Edinburgh might look like it’s stepped out of a storybook: stone streets, a castle perched on an extinct volcano, bagpipes echoing through the mist. But underneath the postcard-perfect charm? Pure quirky gold.
From hidden alleys to haunted vaults, this Scottish capital is full of surprising stories and playful details that’ll stick with you long after your trip. If you’re into unexpected tales, ghostly rumors, and fun twists on history, you’re in for a treat!
Check out all the fun facts Edinburgh has!
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Edinburgh facts that sound made up (but aren’t)
📍 It’s home to the world’s only knighted… penguin
Sir Nils Olav, a king penguin living at Edinburgh Zoo, has been knighted by the Norwegian Royal Guard. Yes, really. He even inspects the troops during visits.
📍 There’s a dog buried in a cemetery full of philosophers
Bobby the Skye Terrier was so loyal he guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years. Today, you’ll find a statue of him just outside Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of the spookiest graveyards in town.
📍 The city’s nickname? “Auld Reekie”
That’s Scots for “Old Smoky,” a not-so-flattering reference to the chimneys and coal fires that used to cloud the skyline.
Edinburgh history facts
📚 Edinburgh was once the intellectual powerhouse of Europe
During the Scottish Enlightenment, the city was buzzing with brilliant minds like David Hume and Adam Smith. (Think 18th-century TED Talks over whisky.)
🏰 It has more listed buildings than anywhere in the UK, after London
Which means everywhere you turn, you’re basically time-traveling. From medieval spires to Georgian facades, it’s a history buff’s dream.
🕯️ Some streets have streets beneath them
Instead of knocking down old buildings, new ones were just built on top. That’s how you get places like Mary King’s Close, preserved underground like a frozen 1600s time capsule.
Edinburgh castle fun facts
Let’s talk about that show-stopping fortress on the hill.
🧨 Edinburgh Castle sits on a volcano
Don’t worry, it’s extinct! But it makes for a dramatic skyline and unbeatable views.
🔫 The One O’Clock Gun still fires daily
Except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas. This quirky tradition started in 1861 to help ships sync their maritime clocks.
👻 It’s one of the most haunted places in Scotland
From prisoners of war to the ghost of a headless drummer, the castle is a hotspot for supernatural sightings and chilling tales.
💎 Inside, you’ll find the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and a chapel dating back to the 12th century.
Edinburgh interesting facts hiding beneath the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is iconic, but most visitors miss what’s beneath the surface.
🕸️ Underneath lie vaults, hidden tunnels & more
The South Bridge Vaults once hosted taverns, tradesmen, and (allegedly) body snatchers! These days, you can tour them by candlelight.
👀 Many of the “closes” (narrow alleys) off the Royal Mile lead to hidden courtyards, wells, or secret backstories.
📍MEININGER tip: Don’t rush the Royal Mile. Walk slow, explore the closes, and look up. There’s history in every window and brick.
Edinburgh festivals
🎭 The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world
What started in 1947 as a rebel act (when performers showed up uninvited) is now a 3-week city takeover with comedy, theater, music, and endless street performances.
💡 During festival season, Edinburgh becomes a city powered by caffeine, creativity, and chaos.
Interesting facts about Edinburgh Castle & the city’s quirks
🪦 Medical students once dug up bodies for research
Not the proudest moment in Edinburgh history, but Burke and Hare, two infamous body snatchers, sold corpses to anatomy schools. You can still visit spots linked to their story.
📚 J.K. Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter in Edinburgh
You can sip coffee at The Elephant House (aka “birthplace of Harry Potter”), wander through graveyards that inspired character names, and spot Hogwarts-like architecture all over the city.
Buy quirky Edinburgh souvenirs
Forget mass-produced magnets. Instead, check out:
🎨 Local prints and illustrations of the city’s legends
📖 Ghost story books and historical fiction
💍 Jewelry inspired by Celtic and Scottish myths
Summin’up…
Edinburgh is a city full of stories, funny, weird, spooky, and endlessly fascinating! Whether you’re geeking out over Edinburgh Castle fun facts, exploring haunted closes, or discovering odd Edinburgh history facts, this city knows how to surprise you.
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🛏️ Where to stay in Edinburgh
Want to explore secret streets and spooky castles without trekking miles across town? MEININGER Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is located close to the Royal Mile and Waverley Station;
it is a comfy base for exploring both day and night.
🛏️ Choose between private or shared rooms
🍳 Use our guest kitchen to whip up budget-friendly meals
🎲 Chill in our game zone after a long day of ghost hunting
🚶♂️ Walkable to top sights, storytelling tours, and cool cafés
Address: 1 Osborne Terrace, EH12 5HJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Fun facts Edinburgh: quirky secrets FAQ
What are some fun facts about Edinburgh most people don’t know?
Edinburgh is full of surprises, from a knighted penguin at the zoo to hidden streets beneath the Old Town. Many fun facts about Edinburgh sound made up but are 100% real.
Why is Edinburgh called “Auld Reekie”?
“Auld Reekie” means “Old Smoky” in Scots and refers to the thick smoke from coal fires that once filled the city skyline.
Is it true Edinburgh Castle is built on a volcano?
Yes! Edinburgh Castle sits on an extinct volcano, which gives the city its dramatic skyline and amazing viewpoints.
What is the One O’Clock Gun in Edinburgh Castle?
The One O’Clock Gun is a cannon fired daily (except Sundays and holidays) since 1861 to help ships set their clocks accurately.
Are there really underground streets in Edinburgh?
Absolutely. Places like Mary King’s Close show how new buildings were built on top of old ones, leaving entire streets preserved underground.
Is Edinburgh considered a haunted city?
Very much so. From Greyfriars Kirkyard to Edinburgh Castle and the South Bridge Vaults, Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most haunted cities.
What makes the Royal Mile so special?
Beyond its famous landmarks, the Royal Mile hides secret closes, courtyards, vaults, and centuries of strange and fascinating stories.
Why is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival so famous?
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world, filling the city with comedy, theatre, music, and street performances every August.
Did J.K. Rowling really write Harry Potter in Edinburgh?
Yes! She wrote parts of Harry Potter in Edinburgh cafés, and the city’s architecture and graveyards inspired many names and locations in the books.
Where should I stay to explore Edinburgh’s quirky side?
Staying central makes all the difference. MEININGER Hotel Edinburgh is close to the Royal Mile and Waverley Station, perfect for exploring fun facts, hidden closes, and spooky spots on foot.
