Quirky Activities In Edinburgh

• Address: 25 Lothian Road, EH1 2DJ
• Best for: nostalgic fun

Get stuck into some nostalgic fun at NQ64, the quirky activity bar on Lothian Road. This Instagrammable location is covered in dark decor and neon graffiti, boasting a selection of 27 different retro arcade machines and video gaming consoles, offering everything from Mario Kart to Dance Dance Revolution.

In between games you can munch on cheesy slices from Pizza Geeks, paired with colourful themed cocktails such as a Kong Island iced tea or the Aku Aku fruit punch.

If you're looking for something fun to do on a Thursday, The Botanist host quirky bingo nights at their venue in St James Quarter. Additionally, you can find live music here on a regular basis, to be enjoyed while sipping one of their creative cocktails.

This stunning destination is filled with greenery, as will as rustic wooden furniture. Hungry? Then check out their menu of roasted mushroom burgers, piri piri chicken kebabs, sirloin steak and much more.

• Address: Units 3 & 4, Omni Centre, EH1 3AU
• Best for: adventurous days out

You've got 60 minutes on the clock - ready, set, go. At this escape room adventure, you'll get to choose between four different themed rooms and put your problem-solving skills to the test. Beat these puzzles for your adrenaline-inducing pleasure and see if you can crack the case.

The themes range from samurais in ancient Japan to looking for the fabled city of Atlantis, so you'll be transported to a whole new world here.

Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches can be found in the Old Town, promising all sorts of activities for gin-lovers. You can take an interactive tour of the venue, learning more about their process and trying samples along the way.

There are also some more hands-on sessions to try out, from gin and chocolate tastings to a gin making experience or a cocktail masterclass. Plus, there's a rooftop bar to head to afterwards.

• Address: Melville Monument, 42 St Andrew Square, EH2 2AD
• Best for: puzzle solving

Murder Mystery experience is a unique way to flex your amateur sleuthing muscles, as you become private detectives and try to solve the murder of an infamous politician. Get out and about to solve clues, crack codes and interrogate virtual suspects on the state-of-the-art app. 

You'll play in teams of two to six people, starting from only £19.99 for the whole group. This is a self-guided adventure, using only your phone, so you can set off at any time you like and go at your own pace.

• Address: High Street, EH1 1QS
• Best for: exploring the city

Quirky outdoor activities in Edinburgh don't get much better than CityDays, which merges immersive exploration of Edinburgh with escape room-style puzzles and games. All of this is entirely self-guided, using just your phone to lead you.

You'll be sent messages to decode, solve riddles and find out fun facts along the way - working in teams of two to eight people. Plus, you can expect plenty of pub stops factored in too.

• Address: 139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS
• Best for: musical events

Located in the heart of the Cowgate, The Three Sisters is a vibrant bar and event space that's known for its quirky goings-on. They host regular paint and sip sessions, alongside themed boozy brunches, music quizzes and much more.

They also show live sport, so there really is something for everyone here. Feeling peckish? Then check out their menu of wood-fired pizzas, halloumi burgers, loaded fries and more.

• Address: 1A Market Street, EH1 1DE
• Best for: live music

If you're on the hunt for fun things to do in Edinburgh city centre, Brewhemia has got plenty of them. This emporium of Scottish beer has got 12 copper tanks on-site, serving unpasteurised and unfiltered beer from award-winning producers, and there's an Alpine-Scottish fusion menu to go with it.

There's plenty of entertainment on the cards here too, including regular live music, drag and cabaret performances on stage. They even host boozy brunches and theatrical dinners, themed around everything from an Alpine adventure to Moulin Rouge.

• Address: Level 3, St James Quarter, 300-306, EH1 3AE
• Best for: interactive darts

Flight Club is a brilliant bar with vintage fairground interiors and social darts. Their interactive boards add up your scores for you, and there are all kinds of multiplayer minigames to get involved in.

And on the weekend? It hosts its epic Brunch Socials, where you can perfect your darts throw with your mates or dates. This includes an hour at the oche and a whole bottle of prosecco each, as well as unlimited pizza to share between your group - all for as little as £33 per person.

• Address: Marpole Retreats, 378 Leith Walk, Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH7 4PE
• Best for: creative dates 

Looking for a Saturday night that's a little different? Marpole Retreats is hosting painting nights where a local artist guides you step by step, no experience required.

All materials are included, and yes, there's prosecco to sip as you paint. Go solo and meet new people, or bring a crew for a fun, creative night out that's guaranteed to leave you with laughs and a masterpiece of your own.

