over 600 years old and is said to be the oldest surviving pub in Scotland. It’s famous for its skittle alley and the fact that the sheep heid (head) used in a traditional pub game is still on display.
Just next to this is Dr Neil’s Garden, the next place on our list, so you can tick two things off in one go!
5. Dr Neil's Garden
Hidden gems in Edinburgh
Escape to the serene oasis of Dr Neil’s Garden, just a short distance from the Sheep Heid Inn.
This hidden gem invites you to wander through its enchanting paths, immersing yourself in a vibrant tapestry of flowers, plants, and sculptures. Discover tranquility and find solace in the beauty of nature at this pond side garden.
6. Explore Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
Walk around the streets of Edinburgh and immerse yourself in the magic! If you’re a ‘do it yourself’ kind of person read our blog which includes maps and location details:
If you enjoy meeting new people or would rather be led by a guide why not opt for a walking tour instead? Led by an experienced guide, you’ll have the chance to visit the very places that inspired J.K. Rowling’s iconic books.
This tour offers a fantastic opportunity to discover Edinburgh’s top attractions, including the famous Royal Mile, while delving into the fascinating stories and secrets behind the magical world of Harry Potter (including Lord Voldemort’s final resting place!).
7. Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
We love taking a bus tour wherever we go and thought – even as Edinburgh locals – we should see everything!! We’d recommend the short (but steep) walk up Calton Hill for some extra special views.
Discover Edinburgh’s charm on a City Sightseeing bus tour. Hop on and off at your leisure, exploring iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum. With insightful commentary and panoramic views from the open-top double-decker bus, this is the perfect way to experience the city’s highlights. Uncover the treasures of Edinburgh at your own pace and create unforgettable memories.
8. Jupiter Artland
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
It’s a great place to spend a day exploring the grounds and admiring the art. Look out for the amethyst cave or the boat house on the pond – two of our favourites!
9. Arthur's Seat
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
This extinct volcano is the highest point in Holyrood Park, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. From the summit, visitors can see Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Firth of Forth. The climb up Arthur’s Seat is not too difficult, but it can be steep in places, so it’s important to wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of water. The view from the top is definitely worth the effort.
10. Walk with alpacas
Unusual things to do and hidden gems in Edinburgh
Walk with alpacas in the beautiful Edinburgh countryside.
The experience lasts around 2 hours and you get to choose the alpaca you’d like to walk with.
We had a lovely experience on a beautiful summer’s day. Eureka is the one shown in the picture!
Tickets sell out quick as there is of course only a limited number of spaces available for each walk so if you are planning to do this you should book well in advance.
11. Soak up the Scottish atmosphere at BT Murrayfield
Have you ever heard a stadium full of people sing Flower of Scotland at a Scotland rugby match? Check out our TikTok Tok video below for a snippet of what it’s like! A must for sports lovers.
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
See what’s coming up below and find your tickets, make sure to book well in advance; click.’view more events’ below.
12. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the magnificent Royal Botanic Garden, spanning 70 acres near Edinburgh’s city center. Enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle amidst beautiful landscapes. Explore highlights like the Rock Garden, Alpine Houses, Woodland Garden, Pond, Arboretum, Chinese Hillside, Rhododendron Collection, and Scottish Native Plants Collection. Leave with a deeper appreciation for the importance of plants and support the Garden’s vital work. It’s free but visitors are encouraged to donate if they can.
13. Camera Obscura World of Illusions
Unusual things to do in Edinburgh City Centre
Established in 1835, Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions stands as a time-honored landmark among Edinburgh’s tourist destinations. It’s located on the Royal Mile. Perched on the uppermost level, the Camera Obscura offers live panoramic vistas of the city, while the floors beneath it house a captivating assortment of enigmas, optical illusions, and engaging displays that bewilder both sight and intellect.
We spent around 2 hours here and had a lot of fun. How long you spend here is totally up to you.
This is also along the route of the hop-on hop-off bus tour (“Royal Mile” stop) we mentioned earlier – making it easy to fit it in to your activity schedule!
14. Visit Armchair Books
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
Armchair Books, nestled in West Port Edinburgh, is a delightful haven for book lovers. This cozy, independent bookstore offers a treasure trove of new and used books across various genres. With its charming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, it’s the perfect spot to lose yourself in the world of literature. Visit as early as possible during the week to visit at its quietest.
Don’t forget to visit the nearby Vennel across the road. The Vennel in West Port Edinburgh is a captivating historic alleyway that weaves through the heart of the city. Lined with enchanting stone buildings, it exudes old-world charm and offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s rich past. A delightful stroll down The Vennel reveals a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
15. Experience a Whisky tour
Unique things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the world of whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh. Perfect for first-time whisky drinkers, this guided tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Scotland’s national drink. Explore whisky regions, learn about flavor influences, and admire one of the world’s largest whisky collections. Enjoy a guided tasting session. Cheers to an unforgettable introduction to Scotland’s liquid gold! This one in particular is known to sell fast so secure your spot early:
Alternatively, for adults looking to make a day of it, escape to the Scottish Highlands on a whisky adventure. Let your guide navigate while you indulge in tastings. Explore Aberfeldy and visit distilleries, with round-trip transport from Edinburgh for a seamless experience.
This article may contain affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you purchase products or services through these links at absolutely no extra cost to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring Scottish travel guides.