Open today
Explore at your pace
Free cancellation
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Your ticket grants entry to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, one of Edinburgh’s most interactive and family friendly attractions.
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Move through five immersive levels featuring more than 100 hands on illusion experiences that test your senses and reactions.
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Head to the rooftop terrace for uninterrupted 360 degree views across Edinburgh’s skyline, rooftops, and surrounding hills.
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Use complimentary telescopes and binoculars on the rooftop to zoom in on landmarks and architectural details across the city.
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Attend the historic Victorian Camera Obscura live show projecting a real time panoramic image of Edinburgh onto a viewing table.
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Admission to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
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Access to five floors of interactive illusion exhibits (100+)
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Access to the Rooftop Terrace with 360° views of Edinburgh
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Free-to-use telescopes and binoculars on the rooftop
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Access to the historic Victorian Camera Obscura live panorama experience
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions brings together classic Victorian optics and hands on illusion galleries inside one historic Royal Mile building.
Getting started
Arrive at the entrance on the Royal Mile and show your ticket at reception. After a brief welcome, you can begin exploring the attraction at your own pace, moving freely between floors and planning your route as you go.
What to expect
Inside, you will move through five floors packed with interactive illusion exhibits designed to test perspective, balance, light, and perception. At the top, step onto the rooftop terrace for open views across Edinburgh before heading into the historic Camera Obscura theatre for the live panorama presentation.
Features
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Five floors of illusions: Explore over 100 interactive exhibits including mirror mazes, distortion rooms, optical puzzles, and visual trick installations that actively involve you in the experience.
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Rooftop terrace views: Take in 360 degree views across Edinburgh’s skyline, with clear sightlines toward major landmarks and surrounding hills.
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Free viewing equipment: Use telescopes and binoculars on the rooftop to zoom in on architectural details and distant landmarks across the city.
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Victorian Camera Obscura show: Watch a live projection of Edinburgh created using lenses and mirrors, demonstrating nineteenth century optical technology in action.
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Self paced visit: Move between floors freely and spend more time in the exhibits or viewpoints that interest you most.
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What to bring
- Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.
What’s not allowed
- Outside food & beverages, large bags and suitcases, tripods, selfie sticks, sharp metallic tools or objects, smoking and alcohol are not allowed on this experience.
Accessibility
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This experience is not wheelchair and pram/strollers accessible.
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Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
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Sensory backpacks, ear defenders, and hearing loops are available for this access.
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Free carer ticket is offered.
- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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