Rediscover your inner child at Camera Obscura, one of Edinburgh’s most unique and fun attractions. You will explore five incredible floors of illusions before reaching the camera itself on the rooftop, with some of the most unusual views of the city! It’s right next to the Castle Esplanade, which you’ll also see on our free walking tour of the Old Town.
Inside Camera Obscura
The Camera Obscura itself is a very old system of mirrors and lenses that projects moving images of the city. You will see it when you reach the tower, at the very top of the building.
Before getting there, you will make your way through the whole building, across five floors full of visual games and optical illusions.
Along the way, you will find more than 100 hands-on exhibits designed to surprise, confuse and entertain. Some play with perspective, others with balance, reflections or the perception of movement.
Watch sparks dance under your fingertips as you touch a ball of electricity, find your way through the mirror maze, and see your body stretch and shrink in the magic mirrors. There are holograms, trick mirrors and all kinds of distortions of reality to keep you entertained.
If you visit at night or in bad weather, the camera show uses a recorded projection filmed from the top of the tower.
Practical information
Opening hours
Open every day. Opening times vary depending on the season, the day of the week and school holidays. It generally opens from morning until evening, with longer hours at weekends, in summer and at busy times. Check the official website before your visit.
Tickets
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £24.95 |
| Over 65s and students | £21.95 |
| Child (5–15) | £17.95 |
| Under 5s | Free |
Booking online in advance is recommended.
The Camera Obscura shop
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop next to the exit, with an exciting range of tricks and toys inspired by the World of Illusions. You’re bound to find something original for everyone.
Unique views of the city
Being almost at the top of the hill, the views from the roof are spectacular: a 360-degree panorama including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Princes Street, the New Town, Arthur’s Seat and the Firth of Forth.
Inside the Camera Obscura itself, you will see a show that has been running here since 1835, using the same Victorian principle that made it famous. A member of staff will show you the city sights before explaining how the illusion works, including how to “pick up” the people walking along the Royal Mile!
If you are looking for a fun and different place, Camera Obscura is well worth a visit. Your ticket is valid all day, so you can leave and come back as many times as you like to enjoy its games and illusions.
Location
You can find Camera Obscura on Castlehill, at the top of the Royal Mile, on the right just before you reach the Castle Esplanade.
Get directions to Camera Obscura.