Edinburgh is one of the most museum-rich cities in Europe for its size. With over 50 museums and galleries — and more than 18 of them completely free — you could spend an entire week doing nothing but exploring collections and still not see everything. From a world-class national museum that attracts two million visitors annually to tiny specialist collections hidden down cobbled closes, Edinburgh’s cultural institutions cover everything from dinosaur fossils to cutting-edge contemporary art.

What makes Edinburgh’s museum scene particularly special is variety. Within a 20-minute walk, you can move from Bronze Age treasures to modern sculpture gardens, from the history of surgery to the world’s first cloned mammal. Most of the major museums are free (a deliberate Scottish government policy), meaning you can dip in for 30 minutes or spend an entire day without spending a penny on admission.

This comprehensive guide covers every museum and gallery worth visiting in Edinburgh, organised by interest and location, with the practical detail you need to plan your visits. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh on a rainy afternoon or planning a dedicated cultural itinerary, you’ll find exactly what you need here.

The National Museum of Scotland

If you visit only one museum in Edinburgh, make it this one. The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is Scotland’s most-visited attraction, drawing over two million visitors annually — and it’s completely free. The building itself is remarkable: a Victorian-era wing with soaring glass-roofed galleries connected to a striking modern extension that opened in 2011.

The collections span an almost absurd range. The ground floor covers natural history, with dinosaur skeletons, a life-sized blue whale model, and extensive geology displays. The Scottish history galleries trace the story from prehistoric stone circles through medieval warfare (with actual swords, armour, and the famous Lewis Chessmen replicas) to the Industrial Revolution and beyond. The science and technology wing features interactive exhibits, Watt’s steam engine, and the unmissable Millennium Clock Tower — a 10-metre kinetic sculpture that performs on the hour.

The star attraction for many visitors is Dolly the Sheep — the world’s first cloned mammal, preserved and displayed in the science galleries. The decorative arts collection includes stunning examples of Scottish silver, ceramics, and fashion through the ages. The rooftop terrace offers one of Edinburgh’s best free viewpoints, with panoramic views across to Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat.

Practical details: Free admission (donations welcome). Open daily 10am-5pm. Allow 2-3 hours for highlights, half a day to explore thoroughly. The Grand Gallery café serves decent food. Located on Chambers Street, a 5-minute walk from the Royal Mile. Nearest bus stops on South Bridge and George IV Bridge. Audio guides available for £5. Cloakroom and lockers available for bags.

National Galleries of Scotland

Scotland’s national art collection is split across three venues in Edinburgh, all free to enter. Together, they form one of the finest art collections in the UK and cover everything from the Renaissance to the present day.

Scottish National Gallery

Housed in a magnificent neoclassical building on The Mound (the hill connecting the Old and New Towns), the Scottish National Gallery holds Scotland’s premier collection of European art from the Renaissance to 1900. The collection punches far above what you’d expect for a city of Edinburgh’s size, with works by Raphael, Titian, Vermeer, El Greco, Rembrandt, Monet, Cézanne, and Van Gogh alongside Scotland’s own artistic heritage.

Highlights include Botticelli’s “The Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child,” a superb collection of Impressionist works, and the Scottish galleries featuring Raeburn’s iconic “Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch” — one of Scotland’s most reproduced images. The gallery regularly hosts major temporary exhibitions (ticketed) in its basement galleries.

Practical details: Free admission (charges for special exhibitions). Open daily 10am-5pm (Thursdays until 7pm). Allow 1-2 hours. Central location on The Mound between Princes Street and the Royal Mile. The café in the basement has garden views. Free guided highlights tours usually run at 2pm daily.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Spread across two buildings — Modern One and Modern Two — in the leafy Belford area west of the city centre, this is Edinburgh’s home for modern and contemporary art. The collection includes works by Picasso, Matisse, Hockney, Lichtenstein, Hirst, and an outstanding Surrealist collection. Scottish artists are well represented, with dedicated galleries for the Scottish Colourists (Peploe, Cadell, Hunter, Fergusson) whose vivid, light-filled paintings are among Scotland’s most distinctive artistic contributions.

