Are you planning a trip to Edinburgh with your teenagers and wondering how to keep them entertained? Don’t worry; Edinburgh has plenty of thrilling activities to make your trip unforgettable for your teens.
From haunted tours to capturing Insta-worthy shots, there’s something for every teen. Let’s explore this list of things to do in Edinburgh with teenagers and keep them smiling throughout your visit.
1) Illusions at Camera Obscura
- Website: https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/
- Address: 549 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, United Kingdom
- Contact: 0131 226 3709
- Whatsapp: +447541 599484
- Email: +447541 599484
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (closing times may vary)
- Ticket Price: Adult- £22.95, Student (with ID) – £20.95, Senior (65+)- £20.95, Child (5-15 years)- £17.95, Under 5s- Free
Just steps away from the castle, you’ll find Camera Obscura, a world of optical illusions and interactive exhibits. This quirky museum is packed with mind-boggling experiences that teens (and adults) will love. From the vortex tunnel to the mirror maze, your kids will be snapping selfies and videos non-stop.
Pro Tip: Head there early to avoid the crowds and take your time to enjoy all the exhibits.
2) Sightseeing Bus Tour
- Website: https://edinburghtour.com/
- Address: Multiple stops across the city
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (depending on the season)
- Ticket Price: Adult – £18, Child- Free, Senior – £16, Student(With Id)- £16
If walking isn’t your teen’s idea of fun, hop on a sightseeing bus for a more relaxed way to explore the city. The ‘Horrible Histories’ version of the bus tour adds a fun twist with humorous commentary, keeping everyone entertained while you explore vital sights.
Pro Tip: Pick the hop-on-hop-off option to allow your teens to explore different stops without committing to the entire route.
3) Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour
- Website: https://www.theghostbustours.com/edinburgh/
- Show Time: Every day of the week
- Tickets: Adult – £19, Child- £15, Family(2 adults+2 Children) – £51, Students- £16
- Contact: +448445678666
If your teens aren’t up for a walking tour, they might enjoy a ride on the Edinburgh Necrobus! Hop on the Ghost Bus Tour for a spooky yet funny sightseeing experience around the city. You can catch the Ghost Bus at Lawnmarket, in front of The Heritage of Scotland. Bring an umbrella if it’s raining since you might have to wait in line for a bit.
The tours run in the evening and last about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including a creepy stop at the graveyard. It’s a bit pricey, and you might learn more from traditional tours, but it’s a fun experience.
Our 13-year-old loved it, though our 16-year-old thought it was cheesy! There’s also an optional 10-minute tour of St. Cuthbert’s graveyard, which is worth doing. It’s extra spooky at night, especially with the castle’s shadow looming in the background.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to queue up and avoid the rain. The bus can get busy, and no one likes waiting in the Scottish drizzle!
4) The Real Mary King’s Close
- Website: https://www.realmarykingsclose.com/
- Address: 2 Warriston’s Close, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, United Kingdom
- Timings: Daily 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adult – £22.50, Child (5 to 15yo) – £16 – £19, Private Tour (up to 20 guests) – £425
If you want to dive deep into Edinburgh’s hidden history, visiting the Real Mary King’s Close is an unforgettable experience. Located beneath the famous Royal Mile, this preserved 17th-century street gives you a glimpse of the city’s dark and fascinating past.
The tour is brought to life by guides dressed in authentic period costumes, who share gripping tales of the people who once lived there. From the plague outbreaks to mysterious disappearances, the guides recreate the everyday struggles and stories of the residents, giving you a true sense of what life was like in the 1600s. It’s both eerie and educational—a perfect mix for families with teenagers who enjoy history with a spooky twist!
One of the best parts of the Real Mary King’s Close is how interactive the experience is. With vivid storytelling, atmospheric lighting, and well-preserved rooms, you feel like you’ve returned in time. Your teens will love exploring the underground tunnels while learning about Edinburgh’s forgotten history.
Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance, as tours often sell out. This tour is top-rated for families looking for fun things to do in Edinburgh with teenagers. It’s an excellent way to mix historical learning with a bit of mystery and adventure!
5) Follow the Harry Potter Trail
- Website: https://www.pottertrail.com/
- Address: Meet at Greyfriars Bobby Statue, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, United Kingdom
- Contact: +44 131 220 5221
- Email: contact@pottertrail.com
- Ticket Price: Free (donations encouraged)
Are your tweens or teens big Harry Potter fans? If so, Edinburgh is a must-visit! This magical city is where J.K. Rowling wrote some of the early Harry Potter books. One of the key spots is the Elephant House café, where she penned many drafts. While the café is sadly closed due to a fire in 2021, you can still pass by for a look.
