Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 14 Quirky Things to Do in Edinburgh That Are Sure to Spark Your Curiosity (Ours Did!)
- Explore spookiness at Old Calton Cemetery
- Pay respects at The Witches Well, a memorial to the burned
- Get spooked by the Burke & Hare Murder Dolls exhibit
- Dine in style at The Witchery by the Castle
- Experience the past at the historic Gladstone's Land
- Get your anatomy fix at the Surgeon's Hall Museum
- Visit the first cloned mammal, Dolly the Sheep
- Nerd out at the Library of Mistakes
- Explore eerie tales at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
- Join the Blair Street Underground Vaults tour
- Explore the mystique of The Hanging Stanes
- Relive yesteryear's playtimes at the Museum of Childhood
- Reflect on history at Ailie Muschat’s Cairn poignant site
- Admire street art while walking through Colinton Tunnel
Let me share with you the time I planned to go out for a stroll, only to find myself chatting with a statue (yes, they’ve got chatty statues, and no, I hadn’t started on the whisky… yet). That was just the beginning.
You see, Edinburgh, with its cobbled streets, can give your ankles a personality test (mine failed, by the way) that involves a lot more peculiar adventures. Yes, it has a lot of quirky sides that you couldn’t make up if you tried.
So, if you’re like me and you think you’ve seen it all, Edinburgh will kindly ask you to hold its beer (or me, rather) as I reveal the city’s oddities and wonders. Read on!
Explore spookiness at Old Calton Cemetery
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Website: N/A
Address: Waterloo Pl.
Contact details: +44 131 664 4314
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Among the well-worn tombstones and eerie monuments here in the Old Calton Cemetery, you’ll find the resting place of philosopher David Hume and the Political Martyrs’ Monument, towering and imposing.
It’s an exploration of history, but with a ghostly whisper trailing every step. You may also check out the obelisk dedicated to Abraham Lincoln—yes, that Lincoln—honouring Scottish-American soldiers.
The views stretch over to Calton Hill and beyond, making it an oddly serene spot despite the chills down your spine.
Pro tip:
Make sure you visit at dusk, since the changing light this time adds an extra layer of atmosphere to the already ghostly surroundings. Plus, the photographs you’ll take with that lighting are gothically gorgeous.
Pay respects at The Witches Well, a memorial to the burned
Media credit: witchingmoongiftshop
Website: N/A
Address: Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
The Witches Well is a poignant reminder of Edinburgh’s darker history. Tucked away on the side of the Edinburgh Castle esplanade, this cast iron fountain commemorates the lives of those persecuted as witches in the 16th and 17th centuries.
It’s a small, easily missed detail in the grandeur that is Edinburgh Castle, but it’s a spot heavy with history and a touch of the supernatural. If you look closely, you’ll see the intricate details in the well’s design—witches and cats, symbols of the trials.
Pro tip:
After visiting the well, you can absorb a bit more of Edinburgh’s complex history with a visit to the nearby Princes Street Gardens. It’s a perfect spot to reflect, plus the views of the castle are unbeatable.
Get spooked by the Burke & Hare Murder Dolls exhibit
Media credit: nationalmuseumsscotland
Address: Chambers St.
Contact details: +44 300 123 6789
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Free
For a taste of macabre, you need to visit the Burke & Hare Murder Dolls exhibit at the Edinburgh Dungeon. Burke and Hare’s gruesome 19th-century killing spree fed the medical demand for fresh corpses, marking a dark episode in Edinburgh’s past.
The dolls, found in the 19th century and believed to be made from the skin of their victims (though this is a topic of debate), are as eerie as they sound.
The Edinburgh Dungeon doesn’t stop there; with actors and special effects, they bring the darkest corners of Edinburgh’s past to life.
Pro tip:
The dungeons are popular, so book your ticket in advance to skip the lines. And hey, don’t rush off afterward; the Dungeon is perfectly placed for a stroll along the Royal Mile, where you can shake off the chills.
Dine in style at The Witchery by the Castle
Media credit: iangblack
Website: https://www.thewitchery.com/
Address: 352 Castlehill
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: ££-£££
Nestled in a 16th-century building near Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery is a dining experience that goes beyond mere meals—it’s an immersion into a world of decadence and history.
With opulent decor that makes you feel like you’re dining in a Gothic fairytale, it’s the perfect mix of Edinburgh’s history and luxury.
The menu, focusing on Scottish produce, includes caviar, baked scallops, aged Scotch beef tartare, a 30-day dry-aged fillet of Scotch beef, a Scottish shellfish platter, and more.
Pro tip:
Since The Witchery is not just a renowned restaurant but also a sumptuous boutique hotel, consider booking a room to enhance your visit. Staying overnight allows you to immerse yourself fully in the luxurious, Gothic ambiance of the place.