The grounds are an attraction in themselves. Charles Jencks’ “Landform” — a serpentine landscape of sculpted grass mounds and crescent-shaped pools — transforms the front of Modern One into a living artwork. The sculpture park scattered across both sites includes works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Rachel Whiteread. It’s one of Edinburgh’s most peaceful spots and worth visiting even if you don’t enter the galleries.

Practical details: Free admission (charges for special exhibitions). Open daily 10am-5pm. Allow 1.5-2 hours including the grounds. A 20-minute walk from Princes Street through the Dean Village (a beautiful route), or take the free gallery bus from the National Gallery. Café at Modern One.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

On Queen Street in the New Town, the Portrait Gallery occupies one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful buildings — a red sandstone Gothic palace decorated with a remarkable frieze depicting figures from Scottish history. Inside, the collection tells Scotland’s story through the faces of the people who shaped it, from Mary Queen of Scots to contemporary figures in sport, music, and politics.

The Great Hall entrance is spectacular, with a gilded star-covered ceiling and murals depicting scenes from Scottish history. The photography collection is particularly strong, with regular exhibitions of contemporary portrait photography. The building underwent a £17.6 million restoration completed in 2011 and is now one of Edinburgh’s finest interior spaces.

Practical details: Free admission. Open daily 10am-5pm. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Located on Queen Street, a 10-minute walk from Waverley Station. Excellent café on the ground floor — one of the best museum cafés in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Museums

Four small, free museums sit along the Royal Mile, each occupying a historic building and offering a manageable 30-60 minute visit. Together, they make for an excellent walking route through Edinburgh’s Old Town history.

The Writers’ Museum

Tucked away in Lady Stair’s Close off the Lawnmarket, the Writers’ Museum celebrates Scotland’s three greatest literary figures: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. The building itself — Lady Stair’s House, built in 1622 — is as atmospheric as the collections inside. Display cases hold personal items including Burns’ writing desk, Scott’s chess set, and Stevenson’s riding boots. The courtyard features inscribed quotations from Scottish writers set into the paving stones.

Practical details: Free admission. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm. Allow 30-45 minutes. Lawnmarket, off the Royal Mile.

Museum of Edinburgh

Housed in the 16th-century Huntly House on the Canongate, the Museum of Edinburgh tells the story of the city from prehistoric times to the present. The star exhibit is the original National Covenant of 1638 — one of the most important documents in Scottish history. You’ll also find collections of Edinburgh silver, glass, and pottery, plus fascinating photographs showing how the city has changed over the centuries.

Practical details: Free admission. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm. Allow 30-45 minutes. Canongate, lower Royal Mile.

Museum of Childhood

The world’s first museum dedicated to the history of childhood, opened in 1955 by a city councillor who famously claimed to dislike children. Five galleries display toys, games, dolls, and educational materials from the 18th century to the near-present. It’s nostalgic for adults (many visitors recognise toys from their own childhood) and fascinating for children who can see what their grandparents played with. Highlights include elaborate Victorian dolls’ houses, a 1950s schoolroom recreation, and collections of marbles, tin soldiers, and teddy bears.

Practical details: Free admission. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm. Allow 30-60 minutes. High Street, Royal Mile.

The People’s Story Museum

Opposite the Museum of Edinburgh in the historic Canongate Tolbooth (a 1591 building with a distinctive clock tower), the People’s Story tells the history of Edinburgh’s ordinary working people from the 18th century to the present. Using oral histories, original objects, and reconstructed rooms, it brings to life the daily experiences of tradespeople, servants, prisoners, and factory workers. It’s a counterbalance to Edinburgh’s grander historical narratives and offers a genuinely moving portrait of working-class life.

Practical details: Free admission. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm. Allow 30-45 minutes. Canongate, lower Royal Mile.

Dynamic Earth

Edinburgh’s interactive science centre, housed in a striking tent-like structure at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, takes visitors on a journey through the story of planet Earth from the Big Bang to the present day. Unlike traditional museums, Dynamic Earth is almost entirely interactive — you’ll experience simulated earthquakes, tropical rainforests, arctic blizzards, and deep-sea submarine voyages through immersive exhibits that use cutting-edge technology.