Edinburgh is also believed to have inspired some locations in the books. For example, it’s said that the vibrant Victoria Street inspired Diagon Alley, and the grand Hogwarts School took inspiration from the city’s architecture.
Book a Harry Potter trail tour to dive deeper into the magic. It’s a unique and fun way to explore the city while learning fascinating facts about Rowling’s connection to Edinburgh and the stories she created. Perfect for Potterheads of all ages!
Pro Tip: Book a Harry Potter walking tour to get all the insider knowledge, including hidden spots that fans won’t want to miss.
6) Escape Rooms and Magic Potions at the Department of Magic
- Website: https://www.departmentofmagic.com/
- Address: 9 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR, United Kingdom
- Contact: +44 131 556 1238
- Email: info@departmentofmagic.com
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Escape Rooms £60 per group, Potions Experience £15 per person
This is a fun activity and a must-do for great family bonding. Just a short walk from St Giles Cathedral and off the Royal Mile, you’ll discover the quirky Department of Magic.
Here, you can visit the Magic Potions Tavern and try the escape rooms with games like the “Prophecies Quest” or “Dark Lord Resurrection” (up to 6 players).
You can also make your potions at the Magic Potions Tavern. Put on a magic cloak and mix cool ingredients to create fun cocktails like The Dark Lord, Vial of Venom, or Herbology 101. There are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Visiting Edinburgh with teens can be a blast!
Pro Tip: Escape rooms are a great rainy day activity, and the potion-making experience has non-alcoholic options, so it’s perfect for teens.
7) Climb Arthur’s Seat for Stunning Views
Climbing Arthur’s Seat is a fantastic outdoor adventure that offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh. As an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park, it stands at 251 meters, making it the highest point in the city. The summit hike is popular among locals and tourists and is suitable for teens who enjoy being active.
The easiest route to the top starts from the car park on Queen’s Drive, near Holyrood Palace, at the bottom of the Royal Mile. From there, follow the path on the right side of the palace for a gradual climb.
Though the hike may take 30-60 minutes, depending on your pace, the reward is worth it. At the summit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s skyline, including the iconic Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and even out towards the Firth of Forth.
This is a perfect way to explore the natural beauty of Edinburgh while getting some fresh air and exercise. Whether you’re with family or friends, the climb up Arthur’s Seat is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the city from a unique and scenic perspective.
Pro Tip: Pack some snacks and water. The hike can be a little challenging, but the reward is a fantastic view and a great feeling of accomplishment.
8) Wander the Streets of Dean Village
Just a short walk from the bustling Princes Street, Dean Village is a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the busy city centre.
Situated along the peaceful Water of Leith, this historic village was once the heart of Edinburgh’s milling industry. While the mills are no longer in operation, remnants of this past can still be seen throughout the village. Look out for old millstones and plaques decorated with symbols of baked bread and pies, a nod to the village’s history.
As you wander the charming streets, you’ll come across the iconic Dean Bridge and St Bernard’s Well, designed by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford. The picturesque Well Court, built in the 1880s to house mill workers, is the centrepiece of Dean Village and offers a glimpse into the area’s rich architectural heritage.
Pro Tip: Visit in the early morning for the best lighting and the quietest experience. The village can get busy later in the day.
9) Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
- Website: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-gallery-modern-art
- Timing: Open daily, 10 AM–5 PM
- Address: 73 & 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR
- Contact: enquiries@nationalgalleries.org
- Ticket: Free
If you’re looking for an excellent spot to take your teenagers that combines art, culture, and plenty of open space, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art should be on your list. Located just a short distance from Edinburgh’s city centre, this gallery is a treasure trove of contemporary and modern art bound to captivate young minds.
The gallery is housed in two striking buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, on beautifully landscaped grounds. This makes it easy for teens to explore and enjoy art without feeling overwhelmed.
Modern One features a diverse collection of works from the 20th century, including pieces by popular artists like Picasso and Andy Warhol. The bold, colourful art can mainly engage teenagers, sparking their imagination and creativity.
Pro Tip: Entry is free, so it’s a great option if you want something budget-friendly.
10) Try Your Hand at Mini Golf
- Website: https://portal-golf.com/
- Price: £8 per person for 18 holes for all ages
- Contact: 0131 443 0404
- Address: 10 New Market Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Are you looking for a fun way to get your teenagers off their screens and into some action? Mini golf is a fantastic option! Edinburgh offers some great mini-golf courses perfect for families looking to bond over friendly competition.
One of the standout spots is The Golf Tavern. Located just a short drive from the city centre, this place combines classic mini golf with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The course has quirky obstacles and creative themes that add a playful twist to the game. Teens will enjoy the challenge of navigating through imaginative designs while trying to perfect their putts.
Pro Tip: Try an indoor course if the weather isn’t cooperating. It’s a great way to avoid the unpredictable Scottish rain!
11) Go Shopping on Princes Street
If you’re looking for a bustling shopping experience in Edinburgh that your teenagers will love, Princes Street is the place to be. This iconic street is the heart of Edinburgh’s retail scene, offering a mix of high-street brands, unique boutiques, and vibrant energy that will appeal to teens.
Beyond shopping, Princes Street has cafes and eateries where you can grab a bite to eat and rest your feet. Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee or enjoying a leisurely meal, there’s plenty to satisfy everyone.
Pro Tip: Set a budget before you go to avoid overspending on those trendy outfits or accessories!
12) Visit the Dungeons at Edinburgh Castle
- Website: https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/
- Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
- Contact: +44 131 225 9846
- Timings: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults – £26
You might think your teens will groan at visiting yet another castle, but Edinburgh Castle is more than a historical monument. The things to do in Edinburgh with teenagers include exploring the eerie dungeons and war prisons here.
Let your teens experience what life was like for prisoners centuries ago, with dark, narrow corridors and spine-chilling stories that bring history to life.
Pro tip: Plan your visit around 1 PM to catch the famous one o’clock gun—perfect for some fun (and loud!) Insta-worthy shots.
13) Snap Insta Shots at Calton Hill
- Website: No official website (Check Edinburgh tourism websites)
- Address: Edinburgh EH7 5AA, United Kingdom
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Ticket Price: Free entry
If you have teenagers, they spend a lot of time on their phones. Why not use that to your advantage and take them to a spot perfect for Instagram? Calton Hill, also called Edinburgh’s Acropolis, is full of historic buildings for great photos.
Your teens might enjoy posing here for selfies, whether for Instagram, BeReal, or Snapchat. You’ll all admire landmarks like the National Monument (inspired by the Parthenon!), Nelson’s Monument, and the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Firth of Forth.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the 1 o’clock gun – a fun tradition and a great chance for your teens to catch impressive videos.
14) Chocolate Heaven at the Chocolatarium
- Website: https://www.chocolatarium.co.uk/
- Timing: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Address: The Chocolatarium, 3-5 Cranston Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BE
- Contact: +(44) 117 205 1079
Edinburgh is known for its history, art, and culture, but there’s one spot you shouldn’t overlook – the Chocolatarium! It might not be the first place that comes to mind, but trust me, it’s a must-visit. I took my teenage daughter there on a recent trip, and we had a blast bonding over delicious chocolate.
Located just off the Royal Mile (near Holyrood Palace), this charming little venue is a chocolate lover’s dream. We explored the history of chocolate, learned how it’s made, and even got some great advice on buying ethical and fair-trade chocolate.
Pro Tip: Try to visit during a quieter time, like mid-morning or early afternoon, for a more relaxed experience.
Wrapping Up!
With so many things to do in Edinburgh with teenagers, you will surely have a memorable family trip. Whether your teen is into history, adventure, or simply snapping photos, Edinburgh has something for everyone. So pack your bags, prepare for adventure, and enjoy everything the Scottish capital offers!
FAQ’s
1) What is the number one attraction in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Castle is the top attraction, offering stunning views, rich history, and iconic landmarks like the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny.
2) How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
Ideally, 2-3 days allow time to explore Edinburgh’s main attractions like the Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Arthur’s Seat.
3) What is Edinburgh best known for?
Edinburgh is best known for its historic architecture, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the annual Edinburgh Festival.
4) Was Harry Potter filmed in Edinburgh?
No, but Edinburgh inspired much of Harry Potter, and J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the series in local cafes.
5) Where is the real Hogwarts Castle?
The real Hogwarts Castle is based on Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England, which was used for filming exterior shots.
