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6 Must-See Museums in Edinburgh and How to Visit


A look inside the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
Hi, I'm Sarah!

Sarah is an experienced copywriter specialising in travel, finance, and IT. Born and raised in Sri Lanka and India, and with stints living in the UAE and Oman, her love of South Asia and Arabia has seen her add travel writing to her record of copywriting for cross-sector global brands. Sarah has a BA Hons in History from Reading University and lives in East Sussex with her partner. When not working, she enjoys scuba diving, wild swimming, and woodland walks with her rescue Jack Russell, Charlie.

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Hi, I'm Sarah!

Sarah is an experienced copywriter specialising in travel, finance, and IT. Born and raised in Sri Lanka and India, and with stints living in the UAE and Oman, her love of South Asia and Arabia has seen her add travel writing to her record of copywriting for cross-sector global brands. Sarah has a BA Hons in History from Reading University and lives in East Sussex with her partner. When not working, she enjoys scuba diving, wild swimming, and woodland walks with her rescue Jack Russell, Charlie.

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Scotland’s capital has a rich history and a host of impressive museums to match. From the Renaissance masterpieces of the National Gallery to the Royal Yacht Britannia, here’s our take on Edinburgh’s must-see museums.

Scottish National Gallery

Art on show at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh. | Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock

For art spanning centuries.

This national gallery houses Scotland’s collection of art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Among its treasures are paintings by Velazquez, Raphael, and Cézanne, as well as Scottish greats such as Raeburn and Ramsay.

How to Visit: Travel one of Edinburgh’s hop-on hop-off bus routes, which stop at Market Street close by.

Visit Scottish National Gallery

Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh is a popular attraction. | Photo Credit: simonwillianpizzey / Tripadvisor

For generations of children's toys.

On Edinburgh’s High Street, the world’s only museum dedicated to the history of childhood brims with toys and playthings beloved through the generations. Highlights include an 18th-century wooden doll, 1970s Chopper bikes, Steiff teddies, comics, costumes, and more.

How to Visit: Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour and alight at the John Knox House — the museum is nearby.

National Museum of Scotland

Visitors mill about the National Museum in Edinburgh. | Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock

For prehistoric and modern artifacts.

Uncover Scotland’s history and culture at this huge modern museum. It’s home to a 20,000-strong artifact collection that captures Scotland’s rich heritage, from prehistoric and medieval times to today.

How to Visit: Join a Royal Mile walking tour that includes the museum, or stop off on a hop-on hop-off loop.

Visit National Museum

Writers’ Museum

Outside the Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh. | Photo Credit: Fotokon / Shutterstock

For the life stories of great writers.

Within a beautiful mansion off Lawnmarket, this museum tells the life stories of three great Scottish authors—Robbie Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott—through documents and personal objects, including Burns’ writing desk.

How to Visit: See the 17th-century mansion on a Royal Mile walking tour and return later, or get here via a hop-on hop-off bus that stops at Lawnmarket.

John Knox House Museum

John Knox House as seen from the Royal Mile. | Photo Credit: IR Stone / Shutterstock

For history lovers.

History buffs will love this museum, reputedly home to the Scottish Reformation leader just before his death in 1572. Highlights include the wood-paneled upper room and ‘luckenbooths’—once rented as shops—dating from the mid-15th century.

How to Visit: There are hop-on hop-off buses that halt right outside, and some walking tours discuss the house and take in its exterior.

Visit John Knox House

Royal Yacht Britannia

The glamorous Royal Yacht Britannia can be visited in Edinburgh. | Photo Credit: Edinburghcitymom / Shutterstock

For a taste of royal life.

Used by the British royals for more than 40 years, this historical yacht welcomes the public. Explore its visitor center before boarding for an audio tour of its State Apartments and other areas once occupied by figures such as Princess Diana and Winston Churchill.

How to Visit: Ride a hop-on hop-off bus to Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal, or book an admission ticket and visit independently.

Visit Royal Yacht Britannia

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Things to do in Edinburgh
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How to Visit the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
How To Visit the Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh