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    The Edinburgh Dungeon

    3.7 (75 reviews)

    The Edinburgh Dungeon Photos

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    Connor L.

    Okay so this is a truly late review. I visited The Edinburgh Dungeon October 2014. I had never heard of it before driving past it on route to somewhere else. I was seriously like a "5 year old about get on a plane" excited. We figured out a day to visit and I am pretty sure I skipped all the way there. We got inside picked a photo package and the tour. Took the crazy tourist shots which look completely silly but were fun to do. They take tours through in groups so we waited for the people walking in and in line and in the meantime we picked up trinkets to buy and I bought a boatload of postcards. It's kind of my thing. Our group was ready to head through and I was psyched!!! There were different rooms and the actors portraying each scene were so great! They moved around us, stood next to us, turned out the lights and were directly in front of us. I LOVED IT! I screamed and laughed and held my breath and laughed so more. Planning another trip back Scotland for once the world reopens and of course the dungeon is high on list of the must do again.

    Elizabeth F.

    I went to the Edinburgh Dungeons with my boyfriend today. I got discounted tickets from the visitors centre outside of Edinburgh Waverley station (14 pounds instead of 17). We had so much fun! We were really surprised with the performances by the staff and were both scared and also laughing our heads off. They do a really great job there. There are many chances for you to get picked as a volunteer for different skits (i.e., picking body parts out of a body, getting tortured, getting locked up, etc). I would highly recommend this to anyone, I loved that when I wasn't scared from the effects I was laughing my butt off from the comedy. Would definitely go again!

    At the gift shop at the end of our guided tour
    Lesley S.

    Not as scarey as I hoped. Mostly adults in our group - group of 15-20! Good fun but disappointingly not scarey at all! One 4 year old started crying when a corpse fell out during the Sawnry Bean enactment (the most grotesque part I'd say relating to cannibalism) and there where parts where they startled members of the crowd. My highlights were the room with the ghost haunting of the woman killed by her husband and The Drop Dead ride. There were some technical issues and only half the group could go on at one time, so I crossed my fingers nothing would go wrong! The boat ride was anticlimatic as it hardly moved. The maze was confusing as there was no way out until later revealed. A highly entertaining activity especially for children but don't think it was worth paying full price (£16.75). Look for 2 for 1 deals or book online (£11.25) but you have to choose a time. We brought a voucher from an Edinburgh map which turned out to be expired but they gave us the same deal (£6 off full price ticket). Children under 5 are free which is a bonus (but have to be 1,5m to go on the drop ride). Be sure to make your entry photos good as you get a chance to see /buy them at the end (quite pricey - we spent £25 for 4 photos, one in a glass frame). The best was the look of fear on our faces as we were 'hanged'!

    Photo from business website. Extremis.
    Lisa G.

    I am well hard but Edinburgh Dungeon is genuinely terrifying! The actors are fantastic and the sets and props as gory as you can stomach! What is most disturbing though is that all the different attractions are based on real events that took place in and around Edinburgh. The Anatomy Theatre tells the story of medical autopsies in Edinburgh in the 1820s and how a shortage of bodies led to a couple of unsavory characters doing despicable things to up the death rate! The Extremis Drop Ride is based on the hangings which used to take place at Grassmarket and was a bit too much for my delicate nature but if you like scary rides which make you want to be sick then you'll love it! Mary Kings Close is where hundreds of plague victims were left to rot in Edinburgh in the 1640s. Mary King apparently haunts the close seeking revenge and the Edinburgh Dungeon team has got this section disturbingly accurate, right down to the smell of rotting flesh, yuck. There is a boat ride called the Cave of Sawney Bean. Sawney Bean was a mass murdering cannibal who killed travelers in order to feed his family of 46, the family being so large due to numerous incestuous relationships, lovely. Eventually the family was caught after they had killed over 1000 people. The men of the family had their limbs hacked off and were left to bleed to death where as the women and children were burned alive, double lovely! There is also a William Wallace section where you hear his infamous story told by one of his followers. I'm sure you all know the story but it is great to see it brought to life in all the gory detail, freeeeeedooooom!! All in all the Edinburgh Dungeon is a great day out if you like being scared shitless.