The 360-degree planetarium show (ShowDome) is one of Edinburgh’s most impressive experiences, projecting high-definition films about space, the deep ocean, and natural phenomena onto a full dome screen. The rooftop viewing platform offers excellent views of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. Dynamic Earth is particularly good for families, but adults without children will enjoy it equally — the volcano and earthquake simulations are genuinely impressive.

Practical details: Adults £17.50, children (3-15) £11.50, family tickets available. Open daily 10am-5:30pm (last entry 4pm), extended hours in summer. Allow 2-3 hours. Located on Holyrood Road, next to the Scottish Parliament. Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley (15-minute walk). The ShowDome planetarium may require a separate time slot — check on arrival.

Edinburgh Museums for Art Lovers

Beyond the national galleries, Edinburgh has a thriving independent gallery scene that rewards exploration.

City Art Centre

The City of Edinburgh’s own art gallery, on Market Street near Waverley Station, holds over 4,500 works of Scottish art dating from the 17th century onwards. The permanent collection includes paintings, photography, sculpture, and decorative arts, while the six floors of gallery space regularly host major touring exhibitions — these have previously included shows on everything from Star Wars costumes to Impressionist masterworks. Check what’s on before you visit, as the exhibitions change regularly and are often excellent.

Practical details: Free admission to permanent collection (charges for some temporary exhibitions). Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm. Market Street, 2 minutes from Waverley Station.

Fruitmarket Gallery

One of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces, the Fruitmarket on Market Street has been championing cutting-edge art since 1974. The gallery underwent a major expansion in 2021, doubling its size to include a dramatic new concrete-walled gallery in the former fruit warehouse next door. Exhibitions change regularly and feature major international artists alongside emerging Scottish talent. The gallery bookshop is one of Edinburgh’s best for art and design books.

Practical details: Free admission. Open Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 12-5pm. Market Street, adjacent to Waverley Station.

Stills Centre for Photography

Scotland’s dedicated photography gallery on Cockburn Street shows an excellent programme of contemporary photography exhibitions, from documentary and portrait work to experimental and fine art photography. The exhibitions change every 6-8 weeks and consistently feature high-quality work. Stills also runs darkroom workshops and courses if you want to develop your own skills.

Practical details: Free admission. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm. Cockburn Street, 3 minutes from the Royal Mile.

Commercial Galleries

Edinburgh’s commercial gallery scene is concentrated in the New Town, particularly along Dundas Street and the surrounding streets. The Scottish Gallery on Dundas Street is Edinburgh’s oldest commercial gallery (established 1842), showing high-quality contemporary art and craft. Ingleby Gallery on Carlton Terrace represents internationally significant artists. Open Eye Gallery on Abercromby Place specialises in affordable contemporary art. All welcome browsers and are free to enter — you don’t need to be a buyer to enjoy the exhibitions.

Edinburgh Museums for History Buffs

National War Museum

Located within Edinburgh Castle (included in castle admission), the National War Museum tells 400 years of Scottish military history through weapons, uniforms, medals, personal items, and powerful oral testimonies. The collection covers everything from the Jacobite risings through both World Wars to modern conflicts. Particularly moving are the personal stories — letters home from the trenches, a prisoner of war’s secret diary, and accounts from Scottish soldiers serving around the world. The museum is sensitively curated, honouring the human experience of conflict rather than glorifying war.

Practical details: Included in Edinburgh Castle admission (adults £19.50, children £12). Open daily with the castle, 9:30am-5pm (extended hours in summer). Allow 45-60 minutes within your castle visit.

Surgeons’ Hall Museums

One of Edinburgh’s most fascinating and unusual museums, Surgeons’ Hall on Nicolson Street houses three collections: the History of Surgery Museum, the Dental Collection, and the Pathology Museum. Edinburgh was the centre of surgical innovation for centuries, and these collections reflect that extraordinary history — from the earliest surgical instruments to the story of Burke and Hare’s notorious body-snatching enterprise that helped supply Edinburgh’s anatomy schools.