• Address: 3E St Andrew's House, 2 Regent Road, EH1 3DG
• Best for: team activities

Looking to get outside more often while having fun? Then check out the Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist by I'm Puzzled, where you'll work in groups of two to six to pull off the perfect heist. This self-guided interactive experience is led by their cutting-edge app, giving you a chance to explore the city at the same time.

Work together to crack codes and scout out locations, all while coordinating with your virtual crew on the app. Prices start from as little as £19.99 for the entire team, and you can get started any time you like.

• Address: Omni Centre, Greenside Row, EH1 3AA
• Best for: outdoor activities

Searching for fun things to do in Edinburgh for couples? At the Great Game Treasure Hunt, you'll be given a treasure map, compass and clues so you can find your way around the city and locate your 'prize' - a superb pub. From there, you'll get a 20% discount off your bill.

This adventure is entirely self-guided, and you'll learn more about Edinburgh along the way. This can be done in groups of up to eight people, with tickets starting from £19.99.

• Address: Unit 3 & 4, Omni Centre, EH1 3AU
• Best for: competitive socialising

Boom Battle Bar is the ultimate venue for big kids, as it boasts an epic selection of games to get stuck into. Think crazy golf, shuffleboard and axe-throwing, not to mention killer DJ sets in the evenings.

For rumbling tums? Chow down on wings and loaded fries accompanied by cocktails. What's more, they host themed bottomless brunches on a regular basis, complete with on-stop tunes.

• Address: Home street, Edinburgh, EH3
• Best for: quirky entertainment

Looking for an unusual way to explore the city? Then check out Cab-arette, a quirky outing that's guaranteed to have you in stitches. You'll be taken on a car journey around the city by Lola and The Gang, promising non-stop entertainment, 80s music and much more.

The 90-minute experience starts from £50 per person, giving you the chance to see more of Edinburgh while having a laugh with your mates.

• Address: 7-9 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EG
• Best for: spooky outings

Step aboard the Ghost Bus and explore Edinburgh's haunted history in a way you'll never forget. On this spine-tingling tour, you'll visit legendary sites like Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Kirk, and the Royal Mile while your creepy conductor shares chilling stories of executions, ghostly encounters, and grave robbers.

With dark humour and supernatural tales woven throughout, this theatrical tour offers an entertaining and eerie look at Edinburgh's gruesome past.

• Address: 7-15 Rose Street, EH2 2PR
• Best for: pizza enthusiasts

If you are looking for something a little different to do in Edinburgh, Pizza Pilgrims' Dough It Yourself Masterclass is a must-try. This interactive session gives you the chance to become a pizza pro, learning how to stretch and shape dough, pick the best toppings, and cook your own Neapolitan masterpiece.

Whether you are planning a fun date, a group outing, or just want to try something new, this quirky experience delivers plenty of laughs and delicious rewards.

• Address: 14 Picardy Place, EH1 3JT
• Best for: fairground games

Edinburgh activities for adults bars are topped off by Fayre Play, the funfair-themed destination that's got you covered for nostalgic games, quirky cocktails and street food. There are nine classic games to choose from, including Duck Hunt, Slam Drunk and Skee-Baw.

The 18+ location is ideal for date night or a competitive outing with friends, and there are all sorts of package deals to make the most of. As for the food, think pizzas, burgers and hotdogs, washed down by all kinds of creative concoctions - we recommend the Hubba Bubble.

• Address: 4-7 North Bank Road, EH1 2LP
• Best for: whisky fans

Situated by the Mound in Edinburgh, Whiski Rooms has plenty to offer. Head to this social spot for a great tasting event - think four single malt whiskies and various cheeses crafted from a local monger, teaching you all about the art of pairing food and drink.

For the sweet-toothed, they can also opt for a chocolate pairing with their spirit, and there are premium versions of the experience available if you really want to push the boat out.

• Address: 1 Summerhall Square, EH9 1PL
• Best for: drinks tastings

Looking for fun food and drink events? Then head to Pickering's Gin at Summerhall Distillery, the first gin-exclusive distillery to open in Edinburgh in 150 years. This quirky spot offers a brilliant cocktail masterclass on weekends, where their expert mixologists will teach you how to make three delicious concoctions from their premium spirits.

Their Scottish Explorer supper clubs take place on Fridays, giving you the chance to enjoy tasty meats and cheeses from local suppliers. This will be paired with their own spirits, as well as beers from their neighbour brewery - all for £55 per person.

• Address: 9-11 Blair Street, EH1 1QR
• Best for: discovering comedians

On Wednesday nights, check out Monkey Barrel for a night full of comedy acts that will leave you in absolute stitches.

Watch as people go head-to-head to see who reigns supreme as the funniest and wins that week's 'top banana'. Plus, you'll be treated to special guests, with new headliners taking to the stage each week.