    The entrance to the Dungeon!
    Ben W.

    We visited the Edinburgh Dungeon during our recent honeymoon to the UK. My wife had been here before, but I hadn't and she said it was pretty fun and there were a couple new attractions so we decided to give it a go. It was very empty when we showed up in the middle of the day, so we were a little hesitant about going in since we were literally the only two people there. We weren't hesitant because of the place not looking popular, but more because things like this are usually quite a bit more fun when there are decent sized groups involved. A larger group gives the actors more "targets" for their little showcases. Luckily, a lady and three kids showed up, as well as a group of LDS missionaries (three from the States and one from South Africa). Our group more than tripled in size, which was great! This isn't a history lesson, per say, but you will learn a few things if you know nothing about Edinburgh or Scotland in general. I don't know too much myself, so it was interesting going online later and looking up people like Sawney Bean and others that show up in the Edinburgh Dungeon. The Green Lady was our favorite, I think. She was one of the new "attractions". We bought our tickets in the massive building right out front of the Edinburgh Castle. There was a little booth area all the way at the top of the building (the same building where there are thousands of souvenirs and kilts and even weaponry in some parts) where they sold the tickets. I think they were slightly cheaper here than some of the other places we saw. Enjoy!

    Emily T.

    Edinburgh is quite a spooky city. It has a history, lots of horror stories such as Burke and Hare, and so the Edinburgh Dungeon is one of the scariest! The lay-out is typical of most dungeons, blood seeping through the walls, creepy music and ominous dark curtains everywhere. The staff are brilliant, they really get into it and include people in the show. I prefer it when people are included, it gives you a sense of being part of it, rather than just watching a show. There is a really cool (but really scary) boat-ride as part of the trip, I am one of those people who jumps at anything, including sneezes, ringing phones and creaks. And I jumped at all 3 in the Edinburgh dungeon. At times I felt it was a bit over-rehearsed and a bit boring, but overall it was a great experience and I would thoroughly recommend it.

    Photo from the-dungeons.co.uk/edinburgh
    Cheryl C.

    You've got to appreciate the cheese factor of this classic Edinburgh attraction, that has actually been around since the dawn of time. It's gimmicky, and pretty tourist orientated, but it is also education...sort of... made fun, and it's good banter for a random visit. So many parties and birthdays when I was at school included a visit to the dungeon, so I think I had my fill of it when I was younger, and it was on the old site on Shandwick Place. Now that I'm older, and people are doing mature things for their birthday, I no longer get the regular opportunity to prowl around the dungeon, however, I am keen for a visit now and again when friends are visiting from other places. Guides in costumes, a guillotine, stories and legends about gruesome events in Scotland's past, the black death, Burke and Hare and various other dark and spooky features designed to terrify you, make up the tour of the dungeon. Worth a visit for the craic.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Review Highlights - The Edinburgh Dungeon

    It has a history, lots of horror stories such as Burke and Hare, and so the Edinburgh Dungeon is one of the scariest!

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    Street of Light

    Street of Light

    3.5(13 reviews)
    0.1 miOld Town, Royal Mile

    It dazzles with somewhat lots of lights and has pre-recorded choirs tuned to lighting display…read more Sure it's good but I wouldn't say I was overwhelmed by it. Mind you saying that it's good for kids and it's free. I can't complain too much as it was free. It's set on the Royal Mile and it's a ticketed event. It last around 20 mins and your welcome to wander through the lights whilst listening to the choirs. There is about 4 choirs that sing a song each. All very good but pre-recorded. It's a lot of standing/ walking around and it's outdoors, so wrap up warm and be prepared for the seasonal Scottish weather because you ain't protected - at all! I had a good time, but I'm sure the kids would enjoy it too if you have them!