Experience the past at the historic Gladstone’s Land
Media credit: edinburghblackcabtours
Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/GladstonesLand
Address: 477B Lawnmarket
Contact details: +44 131 226 5856
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- Adult – £10.00
- Concession – £8.00
- Child – £6.00
- Family – £30.00
- One adult family – £20.00
- Young Scot – £1.00
Gladstone’s Land offers a glimpse into 17th-century Edinburgh life with its preserved interiors and authentic decorations.
This six-story tenement, one of the oldest of its kind in Edinburgh, tells the stories of its former residents, from wealthy merchants to the working poor.
It’s a deep dive into the social strata of old Edinburgh, showcasing everything from original painted ceilings to rare furnishings. As you wander from room to room, the knowledgeable guides bring the past to life.
Pro tip:
After exploring the historical marvels of Gladstone’s Land, make sure to visit the ground-floor ice cream parlour and coffee shop.
Both of these are inspired by the rich trading history of the building, offering a taste of the past with its selection of flavours and brews.
Get your anatomy fix at the Surgeon’s Hall Museum
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Website: https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/
Address: Nicolson St.
Contact details: +44 131 527 1711
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Adults – £9.50
- Students with valid ID – £6.00
- NHS staff with valid ID* – £6.00
- Over 60s – £6.00
- Visitors with disabilities – £6.00
- Child (5-17) – £5.00
- Under 5s – Free
Family Ticket
- 2 Adults & 2 Children – £24
- 2 Adults & 1 Child – £20
- 1 Adult & 2 Children – £16
The Surgeon’s Hall Museums is the place if you’re into the nitty-gritty of human anatomy or the evolution of surgical practices. Here, you’ll come across jars filled with all sorts of body parts and antique surgical tools that’ll make you grateful for modern medicine.
And then there’s the pathology section that’s a bit eerie but totally fascinating and showcases how diseases impact the body. They also have exhibitions that change regularly, so there’s always something new to gross you out—I mean, intrigue you.
Beyond those, they’ve got stories about the pioneers of surgery and medicine that’ll leave you feeling pretty inspired—or at least with a boatload of fun facts to share. Plus, the building itself is historic, making the whole experience feel like you’ve time-travelled.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to check out the book sale they sometimes have at the entrance. You can snag some really cool (and slightly peculiar) medical books for a bargain.
Visit the first cloned mammal, Dolly the Sheep
Media credit: nationalmuseumsscotland
Website: https://www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-collections/stories/natural-sciences/dolly-the-sheep/
Address: Chambers St.
Contact details: +44 300 123 6789
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Free
The National Museum of Scotland is home to none other than Dolly the Sheep, the first-ever cloned mammal. Now, you might think, “Okay, cool, a sheep,” but Dolly is not just any sheep.
She represents a monumental leap in genetic science, and seeing her up close is like being part of a historic moment. The museum does a stellar job at laying down the science behind her creation in a way that’s super digestible; no PhD is required.
But Dolly’s just the start. The National Museum of Scotland is a labyrinth of wonders where you’ve got everything from Scottish antiquities to technological innovations and even fashion exhibits.
Pro tip:
Try to grab the museum guide or download the app for your visit. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the things to see, and the guide helps you hit all the high notes, including our girl Dolly.
And hey, the museum’s free, but donations are always nice to keep the magic going.
Nerd out at the Library of Mistakes
Media credit: libraryofmistakes
Website: https://www.libraryofmistakes.com/
Address: 33A Melville St. Ln.
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Free
For something a bit off the beaten path but utterly cool, you’ve got to check out the Library of Mistakes.
Now, it sounds like a place where librarians shelve books incorrectly on purpose, but it’s actually a haven for anyone who geeks out over financial history, economic theories, or just learning from history’s oops moments.
This library lives and breathes the belief that we have to understand the mistakes of the past to make smarter decisions in the future. The vibe here is very much ‘nerd chic’, and the people you’ll meet are happy to chat about all things financial or historical blunders.
Pro tip:
They’ve got some pretty rare books, so if you’re a bibliophile or a financial whiz, ask the librarian to show you the gems. Oh, and check ahead for opening times; access is super exclusive to ensure a studious atmosphere, so you’ll want to plan this visit.
Explore eerie tales at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
Media credit: scottishstorytellingcentre
Website: http://www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com/
Address: 43-45 High St.
Contact details: +44 131 556 9579
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost: Storytelling Sessions:
- 1 hour – £120 plus travel costs of the storyteller
- Half Day – £165 plus travel costs the storyteller
- Full Day – £280 plus travel costs the storyteller
If you want to immerse in local culture and lore, then don’t skip the Scottish Storytelling Centre. The centre is all about celebrating Scotland’s rich oral tradition, with storytellers spinning tales that range from the mystical and mythical to historical and hysterical.
The atmosphere is so intimate; it’s like the stories are being told just for you. Aside from the storytelling sessions, they’ve also got workshops, theatre performances, and exhibitions.
And even the building itself has a story to tell, with its modern design nestled right in the historic Royal Mile. The centre also hosts the annual TradFest, a traditional arts festival that’s a blast of Scottish culture.
