Quirky Activities In Edinburgh

• Location: Unit 3 & 4, Omni Centre, EH1 3AU
• Best for: competitive socialising, date night, work socials, birthdays 
• Activity type: axe throwing, shuffleboard, crazy golf, and bottomless brunches 
• Price: games from £12 per person
• Why I recommend: if you're planning a party or looking to get a group of mates together, I strongly suggest booking Boom Battle Bar Edinburgh for some alternative activities that'll have you laughing and competing for first place. It's not every day you get to try your hand at axe throwing, and with bundles starting from £27.50, you'll be able to try a real mix of everything the venue has to offer, from darts to American pool 

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. You'll save if you book a bundle, but for one-off games it's pretty affordable too, with prices starting from around £12 per person.

For rumbling tums? Devour wings and loaded fries accompanied by cocktails, like the vodka-based Gold Rush, or spiced rum-flavoured Island Trouble. What's more, they host themed bottomless brunches regularly, complete with great tunes.

• Location: 22 Bread Street, EH3 9AF
• Best for: groups, birthdays, dates 
• Activity type: dog cafe, animals, food and drink 
• Price: varies
• Why I recommend: complete with a fully licensed bar, it is the perfect spot for dog lovers and anyone looking for something wonderfully eccentric to brighten up their week completely

If you're on the hunt for something different to do (that also happens to be cuddly and cute), look no further than CuppaPug Edinburgh, a ridiculously joy-filled pug cafe bathed entirely in bright pink.

This family-friendly spot lets you book dedicated sessions surrounded by a resident pack of affectionate, squishy-faced pugs, promising plenty of cuddles and playtime. Beyond the sheer entertainment value, pug welfare is at the absolute heart of the business; the venue actively supports rescue and rehoming work, allowing visitors to meet these adorable dogs in a safe, caring environment and even apply to adopt rescue pugs right from the cafe. 

• Location: High Street, EH1 1QS
• Best for: exploring the city, team-building, family fun, daytime date 
• Activity type: scavenger hunt, puzzle-solving
• Price: from £15 per person
• Why I recommend: CityDays are experts in offering unique ways to explore with your friends, family or colleagues and, from £15 per person, I think this is a fun and affordable way to uncover a lot of Edinburgh's fascinating history. Along the way, you'll also discover some of the capital's beloved pubs, cafes and bars, which are perfect for well-earned pit stops 

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.

• Location: 25 Lothian Road, EH1 2DJ
• Best for: birthdays, team socials, hen or stag dos, quirky dates
• Activity type: arcade games, dance mats, nostalgic fun
• Price: varies depending on the number of tokens you want for games 
• Why I recommend: I love how you know what you'll get with NQ64, as it's famous for delivering neon-splattered interiors and games that'll take you back to your childhood, and Edinburgh's location is no different. It's my go-to for a bar with something alternative about it, and I really love how you can be dancing to Steps one minute, then battling it out on Guitar Hero the next, like it's the 00s

Get stuck into some nostalgic fun at NQ64, the quirky activity bar on Lothian Road, with other locations dotted around the country in London, Bristol and beyond. 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. I love how unique this spot is, and the fact that it's open 'til late - it's definitely one of my top quirky activities for couples in Edinburgh. 

• Location: Central Hall, West Tollcross, Edinburgh, EH3 9PB
• Best for: groups, hen or stag dos, birthdays, tourists, beer, food
• Activity type: drinks, live music, food
• Price: tickets from £31.90 per person
• Why I recommend: if you can't get out to Munich, this is the next best thing - expect authentic dress, live oompah bands and lots of Bavarian booze

The Oktoberfest is taking over West Princes Street Gardens Red Square this October. Expect all the fun of this legendary Bavarian festival right in the heart of the city. 

As well as lashings of glorious German lager, there's freshly cooked sausage, live music and a whole lot of lederhosen. Tickets start from just £31.90 and include a welcome drink and dijestiv, plus a bratwurst and a top spot in the middle of the hall.

