Best Museums in Edinburgh

We've collected top 10 mentioned museums in Edinburgh from other articles such as Where Goes Rose?, Voyage Tips, Trip101.

Best Museums in Edinburgh

National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
4.8 (28749 ratings)4.5 (18709 ratings)
Bright modern museum housing Scottish industrial history relics, natural history displays and cafe.
Chambers St, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
National museumMuseumsNatural History MuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Edinburgh 2 days itinerary
A Long Weekend in Edinburgh Itinerary You’ll Want to Copy
"Visit the National Museum of Scotland or the National Gallery In the centre of the city, not far from one of the main great parks, you’ll find one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh in the form of the National Gallery. Filled with picturesque paintings and priceless artworks, it’s well worth a visit. Incredible works of art by artists such as Andy Warhol, Sir Henry Raeburn, and Robert Maplethorpe can all be found there."
Mentioned by 10Best
Entertain the Whole Family with One of Edinburgh's Wonderful Museums
"The diverse collection at the National Museum of Scotland encompasses the history of Scotland along with exhibitions of international interest. You can learn all about Scotland's past from the age of chivalry through to the industrial revolution and beyond. You'll also find diverse displays on everything from the pharaohs of ancient Egypt to the samurais of Japan."
Scottish National Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
4.6 (8645 ratings)4.5 (5073 ratings)
National collection includes European masterpieces and Scottish works, with seasonal exhibitions.
The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL, United Kingdom
Art galleryMuseumsArt museum
Museum of Childhood
Museum of Childhood
4.3 (1678 ratings)4 (1141 ratings)
18th-century buildings housing toy and games collections, exhibitions, puppet theatre and gift shop.
42 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1TG, United Kingdom
Toy museumMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Citybase Apartments
29 Free Things to do in Edinburgh
"Learn how childhood has changed over time, explore old toys and what it meant to be a child in different eras of Scottish history. Make sure to check the Museum’s calendar of events, as they host regular family workshops as well as a quiz and games page online for entertainment after your visit. A great day out for the whole family."
Mentioned by edinburgh.org
Top Attractions in Edinburgh - Forever Edinburgh
"The Museum of Childhood is a fun day out for the whole family. Young people can learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while adults enjoy a trip down memory lane. And you can see the Subbuteo set in our adverts!"
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
4.6 (3034 ratings)4.5 (2461 ratings)
Scots history and celebrity portraits in a grand, red-stone Victorian gallery with a shop and cafe.
1 Queen St, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD, United Kingdom
Art galleryMuseumsArt museum
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth
4.4 (1682 ratings)4 (2327 ratings)
State-of-the-art family attraction taking visitors through history from the Big Bang to modern day.
Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS, United Kingdom
Visitor centerMuseumsCafeConference centerGift shopLearning centerParking garageChildren's MuseumsScience MuseumsSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by TripSavvy
The 10 Best Museums in Edinburgh
"This is one of Edinburgh's most popular modern attractions, especially for families. It tells the story of planet Earth from the Big Bang onward. It's among the newer kinds of child-centric science museums that focus on interactive experiences, and films rather than than dry exhibits."
Linlithgow Canal Centre
Linlithgow Canal Centre
4.5 (216 ratings)4.5 (160 ratings)
Manse Rd, Linlithgow, Basin EH49 6AJ, United Kingdom
Boat rental serviceMuseumsSpecialty Museums
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One)
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One)
4.5 (2466 ratings)4 (376 ratings)
Modern art collection from Miro to Hockney, alongside new exhibitions, sculpture park and cafe.
75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR, United Kingdom
Art galleryMuseumsArt Museums
Mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler
10 Best Museums in Edinburgh
"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is actually two institutions—Modern One and Modern Two—situated within two grand Georgian mansions flanking a sculpture park. Modern One has British artists like Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin; American artists like Andy Warhol; and legends like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Modern Two has a particularly impressive Dada and Surrealism collection; you can arrange a private viewing of the archives, a real treasure trove of those movements."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
20 Must-Visit Attractions in Edinburgh
"From Cubism and Expressionism to 20th-century Russian and French pieces, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is unmissable for art buffs. With two early-19th-century buildings to explore (Modern One and Modern Two) and sweeping green spaces dotted with sculptures (including monumental earthworks by Charles Jencks), it’s well worth leaving the city centre to explore the galleries. Modern Two contains the intact studio of erstwhile Edinburgh sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi."
The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
4.4 (457 ratings)4 (180 ratings)
Art and antiquities from the royal collection plus special exhibitions in a Victorian building.
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
Art galleryMuseumsHistorical landmarkArt Museums
Mentioned by edinburgh.org
Galleries in Edinburgh - Forever Edinburgh
"Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX (website) Open daily 9:30am-6pm (26 March to 31 October) and 9:30am-4.30pm (1 November to 25 March)Adult: £6.70, Over 60/Students £6.10, Under 17/Disabled: £3.40, unders 5's go free. If you like art but find conventional art galleries too big and daunting, then the Queen's Gallery is the answer, as it hosts small intimate exhibitions as part of the Royal Collection Trust. The building is a conversion of a former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School and features a beautiful teak and sycamore staircase."
Mentioned by edinburgh.org
Top Attractions in Edinburgh - Forever Edinburgh
"The Queen's Gallery, located in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in November 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Now, it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. A worthwhile stop on a visit to the Royal Mile."
Mentioned by silvertraveladvisor.com
Accessible Attractions in Edinburgh
"The Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queens Gallery lie at the east end of The Royal Mile, opposite the Scottish Parliament. The visit is best achieved by taxi, local bus service from Waverley Bridge or tour bus. Walking takes around 15 minutes from Waverley Station."
ScotlandsPeople Centre
ScotlandsPeople Centre
4.5 (38 ratings)4.5 (32 ratings)
National Records of Scotland, HM General Register House, 2 Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 3YY, United Kingdom
Association or organizationMuseumsLibrariesHistory Museums
Callendar House
Callendar House
4.5 (1324 ratings)4.5 (640 ratings)
19th-century chateau and medieval tower, with staff in Georgian costume, set in landscaped parkland.
Callendar Rd, Falkirk, FK1 1YR, United Kingdom
Historical landmarkMuseumsHistoric SitesSpecialty Museums

