13 best museums in Edinburgh you can't miss

Scotland’s capital city, with its web of cobblestone streets and Medieval architecture, perfectly sets the scene for art, culture, and history. If the rain falls, get inside some of the best museums in Edinburgh—institutions known for showcasing stunning works of art and unraveling the past.

Step inside the National Museum of Scotland to bring the city’s past to life. Art lovers will find their calling at the Scottish National Gallery, while the curious can tap their passions at Dynamic Earth. Dive into Edinburgh’s museums and see why the city is one of the best places to visit in Scotland.

Best history museums in Edinburgh

1. The National Museum of Scotland

With a dizzying collection of artifacts and exhibits, the National Museum of Scotland's collection spans natural history, science, technology, and design. This national treasure is a catch-all museum for interests across the spectrum and provides a comprehensive look into Scotland’s rich past.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the fascinating displays of Scottish history, from the early people to the Industrial Revolution, and the chance to see Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal.

Address and opening hours

Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, is steeped in history and grandeur. Visit to explore the state apartments and chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, each rich with historical significance.

Insider tip

The State Rooms are the most popular part of the palace, as are the Queen’s Apartments and the Royal Library. The Great Gallery, with its 110 portraits, can take up to an hour to see.

Address and opening hours

Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX. Open Mondays, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM.

3. The Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh is the city’s treasury, housed in a series of 16th- and 17th-century buildings. Its collection includes historically significant items, including stunning decorative art and designs.

Insider tip

The extensive collection of decorative art, silver, costumes, pottery, and historical artifacts lends to several hours of exploration. Exhibits like this, archaeological artifacts, and local crafts exhibits make this museum one of the best things to do with kids in Edinburgh.

Address and opening hours

142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

4. John Knox House Museum

One of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, the John Knox House Museum, is associated with the Protestant reformer who gave it its name. It was built in the 15th century and was originally a tenement house. Knox lived in the house from 1556 to 1560, when he was a leading figure in the Scottish Reformation.

Insider tip

You can learn more about John Knox and other Edinburgh historical figures with a visit to the Storytelling Centre, which is just next door to the museum.

Address and opening hours

43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR, United Kingdom. Open daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.

5. Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the city skyline from its perch on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is an imposing Edinburgh landmark and a collection of museums. The iconic castle is a visual stunner and provides insight into life in medieval Scotland and its military history.

Insider tip

Explore the Royal Palace and the Great Hall, and don’t miss the Honours of Scotland: Scotland’s crown jewels. Don’t waste the good weather during summer in Edinburgh, and save time to explore the sprawling grounds of the castle.

Address and opening hours

Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG. Open daily, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM.

Best art museums in Edinburgh

6. The Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is one of the top museums in Edinburgh to visit. The collection also includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, and Van Gogh, as well as a robust collection of Scottish art.

Insider tip

Don't forget to check out the works by Henry Raeburn, a Scottish portrait painter and the official portrait painter to King George IV.

Address and opening hours

The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL. Open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

7. The Fruitmarket Gallery

Things get a little funky at The Fruitmarket Gallery, one of the best art museums in Edinburgh. This free, public space showcases leading international and cutting-edge Scottish contemporary art, from photography and sculpture to technology, sound, and interactive installations.

Insider tip

The Fruitmarket Gallery is also involved in projects outside the museum’s walls. It helped to commission The Scotsman Steps, artist Martin Creed’s redevelopment of the historic steps that link Waverly Station and North Bridge.

Address and opening hours

45 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DF. Open daily, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

8. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is a must-see for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. Housed in two Neoclassical buildings amid beautiful sculpture gardens, the museum displays works from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Insider tip

The gallery has over 5,000 pieces across various media from the late 19th century to the present. Don’t miss the Dada and Surrealist art collection, one of the best in the world, featuring works by artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte.

Address and opening hours

75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR. Open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Best science museums in Edinburgh

9. The Surgeons’ Hall Museum

The Surgeons’ Hall Museum, run by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, provides a unique opportunity to explore the history of medicine and surgery. The collection includes surgical instruments, anatomical specimens, and medical artworks.

