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Homescotland10 Quirky Places in Edinburgh You Must See

10 Quirky Places in Edinburgh You Must See

Edinburgh is a lovely and culturally rich city that is ancient, renowned, and gorgeous. To genuinely appreciate Edinburgh, travel off the beaten path, get lost, talk to locals, and explore. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite odd things to see and do in the city after multiple visits.

1. Tour the Edinburgh Vaults

The-underground-vaults-of-Edinburgh
The-underground-vaults-of-Edinburgh

Despite their popularity, The Edinburgh Vaults remain one of the city’s most peculiar attractions. Where else can you go on a ghost tour of a rumoredly haunted underground city?

Explore the city’s vaults with a guide to learn about the gruesome history of Edinburgh’s old town and its poorest residents. From the renowned Burke and Hare murders to the persecution of witches, ghost stories, and paranormal tales… these tours are a terrific way to see a completely different side of the city.

2. Surgeons’ Hall Museums

Surgeons-Hall
Surgeons-Hall

The Surgeons’ Hall Museums is a collection of museums held by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd). These museums, while at times grim, house intriguing collections detailing the history of surgery and medicine. Artworks and photographic records, as well as artifacts and bone and tissue specimens, are among the items on display.

3. Secret Gardens

Dunbar's-Close-Garden
Dunbar’s-Close-Garden

The old town of Edinburgh is full of little covered passageways and shuts that lead to all sorts of surprises hidden behind the main streets. If you start looking for them, you’ll find graveyards, gardens, and dozens of secret green spots.

Dunbar’s Close Garden, a hidden treasure beyond the Royal Mile, was one of my favorites. This modest, natural spot provides perfect peace and a surprisingly quiet retreat from the busy high street.

4. Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars-Kirkyard
Greyfriars-Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard is another green park in the city center, and it’s an odd thing to do in Edinburgh. This beautiful graveyard is rich in history and home to a charming 17th-century church.

Fans of Harry Potter should surely pay a visit! The graveyard is a stone’s throw from JK Rowling’s old writing haunt, and some of the names on the graves inspired characters in the books, such as Scrimgeour and McGonagall. The most notable is the burial of one Thomas Riddell – the Dark Lord’s original name!

5. Wild West Ghost Town

wild-west-ghost-town-edinburgh
wild-west-ghost-town-edinburgh

A little crumbling ghost town straight out of America’s Wild West hides hidden down a little lane in Edinburgh. Most people are unaware that the small street exists, making it one of Edinburgh’s hidden beauties.

Take your cowboy hat and head down to Morningside to visit the wild west ghost town built by a furniture company to provide a distinctive entranceway for customers.

The Wild West Town in Edinburgh has a jail, horse stables, a bank, and a cantina. The buildings are not accessible, yet they make excellent Instagram backdrops. It’s incredible to be able to enter the American Wild West right in the middle of Scotland’s main city.

6. Camera Obscura

camera-obscura-world-of-illusions
camera-obscura-world-of-illusions

Visit Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions to discover the strange and extraordinary. The attraction, which is adjacent to Edinburgh Castle, has six storeys and takes around two hours to complete. It’s a wonderful wonder for the mind and a lot of fun, with everything from humorous illusions to 3D cityscapes and heat-resistant cameras to a mirror maze!

Finish your vacation by exploring the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city. Furthermore, when you purchase your tickets, you will receive a ticket for the Camera Obscura show, which will provide you with a view of Edinburgh by bringing some Victorian technology to life.

7. Dr Neil’s Garden

Dr-Neil’s-Garden
Dr-Neil’s-Garden

If you want to get away from the rush and bustle of the city center, Dr. Neil’s Garden is a peaceful and tranquil retreat. This little-known botanical park, hidden in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat, is filled with little trails, benches, and historical landmarks such as an old stone tower.

The garden, which is located directly next to Duddingston Loch, is a great area in the summer months for calm and contemplation, learning about plants, and soaking in views of Scottish nature alongside the sparkling water.

8. Writer’s Museum

The-Writers-Museum
The-Writers-Museum

The Writers Museum is a unique place to see in Edinburgh. The Writers Museum, located off the Royal Mile in the ancient Lady Stair’s House, was built in 1622 and is a must-see. Before entering, take a stroll around the square in front. Famous literary statements are written on the stones that make up the square.

Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson are honored at the Writers Museum. You’ll get to see some of each writer’s personal items, from letters to eccentric belongings, spread up over three storeys in a gorgeous edifice. It’s also free! The Writers Museum is also where you will meet to begin your literary tour of Edinburgh.

9. Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Royal-Edinburgh-Military-Tattoo
Royal-Edinburgh-Military-Tattoo

Although it is perhaps a little too well-known to be included on a list of unusual things to do in Edinburgh, it is still unique to the city! The Tattoo is a massive show that takes place nightly on the castle grounds for most of August. Marching bands, military musicians, and dancers from around the world collaborate to put on a truly stunning display. Don’t miss it if you’re in Edinburgh in August!

10. Water of Leith

Water-of-Leith
Water-of-Leith

Take a relaxing stroll along the Water of Leith, Edinburgh’s largest waterway. The Water of Leith walkway is particularly appealing between the villages of Stockbridge and Dean Village since it is filled with wonderful views and a stunning blend of natural beauty. This is a walkway that will transport you to the countryside without leaving the city.

The length of this part of the walkway is less than a mile. It does, however, permit you to visit St. Bernard’s Well, a mineral water well with a pump room crowned by an 18th-century Greek-inspired dome.

If you want to continue a little further, the complete route is around 12 miles long and terminates at the Leith Docks. Don’t overlook Dean Village, which is nestled in a steep valley and is well worth a visit.

Anna
Annahttps://my-lifestyle.co/
If you want to travel the world through blogs then my articles will satisfy you. With a never-ending journey, I'll take you to the best cities and exciting experiences!
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