Scotland’s capital is one of the best cities in the world for exploring innovative, interactive and unusual new experiences. Whether you’re planning a visit to Edinburgh, or are local and looking for lesser-known activities off the beaten track, here are the coolest and quirkiest things to do.
Have a Wizarding Adventure at The Cauldron
With tons of Harry Potter links, Edinburgh offers plenty of superb attractions for wizard fans. The Cauldron is one of the newest, offering magic-seekers the ability to don a robe and wand to brew molecular potions. Wannabe wizards and led through a spell-casting 101, creating heady alcoholic concoctions that change colour, bubble and smoke – you don’t get that at your local. Its interactive nature encourages plenty of hilarity and suits those of every age and stage (non-alcoholic, gluten-free and vegan varieties are available).
https://thecauldron.io/edinburgh
Sing Along Private Cinema Experience at The Scotsman Picture House
There are several options to escape the big cinema chains here, but The Scotsman Picture House has become the latest hot ticket for those wanting to watch films in vintage-style luxury. This beautifully restored 48 seat venue buried beneath the landmark hotel, has an intriguingly varied programme. Make a day or night of it by booking a private hire package combining snacks, brunch, dinner or afternoon tea with a singalong musical movie. Release your inner diva with your friends, family or colleagues in this unique and charming art deco setting, perfect for special celebrations.
https://scotsmanpicturehouse.co.uk/
Listen to Live Jazz at the Register Club
If you want a sophisticated and sultry night out, this is for you. The Register Club is found in the west wing of The Edinburgh Grand and epitomises exclusive elegance. Carefully crafted cocktails and a high-end games room are available throughout the week, but on Thursdays and Fridays you can also soak up some jazz. It’s the perfect backdrop to an already lovely venue. Book in advance to avoid disappointment and do try and catch the fabulous and acclaimed singer Louise Dodds (act’s dates are listed on the website).
https://www.lateralcity.com/blog-post/jazz-at-the-register-club
See Contemporary Art at the Market Street Galleries
Tucked away beside the bustling Waverley Station’s side entrance, are not one, but two innovative art spaces. Fruitmarket Gallery hosts exciting exhibitions, interactive installations and has an award-winning book shop. It’s undergoing a full refurbishment and enlargement to emerge bigger and better with even more scope in summer 2020. While across the road, the City Art Centre is a great spot for checking out visual and applied arts from Scottish creators. And if that wasn’t enough – they both have some of the best cakes in town.
https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/city-art-centre
Enjoy a Purrrrfect Pour at Maison du Moggie Cat Cafe
Wander along West Port and you can’t help but notice windows showcasing the cutest, fluffiest felines in town. This purpose-designed cosy cat cafe was the first of its kind in Scotland (and one of the first in the UK) and is the permanent home of the 12 moggies. This therapeutic, playful environment created by owner Laura is a dream for cat lovers – and the four-legged residents adore the attention. As the moggies’ house doubles as a cafe, there’s tea, coffee, soft drinks and cake to enjoy alongside the furry fun.
https://www.maisondemoggy.com/
Go Alpaca Trecking at BobCat Alpacas
This is another top tip for animal-lovers. Unlike the centrally based Maison de Moggy, Alpaca Trecking will take you a short distance into Edinburgh’s beautiful surrounding countryside, at the foot of the Pentland Hills. It’s here that Bob and Cath devote their time to the care and breeding of alpacas. Book a trek and you can take a giggle-filled stroll with these gorgeous creatures, learning how to handle them, then on your return, hand feeding them (cue more laughter). Visit at the right time of year and you may even meet some alpaca babies at the farm. There’s an infectious joy about these animals and you’ll get a load of fresh air and exercise too.
Try Pygmy Goat Pilates at the Pilates Attic
You’ve heard of pilates. And you’ve heard of pygmy goats. But you may not know that you can combine the two, right here in Scotland. The soft-coated goats, Mabel, Hazel, Fergus and Angus all reside at Bellcraig Farm, just over the bridge from Edinburgh, in the kingdom of Fife. Sessions with them – and their human assistants Jo and Holly – are funny, joyful, relaxing and great for toning (you hardly realise you’re exercising with these mischevious little goats around). Their hooves give a surprisingly good massage too.
https://www.pilatesattic.co.uk/pygmy-goat-pilates
Breathe Easy at the Salt Rooms Edinburgh
Using salt rooms to treat respiratory and skin conditions may seem like a new trend, but it spans back as far an ancient Greek civilisation and has long been endorsed by medical professionals. Now you can experience all the benefits of a natural salt cave, in a recreation of its microclimate. Hang out with friends and relax, or book a family room – the lower age limit is 6 months, but there’s no upper limit. It’s a safe, easy and passive way to boost your health. And you don’t need to come prepared for anything, other than reclining and doing absolutely nothing for a while.
https://www.edinburghsaltrooms.co.uk/
Bliss Out with a Floatation Experience at Floatarium Spa Edinburgh
If you’re in need of some serious meditative rejuvenation and alone time, book a float experience. Pop into one of these dream-like pods and let your worries slip away. Dead sea salts and natural minerals enable you to float, releasing all tension, softening the skin and simultaneously soothing any aches and pains. Choose to close the door and the stillness, silence and darkness provide a stimulus free environment, with the deepest levels of relaxation you’ve ever known (an hour and a half in here are said to equal six hours of rest). Add on a massage and you have what is arguably the most mindful wellness treatment in the city.
