# Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Experience Edinburgh from a unique perspective across six levels of mind-bending optical tricks, holograms and interactive exhibits on the historic Royal Mile. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/attractions/camera-obscura-and-world-of-illusions (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Museum # Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Castlehill, 549 Royal Mile [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=16142815702660895607&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Marcus McMillan](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/101871988407294351339) **In short:** Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a museum in Edinburgh, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 16,083 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Experience Edinburgh from a unique perspective across six levels of mind-bending optical tricks, holograms and interactive exhibits on the historic Royal Mile. ## What's nearby - The Scotch Whisky Experience next door - Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition next door - The Hub next door - Edinburgh Castle 250m away - Royal Mile 500m away Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Paid car park - ✓Paid street Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Facilities Toilets Free Wifi Gift Shop Baby Changing Dog Friendly Card Payments Accepted ## Opening hours **Monday** 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM **Tuesday** 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM **Wednesday** 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM **Thursday** 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM **Friday** 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM **Saturday** 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM **Sunday** 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [The BB Family Travels](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100705368163412414139/reviews) ★★★★★ This place was amazing, so much for for kids and adults. The illusions were fantastic and well thought of. The tunnel made me feel very dizzy but my kids loved it! The mirror maze was great fun. The show was educational and fun. The toilets were clean and the gift shop has some fun items. Great views from the top. Yes is it pricey but I think it is worth it and would pay to go again as we all had so much fun. We had a stamp on our hand so we could come back in, which of course the kids asked for the rest of the day if they could return. This is located just after you exit the Castle and on the left. Would definitely recommend and return! · via Google [Richie C](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112776070428591837390/reviews) ★★★★★ Amazing fun day out, can stay as long as you want and can be stamped to leave and return on that day. Each floor has amazing, interesting displays which are mostly interactable with sight or touch. Place was well kept, clean including toilets. Spent hours in there without realising. Absolutely amazing fun family day out. Highly recommended. Staff are very polite and helpful, Robbie who did show was amazing and very knowledgeable and professional. · via Google [Lisa T](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105464638678348907818/reviews) ★★★★★ This place is pretty neat. The illusion stuff is awesome and the camera obscura stuff is very interesting. We were short on time as we went late in the day, wish we would of had a bit more time, but still had a blast. Somewhere whether you are a kid or adult you can have fun! The views from the top are also very amazing! Went with two others and we all loved it! · via Google [sally schofield](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117072836740475328604/reviews) ★★★★★ Absolutely a amazing place to visit, so much to do and interactive pieces, the spinning tunnel and room of mirrors is such great fun, my son absolutely loved everything and was interested and amazed at all the different rooms. The staff are so lovely, helpful and polite. A amazing show was done by Robbie at the top of the obscura building, great presentation and history of the building and the surrounding edinburgh city, and fascinating information about the camera obscura itself and it's working. Thank you Robbie for a really informative and fun show. And thank you all at camera obscura for a wonderful day, we will definatley be back. · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x4887b9b24798ac79:0xe006cd5a6fb35377!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) People say this attraction offers a wide variety of interactive optical illusions and exhibits across multiple floors, including a fascinating Camera Obscura show. Visitors also highlight the stunning panoramic views of the city from the rooftop and appreciate that tickets allow re-entry throughout the day. They also mention the staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, making the experience enjoyable for all ages. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=55.9489544%2C-3.1956707) **Category** Sightseeing & Attractions **Guest rating** 4.6 / 5 (16,083 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Suggested visit** 1-2 hours **Setting** Indoor **Good for children** Yes **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Edinburgh [More attractions in Edinburgh](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/attractions) ★ 4.6 (16,083 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [0131 226 3709](tel:01312263709) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Edinburgh **Postcode** EH1 2ND **Plus Code** 9C7RWRX3+HP [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x4887b9b24798ac79:0xe006cd5a6fb35377!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4887b9b24798ac79:0xe006cd5a6fb35377!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x4887b9b24798ac79:0xe006cd5a6fb35377!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Edinburgh Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DEdinburgh%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Camera Obscura and World of Illusions? Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is open Mon–Thu 9am–8pm; Fri 9am–9pm; Sat 9am–9:30pm; Sun 9am–8pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions any good? Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 16,083 Google reviews. ### Is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions good for children? Yes, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is listed as good for children. ### How long do you need at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions? Allow one to two hours. ### Is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions indoors or outdoors? Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is indoors, so it works on a rainy day. ### What ages is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions suitable for? Camera Obscura and World of Illusions suits all ages. ### Is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions wheelchair accessible? Google does not list a wheelchair-accessible entrance at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. ### Is there parking at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions? Yes: paid car park and paid street parking. ### How do I contact Camera Obscura and World of Illusions? Call Camera Obscura and World of Illusions on +44 131 226 3709. ## More near Camera Obscura and World of Illusions ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [The Witchery ★ 4.3 · next door](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/hotels/the-witchery) - [Royal Mile Suites by the Castle ★ 3.0 · next door](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/hotels/royal-mile-suites-by-the-castle) - [Virgin Hotels Edinburgh ★ 4.6 · 0.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/hotels/virgin-hotels-edinburgh) - [Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel ★ 4.5 · 0.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/hotels/apex-city-of-edinburgh-hotel) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [7a 0.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/cottages/7a-uk7350) - [Powderhall Brae 1.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/cottages/powderhall-brae-uk5841) - [6 Coltbridge Gardens 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/cottages/6-coltbridge-gardens-syk1058294) - [New York Style Loft Apartment 1.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/cottages/new-york-style-loft-apartment-uk50206) ### Campsites nearby - [The Four Sisters Boatel ★ 4.6 · 0.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/camping/the-four-sisters-boatel) - [Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park ★ 4.2 · 3.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/camping/mortonhall-caravan-and-camping-park) - [Station Park Caravan Site 3.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/north-berwick/camping/station-park-caravan-site) - [Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Club Site ★ 4.4 · 3.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/camping/edinburgh-caravan-and-motorhome-club-site) ### Things to do nearby - [The Scotch Whisky Experience ★ 4.7 · next door](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/attractions/the-scotch-whisky-experience) - [The Cadies and Witchery Tours ★ 4.9 · next door](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/attractions/the-cadies-and-witchery-tours) - [Museum on the Mound ★ 4.5 · 0.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/attractions/museum-on-the-mound) - [National Galleries Scotland: National ★ 4.7 · 0.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/edinburgh/attractions/national-galleries-scotland-national) ## Featured in our guides [All staycation ideas →](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas) [Edinburgh Staycation Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do and Where to Eat Plan an Edinburgh staycation: Old Town or New Town hotels, the palace, galleries and Arthur's Seat, where to eat, a two-day itinerary, day trips to Stirling and St Andrews, and tips for getting there by train.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/edinburgh-staycation-guide)