Unusual or Unique Things to Do in Edinburgh (2025 Guide)

The United Kingdom is one of the most visited countries in the world. From interesting history and amazing architecture to breathtaking landscapes, the country is captivating. It is home to several interesting cities that would engage and entertain you. If you have a UK visa and are planning to visit the country, Edinburgh is a city that you must visit. The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh has a rich history and medieval architecture. Apart from this, it also has a cool nightlife as well. Here we list some of the

unique experiences you can only have in Edinburgh.

Located inside the yellow and red painted Huntley House, the Museum of Edinburgh that gives you a glimpse into the history of Edinburgh. While the exhibits of the museum are fascinating, the maze of 16th century buildings that make the museum is incredible as well. Apart from the history of Edinburgh, this museum also showcases Scottish pottery and porcelain, beautifully cut and engraved glass, intricately made silver, etc., thus highlighting the craftsmanship of the Scottish people. The best part about this museum is it is absolutely free.

Known to be one of the oldest buildings of Edinburgh, Gladstone’s Land is a tenement house that is at least 500 years old. The building is maintained by the National Trust of Scotland and is a window to the tenement life right from the 17th century. You can take a guided tour of the building to know and understand the life as well as business of the residents who stayed here in the past. Once you have taken in the remnants of the years gone by, you can relax at the new coffee shop and ice cream parlor on the ground floor of the building.

One of the most unusual things to do in Edinburgh is to go on a Chocolatarium Chocolate tour. This 90 minutes’ tour not only gives you the chance of tasting a wide variety of delectable chocolate but is also informational. You get to learn how the fruits from the cocoa tree become delicious chocolates. You learn about the history of chocolate and at the same time enjoy different types of chocolates like white chocolate, dark chocolate, raspberry, caramel, camel milk, etc. The best part of this tour is you get to become a chocolatier and make your own bar of chocolate to take home.

Located inside the Lady Stair’s House, which is a beautiful mansion, the Writers Museum celebrates the life of 3 distinguished Scottish writers: Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott. Here, you get to learn about the life of these writers through their portraits, rare books, and manuscripts. Apart from this, you would also get to see some interesting personal objects like Robert Burn’s writing desk, the printing press on which Sir Walter Scott’s novels were printed, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s smoking pipe and fishing rod.

Located in Canongate Tolbooth, the People’s Story Museum is one of the most unusual museums in the world. Using real life sculptures and objects, the museum attempts to recreate the life of the working class people of Edinburgh right from the 18th century to the present times. In the 3 floors of the museum, you would get to see different aspects of the life of the people of the town. While the first floor shows the day life of the people, the second floor shows how wars affected the families. The third floor displays scenes or images of how people spent their holidays and free time.

A one-of-a-kind museum, the Museum of Childhood chronicles the history of childhood right from the 19th century. Spread around 5 galleries, the exhibits of this museum includes fascinating toys and rare objects, right from dolls, games, pedal cars, trains, clothes, books, teddies, etc. You also get to see the recreations of different aspects of the life of children, including their life at home, school and play. While the little ones would be fascinated to see a wide range of toys, adults can go down the lane of nostalgia by remembering the toys they owned at the Museum of Childhood.

One of the popular traditions of Edinburgh, which continues to exist till this day, is the afternoon tea. Started by Anna the Duchess of Bedford, the afternoon tea is an entire meal that keeps you from being famished by dinner time. Depending on the restaurant you choose, your afternoon tea would be anything between a luxurious traditional spread to a more modern one. Whichever style you choose, you would be treated with a variety of dainty pastries, finger sandwiches, and scones along with afternoon tea. Do have a light lunch so that you can enjoy the pleasures of the afternoon tea to the fullest.

If you are a fan of the Harry Potter series, you would know the deep connection and relationship between the books and the city. Not only was J.K.Rowling inspired by the city but she also wrote her first book in this city. The harry Potter guided walking tour would take you to the places where she wrote her book and also show you the places that inspired here. You would get to visit the street that was the original inspiration for Diagon Alley and also see the school on which Hogwarts is based. The two-hour tour is nothing less than magical and would take you into the world of one of the most celebrated literary works.

All in all, it can be said that Edinburgh is a captivating city, which is home to several unusual things to see and do. Hence, do include Edinburgh in your itinerary to make your UK holiday more interesting and memorable.

The Witches Well, the only monument in Edinburgh dedicated to accused witches, is a drinking fountain below Edinburgh Castle, where many witch burnings occurred and was first opened as a public memorial in the late 19th century. This is the most unusual things to do in Edinburgh.

Holyrood Abbey Church, completed in the 13th century, has been a significant hub for Scottish and English history, showcasing Scotland’s relationship with its southern neighbors and the ruins of English colonization in the British Isles. This is amongst the unique things to do in Edinburgh.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a 5-story attraction featuring an original camera obscura, over 100 optical illusions, and a panoramic Rooftop Terrace with a panoramic view of Edinburgh. Even though not being wheelchair handy, it promises congenial prospects for couples & families alike, and is pertinent for all age guests. If you aspire to attempt quirky things to do in Edinburgh, you are up to date with where to go.

The Royal Botanic Garden in London offers a stunning view of the city, a vast collection of over 100,000 plants, and a history dating back to 1670. With gardens over 28 hectares, visitors can discover for a complete day. The garden’s soothing beauty and educational descriptions aid visitors understand the worth of plants. With the seasonal changes, visitors can monitor colossal Japanese magnolias blossoming during spring, the vivacious tinge of Herbaceous Border at summer, & the detection of the seed-eating birds at winter.

Burke and Hare were 19th-century murderers who sold their victims’ bodies to an anatomy lecturer for cash. They discovered murder dolls in Edinburgh, which were believed to represent their 17 victims. 8 of the dolls were contributed to National Museum of Scotland, and they stay there today. These 19th-century artifacts which are so ghastly are a should-see for individuals enthralled in the history of the 19th-century.

Surgeons’ Hall Museums is Scotland’s leading medical museum, offering informative exhibits on surgical instruments, equipment, and specimens, including human remains in chloroform, which may be disturbing for children or those with delicate dispositions. Make the most of this Edinburgh off-the-beaten-path.

Edinburgh’s Morningside suburb is home to a Wild West-style ghost town, hidden in an alley. Created over 30 years ago by a cowboy enthusiast, the street features facades for a jail, store, ticket office, and cantina, but the old railway station has been abandoned. The tiny units now house a small community of trades people, despite the town’s secretive nature.

The Water of Leith, a 35km river, runs through the heart of Edinburgh, originating at Millstone Rig in the Pentland hills and flowing into the sea at Leith. The river offers abundant walking routes, making it think like you are in a countryside. Dean Village in the West End is a popular spot for wind-in-the-willows fun. From here, you can explore the Edinburgh Modern Art galleries, Stockbridge, and the Shore area at Leith. The route also includes a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Highlights of the Water of Leith include Stockbridge, the Shore at Leith, the Modern Art Gallery, Dean Village, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Canonmills. The river is home to wildlife and small waterfalls for children.

The Edinburgh Jazz Festival is a renowned event that showcases the vibrant rhythms and soulful melodies of jazz, attracting world-class musicians and enthusiastic audiences from around the world. As one amid the most expected events on global jazz calendar, it lights the city’s ingenuity. Besides there are also other activities near Edinburgh that are unusual and unique in their respective ways.

The Edinburgh Tattoo, an annual event in Edinburgh’s summer festivals, is a unique celebration of music, dance, and military pageantry. It features mass chorus of Auld Lang Syne, fireworks & jets from military flypast. Witnessing the event live is a truly memorable experience, making it a must-see event.