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Zoos

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

πŸ“ Scotland

β˜…4.6(15,551 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

Camera Obscura delivers interactive optical illusions, fun mazes, and hands-on science exhibits across five floors in a historic building on the Royal Mile. The rooftop camera obscura provides a guided live view over Edinburgh.

βœ“ Rooftop viewsβœ“ Interactive illusionsβœ“ All agesβœ“ Knowledgeable guidesβœ“ Book in advanceβœ“ Edinburgh highlight
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Oscar Riley

Although it's not the cheapest place to visit, it offers great value. All the illusions, art, and interactive exhibits in there are brilliant, from the bottom floor to the roof. The show on the roof was fantastic; Duncan was our guide and he explained everything wonderfully. He was also very funny, which was great, as I think humour is one of the most important things. My favourite illusion is the walk-in spiral on the second floor. It took us about two and a half hours to explore the entire museum. I recommend buying tickets in advance on their website because otherwise you'll have to wait in a long queue. I also recommend choosing an early time slot because there are fewer people, which makes it easier to take pictures, walk around, and view everything. Overall, it's a fantastic place if you love science and hands-on illusions.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children aged 4 and up who engage with hands-on science and optical challenges. The rooftop guide session is the centrepiece and worth timing your arrival around. Allow 90 minutes to two and a half hours across all five floors. Early slots have fewer visitors and better lighting for rooftop photography.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Book tickets online in advance to avoid walk-up queues at the entrance
⏰Early morning entry gives fewer crowds and better light for rooftop photos
🎟️Your hand stamp allows you to leave and return as many times as you like on the same day
πŸš—Allow 90 minutes to two and a half hours to explore all five floors at a relaxed pace

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.6
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15,551 Google reviews

Fun for all ages across five floors40%
Rooftop city views and camera obscura demo30%
Worth the ticket price20%
Early slots less crowded10%
O

Oscar Riley

3 months ago

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β€œAlthough it's not the cheapest place to visit, it offers great value. All the illusions, art, and interactive exhibits in there are brilliant, from the bottom floor to the roof. The show on the roof was fantastic; Duncan was our guide and he explained everything wonderfully. He was also very funny, which was great, as I think humour is one of the most important things. My favourite illusion is the walk-in spiral on the second floor. It took us about two and a half hours to explore the entire museum. I recommend buying tickets in advance on their website because otherwise you'll have to wait in a long queue. I also recommend choosing an early time slot because there are fewer people, which makes it easier to take pictures, walk around, and view everything. Overall, it's a fantastic place if you love science and hands-on illusions.”

E

Emily Sullivan

2 months ago

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β€œIf you are visiting Edinburgh with kids, this place is absolutely worth a stop. The ticket price is a bit on the high side, but in my opinion it is money well spent. Every floor is filled with mind bending and bizarre exhibits that keep you guessing how on earth they work. It is fun for kids and adults alike. The outdoor observation deck at the top offers some fantastic views of the city, and the short 15 minute presentation is well worth attending. It gives a nice overview of the attraction’s history and highlights Edinburgh itself. Staff were friendly, welcoming, and happy to help. I would recommend booking tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. One small tip: if you see couches inside the exhibits, think twice before sitting down. You might be in for a surprise. Don’t say I didn’t warn you πŸ™‚β€

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Kaitlin Martz

3 months ago

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β€œThis was our first visit and it did not disappoint. My 4 year old absolutely loved it as did myself. So much fun for all ages and a good work out walking up all those steps to the top. But worth it for the view. We had a lovely girl called Helen give us our wee tour and she was fantastic. We pre-booked for the 10am slot which I would recommend. It was so quiet and also low sensory for the kids. They were even given backpacks full of items to keep them entertained. Brilliant idea.”

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joanne Stoakes

4 weeks ago

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β€œFantastic experience! Staff were very knowledgeable and friendly get to explore the rooms at your leisure and get your hand stamped to leave and return the same day as much as you like until they close. We had so much fun exploring and was great to learn about the history of the building and the city”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Five floors of exhibits cover optical illusions, mirror mazes, light experiments, and tactile science challenges. The building itself dates to the 1850s; guides explain its history alongside the mechanics of each exhibit. The rooftop camera obscura session projects a live real-time image of Edinburgh streets onto a viewing table β€” a genuinely novel experience. Hand stamps allow same-day re-entry.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday09:30 – 20:00
Tuesday09:30 – 19:30
Wednesday09:30 – 19:30
Thursday09:30 – 19:30
Friday09:30 – 19:30
Saturday09:30 – 21:00
Sunday09:00 – 21:30

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