• Location: 1A Market Street, EH1 1DE
• Best for: drinks with friends, birthdays, spontaneous plans, and affordable activities 
• Activity type: live music, cabaret, themed disco nights
• Price: from free entry 
• Why I recommend: I find that there's never a dull moment at Brewhemia, as it boasts brilliant entertainment most Thursdays to Sundays. You can expect everything from the likes of drag to cabaret, and I particularly enjoy its Sunday Service, featuring uplifting live choirs and performances that are guaranteed to boost your mood

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 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've also been known to have thrown some great brunches, themed around everything from an Alpine adventure to Moulin Rouge.

• Location: Units 3 & 4, Omni Centre, EH1 3AU
• Best for: adventurous days out, team building, families, dates, work socials 
• Activity type: escape room, VR, problem solving 
• Price: £21 per person for six players
• Why I recommend: thanks to its various price points for group packages, I think Escape Hunt Edinburgh is a great pick for those looking to embark on a virtual quest together. I'm a big fan of how diverse the games are, from exploring the deep blue sea to helping Alice in Puzzleland - there's something for everyone 

You've got 60 minutes on the clock - ready, set, go. At Escape Hunt Edinburgh, 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 samurai in ancient Japan, where you have an hour to break free from evil warlord Tanaka Masamune's dungeon and defeat him, to looking for the fabled city of Atlantis - you'll be transported to a whole new world.

• Location: 7-9 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EG
• Best for: spooky outings, ghost story lovers, birthdays, quirky dates
• Activity type: bus tour, sightseeing, storytelling, comedy 
• Price: from £15.40 per child, £20.90 per adult 
• Why I recommend: if sightseeing's high up on your list of Edinburgh activities, then how about mixing them with lore from beyond the grave? I love this ghost bus tour, as it takes you around iconic locations while telling you chilling tales about spooky encounters and executions. It can be gruesome at times, but there's plenty of humour injected into the experience, and just a touch of the supernatural 

All 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. It's the UK's only comedy-horror experience, so grab your tickets now from £20.90 per adult. 

• Location: 139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS
• Best for: spontaneous plans, birthdays, stag and hen dos
• Activity type: musical, crafty, brunches 
• Price: varies depending on activity 
• Why I recommend: The Three Sisters is famed for its non-stop party atmosphere, so come prepared to let loose at this fantastic, historical venue. I love the diverse entertainment options here, with karaoke Sundays and mixtape Mondays, as well as quiz nights on Tuesdays. You can also always expect to find a fun DJ here

Located in the heart of the Cowgate, The Three Sisters is an energetic 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. The venue itself has been on a wild transformation journey, initially posing as a tailor's, a playhouse in 1733 run by the three McKinnon sisters: Maggie, Cath, and Kitty, and later a brewery.

Today, it celebrates the sisters' legacy, and it also shows 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.

• Location: Arch 16, The Arches, East Market Street, EH8 8FS
• Best for: groups, hen or stag dos, birthdays, anniversaries 
• Activity type: drinks tastings, tours, cocktail classes
• Price: tours from £28 per person
• Why I recommend: I believe that this is the perfect activity for gin lovers, as they get to learn everything there is to know about the botanical spirit, as well as try some themselves. One of my favourite experiences includes the gin and chocolate tasting class - it's truly a match made in heaven 

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. Their 'flavour arch' is where the real magic happens, where you'll find the aromas of award-winning gins brought to life. 

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, and you can purchase the gins you fell in love with afterwards - they make great gifts.

• Location: 7-15 Rose Street, EH2 2PR
• Best for: pizza enthusiasts, birthdays, date night
• Activity type: cooking class, feasting 
• Price: from £54 per person
• Why I recommend: if you, like me, are a fan of Pizza Pilgrims' airy crusts and pesto dips, and have always wondered how they get their pizzas so beautifully cheesy, then this masterclass offers the ultimate peek behind the scenes. I love the fact that you're guided by an expert pizzaiolo, and get to make and eat your own creations - there's also a fun apron to wear in class (perfect for pictures), and if you upgrade your package, you get to take it home with you to wear the next time you're whipping up a margherita 

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.

