Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Highlights

• Live Camera Obscura Show – Ascend to the rooftop chamber and watch Edinburgh projected onto a table using mirrors and natural light. By day, it presents live city views; at night or in poor weather, it transforms into a vivid projection show—capturing landmarks from Edinburgh Castle to Fife.
• World of Illusions Across Five Floors – Explore over 100 interactive exhibits—from a kaleidoscope tunnel and mirror maze to holograms and the vortex tunnel. Each floor promises playful puzzles, optical tricks, and “nothing is what it seems”!
• Eye Spy Edinburgh Gallery – Perfect for families, this attraction offers a fascinating escape for rainy days or any day you want to explore.On this floor, powerful modern view cams bring the city into focus, alongside bendy mirrors, a thermal camera, and quirky automata like singing cats. You’ll also discover Victorian-era Edinburgh through historic images and fun optical illusions.

Good to know before you arrive

This is a fun and engaging interactive activity for all ages!

• Opening hours:
  • Tu 5 – Fri 22 May
    • Sun – Thu 9am – 8pm
    • Fri 9am – 9pm, Sat 9am – 9:30pm
  • Sat 23 – Sat 30 May
    • Every Day 8:30am – 10pm
  • Sun 31 May – Fri 26 June
    • Sun – Thu 9am – 8pm
    • Fri 9am – 9pm, Sat 9am – 9:30pm
• Allow approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to explore fully.
• Location: Castlehill, The Royal Mile, EH1 2ND
• Accessible via stairs only, with 100 steps to the Rooftop.
• Subject to availability. During peak seasons there may be a wait required before admission can be granted.