Unusual things to do in Edinburgh

24 November 2022|Read time 2 mins

You've booked a self-catering trip with Reserve Apartments. But what to do during your time in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has an extensive year-round calendar of special events and activities, so you'll always be assured of plenty of choice when it comes to deciding how to spend your time in the city.

Unusual things to do in Edinburgh

You also won't have any trouble finding the city centre's major attractions, like Edinburgh Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse (located at opposite ends of the Royal Mile), but here are some top tips for less familiar or more unusual ways to experience Edinburgh...

Climb a Volcano (or three)

Edinburgh's landscape was shaped in part by volcanic activity, and there are three extinct volcanoes which make up the local geography.

The rock under Edinburgh Castle is a volcanic plug, estimated to be about 500 million years old, and Arthur's Seat (at the bottom of the Royal Mile) and Calton Hill (at the east end of Princes Street) date from a similar period.

Climb each of the volcanoes and enjoy panoramic views over the city and surrounding areas - especially when the weather is good...

Look to the Skies

Public interest in astronomy has never been higher, and Edinburgh's Royal Observatory hosts regular evening stargazing events to help you explore the skies above us.

Check out the man on the moon or scan the skies for signs of little green men as you find out more about our solar system at these fun and informative events, held in the historic observatory building on Blackford Hill.

Make Some Furry Friends

We're a nation of animal lovers, so it's probably only appropriate that Edinburgh has Scotland's first cat cafe, where you can spend time having fun with felines alongside a paw-fect cup of coffee.

Maison de Moggy is located near the Grassmarket in the Old Town, and their coven of kitties is waiting for you to stop by and stroke them after a trip to Edinburgh Castle or the National Museum of Scotland.

Go skiing in Edinburgh!

Believe it or not, Edinburgh is home to the largest artificial ski slope in Britain.

Although there isn't any real snow at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, visitors can still perfect their skiing and snowboarding techniques.

Located at Hillend, on one side of the Pentland Hills, the centre offers spectacular views of the city of Edinburgh and across the Firth of Forth to Fife. 

The centre is located just off the Edinburgh city bypass and is easily accessible by car or bus from the city centre.

Visit the oldest building on the Royal Mile

John Knox House, which now houses the Scottish Storytelling Centre, is the oldest, original medieval building on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation, lived here for a short time before his death in 1572 and the house has seen many dramatic events unfold.

Visit the centre and learn all about the building's history, as well as enjoy the many storytelling events on offer throughout the year.

View Dolly the Sheep

Did you know that Dolly the Sheep was cloned right here in Edinburgh?

Scientists at the Roslin Institute cloned Dolly in 1996, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell.

Visit Dolly at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, a fantastic place for all the family.

Other free, permanent exhibitions include Fashion, Nature and World Cultures, while visitors can enjoy great city views from the rooftop terrace. 

Book with Reserve Apartments

Whatever your interests, Edinburgh has something to amuse, entertain, surprise and enthral you. 

Book your next self-catering break to the city with Reserve Apartments today.