Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

Had an amazing time here, although by time I left I felt like my head was on upside down. Brilliant views from the roof and then several floors of optical illusions and other fun stuff. Erica ran the short presentation on the top floor, but all the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. It's right by the castle and takes about 1-2 hours to see it all. Very fun, would recommend

Firstly, not the cheapest attraction for a family, but on a nice day this place is hard to beat. We loved everything it had to offer on every floor and just took our time. The views from the top (and a sunny day) are just stunning! The highlight for the kids was the mirror maze and vortex, not for those who get dizzy easily! Worth noting, they stamp your hand and you can return later, it's open until 9pm most nights, and we did go back when it was dark, it was quieter and again the views of the city lit up were spectacular!

Our family's visit to the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions was an absolute highlight of our Edinburgh trip, and a significant part of that success can be attributed to the phenomenal host, Louis, who kicked off our experience with the Camera Obscura show itself. From the moment we gathered in the top-floor chamber, Louis's energy and charisma were infectious. He wasn't just a guide; he was a master storyteller and an engaging entertainer. He had a natural ability to connect with everyone in the room, from the wide-eyed children were captivated to the curious adults. His introduction to the Camera Obscura itself was perfect – he managed to explain the complex science behind it in a way that was both understandable and utterly fascinating. The Camera Obscura show, projected onto the large viewing table, was a marvel. Louis expertly manipulated the device, bringing the bustling streets of Edinburgh, its landmarks, and even unsuspecting pedestrians right into our darkened room. He pointed out details, told anecdotes, and even made a few playful "scoops" of passersby, much to the delight of the children. His running commentary was witty, informative, and perfectly paced. He clearly loves what he does, and that passion shone through, making what could have been a simple demonstration into a truly memorable performance. We left that initial show buzzing with excitement, eager to explore the rest of the attraction, all thanks to Louis's incredible introduction. And what an attraction it is! After the Camera Obscura, we descended through five floors of pure, unadulterated fun and mind-bending illusions. Each floor offered a new set of wonders, guaranteeing something to amaze every member of our family. The Magic Gallery was a particular hit, with its array of holograms that seemed to follow you and pictures that shifted before your eyes. The kids loved trying to figure out how they worked, and even we adults found ourselves scratching our heads in delightful confusion. The Mirror Maze was an instant favorite, leading to shrieks of laughter and mock-panic as we bumped into our reflections. It's surprisingly disorienting and fantastic fun for all ages. Similarly, the Vortex Tunnel challenged our equilibrium and created some truly hilarious moments as we tried to walk through what felt like a spinning abyss. The interactive exhibits were brilliantly designed. My children particularly enjoyed the shrinking room, where perspective played tricks on their eyes, and the various optical illusions that made them appear to float or grow. There were plenty of opportunities for fantastic, quirky family photos, which we took full advantage of. The "Beuchet Chair" and the "Ames Room" provided endless amusement as we swapped places and watched each other seemingly shrink and grow. What struck me most was how well-maintained and clean everything was, despite the constant stream of visitors. The staff throughout the building were also friendly and helpful, adding to the positive atmosphere. We easily spent a good three hours exploring, and honestly, we could have stayed longer. It's an attraction that encourages interaction, experimentation, and a healthy dose of wonder. It's educational without feeling like a classroom, and entertaining without being superficial. In summary, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an absolute must-visit in Edinburgh, especially for families. But if you're lucky enough to have Louis as your guide for the Camera Obscura show, you're in for an extra special treat. He sets the bar incredibly high, and the rest of the attraction admirably lives up to the promise of magical, mind-bending fun. We left with our minds boggled, our spirits lifted, and a plethora of fantastic family memories.

A must-visit for a fun and memorable experience! Each floor is filled with incredible optical illusions that kept us entertained and amazed the whole way through. We had a great time exploring all the interactive exhibits. The Camera Obscura itself was fascinating—both fun to watch and interesting to learn about its history. And the view from the rooftop is absolutely stunning, offering one of the best panoramas of Edinburgh. A fantastic place for all ages!

What an experience! I got there with 15 minutes before the next show. I had no ones what show they were referring to so I climbed up the 100 steps to the roof top to take in the views. Said views were incredible with with binoculars to see into tue distance. And then the show began, No photos and or videos in the 'show' but wow I personally had no idea what camera obscurer was and now I do and im impressed. The staff were incredible I loved every second of it. After the show I explored the floors and what there was to offer and I enjoyed every second of it (about 2 hours!) I interacted with 90% of what there was to offer as a solo visitor and had a great time but would say is ideal for families and people of all ages solo or a group . I laughed and smiled and scratched my head frowning all the way through the exhibits. 100% reccomend im only on day 2 out of 10 of my Scotland adventure but easily at the top of my list of things Ive done. I only added a handful of photos as definitely is somewhere to visit and better as a surprise!