The 8 Best Museums in Edinburgh You’ll Actually Enjoy Visiting
My gran always said, ”Museums aren’t just for rainy days. They’re for growing brains.” While younger me would’ve swapped a Monet for a joystick at the arcade any day, those trips stuck with me.
Now, I’m the one dishing out random art and history facts at parties. Turns out, Gran wasn’t just building my culture. She was building my trivia game. I now know a lot of history and art, all thanks to these visits!
So, if you need a little spark in your imagination or want to clear your head with new things to discover, here are the top museums in Edinburgh I highly recommend you visit!
Museum of Edinburgh
– Media from museumgalleriesedinburgh
Address: 142-146 Canongate
Contact Details: +44 131 529 4143
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
For a real slice of Edinburgh’s soul, the Museum of Edinburgh is a must. The bold yellow building is a beacon, drawing you into the city’s story—from its origins to infamous figures like Deacon Brodie.
The artefacts are pure gems, with highlights like Greyfriars Bobby’s collar and stunning silverwork showcasing Edinburgh’s craft legacy. Even the building itself feels like history under your feet.
Tips:
- If you’re heading to the museum with the wee ones, don’t miss the family learning space. It’s a brilliant spot where kids (and grown-ups!) can get stuck into arty worksheets and fun detective quests.
There’s a cosy reading corner for a quiet break and a replica object area to explore. The baskets of textures and art materials are a hit—perfect for keeping little hands busy while you enjoy a slower pace.
- If it’s peace and quiet you’re looking for, you can take a breather at the museum’s garden area for a bit. It’s a great stopover before heading out back into the busy streets of the city.
The Writers’ Museum
– Media from 1000libraries
Address: Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Cl
Contact Details: +44 131 529 4901
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Nestled within the historic Lady Stair’s House, built in the 17th century, the Writers’ Museum is a hidden treasure celebrating Scotland’s literary icons, including Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Inside, you’ll discover gems like Burns’ writing desk, the printing press used for Scott’s Waverley novels, and Stevenson’s childhood rocking horse. It overflows with manuscripts, first editions, and mementoes—a true haven for bookworms and writers!
Tips:
- Don’t miss Makars’ Court; it’s just outside. It’s a quiet wee spot with flagstones engraved with the names of Scotland’s finest writers, from the 14th century right up to today. It’s perfect for a quick sit-down, soaking in the literary history and the Royal Mile atmosphere.
And keep an eye out for new stones being added. It’s always growing!
- The museum isn’t that big, and there are stairs that lead you through the different exhibits across its floors. If you are bringing someone in a wheelchair, I recommend getting the assistance of the staff members. You can check out this access guide for more info about getting around the museum with ease!
The National Museum of Scotland
– Media from nationalmuseumsscotland
Address: Chambers St
Contact Details: +44 300 123 6789
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
The National Museum of Scotland is an absolute gem, packed with everything from natural history to science and design. Right in the heart of Edinburgh, it’s easy to pop in and wander through its free, sprawling halls.
A few of my favourite bits are going from ancient Egyptian treasures to Dolly the sheep’s remains. Talk about a range! It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time, soaking in Scotland’s rich history and beyond.
Tips:
- If you plan on visiting the museum regularly and want to score deals on visiting exhibitions, I highly recommend signing up to become a member. You get exclusive previews for select exhibits, discounts on family programmes, a magazine, and vouchers for cafe and gift shop purchases.
You can learn more about the memberships available right here.
- The museum has teamed up with Smartify to offer free audio tours through their app. You can explore the exhibits at your own pace. Just scan the QR code when you arrive. You can listen to the tours anytime, anywhere, and get to know the collections before you even step foot inside.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
– Media from natgalleriessco
Address: 1 Queen St
Contact Details: +44 131 624 6200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free for general exhibitions
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, a stunning Gothic creation by Robert Rowand Anderson from the 1880s, stands as a cornerstone of the National Galleries of Scotland, celebrating Scottish portraiture through the centuries.
Inside, you’ll find faces that shaped history and culture, from Mary, Queen of Scots, and Robert Burns to modern icons like Emeli Sandé, Tilda Swinton, and Billy Connolly. It’s a fascinating journey through Scotland’s story, told through the people who defined it.
Tips:
- Got wee ones in tow? Pop by the gallery on a Friday for Family Fridays! They’ve got brilliant activities and events for budding art lovers and families alike. It’s a cracking way to keep the kids entertained while soaking up some culture. Check out more details about it here.
