Exploring Unconventional Activities in Edinburgh by 2025
Edinburgh, the beautiful and cultured city of Scotland, offers a plethora of experiences beyond the tourist hotspots. Here are some unique and off-the-beaten-path things to do in and around the city.
Cocktail Geeks themed bars offer an exciting twist on traditional drinks, with constantly rotating themes such as Game of Thrones or Star Wars. For those who are avid Potterheads, a Harry Potter walking tour is a must. Popular spots include the Elephant Cafe and Victoria Street, said to be the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley.
If you're a chocolate lover, The Chocolatarium offers a 90-minute chocolate tour and the chance to make your own chocolate. For a quieter escape, consider hiking up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views or visiting lesser-known viewpoints like Vennel Viewpoint, which offers a distinct angle of Edinburgh Castle.
Exploring the Harry Potter-themed shops on Victoria Street, a charming historic street, is another intriguing option. The Camera Obscura, with its historic optical device offering live views of the city, is another fascinating place to visit.
For a more authentic and less crowded way to enjoy Edinburgh’s rich culture and landscapes, seek hidden historic and literary museums beyond the usual castle tours. Dr Neil's Garden, a secluded and tranquil spot overlooking Arthur's Seat, is one such hidden gem.
The Water of Leith, a main river that flows through Edinburgh, offers a pleasant walkway with exquisite views and natural beauty. A Wild West ghost town can be found hidden down a tiny alleyway in the city. Maison de Moggy, Scotland's first cat cafe, is designed as a paradise for cats.
The Wee Pub at Biddy Mulligans in the Grassmarket is the smallest pub in Scotland. For those interested in history, Craigmillar Castle, located 3 miles from the city centre, was known as a safe place for some sneaky plotting. It was at this castle that the 'Craigmillar Bond' was hatched, a plan to dispose of Mary Queen of Scots' husband, Lord Darnley.
The Writer's Museum, dedicated to three of Scotland's greatest writers, offers a glimpse into their personal lives and possessions. If you're a fan of jazz and blues, the annual Jazz and Blues Festival is a lesser-known festival worth visiting.
For a taste of Scotland's past, the Surgeons' Hall Museums, home to collections tracing the history of surgery and medicine, are a must-visit. The Chihuahua Cafe, located in Edinburgh's New Town, is home to a small pack of adorable chihuahuas.
If you're looking for a day trip, consider exploring the coastal villages of Berwickshire or the wild Ardnamurchan Peninsula, known for remote beaches, forest trails, and ancient ruins like Mingary Castle. For those interested in fairytale castles, Dunrobin Castle, with its French chateau style and falconry displays, is a unique destination in Scotland’s Highlands.
Lastly, the Royal Military Tattoo is a huge spectacle held nightly in the grounds of the castle throughout most of August. The city's rich storytelling culture is evident in the Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile, which hosts various events, and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in October.
Eat Walk Edinburgh is a food tour company that offers food tours around Edinburgh’s Old and New town. The New Town Walking Tour by City Explorer reveals the best-kept secrets of Edinburgh’s New Town, built in the 18th century.
Edinburgh, with its hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path adventures, is a city that rewards those who venture beyond the tourist hotspots. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or a nature enthusiast, there's something for everyone in this beautiful and cultured city.
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- The Cocktail Geeks themed bars in Edinburgh provide an exciting twist on traditional drinks with rotating themes such as Game of Thrones or Star Wars, offering an adventure for drink connoisseurs.
- Food lovers can embark on a journey with Eat Walk Edinburgh, a food tour company that takes participants through Edinburgh’s Old and New Town.
- For a quieter escape, hiking up Arthur’s Seat or visiting lesser-known viewpoints like Vennel Viewpoint offers panoramic city views, evoking a sense of beauty and relaxation.
- Edinburgh's rich culture and history can be explored through hidden museums like Dr Neil's Garden or the Surgeons' Hall Museums, providing a glimpse into the city's lifestyle and general-news.
- Beyond the city limits, exploring coastal villages such as Berwickshire or the wild Ardnamurchan Peninsula offers chances to appreciate Scotland's natural beauty and unearth remote beaches, forest trails, and ancient ruins like Mingary Castle.
