Location: Princes Street and Gardens
Top Things to do in Princes Street and Gardens
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What to do and see in Princes Street and Gardens, 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. Scottish National Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,452 reviews
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery is home to one of the best collections of fine art in the world. This includes masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Constable, Turner, Monet, Van Gogh and Gauguin. The most comprehensive part of the collection covers the history of Scottish painting with major names such as Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart. It is a popular but peaceful attraction in the city centre offering free admission to the permanent collection and additional ticketed exhibitions. This art gallery (or art museum) is part of the National Galleries of Scotland, which also includes the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. It is made up of both the National Gallery building and the Royal Scottish Academy building. Both of these buildings, designed by William Henry Playfair, stand in the heart of Edinburgh.
Reviewed By NicolaD914 - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
We visited the Scottish National Gallery in March, just before lockdown. It is situated immediately behind the Royal Scottish Academy on Princes Street and is far more interesting and also free to enter. It is a lovely building, with bright spacious galleries and houses paintings by world famous artists such as Constable, Van Gogh, Vermeer, Titian, Monet, Turner, Rembrandt. There has to be something for everyone here. We are not experts by any means but enjoyed our visit and found some of the paintings very interesting. It is well worth a visit.
2. Shout! The Scottish Music Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The Scottish Music Experience is a must-see for music lovers visiting our beautiful city of Edinburgh. Nestled right in the heart of the city, join us as we take you on a musical journey of discovery, showcasing the history of Scottish Music. Take a trip through the ages. Go back to where it all began with our traditional music past, wind your way through the decades to the present day. Celebrate the Then, Now and Next of Scottish Music. Enjoy classic Scottish Hospitality and some great tunes, with something to suit everyone. Whether your visiting The Scottish Music Experience, here for one of our events or just passing by, we’ll have you never wanting to leave. Join us in the bar for Live Music and Events all year round. We love showcasing the very best of Scottish talent across the creative industries here at The Home of Scottish Music.
3. Fruitmarket Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 63 reviews
4. Royal Scottish Academy
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
Formed in 1826, The Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture has a proud tradition of promoting excellence in contemporary art in Scotland. Led by eminent artists and architects the Academy has re-established itself as a leading organisation for the visual arts in Scotland, and has successfully garnered a reputation for the strength of its engaging and diverse exhibitions and the fantastic opportunities it offers both established and emerging artists.
Reviewed By 227ianc - London, United Kingdom
The building, built by the architect William Henry Playfair in 1822-6 and extended in 1831-6 for the Board of Manufactures and Fisheries, is one of those classical buildings which contributed to the reputation of Edinburgh as the 'Athens of the North'. The Academy supports contemporary arts in Scotland and today the buiding is connected into the National Galleries of Scotland Building at the rear which gives it flexibilty in the way that it shows exhibitions I visited in late February when the Academy was housing the 2020 edition of 'New Contemporaries' - showing a selection of the best new talent in Scotland from the 2019 degree shows at universities and art schools in a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, film-making, photography, printmaking, installation, performance and architecture. The art was varied - reflecting the world outside - with some comfortable, some challenging. For me, the architectural projects - rooted in reality - were the best.
5. The Royal Scots Regimental Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By EricG141 - Pasadena, United States
Located on the Edinburgh Castle grounds, and included in the Castle audio guide, this small museum does a wonderful job of evoking emotions as it describes the absolutely heartbreaking stories of the lives of heroic soldiers, many of who were killed in action. The stories are moving and profound. The museum covers the history of the Royal Scots in chronological order, from inception in 1633 to the present day, so in addition to stirring emotions it is also historical interesting.
6. Art Collective
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
The Art Collective is a new Gallery and shop in the heart of Edinburgh. Never before done on Princes Street, the gallery supports all Scottish Artists. We have a huge mix of art including painting, photography, glass art, wood carving, sculpture and Jewellery. An item for every price range.