Pro tip:
Make sure you keep an eye on their calendar for themed storytelling nights. Whether it’s ghost stories, folklore, or fairy tales, these events are a unique experience.
The Storytelling Café inside is a great spot to relax with a coffee and maybe strike up a conversation with a local raconteur.
Join the Blair Street Underground Vaults tour
Media credit: mercattours
Website: https://www.mercattours.com/
Address: 28 Blair St.
Contact details: +44 131 225 5445
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Cost:
- Adult – £22
- Child – £17
- Concession – £20
- Printed Souvenir Guidebook – £7
For a dose of Edinburgh’s darker side, you absolutely have to brave the Blair Street Underground Vaults tour of Mercat.
These vaults have seen everything from illegal taverns to makeshift homes for the destitute, and the stories are as chilling as the air down there. And it’s not just ghost stories—there’s a lot of history packed into those dimly lit chambers.
The vaults are genuinely creepy, with a thick atmosphere that storytelling alone can’t convey; you have to feel it. The guides are masters of their craft, blending historical facts with eerie tales guaranteed to leave you looking over your shoulder.
Pro tip:
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and a jacket; it gets chilly and a bit damp down there.
Also, if you’re the type who loves ghost hunting, they do night tours that ramp up the spooky factor to eleven. It’s a spine-tingling way to see a hidden side of Edinburgh.
Explore the mystique of The Hanging Stanes
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Website: N/A
Address: 66 Braid Rd., Morningside
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
The Hanging Stanes are these two weathered stones embedded right in the street in Edinburgh and are a stark reminder of one of Edinburgh’s last public hangings.
It’s incredibly quirky how something so macabre has become a piece of pedestrian history, literally walked over by thousands unknowingly every day. They’re right there in the bustling Grassmarket, contrasting against the grim history they commemorate.
Plus, if you’re up for a bit more exploration, the area around the stones tells its own stories, from old pubs where the condemned might have had their last drink to markets that date back centuries.
Pro tip:
Make sure you look down, or you might miss them! They’re not elevated or roped off; they blend in with the cobblestones.
Relive yesteryear’s playtimes at the Museum of Childhood
Media credit: museumsgalleriesedinburgh
Website: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/museum-childhood
Address: 42 High St.
Contact details: +44 131 529 4142
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood has shelves upon shelves filled with toys from decades and centuries past. We’re talking about everything from vintage teddy bears to trains, dolls, board games, and even old-school video games.
You’ll see how children’s toys and games evolved over the years, reflecting changes in society, technology, and culture. It’s pretty eye-opening to see what kids from the 1800s or the swinging 1960s found entertaining.
Moreover, the museum also presents school life with historic classroom setups and even children’s fashion. Plus, there are interactive spots where you can get hands-on, like playing with replicas of historic toys or engaging in period dress-ups.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the temporary exhibitions, which often offer a more focused look at specific themes or eras of childhood, adding another layer to the already rich tapestry of the museum.
Make sure you stop by the gift shop. It’s stocked with retro toys and games that can let you take a piece of nostalgia home.
Reflect on history at Ailie Muschat’s Cairn poignant site
Media credit: sarahscotland
Website: N/A
Address: 1 Duke’s Walk
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Over in the heart of Edinburgh lies a lesser-known but profoundly moving site, Ailie Muschat’s Cairn. So back in 1720, this guy murdered his wife, Ailie Muschat, right where the Cairn stands today.
He had made a few lame attempts to pin some adultery charges on her and even tried to kill her before. But, one night, he just snapped, dragged her into the park, and, well, it was lights out for her—gruesome, I know.
After that, people walking by started dropping stones at the spot, kind of like saying, “We remember what happened here.” The first pile of stones vanished after a while, but they brought it back in the 1800s, and now it’s a spot where history meets mystery.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to engage with the information board that tells the story of the cairn and those it commemorates, grounding your visit in historical context.
Admire street art while walking through Colinton Tunnel
Media credit: colintontunnelmural
Website: http://www.colintontunnel.org.uk/
Address: Colinton Tunnel
Contact details: https://www.colintontunnel.org.uk/contact
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Once a forgotten railway tunnel, Colinton Tunnel has been transformed into Edinburgh’s longest art gallery, thanks to the creativity and collaboration of the local community and artists.
As you walk through, you’re treated to a visual feast of murals that tell the stories of Clinton’s past, its people, and its cultural significance. The thing is, it’s not just random tags and pieces.
Each section of the tunnel’s art has been carefully thought out and executed, involving contributions from schools, local historians, and professional artists. And, yeah, it’s a testament to what a community can achieve with vision and spray paint.
Pro tip:
While the entire tunnel is a masterpiece, keep an eye out for the sections dedicated to Robert Louis Stevenson, who had ties to Colinton. These pieces bring to life the words and worlds of the famed author in bold and imaginative ways.
