Discover the City's Secrets with 5 Hidden Edinburgh Activities

Pssst! Want to know a secret? If you’re looking for quirky, unique or extra fun things to do in Edinburgh, we’ve got you covered with a range of untapped experiences in Scotland’s capital that you’ve probably never tried before! 

From candle making and independent cinema to a vintage camera experience teamed with the best coffee the city has to offer, we’ve paired five of our coolest hidden Edinburgh activities with local attractions to make your time in Scotland’s capital unforgettable. Whether you’re a creative crafter, a keen cook or you’re just wondering what to do in Edinburgh on your city break, we think you’ll love what we’ve got in store – so roll up those sleeves and prepare to get stuck in!

Craft candles and then indulge in a vintage cinema experience

Calling all bohemians! If you’re looking for sweet-smelling, soul-soothing Edinburgh activities in 2024, the team at Candle Creations are here to immerse you in an afternoon of tranquility with their candle making workshop in the heart of the city. Led by one of their crafty experts, you’ll spend two hours melting, pouring and scent-blending your way to success, leaving the class with a large handmade candle and two tealights – and a renewed sense of calm!  

After class, why not…

Head to one of Edinburgh's true gems, the century-old Cameo Picturehouse, a beautiful Edwardian cinema that dates back to 1914 and regularly shows arthouse and blockbuster films. With a bar on site, you can make an evening of it with a few delicious drinks after the movie – we’ll drink to that!

Sculpt, sip and stroll with pottery and a walk through the Old Town

Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a potter? If you’ve always wanted to dig your hands into clay and mould your own morning coffee mug, Paintvine UK are here to make all of your ceramic dreams come true with their crafty Edinburgh activities! Held at the Counting House, a beautiful historic building in the heart of the city, you’ll spend an-hour-and-a-half with a tipple in hand, learning how to whip up fabulous creations from air dry clay. At the end of the sculpt and sip class you’ll take home your project, and all the skills you need to turn your house into a full-blown ceramics gallery!

Before class, you should…

Grab a coffee and a bite to eat, and stroll through the Old Town to Armchair Books, a goldmine of secondhand tomes with groaning shelves, oriental rugs and hidden gems tucked into beautifully dusty corners. 

Get inspired by nature and then explore printmaking

If you’ve been dreaming of a gallery wall at home, but can’t find the perfect artwork for your space, then don’t panic – Constantine the Artist is here to turn you into a printing pro with his printmaking course made simple. Over the space of two hours, Constantine will introduce you to a variety of artistic techniques; from monotypes and linocuts to dry point etching on glass, this class is a real hidden gem for anyone wanting to explore their creative side and brighten up their walls!

Before class, you should…

Explore the ultimate city green space and one of the most fun places in Edinburgh, Holyrood Park! A stone’s throw from the Counting House, this nature-packed gem is the perfect place to explore 360-degree views of Scotland, investigate a medieval ruin and discover iron age forts. A must for outdoors lovers, nature fans and history buffs alike – and guaranteed to inspire and get those creative juices flowing!

Enjoy an afternoon of cool cameras, cracking coffee and local exploration

Keen to ditch digital and experiment with traditional picture-taking techniques? If you’d like to dive into the creative world of analogue photography, then photographer Daniel Dabrowski is on hand to teach you all the tips and tricks you’ll need to master classic cameras with his vintage camera experience. 

You’ll learn how to load film, adjust the settings and set up the perfect shot using the viewfinder in a range of different cameras, then choose one and set off on your creative adventure. After class, Daniel will develop and scan the film and send you copies via email, ready to print out and frame. Whether you’re a keen photographer looking to explore traditional skills or a vintage fan who’d like to get creative, this is a great Edinburgh experience that will take you on a tour of the past. 

While you’re in the area, you should…

Try out some of the best coffee in the city! Try MF Coffee Project, an independent shop who works directly with farmers to ensure a fair income for them – and supreme coffee for you! There’s also Cult Coffee Roasters, an independent roasters and coffee shop, and Black Medicine Coffee, a cosy bohemian space for great drinks and tasty food. And what will you do with all that caffeinated energy? Head to nearby George Square Gardens and navigate your way through the Edinburgh Labyrinth, of course!

Enjoy tasty Edinburgh activities with macaron making and artisan coffee

If you’re more likely to get creative in the kitchen than an artist's studio, we think you’ll love our tasty little secret  – a macaron making masterclass with the team at Edinburgh New Town Cookery School. This mouth-watering, sweet-tooth-satisfying baking workshop is perfect for anyone who’s been looking to master the art of making these delectable little treats; you’ll learn how to get the perfect texture, different ways of creating vibrant colours and also be shown the art of creating two tasty fillings. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Edinburgh, this is definitely a great option; whether you’re a keen chef or you’re just into decadent desserts, it’ll tick all the boxes!

After class why not…

Wash those tasty little treats down with some refreshments from Urban Angel, an independent cafe offering specialty coffees and health-boosting smoothies, and then wander along to Dean Village. This hidden gem is located right by the Water of Leith, and boasts an abundance of spectacular historic buildings, old architecture and a beautiful walkway for gentle afternoon strolls.