Your ticket includes two drinks per person, friggitoria Italian street food to start, a guided session, a signature Nutella ring dessert to share, and all the ingredients and equipment provided, wrapped up in a two hour sessions that's great value for money. 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.

• Location: Ghillie Dhu, 2 Rutland Place, EH1 2AD
• Best for: groups, hen or stag dos, birthdays, tourists
• Activity type: live music, ceilidh dancing
• Price: tickets from £16.35 per person
• Why I recommend: if you're after unique things to do in Edinburgh for couples, and a proper Scottish night out without committing to a full dinner package, this is the one. I find that it's welcoming to total beginners and pretty much guarantees you'll leave sweaty, smiling and slightly better at ceilidh dancing than when you arrived

For a late-night dose of Scottish culture (with a party twist), the Burly Ceilidh Club at Ghillie Dhu delivers exactly what you want. Kicking off from 9.30pm, this ceilidh-only ticket dives straight into dancing, with a live band leading the charge.

There'll be a whirlwind of traditional tunes, spinning partners and instructions as you work your way through classic ceilidh sets. Don't worry if you've never done it before, as half the fun is figuring it out as you go, and the crowd is usually a mix of locals, tourists and celebratory groups all in the same boat.

If you're looking for an engaging activity to enjoy with friends, family or colleagues, Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist fits the bill. Using only a phone for guidance, you'll explore the city while solving clues, completing tasks and working through puzzles.

• Location: Omni Centre, Greenside Row, EH1 3AA
• Best for: outdoor activities, team building, work socials, daytime date
• Activity type: outdoors, quiz, treasure hunt
• Price: from £19.99 for two players
• Why I recommend: I thoroughly enjoy the Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt for a quirky social or fun date, which takes you all around the city. It's a great way to learn something new about Edinburgh, sightsee, and problem solve all in one, and I find it really tests your ability to cooperate

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 on 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.

• Location: Level 3, St James Quarter, 300-306, EH1 3AE
• Best for: hen dos, stag dos, weekend brunches, dates 
• Activity type: interactive darts, bottomless brunch
• Price: from £33 per person
• Why I recommend: booking a Flight Club Brunch Social, to me, is always a good idea and a very joyful time. I love the interiors at the venue and how playful they are, taking inspiration from fairgrounds but levelled up with gold accents and draping curtains. It's a great activity for hen or stag dos, no matter the time of day, and I find the offering of a bottle of prosecco per person to be very geneorus

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.

• Location: 1A Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE
• Best for: groups, birthdays, music lovers, special occasions
• Activity type: immersive dining, live music, supper club
• Price: tickets from £30.74 per person
• Why I recommend: I reckon this is one of the most fun ways to do dinner in the capital right now - where else can you tuck into a Sunday roast while a full Motown soundtrack plays out live around you? The roaming performers really bring the whole thing to life, turning it from a sit-down meal into a proper party

If your ideal Sunday involves soulful vocals, flowing prosecco and a side of nostalgia, then Soul Supper is calling your name. Taking over Brewhemia on select dates throughout 2026, this immersive dining experience dives headfirst into the sounds of Motown and classic funk.

You'll hear hits inspired by legends like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and The Temptations as live performers weave through the crowd. On the food front, it's all about indulgent comfort, with roast Scottish sirloin with all the trimmings or a vegan haggis Wellington, followed by a chocolate and orange tart, plus a welcome glass of prosecco to kick things off.

