Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
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Top 10 Museums in Edinburgh, Scotland
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. St Cecilia's Hall & Music Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
St Cecilia's Hall brings together one of the world's most important collections of historic musical instruments into the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. As well as being Scotland's oldest purpose-built concert hall, St Cecilia's Hall is open as a free public museum and hosts a range of concerts and public events. St Cecilia’s Hall is proud to be part of The University of Edinburgh. In response to Covid-19 we are currently open Thursday - Saturday with a free bookable 1 hour slot. Please visit our website for more information.
Reviewed By SallyMilan
The museum has a wonderful collection of old and new instruments from around the world, such as the ‘love violin’ (violin d’amore). There are drawers to open in the room on the ground floor with videos, interaction, sounds etc. There are also volunteer guides, happy to walk around with you, who are very friendly and really bring the history of the instruments to life, even demonstrating the odd one. Amazing collection of spinets, clavichord, harpsichords and pianos. Wonderful! Sally
2. The Chocolatarium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 418 reviews
90 minutes of chocolate heaven. Find out how chocolate is made, make your own dream chocolate bar to take home and enjoy a session in the Tasting Room with over 40 kinds of chocolate! Same wonderful tour. Comfortable social distancing.
Reviewed By rah20014
I absolutely loved visiting The Chocolatarium! Erin, our tour guide was fun and very knowledgable about chocolate. Erin explained everything in a great way and made me feel engaged the whole time. Making our own chocolate bars was so fun. I loved the tasting room and it was interesting to learn about how chocolate is made. I would 100% recommend visiting The Chocolatarium to anyone who visits Edinburgh.
3. Military Museum Scotland SCIO
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
A fantastic Award winning, military museum designed as a hands on educational resource. Catering for schools, care homes, veterans assosciations and clubs, and the general public. We have car parking, disabled access and facilities. Military Museum Scotland recently won The Scottish Hospitality Awards, Scottish Tourist Attraction of the year 2019. We have just Re-opened after 18 weeks of closure due to the Coronnavirus. We have introduced 100s of new artefacts and displays for your enjoyment. We are planning lots of different events in the future. You can keep up to date with whats happening on our facebook page. Search for Military Museum Scotland SCIO hope to see you soon.
Reviewed By SallyfromEdinburgh
Visited here yesterday with Mother(82) and Nephew(10) and both were very surprised at the Display on show ! Lots of Military Displays with well written descriptions of Weapons, Uniforms ,Badges and all sorts of Equipment used by Soldiers in World War 2 ! Amazing Collection and the make believe Trench outside gives you a real feeling of what it was like for soldiers getting ready to go “over the top”. A real Education experience enhanced by the lovely knowledgable Staff who are happy to answer endless questions !! Would go back and would recommend this place as a must see ! Really interesting place to visit .Please go !!!
4. Royal Yacht Britannia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,167 reviews
Step aboard The Queen's former floating palace and experience this iconic 5 star attraction for yourself. Rated Scotland's Best Attraction for 12 years running and in TripAdvisor's UK Top 10 for the last 5 years, Britannia is one of the most famous ships in the world. Sailing a million miles on a thousand official visits, during 40 years in service, the Royal Yacht played host to glittering state banquets and official receptions, but was also home to the Royal Family and crew of 220 Royal Yachtsmen. Explore Britannia's highly accessible 5 decks with highlights including the elegant Royal Apartments, Crew's Quarters, Engine Room and stunning Royal Deck Tea Room. Highly accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. Open year round .Only 15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre (local buses every 10 minutes - 11, 22, 34 and 35 to Ocean Terminal).
Reviewed By JCBH_1 - McLean, United States
The (now retired) Royal Yacht Britannia is a national treasure, frozen in time for all of us to enjoy. Wonderful "whisper" audio sets tied to numbered highlights so you can't miss a thing. Britannia is crowded, but for great reason: It's fantastic. You visit everything from the Bridge to the (impeccable) Engine Room, including the impressive State Dining Room and Salon, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip's staterooms - staff quarters and even the ship's infirmary and laundry rooms. The Royal Rolls Royce is on board, and the Queen's motor launch (alongside the Britannia - you'll see it last) is very impressive. Furnishings are original. It's amazing. Very nice shoreside ticket facility, gift shop, etc. There is also a tea room - which is apparently very popular. Britannia is a national treasure - terrific to be able to experience it.
5. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,564 reviews
The Botanics offers visitors peace and tranquility amongst its stunning 72 acres in Edinburgh city centre. Founded in 1670, the Garden is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world.
Reviewed By N8766KRmarkh - Chippenham, United Kingdom
enjoyed a leisurely stroll with friends who were visiting from the south west. it was a lovely day which helps. Free to enter, really well maintained, lots to look at , easy access, coffee at east gate, food in the restaurant across the gardens which offers a visitor centre and shop that sells plants (which are probably superb but a little pricey!)
6. 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.
7. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,158 reviews
Experience and take part in over 100 illusions as well as a breath of fresh air on our magnificent Rooftop Terrace, which offers the most spectacular 360 degree views of Edinburgh. At Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, experience five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room. Fully safe, ‘Good to Go’ certified and have all the necessary health and safety guidelines in place to make your visit the most enjoyable ever! Get involved, play, touch everything. Great fun for all ages and nationalities, whatever the weather. 'Best family attraction in Britain’, The Telegraph. 'Five Stars, outstanding, world class', VisitScotland. Scotland’s oldest purpose-built attraction, established in 1835. Free Wi-Fi. Allow about 2 hours. Please note the attraction is located in a listed 17th Century building over 5 floors without a lift. Open every day, open late on holidays.
Reviewed By Dryburgh1994
Great fun! Amazing attractions, great view of Edinburgh & Very good presentation from "Andrew" i think was his name, he was funny, knowledgeable & down to earth . We visited on 14/11.
8. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern Two)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Home to Scotland’s outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art comprises two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two both set in beautiful sculpture park. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Modern Two has a detailed recreation of Eduardo Paolozzi's studio on permanent display, as well as his 7.3m tall sculpture, Vulcan, that dominates the cafe where you can enjoy our delicious lunches, cakes and coffee while taking in this stunning work. The gallery is currently showing an exhibition devoted to the film special effects superstar Ray Harryhausen. Book your ticket in advance via: nationalgalleries.org
Reviewed By Rongauld - Barga, Italy
On either side of Belford Road across the Water of Leith from Edinburgh's Georgian classical "New Town" the twin galleries are worth a lengthy visit. In Gallery One at present, until May, there is the most amazingly thought provoking exhibition including work by Scottish Artist, Katie Paterson, on the themes of Time and Light. The 100 Year book project, the Moonlight Sonata bounced from the surface of the moon and the lunar eclipse mirrorball are all spectacular. Then across the road is Gallery 2, with a permanent exhibition of Edinburgh born Eduardo Paolozzi, pop art sculptor, as well as a temporary exhibition by Paula Rego with video autobiography containing interviews about her productive and provocative life. All this is FREE! but you are requested to donate at least £5 pp. well worth it.
9. National War Museum of Scotland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 837 reviews
Following the latest Scottish Government guidelines, the National War Museum will reopen on Saturday 1 May. The national collections within our care will continue to be monitored and made secure during this time. You can also keep in touch by following us on our social media channels and through our website www.nms.ac.uk.
Reviewed By NicolaD914 - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
We visited the Scottish National War Museum in March, just before lockdown. The museum is situated within Edinburgh Castle so entry is included in the Castle admission ticket price. It is an interesting and well laid out museum and chronicles Scottish military history with informative displays including flags, medals, uniforms, field guns and weapons throughout military history. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
10. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,670 reviews
Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland’s past, present and future at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. One of Edinburgh’s most remarkable buildings, the Gallery opened to the public in 1889 as the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery. Displays at the Gallery explore different aspects of the story of Scotland and her people, told through a wealth of imagery including portraits of famous historical figures such as Mary Sommeville, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, through to more recent pioneers in science, sport and the arts including Emeli Sandé, Billy Connolly and Tilda Swinton. Round off your trip with a visit to Café Portrait for a delicious lunch or coffee. Admission is free, but tickets must be booked in advance. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is part of the National Galleries of Scotland, which also includes the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Reviewed By mg706 - Arlington, United States
This is a large museum dedicated to portraiture of all types. The building is a beautiful Neo-Gothic palace with many rooms to explore. One can easily spend several hours here, both admiring the art and learning about Scottish history and culture. My own favorite parts of the museum were the Main Hall, with elaborate decorative friezes of many historical Scottish figures, and the top-floor galleries of seventeenth and eighteenth century portraits. Free admission. Highly recommended.
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