    I first laid eyes on the Street of Light on the bus home. Oooh, shiny; I was drawn to the dazzling…read morebright lights in the distance. So, I made sure to visit the next evening that I was close by. I didn't take part in one of the free ticketed choir events but just walking through the tunnel of light was a dazzling thing in itself. Of course, it's not unmissable as others too have said, but it's a pretty nice little addition to Edinburgh this Christmas and could have you feeling in the festive spirit. This is a teeny tiny bit tainted by the 'Virgin Money' sponsor that shines from every illuminated archway. But yes, ooooh...shiny, indeed.

    Photos
    Street of Light - Edinburgh street of light. Fantastic way to start the Christmas feeling.

    Edinburgh street of light. Fantastic way to start the Christmas feeling.

    Street of Light - Street of Light

    Street of Light

    Street of Light

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    Hidden Door Festival - Wow!

    Hidden Door Festival

    5.0(3 reviews)
    0.0 miOld Town, Royal Mile

    Art and very good Art it is…read more You forget these Vaults quite easily on Market Street as they just merge into the city backdrop. They don't get used like this so it's a great way to use a space and i hope it's the start of something special for artists. The musty vaults host a series of arts and entertainment. I fell in love with two particular artist's work - David Martin and Miriam Mallalieu apart from the bit where I almost crapped myself going into Miriam Mallalieu's "Charnel House for Roadkill"!! We went in the daytime so know real entertainment to hear, but to see there were plenty of cool artists!

    It's an exhibition - it's a party - it's a wonderland it's…read moreall of these things. And more. Every year Edinburgh's art scene opens the Vaults on Market Street and turn them into a world of its own. Sculpture, Fine Art, film, music, installation art and performances will take hold of you as soon as you step in. You will forget your everyday life for a couple of hours and feel like floating in a creative aquarium. I forgot that I was still in Edinburgh. the tickets at 10- 15 Pounds seem expensive but you'll be able to see several bands and DJ's and judging from their Opening Night yesterday, it's spectacular and I would (and will) happily spend it again. And they are a charitable fund! Oh and if you are too busy at night: the exhibition Vaults are open during the day - for free.

    Photos
    Hidden Door Festival - Catch the live performance art

    Catch the live performance art

    Hidden Door Festival - The doors are where the windows should be!

    The doors are where the windows should be!

    Hidden Door Festival - Banners are a flying!

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    Banners are a flying!

    National Museum of Scotland - The very famous Lewis chess pieces.  This is such a cool artifact, especially if you're a chess player as I am.

    National Museum of Scotland

    4.6(252 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Town

    Free entry at the National Museum of Scotland. Filled with rich history and interactive booths…read more There is a cafe with grab and go options and a gift shop too. The best photo op is the third floor balcony overlooking the atrium! Such a gorgeous spot and great option to get out of the rainy weather!

    It's the museum on Chambers Street. The entrance is in the round tower that is across the street…read morefrom Greyfriars Bobby. You might as well rub his nose for good luck before crossing over. There is a beautiful & bright atrium in the heart of the museum. You can see all 4 floors from this spot as you look up from the first floor. There are galleries and exhibits all around it. We started our journey on the ground floor of the tower in the Kingdom of the Scots, and then worked our way up and over. It truly is the perfect place to go on a rainy morning. The best part is that it's free admission, but donations are always welcomed. There were many highlights for me. The Maiden that was used for public executions in Grassmarket, Mercat Cross, and Castlehill was certainly eerie to look at along with some of the torture devices used back in that period. The display of items belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots was presented beautifully. Especially that lovely jeweled necklace. The exhibits of the Americas was nicely done. I even saw a gut parka on display that was similar to one we saw in Alaska earlier this year. The displays of musical instruments and ceremonial dance costumes was vibrant & interesting. I was drawn to the Bloody Empire display. It was a very artistic expression of anarchism in the form of wallpaper. It's unique. I have to say the same thing about the Slit Gong musical instrument that is said to bring out the voices of a dead ancestor. Very creepy stuff! The subject matter lightened up a bit as we walked through the technology & industry part of the museum. It was cool to see "The Hawk" as well as the display of bicycles and phones (including a Mickey Mouse one). But, I think the best part was the spectacular view of Edinburgh from the open rooftop. It would have been better on a sunny day, but it was still a great sight to see. It's worth taking those outdoor spiral steps up to see it. I love that there's a mini garden with upland grasses and plants along the lookout walls of the roof. A nice little touch. We spent about 2 hours here, but could have easily stayed longer. There's a balcony café on what is technically the 3rd floor of the building (2nd floor when looking up from the main atrium). There is a fee-based exhibit called "Monkeys Our Primate Family" that may be of interest to some. It ends on 30 Nov 2025. Overall, the museum is great fun for all ages. It's a great way to learn more about the Scottish innovators throughout history.

