People don’t necessarily come to Edinburgh for its museums. The reason for that is not a statement about the quality of the city’s cultural institutions. Instead, it says something about the amount of attractions and diversions that this city of 5.5 million denizens offers: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the great dining scene, walking the Water of Leith, the Fringe Festival, and all that glorious whisky.
Amid all of this, the museums in Edinburgh tend to get overshadowed. But that should change. Edinburgh is chock full of incredible museums and galleries. You could, for example, spend days exploring the various outposts of the National Galleries in Edinburgh.
With so much to do in this Scottish metropolis, the best advice is to do a diverse amount of things. For example, hit up the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, have a feast on some hyper-local cuisine at one of the city’s great bistros or taverns, and take a guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle (and now with skip-the-line access).
If you need help deciding which museums in Edinburgh to visit, look no more. The below guide will help.
Scottish National Gallery
Set in an imposing neoclassical building from the middle of the 19th century, the Scottish National Gallery is home to the city’s collection of European art. Here you can wander the halls and exhibition rooms gawking at the works of El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Titian, Tintoretto, Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin, among many other European masters.
If that hasn’t helped convince you to go to see the masterpieces in the Scottish National Gallery, then maybe this will: admission is free.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Located on Queen Street and housed in a gorgeous late-19th-century red sandstone Spanish Gothic structure, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery displays sculptures, paintings, and photographs. If you want a visual encyclopedia of famous Scots through the centuries, this is the place to come.
Some of the highlights include the two portraits of Mary Queen of Scots, as well as some more modern portraiture of Sean Connory, Tilda Swinton, and Billy Connolly. Admission is free.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
One museum, one sculpture park, two separate galleries overflowing with 20th- and 21st-century art. There are over 6,000 pieces of art here. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art was born in 1960 when this neoclassical building became the home for contemporary art in Edinburgh.
The museum is separated into two distinct galleries. Modern One is home to changing exhibitions as well as the permanent collection Cubist, Expressionist and modern British works. Expect to be wowed by works of Andy Warhol, Damian Hirst, Robert Mapplethorpe, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Francis Bacon, and Louise Bourgeois.
In Modern Two you’ll find the Surrealist and Dada works by Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. And just like the other outlets of the National Gallery above, admission is free.
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Three fascinating museums in one. The Surgeons’ Hall Museums is made up of the History of Surgery Museum, which starts around the 15th century and tells the better-than-you’d-think story of how medicine and surgery have been practiced in Scotland over the centuries.
The Dental Collection reveals how teeth were extracted in the past (you’ll be thankful for modern dentistry) and the Pathology Museum reveals all manner of internal organs, overgrown tumors, and other medical anomalies. Admission is around £10.
Out of the Blue Arts & Educational Trust
Out of the Blue is an arts hub housed in an early-20th-century building. They put on excellent temporary exhibitions, offer classes, and even have on-site table tennis.
The complex also acts as a flea market which is wonderful for browsing. If all the arts and crafts builds up an appetite, have no fear: the in-house cafe serves up healthy fare and baked goods using locally sourced ingredients.
A final word …
While you’re figuring out the rest of your itinerary, particularly the museums in Edinburgh, don’t forget about Edinburgh Castle.
Sign up for a guided tour to get the most in-depth experience imaginable, as a local guide gives you the insider’s information on the medieval St. Margaret’s Chapel, walks you through the Great Hall to reveal the incredible 16th-century ceiling, and gets you an up-close and personal look at the Crown Jewels in all their glory.
And best of all, you’ve got skip-the-line access the entire time.
FAQs
When is the best time to go to Edinburgh?
Because this Scottish metropolis is in the north, it doesn’t get oppressively warm in the summer months. So visiting any time between April and October is fine. That said, the shoulder seasons—April-May and September-October—are always optimum. If you come in winter, bring a heavy jacket.
Are Edinburgh’s art museums free to visit?
Yes, many of Edinburgh’s major art museums, including the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and the Gallery of Modern Art, offer free admission. Special exhibitions may carry a fee.
How much time should I plan for each museum?
It depends on your interest level. A quick visit can take about an hour, but to fully enjoy the collections—especially at the National Gallery or Modern Art museums—plan for 2–3 hours.
What’s the best way to include museums in my Edinburgh itinerary?
Balance your visit between museums and other attractions. For example, spend a morning at the Scottish National Gallery, enjoy lunch nearby, then join a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle in the afternoon for a mix of art, history, and culture.
Ready to experience Edinburgh’s history?
Don’t miss the chance to explore the city’s most iconic landmark before the crowds. Join our Early Access Edinburgh Castle Tour for skip-the-line entry, insider stories from expert guides, and an unforgettable walk through Scotland’s past.