Join our members mailing list to get exclusive offers
By entering your details, you acknowledge that you have read and accept the privacy policy.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Always Enabled
We use necessary cookies to ensure our website works properly and provide essential functionalities and security features. These cookies do not collect any personal information and are always enabled. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of these cookies.
V:7 - 2024-10-04 12:12:12pm
Functional cookies enable specific functionalities such as social media sharing, feedback collection, and other third-party features. These cookies may collect anonymous data to improve user experience.
V:7 - 2024-10-04 12:12:12pm
To enhance user experience, we use performance and analytical cookies to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of our website. Performance cookies help us deliver better user experiences by tracking metrics such as load times and response times. Analytical cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by providing information on metrics like the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, and more.
V:7 - 2024-10-04 12:12:12pm
Whether you are into science, medicine, world culture, history, or even economics there is a museum in Edinburgh that will be right up your street. Whether you want to just kill some time or you looking to hide away from a downpour you will be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you will have and what new things you will learn.
Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
Open daily from 10.30 to 16.30
Free to enter, donations welcome
Arguably Edinburgh’s largest and busiest museum, the National Museum of Scotland has a range of exhibits from around the world, showcasing the Natural World, World Cultures and Scottish History and Archaeology.
Before you explore the exhibits on display, take a moment to take in the striking architecture of the Grand Gallery, a beautiful example of Victorian design with soaring high pillars, large windows and a magnificent glass ceiling that floors the gallery with light. From here you can walk through to the more contemporary Museum of Scotland building, dedicated to telling Scotland’s story through fascinating displays and artefacts.
Make the most of your trip by taking a free guided tour. The museum runs a programme of free tours which run most days, including a general overview of the exhibits to get your bearings, as well as specialist tours to help you develop an in-depth understanding of the many exhibitions on display. Check out the website for the latest schedule.
If the weather is good, make sure you take the trip up to level 7 of the Museum of Scotland building and explore the rooftop terrace for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Huntly House, 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DD
Open: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
Free to enter, donations welcome
Found in the iconic bright yellow Huntly House, The Museum of Edinburgh is a must-visit for anyone who wants to discover the story of our city. Take a look at the collar which once belonged to Greyfriar’s Bobby, see James Craig’s original plans of the New Town, get lost in a spectacular collection of silver and read the historically significant National Covenant.
There’s also plenty to keep the kid’s amused, with a fantastic dressing-up area and free to use arts and crafts zone.
Make your way through to the back of the museum and discover the secret outdoor courtyard. Recently reopened in 2015, this quiet and charming space features some fascinating artefacts which date back as far as the 16th century.
Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Open 10am to 5pm daily
Adult: £8, Students, NHS staff and children under 16: £4.50, under 5’s go free.
If you are fascinated by the wonders of the human body, this museum is a must-visit. Owned by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Surgeons’ Hall Museums consist of the Wohl Pathology Museum, the History of Surgery Museum and The Dental Collection. The museums reopened in 2015 after an extensive refurbishment, making the collections more engaging and accessible than ever before.
The Wohl Pathology Museum is one of the largest collections of pathological anatomy in the world, with rows of cabinets filled with well-preserved specimens that give a fascinating insight into the human body. Go across the hall to The History of Surgery Museum and explore Edinburgh’s significant contribution to surgical practice across the globe, including some of the more grisly details (keep an eye out for the pocketbook which is said to be made out of the skin of bodysnatcher William Burke), and learn about dentistry through the ages in The Dental Collection.
42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TG
Open 10am – 5pm Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12pm – 5pm Sunday
Explore the first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood.
With five galleries to explore throughout which you will find fascinating and rare objects from childhoods past, including toys, games, clothes, books and dolls, dating from the 1800s to the present day, this is a treat for visitors both young and old, and a firm favourite with many Edinburgh residents.
Top tip: Don’t miss the interactive exhibits in Gallery One which explores a child’s life at home, at school and at play.
50 Niddry Street, Cowgate EH1 1NQ
Open Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays, 10.00 to 16.00
Free to enter
Discover one of the world’s most important collections of musical instruments and visit Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall.
With over 400 objects across four stunning galleries, you will explore the stories behind musical instruments dating back to the sixteenth century along with the characters behind their creation.
In addition to gallery exhibitions, they host a lively and engaging programme of events from concerts to talks, workshops and tours.
Don’t miss the most famous harpsichord in the world in the Binks Gallery – the Taskin 1769.
The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ
Open Tuesday – Friday, 10.00 – 16.00 and Saturdays and bank holiday Mondays, 13.00 – 16.00
Free to enter
Take a fresh look at money in the Museum on the Mound. Located in the beautiful iconic building of the Lloyds Banking Group headquarters on The Mound, this museum gives a fascinating insight into the world of economics and money. Have a go at cracking open a safe, see Scotland’s oldest banknote and get an idea of what one million pounds actually looks like.
Unfortunately they don’t give away free samples, but this is still a fantastic day out for anyone who has an obsession with coins, notes, and everything in between.
Canongate Tolbooth, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BN
Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am – 5pm; Sunday 12pm – 5pm
Free to enter, donations welcome
The People’s Story museum is located in the Canongate Tolbooth, which is a historic landmark in itself built in 1591. It provides visitors with a realistic and fascinating look at what life was like for Edinburgh citizens in days gone by. Explore displays that range from crime and punishment to a night out at the cinema, the suffragettes to Leith docks, advertisements for work at breweries to figures of 1980s punk. This is the perfect place to get a glimpse into the Edinburgh of everyday people – from the 18th century to recent times.
Lady Stair’s House, Lady Stair’s Close, Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2PA
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am – 5pm; Sunday 12pm – 5pm
Free to enter, donations welcome
Celebrate the lives of Scotland’s greatest writers, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson at the architecturally enthralling Lady Stair’s House built in 1622. At the Writers’ Museum you can see Robert Burns’ writing desk, the printing press on which Scott’s Waverley novels were produced and many more. Upon leaving the museum be sure not to miss the quotations carved in stone celebrating Scottish writers.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
Open daily, 09:45 – 17:45.
Entry to the museum is free. (Historic Environment Scotland charges for admission to Edinburgh Castle where the National War Museum is located).
Discover the story of Scotland at war by exploring over 400 years of conflict through a unique collection of military objects, artwork and personal stories, all located within the majestic setting of Edinburgh Castle.
53 High Street, South Queensferry EH30 9HP
Free Entry. Donations Welcome.
Queensferry Museum showcases the past and traditions of historic Queensferry and neighbouring Dalmeny. As well as permanent displays, the museum hosts a room dedicated to temporary exhibitions, curated by community groups.
With stunning views out onto the Firth of Forth and the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forth Bridge, whether your interest is social history, folk traditions or civic engineering, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Remember to book your accommodation directly with us via our website to ensure you get the best rate. Click here to check out our exclusive offers.
All you need to do is subscribe to our mailing list.
Who are we? Learn more about us and our values.
5 March 2024
Discover what’s on in Edinburgh this Spring. As the vibrant colours of spring paint Edinburgh in a new light, the…
Read Post5 January 2024
Scotland’s capital is full to the rim of things to do and see for all age groups, it doesn’t matter…
Read PostBy entering your details, you acknowledge that you have read and accept the privacy policy.