    Photos
    National Museum of Scotland - Oct 2025.

    Oct 2025.

    National Museum of Scotland - Humankind in EDINBURGH

    Humankind in EDINBURGH

    National Museum of Scotland - Great layouts

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    Great layouts

    The Voodoo Rooms - Mushroom stroganoff

    The Voodoo Rooms

    3.9(78 reviews)
    0.2 miNew Town
    ££

    We decided to stay and have a cocktail at the VooDoo Rooms after exploring the Midnight Lunar…read moreMarket. What a vibe this place has going on! We were lucky enough to just show up and grab a semi-circle shaped booth by the bar without any wait. We LOVED that a) the cocktail menu clearly stated "All drinks vegan, please inform staff of any allergens before ordering" and b) that they had the shape of the glassware next to the drink name. The bartender even took some time to make recommendations based on both what was most popular with customers and what the house/staff favorites were. We ended up going with the Porty Licks (gin, pineapple liquor, passionfruit, toasted almond topped with edible flowers) and Green Room (bourbon, peach liquor, lemon, peach, basil yuzu). Both were really well balanced drinks! Next time I'd get the King Khan (spiced rum and a mango oat lassi) or the Hare Krishna (mango, oat milk, chilli, coconut cream, and cardamom - sounds like a lovely non-alcoholic beverage and dessert)!

    This place is a gem! I greatly appreciate a vegan option, an actual tasty one at that! The mushroom…read morestroganoff was perfect! It was so flavorful! My non vegan friend even picked into my plate. Great drinks! The staff were friendly and attentive! The decor of this place was amazing; looked like something out of a movie. I'll definitely slide by on my next trip!

    Photos
    The Voodoo Rooms - Cool fixtures

    Cool fixtures

    The Voodoo Rooms - Behind the bar

    Behind the bar

    The Voodoo Rooms - Spice up your life

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    Spice up your life

    The Jazz Bar - Live Jazz on a Saturday night!

    The Jazz Bar

    4.2(81 reviews)
    0.3 miOld Town, Newington
    ££

    Found this place on December 23 after dinner in the neighborhood and looking for a nightcap…read more Followed the music down the stairs and discovered a jam packed bar with a (guessing) 20-piece jazz band and dressed-to-the-nines patrons. We worked our way through the crowd to the back of the bar and found some very cool sunken booths with couches and tables. Took ages to order our drinks at the bar, but the atmosphere and music was awesome. Haven't been to a jazz club this cool since Georgetown (D.C.) in the 80's.

    Okay so if you are a music lover and love being in an intimate place with live music...this place…read moreis for you! During my October 2014 birthday trip, we were looking for a place to dance and drink and while we were out at dinner someone at the next table suggested we try this place. We weren't far from it (or really anything in City Center which is one of the many awesome things about Edinburgh) so we walked over to it. The venue is tiny (can't imagine how they're doing during all of the pandemic social distancing and all) so there was a small line outside. We chatted it up with the other people waiting and smoking and the hostess. Once inside it was totally 1960s beatnik dive bar cool and quaint. It was dark with original old wood bar and banquettes, small round tables and mismatched chairs and cushions. There was a small raised stage at the back of the room and there was a four piece band onstage when we got inside. I should also mention that this place at least when I went is an after hours club. They were open until 4 am. Awesome right? YUP! We made friends with everyone around us and not around us because we are those extroverted people. We drank a lot like I don't even remember all the booze. Danced and had multiple nights of good clean fun. What could be better?!

