Why visit
Five floors of illusions and rooftop views make this one of the easiest indoor Edinburgh stops to pair with the Royal Mile.
Before you go
At a glance
Opening times, tickets, address, parking, and the main practical details for planning your visit.
Opening times
Summer: daily 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Rest of year: daily 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM (extended at weekends and holidays).
Tickets
Adult £24.95, Senior and Student £21.95, Child (5-15) £17.95, Under 5s free
Address
549 Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND
Postcode
EH1 2ND
Parking
Old Town parking is limited, so central Edinburgh car parks or public transport are usually easier than driving straight to Castlehill.
Last entry
Check the day's final entry slot when booking online, especially during festival and school-holiday periods.
Visit length
2-3 hours
Entry type
Timed-entry tickets booked online or bought on arrival if available
Official source
Official website
Planning shortcut
Plan this visit faster
The key trip-planning answers families usually want before committing to the day.
Best for
Families building an Edinburgh Old Town day, especially when they want a hands-on indoor attraction rather than a slower gallery visit.
How long to spend
Most families should allow 2 to 3 hours for the show, interactive floors, and time on the roof terrace.
Use this in your plan
Start with the strongest guide for this attraction, then keep a couple of backup options handy.
Indoor family days out in Edinburgh
Useful when you want a tighter Edinburgh indoor plan built around one strong main pick.
Also worth a look
Trip overview
About this location
The main reasons families add this stop to a Scotland itinerary.
Camera Obscura is the Edinburgh choice when you want a city-centre attraction that feels playful from start to finish. The illusion rooms, historic camera obscura show, and rooftop views give families enough variety to keep the visit moving even in wet weather or busy school-holiday conditions.
Five floors of interactive illusions, hands-on exhibits, the historic camera obscura, and rooftop views over Edinburgh make this a fun indoor family day out.
On-site practicals
Facilities and amenities
Useful facilities families often check before visiting.
Gift shop
Toilets
Rooftop terrace
Family planning
Parent tips
Extra context to make the visit smoother.
Book online for discounts. The mirror maze can be disorienting for very young children. Rooftop terrace offers great Edinburgh views. Can be busy during festival season.
Visual preview
Photos
A quick look at the setting before you visit.
Community notes
Reviews
What families are saying.