Edinburgh has plenty of big sights, but the one place I recommend to almost everyone is the National Museum of Scotland. It is the kind of museum where you wander in “just for an hour” and suddenly it is late afternoon and you are still happily exploring. You get Scottish history, world cultures, science, design, natural history and one very famous sheep, all under one beautiful roof in the Old Town.
Recommended duration
3 Hours
Ticket price
Free
The National Museum of Scotland is a huge, modern-meets-Victorian museum right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Inside, you get a bit of everything: Scottish history from ancient times to today, interactive science and technology galleries, natural history, fashion, design and world cultures. It never feels dry, there are loads of hands‑on exhibits, impressive displays and plenty of surprises, so it works just as well for children as it does for adults.
I would go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon, especially in summer and school holidays, when the middle of the day can be quite busy.
One of the most famous “residents” here is Dolly the Sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal from an adult cell. Seeing her on display is a real “oh wow, that’s the sheep” moment and a reminder of how much ground‑breaking science has happened in Scotland. Beyond Dolly, the museum has everything from dinosaurs and meteorites to old cars, rockets and Scottish artefacts, all wrapped in striking architecture, including the bright, airy Grand Gallery that is made for photos.
If you like a good view, there is also a rooftop terrace where you can step outside and look across the city’s skyline, including the castle and Arthur’s Seat.
Nearby places to combine with the museum
- Walk 3–5 minutes from the National Museum to Greyfriars Kirkyard and meet Greyfriars Bobby.
- I like dropping down towards the Grassmarket area for a break. This old market square sits in a hollow below the castle cliffs, with plenty of cafés, pubs and small restaurants around the edges.
- Walk the famous colourful Victoria Street
- Grab a pie for lunch from The Piemaker 😋just around the corner on 38 South Bridge st.
