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What reviewers say about Camera Obscura

Generated with AI from 2,488 reviews on Trustburn · updated 14 days ago

Customers consistently describe Camera Obscura as an amazing, fun experience suitable for families and children, often praising the rooftop views of Edinburgh, the friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the wide range of interactive exhibits such as the vortex tunnel and mirrored labyrinth. Many reviewers say it is a must-visit and highly recommend it.
What does Camera Obscura do?

Camera Obscura offers visitors the chance to explore five floors filled with over 100 illusions, along with rooftop views of Edinburgh. It is described as a fun-filled attraction and day out.

Where is Camera Obscura located?

Camera Obscura is located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, though the exact street address is not specified in the information available.

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Helen Graham
Reviews 1

Great science / museum and live session viewing Edinburgh through camera obscura. Wide range of interactive activities & viewable artefacts /science exhibits. Teens absolutely loved it, especially vortex tunnel and mirrored labyrinth. Staff friendly & very helpful. Lots of steps but equally, lots of seating/ rest stops available. Would recommend visiting in earlier part of day as can have long waiting times later. Plus, on way in you receive an all day hand stamp which allows you to exit/return as necessary.

bob dole
Reviews 1

Obsolutely worth it. Only lost a star because they need to do much more to avoid people touching every single thing. Isn't very safe at this time. Apart from that little health and safety issue, can be enjoyed by both adults and children. We spent a long time there, and the view on the 6th floor is superb - old town & new town look great. As the name suggests, bring a camera!

Ben Bristow
Reviews 1

A must visit for anyone visiting Edinburgh looking for a bit of fun. Lots of fun magic/illusion themed 'exhibits' inside including a tunnel that's completely still but makes you really dizzy - it has to be seen for yourself! Make sure you visit on a clear day for the Camera Obscura part where they show you Edinburgh City Centre projected onto a table and zoom into people using magnification techniques. Quite clever considering it's old techniques and literally just using light and perspective. Fantastic views of Edinburgh from the outdoors top as well.

Emily Cairns
Reviews 1

Loved it, absolutely loved it. 6 floors of fun. The building is small but its jam packed full of stuff and each floor is different. I spent about 1 hour here but could have easily spent longer if I wasnt needing to be somewhere. Alright prices, decent gift shop and such friendly staff. What's also great is once you buy a ticket you can come back later o and go through it again as the ticket is valid until they close. Wish there was more of these.

Frank Davenport
Reviews 1

Very interesting place that is easy to spend a long time in. Wonderful historic building with amazing views from the top. A bit haphazard with social distancing in places. Masks are mandatory and plenty of hand gel stations available.

Joanne Waite
Reviews 1

Arrived in Edinburgh for the 2nd time - decided to do something different had a fab time -well worth it -value for money great customer service loved Simon and our reception lady from Dublin. All the best from CUMBRIA and Vienna. X

Michael Collins
Reviews 1

Great way to spend a couple of hours. Get there around midday if you can to get on one of the obscura tours of Edinburgh (Lisa was a great obscura guide!). Lots of fun to be had with the illusions and interactive art, the vortex tunnel is particularly ace.

Mike Kidd
Reviews 1

Well worth the price of admission, and the couple of hours you'll want to spend browsing the weird and wonderful illusions on display. Beginning with the camera obscura show itself (the only part you can't photgraph) and working your way down through the themed floors, there's plenty to keep adults and children alike absorbed here - though it was nearly all adults when we visited. Fascinating, amusing and mind blowing in equal measure. Highly recommended.

Sagar Kandalgaonkar
Reviews 1

One of the best place to enjoy with kids. Must visit fun place for kids and youngers. The concept of this place is cool and it keep you entertained. It takes around 2 and half hours to cover all experiences. I liked this place and my daughter also enjoyed it very much.

John Gibson
Reviews 1

I found the whole set-up most interesting and stimulating. The staff were pleasant and helpful and all-in-all it was a very worthwhile experience. I will certainly recommend the visit to my friends. Regards, John Gibson, 22 Graham Terrace, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow.

Shoaib Rehman
Reviews 1

Loved visiting camera obscura during our stay in Edinburgh. I was astonished to see different types of illusions they have at all three floors. It was a great experience and a must visit when you're in Edinburgh. It shouldn't take more than an hr (depends on your energy level) to visit all floors. I particularly enjoyed their mirror room.

