The Most Unusual Tourist Attractions In...

With such a vibrant history and rich heritage, it is no surprise that Edinburgh is a magnet for tourists. Amidst the city’s busier attractions lie many splendorous, lesser-known sights and secret hideaways that demand to be explored. Most importantly, there are stories that must be told. Mix it up a bit and discover the most unusual tourist attractions in Edinburgh.

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Maison De Moggy

Cafe, Tea

Touring the castle and the Royal Mile can be exhausting. Take a breather, let the mind and body rest, and feed the soul by sharing a cuppa with some cats at Maison De Moggy, Scotland’s very first cat cafe. Enter into a dreamland where felines and humans exist together in perfect harmony. Watch the clever cats as they slink around in their custom-made environment and choose from an array of locally produced teas, coffees and scrumptious cakes. Although not the conventional touristy thing to do, a trip to the cat cafe is wildly therapeutic and satisfying.

Surgeon’s Hall Museums

Museum

The museums at Surgeon’s Hall are undoubtedly one of the finest collections of cabinets of curiosities out there. Take your pick from The Dental Collection, Wohl Pathology Museum (home to the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the world), and the History Of Surgery Museum. Expect a vast collection of medical-related artifacts, bone and tissue specimens, artworks, and a range of exhibitions that will make the mind boggle. Owned by the College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (an alliance which formed in 1505), this place is most definitely worth a visit.

The Real Mary King’s Close

Historical Landmark

The closes of Edinburgh serve as a reminder of times past. Found nestled underneath the city, these hidden passageways and streets were once a bustling hub for traders and residents. The Real Mary King’s Close resurrects these prevalent historical spaces and preserves a rich history. Explore the newly renovated closes, named after prominent Edinburgh resident Mary King, and be transported back to the 1600s with riveting stories and fascinating tours of the vicinity. Expect to be shocked, informed and intrigued with this unique and accurate depiction of events.

The Museum Of Childhood

Museum

Delve deep into yesteryear and explore the fascinating collection of children’s toys and memorabilia at the Museum of Childhood. Not only is this museum a welcomed blast from the past, but it also happens to be the very first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood. Put the technology down for one moment and gaze at the little tin soldiers, trains, and spinning tops. Oh how times have changed. See history from the mind of a child, and appreciate the impressive collection, which dates all the way back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Camera Obscura

Amusement Park

Welcome to the house of fun that is Camera Obscura. Delight in the explosion of colours, shapes and illusions, and investigate every space in this labyrinth. Hold on to your head as you witness weird and wacky tricks of the mind. At the top of the tower is where the real action happens. Listen to the vivacious guides as they fill your brain with enthralling photography facts and spectacular images. Catch a glance of Edinburgh from a different perspective and feel what its like to be an eye in the sky.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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