5x Must visit Museums in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that’s just packed with history and art. You can find many museums in and around the Old Town of Edinburgh. Here is a collection of 5 museums that I think are worth visiting. Good to know in advance: All museums are free to enter! 🙂

1. National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is my favourite museum in Edinburgh. If you can pick just one museum to visit in Edinburgh, you’ve gotta go with the National Museum of Scotland! It’s got a bit of everything—from Scottish history to science and different cultures around the world. The way they set up the exhibits is really nice too, so much so that we completely lost track of time while we were there! Highlights include national treasures such as the Lewis Chessmen, a set of 93 medieval chess pieces made mainly from walrus ivory, and Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal.

Besides its collections, we fell in love with the grand central hall. It’s made of a cast iron construction that rises the full height of the building. We had a blast during our visit and were amazed by its size! The most amazing part? Entry is completely free, and it’s open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

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2. Scottish National Gallery

Art enthusiasts cannot miss the Scottish National Gallery, home to an impressive collection of artworks spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The gallery features masterpieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Titian, and Monet, alongside exceptional Scottish artists like Sir Henry Raeburn. Not only is the art breathtaking, but the architecture of the gallery itself adds to the overall experience. Admission is free, and open daily, 10am–5pm. (Some temporary exhibitions may charge a fee).

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3. The Museum of Edinburgh

If you find yourself wandering down the Royal Mile, you’ve gotta check out The Museum of Edinburgh.

Explore Edinburgh’s rich history, featuring diverse collections in 16th-century buildings. Discover iconic items, beautiful objects, and intriguing tales. Entry to the museum is free. 

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4. The Writers’ Museum

Bookworms definitely need to check out The Writers’ Museum! It’s all about celebrating the lives and works of Scotland’s greatest writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Set in this lovely little building, the museum is packed with awesome artifacts, manuscripts, and personal items from these literary legends. It captures the spirit of Scotland’s writing scene, making it a must-visit spot for anyone who loves books.

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5. The People’s Story Museum

The People’s Story Museum offers a unique perspective on the lives of ordinary Edinburghers throughout the ages. The museum showcases personal stories, photographs, and artifacts to illustrate the daily lives of the city’s working-class citizens. Through various exhibits, you can explore the cultural heritage and significant events that shaped Edinburgh’s communities. It’s an intimate and thought-provoking experience that adds depth to the understanding of the city.

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