The Pathology Museum is not for the faint-hearted (it contains preserved specimens and anatomical preparations), but it’s genuinely remarkable — one of the finest pathology collections in the world. The History of Surgery museum is more accessible and tells the compelling story of how surgery evolved from medieval barbering to modern microsurgery.

Practical details: Adults £9, concessions £6, children under 5 free. Open daily 10am-5pm. Nicolson Street, 10 minutes from the Royal Mile. Not recommended for young children due to some graphic anatomical displays.

Museum on the Mound

This quirky free museum in the headquarters of Lloyds Banking Group on The Mound tells the story of money, trade, and banking in Scotland. Highlights include a million-pound banknote, the chance to try lifting a gold bar, and an Enigma machine. It’s small but well-presented, and the staff are enthusiastic — an unexpected gem that most tourists walk right past.

Practical details: Free admission. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. The Mound, between the Old and New Towns.

Gladstone’s Land

A National Trust for Scotland property on the Lawnmarket, Gladstone’s Land is a remarkably preserved 17th-century merchant’s house that gives an intimate window into how Edinburgh’s Old Town residents lived 400 years ago. The painted ceilings (some of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving interior decoration), period furnishings, and reconstructed merchant’s booth on the ground floor create an atmospheric time capsule. It’s small but immensely evocative.

Practical details: Adults £9, children £6 (NTS members free). Open April-October, daily 10am-5pm. Lawnmarket, upper Royal Mile. Allow 30-45 minutes.

Edinburgh Museums for Families and Kids

Edinburgh is an exceptionally family-friendly museum city. Several institutions have invested heavily in interactive, child-focused galleries, and the abundance of free options means a day of museum-hopping costs nothing beyond travel and lunch.

National Museum of Scotland — The dedicated Adventure Planet gallery for under-5s, the interactive science and technology floors, and the natural history galleries with dinosaurs make this the top family museum choice. Free craft workshops run during school holidays.

Dynamic Earth — Purpose-built for interactivity, with simulated earthquakes, submarine rides, and a planetarium. The best paid family attraction in the city. Most engaging for ages 5-14, though the ShowDome planetarium captivates all ages.

Museum of Childhood — Free and perfectly sized for younger visitors. Children love seeing old toys, and the interactive play areas keep smaller ones occupied. A useful Royal Mile stop when little legs get tired.

National Museum of Flight (East Fortune, 30 minutes from Edinburgh) — Scotland’s aviation museum with real Concorde, Spitfire, and other aircraft you can get close to or inside. A fantastic day trip for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Adults £12, children free.

Top tip for families: Start at the National Museum of Scotland in the morning (arrive at opening to beat crowds), have lunch in Grassmarket or on the Royal Mile, then visit 1-2 Royal Mile museums in the afternoon. This paces the day well and keeps everything free.

Hidden Gems and Specialist Museums

Edinburgh’s lesser-known museums often deliver the most memorable experiences. These specialist collections reward the curious visitor willing to wander slightly off the beaten path.

St Cecilia’s Hall — Part of the University of Edinburgh, this intimate Georgian concert hall houses one of the world’s most important collections of musical instruments. Harpsichords, clavichords, and early keyboards are displayed in a beautiful 18th-century setting. Concerts are occasionally held using the historic instruments. Free admission. Niddry Street, off the Cowgate.

The Queensferry Museum — Small but rewarding, this museum in South Queensferry (20 minutes from the city centre) tells the story of the town and the three Forth bridges. Best combined with a visit to see the Forth Bridge up close. Free admission.

Lauriston Castle — An Edwardian country house on the western outskirts of Edinburgh with a remarkable collection of decorative arts, including Derbyshire Blue John ware, Crossley wool mosaics, and an original 1920s bathroom. The Japanese garden in the grounds is one of Edinburgh’s hidden delights. Small admission charge for guided house tours.

The Scottish Mining Museum (Newtongrange, 20 minutes south) — A former coal mine where retired miners guide you underground. Powerful and authentic, it tells the story of Scotland’s coal mining communities with genuine emotional weight. Adults £10.50.

