Trip Planner: Europe / UK / Scotland / Edinburgh / Sightseeing / Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh

(9,500+ reviews on the web)

Observation Deck Science Museum

For a weirdly wonderful and unique view of Edinburgh, head to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. The camera obscura itself sits in the roof and features a set of mirrors and lenses that project moving images of the city onto a screen. You'll be able to pick up projected pedestrians in your hands and redirect traffic over paper bridges. The guide narrates an entertaining history of Edinburgh while you experiment. Throughout the rest of the building, you can observe and play with all sorts of other optical tricks. Your entrance fee enables you to come and go as you want throughout the day, and you can return the next day for free if there more exhibits you want to see. Use our Edinburgh itinerary builder to arrange your visit to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and other attractions in Edinburgh.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

247_Travelers

It is easy to spend a few hours here. From the ground floor to the rooftop there are many attractions to keep everyone engaged. There are great views of the city from the rooftop. more »
D D

This is a good place for kids but not adults. It is really hammy/tourist trap. It cost around $20usd and feels like you entered a bad carnival (complete with a germ habitat). I went to see what the vi... more »
Zechel

Several floors of illusions and different takes on lighting. There's a short mirror maze that you can walk through, try not to bump your head. There is a spinning tunnel of lights that tests the balan... more »

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Noella Paton

To be honest was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did - it was not on our list of must see and dos on our Holiday to Scotland - however we had some spare time and thought we would check it out. We had a lot of fun with the interactive displays and was a great way to spend a couple of hours just spending time together laughing and having fun as a family. Highly recommend this for families or people who just want to explore the fascinating world of illusions and more.

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Emil Stoyanov

One of the best tourist attractions. Full of optical illusions and fun stuff. The Camera Obscura is very tricky to schedule if you actually want the best experience. It's best to visit on a very sunny day. Go early in the morning. If you are in the first or the second group you will enjoy nice view without screaming or running children and you can see the city before the sun goes too high. Take a good camera if you want pictures from the roof. (The phone is not a good camera no matter what are you thinking.)

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Daniel Granja Conejeros

Amazing experience! Had tons of fun, spent more than 2 hours enjoying all the attractions in the building. Be careful with the sparks when you touch people in the electric room 🙊🙊

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Ricardas Petrucionis

A fantastic entertainment inside. You'll love it here, a time well spent I guarantee. Many great and funny stuff to see. Might be a little crowded at times like weekends or holidays though, but it's worth a visit. Me and my girlfriend loved it!

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Rajesh Sreenath

This was not there in my itinerary. But we ended up spending couple hours. My kid had lots of fun.

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Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh

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247_Travelers

D D

Zechel

Noella Paton

Emil Stoyanov

Daniel Granja Conejeros

Ricardas Petrucionis

Rajesh Sreenath

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