Location: Southside & Holyrood
Top Things to do in Southside & Holyrood
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Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland: The Best Museums
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Upright Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A small independent art gallery in Bruntsfield Edinburgh.
2. Dynamic Earth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,647 reviews
A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth. It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet. As if this wasn't enough, Dynamic Earth is home to Scotland's only 360 degree full dome film theatre. We have a variety of films showing throughout the year.
Reviewed By BeckyC526
We visited on 9th February and had an excellent family day out. The staff were really engaging and friendly without being overbearing and from the moment you enter the building there are things to do. The attention to detail for each section of the tour was really something and each area was its own sensory experience full of learning material. We loved it as two adults for what we could learn and our 18 month old daughter was enthralled by the lights and sounds. There was a lot on offer for the entrance fee, as well as the tour there is a 360 showdome and a soft play area. We didn’t use the showdome on this occasion as our little one was getting tired but we can’t wait to see it in action. The cafe food was actually edible and there was good choice. The gift shop had lots of the usual soft toys and trinkets but it also has a nice selection of maps, science kits, minerals and lots of interesting books. I was particularly impressed with the books on offer. Overall I highly recommend a visit and i cannot believe that this was our first visit after 12 years of living in Edinburgh. We will definitely be back soon.
3. Surgeons' Hall Museums
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,612 reviews
Surgeons' Hall Museums is an award winning Museum that is home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the United Kingdom. Surgeons’ Hall Museums reopened in 2015 after a major £4.4 million Heritage Lottery Funded redevelopment project. As one of the oldest Museums in Scotland, the collections grew from 1699 after 'natural and artificial curiosities' were publically sought. In the 1800s, the Museums expanded to include the remarkable collections of Sir Charles Bell and John Barclay, with the Playfair Building opening in 1832 to house these. Whilst the Museums were initially established as a medical teaching resource, all are now welcome to visit. The Museums are currently home to an extensive collection of pathology, anatomy and medical ephemera.
Reviewed By 3grahamed
Thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining and educational visit to a fascinating museum with lots of exhibits showing the development and history of surgery. Tons of curious and grisly and macabre exhibits.
4. The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 222 reviews
See changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, featuring old master paintings, rare furniture, decorative arts and images from the vast photograph collection.
Reviewed By Suzy3133 - Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Superb exhibition , excellent audiobook providing background information on all the exhibits. Amazing to see working drawings and sketches of some of the great works of art by an iconic artist. Good facilities, friendly well informed staff, easy to access . Lightning quite low but understandable to protect drawings.
5. Summerhall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Summerhall – “One of the world’s great arts venues.” (Mark Cousins, The Guardian 2014) – is a venue for diverse programmes of visual and performing arts. It is a place for all kinds of events, parties, workshops, festivals, weddings and meetings. It is home to a varied community of creative artists and businesses, including a pub, café, brewery and distillery.
Reviewed By JohnHenery - Bo'ness, United Kingdom
First time here to see Kristin Hersh & have no complaints about venue or sound quality. It's a quirky place, set in the former Edinburgh University veterinary school. Looking forward to our next visit when the right band presents itself.
6. The Anatomical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Tux1991 - Neath, United Kingdom
An absolute must if you are in Edinburgh at the right time. Some fantastic exhibits and was nice to see it manned by some very enthusiastic students. Wish i had a little more time to spend and learn but was particularly interested in the history of Burke and Hare so made a bee line for the artifacts from them.
