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The 10 best museums in Edinburgh
Museums. Famous galleries of art. On every bucket list they're not just 'should-sees', but 'must-sees' for the fascination, frisson or challenge to perceptions they can spark.
In cities like Edinburgh there are many museums and galleries to see (and a lot of people seeing them), so to help avoid cultural indigestion, sore feet or selfie-rage, it helps to know what's out there.
We've selected our favourites – not just the big hitters but also the specialist, the unusual and the off-piste as well; because you never know what will float your boat.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best museums in Edinburgh. Find out more below, and see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants and cafes, nightlife, pubs and bars, shopping, things to do and things to do for free.
Find a museum by type:
Best for history
National Museum of Scotland
The beloved atrium fish ponds may have gone, but the 2008 reimagining of what can only be described as a cleverly organised kaleidoscope of objects representing science and nature, culture, design and technology: in short, all the wonders of the world. From Dolly the Sheep (stuffed) to the lovable Lewis Chessmen; from fashion to flight; be prepared to lose hours wallowing in wonder. Happily there are three cafés and a roof terrace with views, too.
Insider tip: Don't try to see it all at the National Museum of Scotland (you couldn't) and don't plan; just go with the flow.
Surgeons' Hall Museums
In a city famous for Burke and Hare – the body snatching murderers who sold corpses to the university medical school – it seems somehow appropriate to have this grim yet unnervingly fascinating exhibit displayed in a beautiful William Playfair building. Reflecting 300 years of medical development from the early days of surgery to the development of dentistry you will leave filled with gratitude both for the early pioneers and the man who invented ether.
Insider tip: You can also visit the Anatomical Museum in the Bisto Square university buildings.
Area: Old Town
Public transport: There are buses to the Surgeons' Hall stops.
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The People's Story Museum
Edinburgh has a wealth of first-class museums and galleries, but this little museum will help you truly understand the city through the people who built it, lived and worked in it. A compelling collection of images, objects and recreations from the 18th to early 20th centuries it's not only educational and enlightening, but is housed in the Old Tollbooth, one of the most attractive and oldest buildings on the Canongate, built in 1591.
Insider tip: Combine your visit with the Museum of Edinburgh a few steps along the Canongate to see decorative Scottish arts and crafts from the 17th and 18th centuries The People's Story Museum in another splendid historic building.
Museum on the Mound
A museum about money is a niche interest, but it's worth seeing this commanding building, overlooking the New Town in a lordly fashion. You'll discover what the oldest banknote in Scotland looks like (in case you run across one in your change) and it's a great way to illustrate to your children how 'many a mickle makes a muckle'. You'll also be able to say you saw a million in cash before cash disappears forever.
Insider tip: Pay attention during the information on cracking a safe; you never know when it might come in handy.
Area: Old Town
Public transport: Take the tram to Princes Street stop or buses to Princes Street/Scott Monument stops, then walk ten minutes.
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The Georgian House
It would be a shame to visit Edinburgh and leave without an idea of what it looked like behind those elegant fanlights, wrought iron balconies, classical pediments and show-off Greek columns. The Georgian House is run by the National Trust for Scotland, so you will be able to step into a world recreated in impressive detail, both upstairs and down, from the glorious paintings by Allan Ramsay and Henry Raeburn to a poem on the side of a posh china chamberpot.
Insider tip: For a contrasting view of life in the Old Town, visit Gladstone's Land in the Lawnmarket (they sell good ice cream, too).
The Writers' Museum
You may be drawn here just because it is the most striking building in the Old Town, but The Writers' Museum in Edinburgh is worth a proper visit. The museum is free, and the collected objects from the lives of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns (both child and man; public and private) form an intimate picture not just of three writers, but of the nation they helped shape. Also be sure to look for Scott's rocking horse.
Insider tip: Arrive first thing; it's small inside so gets easily crowded.
Area: Old Town
Public transport: Take the tram to Princes Street stop or bus to Princes Street/Scott Monument stops, then walk ten minutes up The Mound.
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Best for art
Modern One and Two
Modern One and Two run by the National Galleries of Scotland and The Royal Scottish Academy was always going to be high on any art-lover's list, but give both these two remarkable 19th-century galleries a look.
Set in a peaceful green setting above the Water of Leith you'll find outdoor sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore and a Charles Jencks landform, as well as remarkable collections and exhibitions. Both have attractive cafés with sunny garden seating at Modern One.
Insider tip: Don't miss the recreation of sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi's studio in Modern 2. Both adults and children find it equally fascinating.
City Art Centre
With five national galleries of art in Edinburgh it's easy to overlook this smaller, city council run gallery, but you're missing out if you don't have a look at City Art Centre.
With more than 4,500 works in its care, the collection includes drawings, prints, photographs and paintings by Scottish artists ranging from Allan Ramsay and Sir Henry Raeburn to Joan Eardley and John Ballany to William McTaggart and the Scottish Colourists. A quiet feast for curious eyes.
Insider tip: Dip into the Fruitmarket Gallery across the street for contemporary art, an eclectic bookshop and great café.
Area: Old Town
Public transport: Take the tram to Princes Street stop or buses to Princes Street/Scott Monument stops.
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Best for families
Museum of Childhood
It's the first museum of its kind in the world, but it's not just children who will be fascinated by 200 years of toys, games, books, bikes, books and all other things of childish delight. From a Queen Anne doll (circa 1740) to Buzz Lightyear, there's delight in both the everyday and the extraordinary. There's a play area and space for dressing-up, too (and yes, adults can play along).
Insider tip: Children tired and emotional? Take them across the Canongate to Clarinda's Tearoom for scones, cake and doilies.
Jupiter Artland
Experiencing art outdoors is always going to be a bit different, not least in how you use all your senses – including your sense of humour. Here, at Jupiter Artland, you 'discover' art by wandering through a wooded estate on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
You can also actively participate in artworks by swimming in Charles Jencks' 'Wells of Life' land sculpture or Joanna Vasconcelos' Gateway pool. Hours will slip away, but there is a good café where you can re-fuel.
Insider tip: This is a great way for children to learn about art; check the website before visiting for special activities and book swimming experiences.
Area: Out of town
Public transport: Take the X27 Lothian Country bus to Coxydene/Jupiter Artland stops.
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How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Somewhere between New Town ladette and Old Town doyenne, Linda has a passion for Tunnock's teacakes and a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde personality, making Edinburgh her perfect city.
