Visitors to Edinburgh are never short of things to see and do. You can get lost amongst the narrow closes and winding walkways for hours, and no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover. For those who love to unearth the less-known attractions of a new city, we’ve gathered 6 of our favourite unique things to do in Edinburgh. Read on for inspiration …
1. Take a Bagpipe Workshop with Louise Marshall
As Founder & Director of Pipeforscotland.com, Louise Marshall is possibly the most famous Pipers in Edinburgh (and Scotland), if not, the world! She offers private 1-hour team building ‘Learn to Play the Bagpipes for Fun’ workshops, and previous students include Sir Brian May and Paolo Nutini. Wouldn’t having the same music tutor as these celebrity names would be a wonderful brag?
Learn more about Louise: louisemarshallpiper.com
2. Visit the Murder Dolls on Chambers Street
Edinburgh’s Arthurs Seat is famed for its incredible views across the city, but did you know that it was once the hiding spot for a potentially dark secret? In 1836, a group of boys on the North-East side of the old volcano came across 17 miniature coffins. 8 of these coffins have survived until present day and are now housed in the National Museum of Scotland. “What was inside the coffins?”, 17 intricately carved and dressed figures.
Watch the Mystery of the Miniature Coffins video: nms.ac.uk
3. Get interactive with art at Jupiter Artland
Only a quick 25 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh, Jupiter Artland is a contemporary art gallery like no other. Packed full of photo-worthy displays (think giant shoes made from kitchenware and cone shaped gardens), the large sculpture park provides visitors with a truly interactive experience.
Book a visit: jupiterartland.org
4. Drinks and Old School Arcade games at NQ64
One of the newest additions to Edinburgh’s bar scene, NQ64 opened in August 2021 and is already causing a stir amongst gamers and tourists looking for a flashback to the 90s. The retro arcade bar works on a token system, allowing visitors to trade coins in for battles with their favourite old-school Street Fighter characters whilst sipping on Hooch and Spicy NikNaks.
Explore NQ64: nq64.co.uk
5. Sample a deep-fried Mars Bar
With hundreds of wonderful restaurants across the city, foodies are never short for inspiration in Edinburgh. However, if you’re looking for a quirky snack, it’d be a shame to miss out on the most famed ‘delicacy’ of Scotland’s chip shops … the deep-fried Mars Bar. Covered in batter then deep fried in oil, this calorific ‘dish’ is not for the faint hearted. Almost all the city chip shops will make one for you, and some will even branch out to other confectionary (or even ice creams and pizza!).
6. Investigate the ruins on Cramond’s ghostly island
Now deserted, Cramond Island can only be reached at low tide, and visitors must get back to the mainland before high tide (or wait it out until the water recedes again). Large triangular pillars guide walkers across to eerie World War II ruins, now covered in colourful graffiti. As well as the newer war buildings, the island is home to a ruined farmstead, and visitors can still see the remains of a jetty thought to be of Medieval origin.
Check Cramond island tide times: queensferrylifeboat.co.uk/cramond-tides
Unique experiences needn’t finish once your day of exploring is over. Did you know that The Bonham Hotel has 49 rooms, all individually styled to ensure guests enjoy a truly exclusive stay? Explore our luxurious bedrooms and start planning your visit to Scotland’s capital.