Edinburgh Treasure & Scavenger Hunts

Transform Edinburgh into a Living Treasure Chest with an Edinburgh Treasure Hunt

Your urban odyssey starts here…

Prepare to reveal Edinburgh’s inner secrets and most surreptitious sights with a CityDays Edinburgh treasure hunt!

Like a living board game, you and your team will move around Edinburgh’s curious landmarks and historic anomalies by solving puzzles, answering riddles and sniffing out clues. 

Absorb history, find hidden gems and explore like you never have before as you delve into a treasure hunt in Edinburgh that takes you beyond the obvious and into the unnoticed with CityDays!

The Best Urban Treasure Hunt in Edinburgh

Historic, atmospheric and quintessentially Scottish, Edinburgh is rightfully up there with the most sought-after city destinations in the UK and worldwide.

Home to a vast array of internationally famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Witches’ Well, Flodden Wall and St Giles’ Cathedral, it’s easy to get sidetracked by the must-sees of Edinburgh. Locals and visitors alike get swept up in their grandeur - and we understand why.

These are the places that made history, they dominate the Edinburgh skyline and helped shape the city into what it is today. Think of them as the dark blue Monopoly squares of Edinburgh: they’re exclusive, special and highly-desired. 

But don’t forget, you’ve got to walk past a bunch of stuff to get there - and trust us when we say you’ll be surprised at what you miss when you’re not paying attention. 

Our treasure hunts in Edinburgh have been designed to expose these places and much, much more. 

Like a live action board game, you’ll move around the landmarks, weave between historical monuments and collect facts as you go. No detail is too big or small - and you may have to look up, down, left and right before you figure out the answer! 

That’s part of what makes CityDays’ Edinburgh treasure hunts the best in the city. 

There’s around 2000 years’ worth of history waiting for you. And all of it has to be seen to be believed…

Any questions? Here’s how it works. 

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

The whole premise of our business relies on appreciating the beauty and intrigue of urban environments, so the last thing we want to do is leave rubbish lying around.

We believe that Edinburgh has enough curious objects and fascinating features that any physical contribution we’d make would pale in comparison to the existing stuff. We also don’t support littering, so we don’t leave any tangible objects for you to find.

Instead, we’ve made use of existing buildings, curious city quirks, sculptures, pieces of street art and even street furniture as clues.

The only stuff you’ll leave our Edinburgh scavenger hunts with are fond memories, plenty of knowledge and potentially a place at the top of our leaderboard. 

Oh, and plenty of photos too - don’t forget to send them in to us, we love seeing them and we might even reward you for your efforts…

Planning Your Party: Fun Christmas, Work, Stag and Hen Treasure Hunts in Edinburgh

Whether you’re planning a treasure hunt hen party in Edinburgh or you’re looking for an activity that suits the whole family, we’ve got you covered.

Our games can be played by groups of pretty much any size (please do get in touch if you have queries or questions) and they’re mostly suitable for people of all ages.

Edinburgh Pub Treasure Hunts

If your friends, family or workmates are a thirsty bunch, rest assured that our hunts include pub recommendations along the way so you can take regular breaks. 

And, of course, if you want to go all out and turn your day out into an Edinburgh pub treasure hunt - by all means do so! You can stop and start the game as often as you like - just be sure to resume your game when you’re ready! 

Team-Building Scavenger Hunts in Edinburgh

We’re proud to say that we’ve helped many businesses in Edinburgh and around the world plan better, more exciting and more sustainable team-building activities for over five years. 

Will your business be next?

Our team-building scavenger hunts in Edinburgh have been designed to boost your team bonds, heat up your colleagues’ competitive sides and teach them a thing or two about the city they live and work in.

We offer premade routes and bespoke trails that cater especially to your businesses’ needs. 

So if you want to start or finish at a particular venue, that’s no problem. 

If you need to stop by somewhere specific - we’ll add it in. 

And whether you have a team of five or 500 to organise, we’ll organise it all for you. 

Challenges are at the heart of our Edinburgh treasure hunts, so it’s only fair that you challenge us in return. 

Send us your queries and put us to the test!

Available Trails and Edinburgh Treasure Hunts

Interested in finding out more about the kinds of self-guided treasure hunts in Edinburgh we provide? Here’s where you get a tiny sneak peek into where you can find your next adventure…

Shadows of Old Town

Discover Edinburgh's Old Town, a maze of ancient alleyways and historic architecture, with a puzzle-filled tour that reveals the city's hidden treasures. Team up with friends, family, or colleagues to solve clues and navigate a route stretching from Princes Street through renowned streets and scenic spots.

Your adventure will lead you to astonishing sculptures, the central point from which all Edinburgh's distances are measured, an age-old printing house, a 14th-century toll collection site, the famed Royal Mile, and more. Along the way, engage with intriguing puzzles, enjoy stops at excellent cafes and pubs, and encounter numerous surprises…

This trail is perfect for locals, tourists, and anyone eager to explore the secrets nestled in the nooks and crannies of Edinburgh's Old Town. Experience the city's rich history and culture in an interactive and enjoyable way.

Myths and Monsters

Embark on an enchanting and eerie journey through Edinburgh's Old City with "Myths and Monsters", a puzzle-filled Edinburgh scavenger hunt that brings legendary creatures to life. 

Uncover buried secrets and spine-tingling tales from the city's storied past. Learn about a real-life wizard's cursed walking stick, discover the most potent spots for witchcraft, and find out how saliva can be used in rituals of luck and protection.

This outdoor escape game-style adventure highlights both famous and hidden locations, including the Royal Mile, St Giles Cathedral, East Prince St Gardens, Tolbooth Kirk, and a collection of historic, bizarre statues. Wander through narrow alleyways that echo with the whispers of yesteryear. Along the way, engage with puzzles and challenges, and enjoy breaks at some of the city's best pubs and cafes.

This tour offers a novel and immersive way to explore an ancient and endlessly captivating part of Edinburgh, making it perfect for both newcomers, visitors and locals. Prepare to be both surprised and a little frightened as you delve into the city's mythic history.