• Location: 4 South Charlotte Street, EH2 4AW
• Best for: hen or stag dos, birthdays, groups
• Activity type: nightlife, boozy brunches, dance classes, party packages
• Price: events from £5.50 per person
• Why I recommend: I feel like Coyote Ugle Edinburgh is perfect when you want a lively night out that's just like it seems in the movie. Whether you're line dancing on the bar or downing cocktails with your mates, this place guarantees stories the next day

If you've ever watched Coyote Ugly and thought, 'I need that sort of energy in my life', then Coyote Ugly Saloon Edinburgh is the venue for you. This is where the music is cranked up and the bartenders, aka the Coyotes, run the show from the bar top.

It's one of the top quirky things to do in Edinburgh for adults, and there's a packed lineup of events to get stuck into. You'll find boozy brunches with a wild edge, hen and stag packages, and even line dancing lessons if you fancy channelling your inner cowboy (or cowgirl). 

• Location: Coco Boho, 125B George Street, EH2 4JN
• Best for: birthdays, groups, hen or stag dos
• Activity type: bingo, dance-offs, competitions
• Price: from £21.45 per person
• Why I recommend: you can expect to get up on your feet and dance the night away with tickets to Old Skool Bingo. This nostalgic event will take you back to the good ol' days, with heaps of really good prizes along the way. I think it's all fun and games here, even when it gets to the dance competitions - make sure you bring a friend who knows how to bust some moves 

A whacky twist on the classic game, Old Skool Bingo is a night full of entertainment and RnB tunes. Live DJs will be spinning all your favourites from the 80s, 90s and 2000s, as you get stuck into high-energy rounds of bingo. There are cracking prizes to be won, and you can even take part in dance competitions and other fun challenges.

If you're hungry, you can expect food options to be available at the venue to keep you fuelled through the rounds. It's a brilliant pick for someone's birthday coming up, or a stag or hen do with a lot of atmosphere. 

• Location: 1 Summerhall Square, EH9 1PL
• Best for: date night, hen or stag dos, birthdays
• Activity type: drinks tastings, cocktail masterclasses, brunches
• Price: from £35 per person
• Why I recommend: Pickering's Gin at Summerhall Distillery was established over ten years ago and is an expert in hand-crafting fine spirits. Their location is quirky too - they occupy a space that was once the dog kennels of a small animal hospital. I think their Scottish Explorer package is a great crowdpleaser, as it brings together a mix of local cheese, charcuterie and smoked salmon, and pairs them with the likes of gin, Scotch whisky and beers made by their neighbouring brewery

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, with tickets from £35 per person, 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.

• Location: 14 Picardy Place, EH1 3JT
• Best for: date night, work socials, friends 
• Activity type: fairground games, team-building 
• Price: game tickets from £17.95 per person
• Why I recommend: I find Fayre Play in Edinburgh to be a nostalgic paradise and a really good double date location if you're looking for something to immediately break the ice. They do some really good food, cocktails and games packages, and there are nine fabulous retro games to choose from, which really bring out the competitive nature in you

Looking for Edinburgh activities for adults? Head to 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 hot dogs, washed down by all kinds of creative concoctions - we recommend the Hubba Bubble.

• Location: various locations across Edinburgh
• Best for: dates, groups, families, nostalgic fun
• Activity type: arcade gaming, activity bars
• Price: varies by venue
• Why I recommend: whether you're chasing childhood nostalgia or just want a night that's a little competitive and full of fun, Edinburgh has plenty of arcades that absolutely deliver. You'll find neon-lit cocktail bars, seaside classics and activity playgrounds. I think there's something undeniably joyful about an arcade, and they make great date locations 

Editor's pick:

• Lane7 Edinburgh - this much-loved venue mixes arcade machines with bowling, darts and mini golf - ideal for date nights or group hangouts where you're looking to battle it out for first place. It's also neon-lit and has some quirky decor going on
• Mortal Kocktail - it brings speakeasy vibes, affordable retro games and seriously good cocktails into one cosy, 90s-inspired space
• King Pins Edinburgh - your one-stop playground with everything from Pac-Man and air hockey to bowling and shuffleboard, making it easy to lose a whole afternoon here