Insider tip

The museum is one of Scotland’s oldest institutions and has accumulated medical history artifacts since the 17th century. Its collection spans the practical to the morbid, including a pocketbook made from the skin of William Burke, one of Edinburgh’s darkest 19th-century personalities.

Address and opening hours

Surgeons Hall Museums, Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DW. Open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

10. The Royal Observatory

Just because the sun has set doesn’t mean it’s lights out on learning in Edinburgh. After hours, you can explore one of the best things to do at night in Edinburgh, like the Royal Observatory. This house of astronomy offers a unique opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the cosmos. The Observatory hosts exhibits, talks, and opportunities to view the night sky through powerful telescopes.

Insider tip

Dig deeper into your love of the cosmos with the Astronomy for All talks, which bring in scientists and engineers to discuss the science and technology of space. The observatory’s Astronomy Talk series runs on Tuesday nights in November, December, January, and March.

Address and opening hours

Blackford Hill, Edinburgh EH9 3HJ. Public opening times and tour times vary.

11. Dynamic Earth

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Edinburgh, Dynamic Earth offers a fascinating journey through the planet’s past, present, and future with interactive exhibits and impressive technology. This unique Earth Sciences exhibition brings to life the processes that have shaped our planet.

Insider tip

Enjoy the multi-sensory rooms and the 360-degree dome planetarium with a 30-minute narrated film to get the most out of a visit to Dynamic Earth.

Address and opening hours

Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Alternative museums in Edinburgh

12. The Writers’ Museum

The Writers’ Museum is one of the best museums in Edinburgh to learn about the lives and works of three of Scotland’s most famous writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. The museum is housed in a 17th-century building on the Royal Mile and contains a collection of personal items, writings, and portraits of the three writers.

Insider tip

The 17th-century mansion’s architecture is part of the museum experience, so take a moment to appreciate the soaring fireplace and the wrought iron chandelier.

Address and opening hours

Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA. Open daily, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

13. Stills Gallery

A vibrant hub for photography in the heart of Edinburgh, the Stills Gallery offers a variety of exhibitions, courses, digital production facilities, and public events. Stills is dedicated to promoting photography and provides a space for photographers to exhibit their work, learn new skills, and connect with other photographers.

Insider tip

You can take your photography passion a step further at Stills Gallery with its many learning courses. Practice everything from Photoshop to darkroom skills, and perfect the art of composition.

Address and opening hours

23 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM.

FAQs

What are the most famous museums in Edinburgh?

The must-visit museums in Edinburgh include the National Museum of Scotland, the Museum of Edinburgh, and the Scottish National Gallery, home to masterpieces from renowned artists. The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Surgeons' Hall Museums are highly recommended.

Are there any free museums in Edinburgh?

There are several free museums in Edinburgh. The National Museum of Scotland, the Museum of Edinburgh, and the Scottish National Gallery offer free admission. However, specific special exhibitions within these museums may have an entrance fee.

What’s the most interesting museum in Edinburgh if I only have time for one?

The National Museum of Scotland is the most diverse museum, with collections ranging from ancient Egypt to Dolly the sheep. The museum’s exhibitions will appeal to so many different interests that it will surely please nearly every visitor.

Are there any fun museums in Edinburgh for families and children?

The National Museum of Scotland and Dynamic Earth have interactive exhibits that can engage children.

For which museums in Edinburgh are guided tours recommended?

Guided tours can enrich your experience at museums like the National War Museum, the Museum of Edinburgh, and the Trinity House Maritime Museum. These tours often provide deeper insight into the exhibits and their history.

Are there any museum passes or discount cards available to visit multiple museums in Edinburgh?

While Edinburgh doesn't offer a specific museum pass, the Edinburgh City Pass and the Royal Edinburgh Ticket include access to several museums and other attractions, potentially offering savings for those planning to visit multiple sites. Always check with individual museums for any available discounts or passes.