Reasons To Visit Camera Obscura And World Of Illusions In Edinburgh

Sometimes it helps to view matters from a whole new perspective. Still going strong after more than 175 years, Camera Obscura And World Of Illusions, with its trippy tunnels, beguiling mazes, and magnificent viewing contraption, is an alluring labyrinth of endless fun and riveting science. Mind-boggling and magnetic in nature, here are the reasons why you need to visit Edinburgh’s oldest purpose built visitor attraction.

The Star Of The Show

Perched upon high within a Victorian rooftop chamber sits the star of the show — the Camera Obscura. This nifty device, an age-old periscope, uses a mirror, lenses, and daylight to conjure up the most epic panoramic views of Edinburgh. Seeing it like this in all of its glory is the kind of experience that lasts a lifetime. The knowledgeable and endearingly funny guides provide the full works of a show and fascinating flash facts about the city.

There’s A Lot Of History There

The Tunnel Of Dreams

Or nightmares! Picture conniving swathes of light swerving and radiating in ways that trick the brain, senses and body into believing that they, like the light, are spiraling out of control. Liberating and downright surreal, the vortex tunnel can only be described as a strung-out portal to another universe. Beautifully suited to those always on a mission to test the mind.

The Mirror Maze

As good a time as any for a bout of self-reflection, the mirror maze is as hallucinatory as it is enticing. Imagine a maze containing a myriad of mirrors and the only way out is to enter. With each little flicker and bounce of light comes an optical illusion. A worthy challenge, step into the shoes of Alice as you traverse through the looking glass into beyond.

You Get To See A Whole New Edinburgh

Only by comparing a meticulously curated conglomeration of old, live, new and unique pictures of the city, can you truly examine the differences of Edinburgh over time. The Edinburgh Vision floor is essentially a time capsule, enabling visitors to view Edinburgh in 3D during Victorian times, thanks to an impressive array of stereoscopic lenses, mirrors and 3D specs. Live viewcams let you explore the city without even lifting a foot.

The Morph Machine

Although a tad terrifying, the Morph Machine is a definite conversation starter. Like something out of a sci-fi thriller, this contraption can transform folk completely. Ever wondered what you’d look like as an elderly person or even a monkey? Go to Camera Obscura. If that becomes too overwhelming, visit the Ames Room and feel larger than life itself.

It Hosts One Of The Largest Hologram Exhibitions In Europe

Thrilling and astounding, this Scottish fun house boasts some exceptional holograms. Examine every tiny detail and learn all you need to know regarding the history of holograms. Some transform, others disappear, many stare.

The Magic Gallery

From hat tricks with rabbits to unnatural contortions, society cannot help but remain infatuated with magic. Straight out of Neverland, The Magic Gallery is the most raved about floor. Imagine vanishing confectionary, swapping heads with other people, walls overflowing with inexplicable shadows, wavy mirrors and an uncanny kaleidoscope.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.