The National Museum of Scotland presents the nation's history and global collections across two architecturally distinct buildings. The modern Museum of Scotland building (opened in 1998) is dedicated to Scottish history, from geological origins to the 20th century. It connects to the original Royal Museum, a Victorian masterpiece with a stunning glass-roofed Grand Gallery housing an eclectic collection of artefacts from world cultures, rare gems of natural history, and numerous science exhibits. Together, they showcase everything from Dolly the Sheep and Ancient Egyptian mummies to the Scottish Maiden — a predecessor to the French guillotine.

Beneath Edinburgh’s South Bridge lie a network of 18th-century chambers known as the Underground Vaults. Originally used for storage by bridge merchants, these damp, lightless spaces later descended into slums, illicit taverns, and hideouts for criminals and body snatchers. A one-hour guided tour will lead you through this spooky labyrinth, with costumed guides sharing dark tales of the city’s past inhabitants, from the desperate poor to the infamous Burke and Hare body snatchers. For daredevils seeking a stronger thrill, the same operator offers themed variations. These include ghost tours focusing on paranormal activity, tales of persecution and witchcraft, or visits to a nearby cemetery, often incorporating displays of historical torture devices.

The amazing Mapu’a Vaea blowholes extend for 5 kilometres along the south shore on Tongatapu. Their name means "Chief's Whistles", and you can see the water forced through the natural vents in the coral limestone cliffs sometimes up to 30 metres in height.