    Photos
    The Jazz Bar - Inside

    Inside

    The Jazz Bar - Great music, cool vibe

    Great music, cool vibe

    The Jazz Bar - A busy night!

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    A busy night!

    Surgeons' Hall Museums

    Surgeons' Hall Museums

    4.8(36 reviews)
    0.4 miNewington

    The most unique museum I have ever been to. Beware...this is Not for the squeamish…read more Surgeons' Hall Museums is an award winning Museum that is home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in England. It showcases the history of surgery and is so different from anything you have ever seen. I'm not in healthcare, I don't like anything that has to do with disease, yet, I couldn't stop looking. I was so intrigued. There was room after room of jars with body parts and showcases of how they see certain diseases. I couldn't stop looking. Venture up to the top floor to see the robotics and AI surgery exhibit....so interesting. to see the wave of the future. No photos allowed but it is worth the $10 entry fee.

    I wasn't sure what to expect when we came here today but I've never seen anything like this museum…read morein my life! The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was founded in 1505 and was originally used as a teaching museum for students of medicine. Its vast collection opened to the public in 1832. Here you will learn about the history of surgeries- how the medical field started and where it is headed. It was also fascinating to learn about William Burke and William Hare who murdered sixteen people in 1828 and sold the corpses to Robert Knox for dissection at his anatomy lectures. And I've never seen so many bones and organs on display! Many of the specimens show the results of certain diseases or injuries. Plus there are many historical surgical instruments, paintings and illustrations on display. There is also a section on medical advances like robot-assisted surgeries- something I have benefited from. No pictures are allowed so you'll have to come see it all for yourselves!

    Photos
    Surgeons' Hall Museums
    Surgeons' Hall Museums
    Surgeons' Hall Museums

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    Anatomical Museum - Elephant skeleton is so neat!

    Anatomical Museum

    4.3(3 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Anatomical Museum is based in the Medical School of University of Edinburgh. It is open to public…read morelast Saturday of each month between 10am and 4pm. One of the highlights is William Burke's skeleton. Yes, Burke as in Burke and Hare, the pair who sold the corpses of their victims for medical dissection. After they were caught, Hare testified against Burke, Burke was hanged, Hare was released and disappeared. There is something ironic about the fact that Burke's skeleton ended up on display in the museum. There are skeletons and skulls of many different species on display. The most impressive ones are the elephant skeletons in the entrance. You can also enter into an anatomy lecture theatre, which I believe is still in use. I haven't been to Surgeons' Hall Museum, but I suspect that these two museums are similar. Overall, I enjoyed my visit to the Anatomical Museum. I didn't have a problem with the skeletons and bones, but walked past the displays of dissections rather fast:) It is not a big museum. So you can combine a visit there on a Saturday morning with lunch or some other activity outside.

    The Anatomical Museum is a bit hard to find, but is open to the public on the last Saturday of the…read moremonth. Just give yourself a minute to find it. One if the photos I included here is of the old set up which is a bit more theatrical than the current, but I suppose less practical. The other photo is a pano view of the downstairs doorway where the elephants stand today. Photos are not allowed upstairs. The museum has animal skeletons as well as a few notable human forms including the last man who was sentenced to be executed and given to the medical school, and William Burke for which the museum is probably best known. I would not suggest bringing young children as the specimens are fragile and many are not behind glass. There are also some which may be too much for sensitive visitors, like foetuses in various stages, or a body which had been preserved (embalming possibly? I've forgotten). The museum is free, and definitely an interesting way to spend a few hours. Just one more thing to keep in mind, this is usually closed to the public and is most often a place for students to study the specimens. They will probably be there if you visit and they appreciate being able to ignore you.

    Photos
    Anatomical Museum - The Anatomical Museum. Image by edinburghphotowalks.com

    The Anatomical Museum. Image by edinburghphotowalks.com

    Anatomical Museum
    Anatomical Museum

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    The Edinburgh Dungeon - arts - Updated May 2026

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