- If you’re heading to the gallery, pack light! Bags bigger than 25 cm x 42 cm x 12 cm aren’t allowed inside unless you rent a locker, which costs just £1. It’s a good shout to stick to a small bag and save yourself the hassle of extra expenses.
John Knox House
– Media from clan_broonford
Address: 43 to 45 High St, Scottish Storytelling Centre
Contact Details: +44 131 556 9579
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adults: £7 per person
Children over 7 years old: £1.50 per person
Children below 7 years old: Free
Seniors, students, and disabled people: £5.50 per person
Dating back to 1470, the John Knox House is one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings and the oldest on the Royal Mile. Now a museum, it offers a glimpse into the lives of its past residents and delves into the story of the Scottish Reformation.
Lots of time capsules were found buried in the walls of the house when it was first excavated, so you’ll get to see all the artefacts and important mementoes from the 15th century. There are tons of trapdoors to explore here too, which are fun for kids!
Tips:
- Make sure to grab the free written guide. It’s packed with info to help you spot all the hidden gems in the building.
If you need a guide in your preferred language, they’ve got physical guides at the reception and even an English audio version you can download! Get them online at this page.
- A famous activity here lets you “hunt” for the devil living and hiding in the Oak Room ceiling. Ask the staff member for assistance about the lore regarding the “devil in hiding.” It’s fun and my kids really enjoyed playing along with the staff!
The Museum of Childhood
– Media from storytimemadeline
Address: 42 High St
Contact Details: +44 131 529 4142
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Admission Fee: Free
Visiting the Museum of Childhood feels like stepping into memory lane, and although it’s made for children, I find myself enjoying the trip because of the nostalgia. There are a ton of things to explore here, from interactive exhibits to fun events that spark imagination.
From vintage Barbies to first-edition Harry Potter books, the museum doesn’t just showcase toys; it tells the story of childhood across generations. It’s a celebration of what it means to be a kid, no matter your age!
Tips:
- For a more peaceful trip down memory lane, visit on a weekday morning when it’s typically quieter. You might even catch a storytelling session or some interactive fun—great for kids and those who are still young at heart!
- While entry is free for all guests, I highly recommend giving a small donation of at least £5 to the museum. It’s one small way of showing your support and ensuring that the museum will continue operating at full capacity even until your children have children. You’re not required to donate, though.
City Art Centre
– Media from museumsgalleriesedinburgh
Address: 2 Market St
Contact Details: +44 131 529 3993
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
The City Art Centre is a proper gem tucked in the heart of Edinburgh—a place I’ve found myself wandering into more times than I can count. With over 4,800 works spanning centuries, it’s like a visual journey through Scotland’s artistic soul.
Every time I visit, I’m drawn to something different. One day, it’s Joan Eardley’s raw, emotional pieces; the next, it’s Sir Eduardo Paolozzi’s bold, modern vibes. They’ve got a brilliant mix of historic treasures and contemporary works that keep it fresh every time.
Tips:
- Just a heads up: some areas inside are dimly lit. If you find it tricky to navigate, the staff are always happy to lend a hand. And feel free to bring someone along to make your visit more comfortable!
- Feeling thirsty or peckish after wandering the gallery? Swing by Mimi’s Bakehouse on the ground floor. They’ve got a great selection of brunch bites and drinks, but keep in mind they welcome guests only until 4:30 pm!
The Scottish National Gallery
– Media from auldedinburgh
Address: The Mound
Contact Details: +44 131 624 6200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
If you love art and have been dreaming of visiting the Louvre and Paris, you can pretty much get the same kind of vibe at the Scottish National Gallery. Built in the 19th century, this beautiful gallery houses Scottish art and a bunch of international masterpieces.
You’ll find works created by big names such as Vermeer and Rembrandt, as well as pioneering Scottish artists like William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, and the Glasgow Boys. There’s a lot to see here, so take your time and enjoy it.
Tips:
- Don’t forget to make use of the Smartify access inside the gallery. You can learn so much more about the artworks you see inside the exhibitions by simply scanning the QR code from your smartphone!
- If you’re bringing wee ones with you, you can keep them occupied for a day of art viewing thanks to the management’s sensory bags and art trolleys. You can ask for them, free of charge, from the visitor centre or front desk upon entering the museum.