QuestGlassThings to do in Edinburgh: 7 real-world quests
7 published quests currently turn Edinburgh into practical nature, historic, and views challenges. Start with Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile, and Old Town public streets, then open each quest for its live checkpoint, timing, cost, and completion rules.
7 quests in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle and Royal MileHistoric · 90 min · Start at the castle end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and find three named closes—the narrow lanes off the main street. Share an overlooked stone detail or skyline view from your walk.Arthur's SeatNature · 2 hours · Take a marked route through Holyrood Park toward Arthur's Seat and photograph Edinburgh from above. Share the weather conditions and a useful footwear note from your visit.Portobello BeachBeaches · 60 min · Explore Portobello Beach, Edinburgh from dry land. Watch five wave sets from dry sand beside the promenade, groynes, and Firth of Forth. Predict which will be fastest, time each set and score your guess, without putting anything in the water.
Stay on dry land unless the linked authority says the bathing area is open; enter only a flagged or lifeguarded zone and obey every no-swim warning.Old Town public streetsViews · 60-90 min · Look for carved animals in Edinburgh's Old Town at doorways, closes, fountains and façades below second-floor height. Find five animals on five different buildings.
Respect residents and follow the site rules. Explore independently and check current access before you go.Royal MileCulture · 60-90 min · Explore seven named closes or wynds off Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Photograph only each name plaque and the first ten metres, then record the seven names with ratings for steepness and darkness.
Respect residents and follow the site rules. Explore independently and check current access before you go.Edinburgh Castle viewpoint or a safe nearby listening pointCulture · 30-45 min · Watch Edinburgh's One O'Clock Gun and start a stopwatch at the visible firing signal. Compare the blast time with your phone clock, then note the difference, weather and sound delay.
Protect hearing if close; check firing days. Explore independently and check current access before you go.Two independent sweet shops or bakeriesFood · 30-45 min · Compare Scottish tablet from two Edinburgh makers. Focus on how each piece snaps, feels grainy and melts, then give a three-texture verdict rather than judging sweetness alone.
Respect residents and follow the site rules. Explore independently and check current access before you go.
Plan responsibly: Check the exact quest page and its linked official source before setting out; opening hours, prices, access, weather, and local rules can change.