Lauren Walsh
Reviews 1

My friend recommended that we go here and I've got to say that this is a place that you must visit if you are in Edinburgh. It's great fun for people of all ages and very unique. If you have bags with you, they will store them for you when you go around the attraction. The views from the top floor are incredible; you can even use their binoculars & telescopes for free. 5 stars.

Shaun McGuire
Reviews 1

This is great fun for kids and grown ups a like. We all had a great day here and its free re-entry too. great view from the top. Be prepared for step though due the building its housed in there are plenty of flights to be climbed.

Robert Malmgren
Reviews 1

If you like illusions this is a place to go to! Five floors of optical illusions, holograms, and more. It is a bit of a climb to go all the way but you know it is good for you, as well as worth it. There is a show on a sixth floor (the roof) that consists mainly of demonstrating a periscope attached to the roof which can see 360 degrees. Our guide in the show was a bit... American (sorry...) which is not really my style as it is too over the top but every guide has her own game. The queue can be painstakingly long though. We first went on a Saturday at 14 but just gave up as the queue went on for 15 metres outside of the building. Second try, Sunday at 13 we just had to stand in line for like 15 min.

Charlene Taylor
Reviews 1

Have been to camera obscura a few times but today was horrendous. They let far too many people in at once and my family and I couldn't get anywhere near any of the illusions or sights. Our little girl was a little disappointed. Should of been organised better as quite expensive and could of spent more time in here but decided we wanted to leave as it was just too much. People were bumping into each other and pushing each other out of the way

Ashleigh McKinstry
Reviews 1

This place was really impressive. We thought it was just for kids but I have to say, my boyfriend and myself are in our mid twenties and had a great time!! We got through all the floors just in time to see the educational show on the roof and watch the sun set over Edinburgh. Well worth the money.

Ian Roberts
Reviews 1

Excellent place of illusions. Really fascinating for families, couples and singletons. It's on 6 floors, which you start on the 6th, which had panoramic views of Edinburgh on the balcony and it had a mini round theatre too to start the tour off with a demonstration of illusions to start you off on your journey down the building of illusions. In my opinion they saved the best till last, but I won't divulge, all I'll say is that it makes your whole body to feel something that's not really happening. Camera obscura was one of our highlights of Edinburgh

Jack Stott
Reviews 1

It's great. Lots of interesting optical illusions and tricks. We took our one-and-a-bit-year-old with us and he was plenty interested in at least some of the stuff. However, there's no lift. The place runs through 5 or 6 floors so be ready to do some lifting of your own if you've a small child. Apart from that, a great experience. The staff are all really friendly, and I managed to walk through that crazy spinny bridge thing without vomitting everywhere. Photos are the view from the top.

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About Camera Obscura

Venture through five floors jam-packed with over 100 illusions and discover the best rooftop views of Edinburgh. Britain’s most fun day out.

Camera Obscura: A Fun-Filled Day Out in Edinburgh

If you're looking for a unique and exciting way to spend your day in Edinburgh, look no further than Camera Obscura. This attraction is jam-packed with over 100 illusions that will leave you amazed and entertained. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to a world of wonder and magic.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Camera Obscura is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves fun and adventure. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with five floors of interactive exhibits that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of Camera Obscura is its rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of Edinburgh's skyline. From here, you can see all the way to Arthur's Seat and beyond. It's the perfect spot for taking photos or just soaking up the atmosphere.

But it's not just about the views at Camera Obscura – there are plenty of other attractions to keep you entertained as well. One popular exhibit is the Mirror Maze, where visitors can get lost in a labyrinthine maze made entirely out of mirrors. It's a fun challenge that will test your spatial awareness skills.

Another favorite exhibit is Vortex Tunnel – an optical illusion that makes it feel like you're walking through a spinning tunnel. It's disorienting but exhilarating at the same time!

For those who love puzzles and brain teasers, there are plenty of exhibits that will challenge your mind as well. The Ames Room is one such exhibit – it looks like an ordinary room until you step inside and realize that everything is not quite as it seems.

And if all this excitement has left you feeling hungry or thirsty, don't worry – there are plenty of food options available on-site as well. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, there's something for everyone at Camera Obscura.

Overall, if you're looking for Britain’s most fun day out then look no further than Camera Obscura! With its unique blend of illusions and entertainment options combined with stunning rooftop views over Edinburgh’s skyline - this attraction truly has something special to offer everyone who visits!

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