John Knox House — One of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving houses (dating to around 1490), this Royal Mile building is associated with the fiery Protestant reformer John Knox. The house itself is the main attraction — medieval painted ceilings and timber-framed rooms create an extraordinary atmosphere. Adults £6.

The Sculpture Garden and Outdoor Art

Edinburgh’s outdoor art and sculpture extend well beyond traditional museum walls. The grounds of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art contain the finest outdoor sculpture collection in Scotland, including works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Tony Cragg, and Nathan Coley. Charles Jencks’ “Landform Ueda” — an undulating landscape of grass terraces and pools — transforms the front garden into a living earthwork.

Jupiter Artland, a private sculpture park about 30 minutes west of Edinburgh near Kirknewton, is home to major works by Anish Kapoor, Antony Gormley, Charles Jencks, and Andy Goldsworthy, set across 100 acres of meadowland and woodland. It’s a magical place — one of the finest sculpture parks in Britain. Open May-September, adults £12.50. Worth a half-day trip for art lovers.

Within the city, look for outdoor artworks including Eduardo Paolozzi’s giant foot and hand on Picardy Place, the “Manuscript of Monte Cassino” sculpture on the Royal Mile, and the various artworks integrated into Princes Street Gardens.

Free Museums in Edinburgh: The Complete List

One of the best things about Edinburgh’s museum scene is how much of it is free. Scotland’s national policy of free museum admission means you can explore world-class collections without spending anything on entry fees. Here’s every free museum and gallery worth visiting:

National institutions (all free): National Museum of Scotland (Chambers Street), Scottish National Gallery (The Mound), Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art — Modern One and Modern Two (Belford Road), Scottish National Portrait Gallery (Queen Street).

City of Edinburgh museums (all free): Museum of Edinburgh (Canongate), Museum of Childhood (Royal Mile), The People’s Story Museum (Canongate), The Writers’ Museum (Lawnmarket), City Art Centre (Market Street), Museum on the Mound (The Mound), Lauriston Castle grounds (Cramond Road South).

Independent free galleries: Fruitmarket Gallery (Market Street), Stills Centre for Photography (Cockburn Street), Talbot Rice Gallery (University of Edinburgh, South Bridge), Dovecot Studios (Infirmary Street — tapestry and textile arts), St Cecilia’s Hall (Niddry Street), and numerous commercial galleries on Dundas Street and across the New Town.

With 18+ major free venues, a full week of museum-going in Edinburgh could cost absolutely nothing. Even budget-conscious visitors looking for affordable accommodation in Edinburgh will find the museum scene remarkably accessible.

Suggested Museum Itineraries

With so many options, it helps to have a plan. Here are three itineraries based on different interests and time frames.

The Essential Half Day (3-4 hours)

Start at the National Museum of Scotland at 10am (allow 2 hours for the highlights — Scottish history galleries, natural world, and Dolly the Sheep). Walk 5 minutes up to the Royal Mile and visit the Writers’ Museum in Lady Stair’s Close (30 minutes). If time allows, continue to the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound (45 minutes for the highlights). Total cost: free.

The Full Day Art Trail (6-7 hours)

Start at the Scottish National Gallery (1.5 hours). Walk through Princes Street Gardens and the New Town to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street (1 hour). Lunch in the Portrait Gallery café. Take the free gallery bus (or walk through Dean Village, 20 minutes) to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art — explore both Modern One and Modern Two plus the sculpture grounds (2 hours). Return to the centre via the Water of Leith walkway. Stop at Fruitmarket Gallery near Waverley (30 minutes) to finish. Total cost: free.

The Family Day (5-6 hours)

Start at Dynamic Earth at 10am (2 hours including the planetarium). Walk to the Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile (30 minutes). Lunch on the Grassmarket or in the National Museum’s café. Spend the afternoon at the National Museum of Scotland (2 hours — focus on the Adventure Planet gallery for small children, natural history and science galleries for older kids). Total cost: Dynamic Earth tickets only (approximately £50 for a family of four); everything else free.

Practical Tips for Visiting Edinburgh’s Museums

A few practical considerations to make the most of Edinburgh’s museum scene:

Opening hours: Most Edinburgh museums open 10am-5pm daily, though some city-run venues (Royal Mile museums) are closed Monday-Tuesday. The National Gallery opens until 7pm on Thursdays. Always check websites for current hours, particularly around bank holidays and the Edinburgh Festival.

Busy times: The National Museum of Scotland is busiest between 11am-2pm and during school holidays. Visit at opening (10am) or after 3pm for a quieter experience. The National Gallery is busiest at weekends. August (Festival month) is the busiest period across all venues.

Accessibility: All national museums and most city museums offer step-free access, wheelchair loans, accessible toilets, and hearing loops. The National Museum of Scotland has sensory maps and quiet spaces for visitors who find busy environments overwhelming. BSL-interpreted tours are available at several venues — check individual websites.

Cloakrooms and bags: The National Museum of Scotland has lockers (£1 coin, refundable). Most galleries ask you to leave large bags and rucksacks in cloakrooms. Sketch pencils are allowed in most galleries (no pens, to protect artworks).

Museum shops: Edinburgh’s museum shops are excellent for gifts. The National Museum shop stocks a superb range of Scottish-made crafts, books, and design objects. The National Galleries shops are among the best art bookshops in Scotland.

Refuelling: The best museum cafés are at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery (excellent cakes), the National Museum of Scotland (several options including a rooftop terrace), and Modern One (with garden views). For more options, check our Edinburgh food guide for nearby restaurants in each neighbourhood.

Edinburgh Museums & Galleries FAQs

Are Edinburgh museums free?

Most of Edinburgh’s major museums are completely free, including the National Museum of Scotland, all three National Galleries (Scottish National Gallery, Portrait Gallery, and Modern Art), and the city-run Royal Mile museums. Some venues like Dynamic Earth, Surgeons’ Hall, and Edinburgh Castle’s National War Museum charge admission. Overall, you can spend several days museum-hopping in Edinburgh without paying any entry fees.

What is the best museum in Edinburgh?

The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is widely considered Edinburgh’s best museum. With over two million annual visitors, it offers an extraordinary range of collections — from natural history and science to Scottish history and decorative arts — all housed in a magnificent building with free admission. For art lovers, the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound holds one of the finest collections of European paintings in the UK.

How many museums are in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has over 50 museums and galleries, including five major national institutions, seven city-run museums, numerous independent galleries, and several specialist collections. More than 18 are completely free to enter, making Edinburgh one of the most accessible museum cities in Europe.

Which Edinburgh museums are best for kids?

Dynamic Earth is the top family choice, with interactive science exhibits and a planetarium. The National Museum of Scotland has dedicated children’s galleries including Adventure Planet for under-5s. The Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile is free and perfectly sized for younger visitors. During school holidays, most museums run special family activities and workshops.

What are Edinburgh’s hidden museum gems?

Surgeons’ Hall Museums offers a fascinating (if sometimes graphic) journey through medical history. St Cecilia’s Hall has an extraordinary collection of historic musical instruments. Museum on the Mound lets you try lifting a gold bar. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art’s sculpture grounds and Jencks’ Landform are free outdoor art experiences that most visitors miss entirely.

How long should I spend in Edinburgh’s museums?

The National Museum of Scotland deserves 2-3 hours minimum (half a day to explore fully). Each National Gallery needs 1-2 hours. Dynamic Earth takes 2-3 hours. The Royal Mile museums are 30-45 minutes each. A dedicated museum day covering 3-4 venues is achievable; two days allows a more relaxed pace covering most highlights.

Are there any Michelin-star restaurants near Edinburgh museums?

Several Edinburgh museums are within walking distance of excellent dining. The National Museum of Scotland is near numerous Grassmarket and Old Town restaurants. The Gallery of Modern Art is close to Stockbridge’s dining scene. For Michelin-starred options, Condita is a short walk from the Scottish National Gallery, and Leith’s starred restaurants are accessible after visiting Dynamic Earth. See our Edinburgh food guide for full restaurant recommendations.

Planning your Edinburgh trip? Read our guides to things to do in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile & Old Town, and where to stay in Edinburgh for complete trip planning.