Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Perched at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is the city’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction, delighting guests since 1853. Housed in a historic 17th‑century building, it offers five floors packed with over 100 interactive exhibits that play with perception, from mirror mazes and vortex tunnels to mind‑bending visual tricks. At its heart is the original Victorian Camera Obscura, where a live moving panorama of the city is projected through a periscope, accompanied by an engaging guided tour. The rooftop terrace provides some of the best 360° views of Edinburgh, complete with free‑to‑use telescopes and binoculars. Open year‑round, this five‑star VisitScotland attraction blends heritage, science, and pure fun, making it a must‑see for visitors of all ages.
Edinburgh ScotlandCamera Obscura & World of Illusions is located at 549 Castlehill, at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, just before Edinburgh Castle. This historic attraction, established in 1835, combines the fascinating original Camera Obscura, which projects live moving images of the city through a periscope, with over 100 interactive optical illusions and exhibits spread across five floors. Visitors can explore a mirror maze, vortex tunnel, holograms, and light-based illusions, making it a captivating experience for all ages. The rooftop terrace offers spectacular 360-degree views of Edinburgh, perfect for photography and sightseeing. Nearby are key landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scotch Whisky Experience, the Writers’ Museum, and the vibrant Royal Mile with its shops and restaurants, placing Camera Obscura at a cultural and historical hub within the city.
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Museum of Edinburgh
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Surgeons’ Hall Museums
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Museum of Childhood Edinburgh
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Museum on the Mound
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National War Museum of Scotland
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Newhaven Heritage Museum
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People’s Story Museum
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Writers’ Museum
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St Cecilia’s Hall
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Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
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Corstorphine Heritage Centre
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Queensferry Museum
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Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
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Royal Observatory Visitor Centre
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Our Dynamic Earth
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Trinity House Maritime Museum
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Museum of Magic, Fortune-Telling & Witchcraft
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King’s Theatre
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Festival Theatre
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Edinburgh Playhouse
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Queen’s Hall
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Usher Hall
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Royal Lyceum Theatre
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Traverse Theatre
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Bedlam Theatre
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Church Hill Theatre
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Rose Theatre
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Scottish Storytelling Centre
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Summerhall
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St Stephen’s Theatre
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Festival Square Theatre
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Leith Theatre
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Portobello Town Hall
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Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
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City Art Centre
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Collective Gallery
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Fruitmarket Gallery
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Open Eye Gallery
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Leith Walk Gallery
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Braewell Gallery
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Dovecot Studios
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Morningside Gallery
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West End Craft & Design Fair
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Bourne Fine Art Gallery
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Red Door Gallery
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Marchmont Gallery
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Talbot Rice Gallery
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Torrance Gallery
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Gallery TEN
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Wasps Patriothall Studios and Gallery
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Rhubaba Gallery and Studios
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Edinburgh Castle
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
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Craigmillar Castle
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Holyrood Park
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Princes Street Gardens
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The Meadows
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Inverleith Park
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Calton Hill
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Harrison Park
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Victoria Park
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Pilrig Park
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Arthur’s Seat
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Scott Monument
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The Royal Mile
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St Giles’ Cathedral
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
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Dean Village
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Innocent Railway Tunnel & Path
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The Real Mary King’s Close
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The Scotch Whisky Experience
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The Edinburgh Dungeon
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Grassmarket
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Stockbridge Market
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Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
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Leith Market
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Tron Kirk Market
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Ocean Terminal Market
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