Top Best Restaurants in Edinburgh

Three Birds
Three Birds
4.6 (351 ratings)
Simple, contemporary dining room with a relaxed vibe, for Modern British dishes and sharing plates.
3-5 Viewforth, Edinburgh, EH10 4JD, United Kingdom
RestaurantBistro
DaVinci Restaurant
DaVinci Restaurant
4.9 (25 ratings)
73 Broughton St, Edinburgh, EH1 3RJ, United Kingdom
Restaurant
Subway
Subway
3.7 (125 ratings)
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.
160 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS, United Kingdom
Sandwich shopFast food restaurantTakeout RestaurantRestaurant

Best Diners in Edinburgh

tapas3
tapas3
4.9 (59 ratings)
6 Howden St, Edinburgh, EH8 9HL, United Kingdom
Tapas barDinerLunch restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Culture Trip
10 Unmissable Restaurants in Edinburgh’s Coolest Neighbourhoods
"Housed in a converted warehouse and serving a menu that’s about as far removed from stereotypical Scottish cooking as imaginable, Tapa has earned itself a loyal following among in-the-know residents in Leith. Its take on Spanish tapas dishes provides a break from the norm: there are melt-in-your-mouth ribs, and the chef’s mother offers her own recipe for venison stew that’s not to be missed."
Paradise Palms
Paradise Palms
4.5 (1466 ratings)
Funky destination for imaginative vegetarian dining with an on-site record store, bar & hangout.
41 Lothian St, Edinburgh, EH1 1HB, United Kingdom
Vegetarian restaurantDinerEvent venue
Byron
Byron
4.2 (1252 ratings)
American-inspired chain diner serving posh hamburgers with a choice of toppings, sides & salads.
113-117 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh, EH3 9AN, United Kingdom
Hamburger restaurantDinerRestaurant

Best Family Restaurants in Edinburgh

Mums Great Comfort Food
Mums Great Comfort Food
4.5 (2008 ratings)
Traditional, hearty British fare with gourmet sausages, served up in a bright, retro-style diner.
4A Forrest Rd, Edinburgh, EH1 2QN, United Kingdom
British restaurantBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantCafeDinerEnglish restaurantEuropean restaurantFamily restaurantRestaurant
City Restaurant
City Restaurant
4.4 (1420 ratings)
A bright, glass-fronted family diner that is open morning until late for varied menus and take out.
35 Nicolson St, Edinburgh, EH8 9BE, United Kingdom
Family restaurantBreakfast restaurantDelivery serviceFast food restaurantFish and chips takeawayRestaurant
Mentioned by Grumpy Camel
20 Best Lunch Spots in Edinburgh, Scotland
"One of my favourite lunch spot in Edinburgh is The City Restaurant on Nicolson Street. I visited this place several times when I lived in Edinburgh, mainly because they serve some of the best seafood dishes in the city, including fish and chips, scampi and tempura prawns. The City Restaurant has a very sleek and colourful interior, with comfortable seats and large windows overlooking the bustling street."
Mussel Inn Seafood Restaurant
Mussel Inn Seafood Restaurant
4.4 (1816 ratings)
Lively, informal seafood bistro with a quick lunch menu, kid's portions and pre-theatre deals.
61-65 Rose St, Edinburgh, EH2 2NH, United Kingdom
Seafood restaurantFamily restaurantFish and seafood restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Time Out Edinburgh
Edinburgh's best seafood restaurants
"Cheerful, bustling, simply decorated with IKEA-style furniture and sitting in the pedestrian precinct of Rose Street, Mussel Inn does no more nor no less than it claims. There are starters like chowder, fishcakes, oysters, scallops or whitebait; mains such as spiced crab pasta, fish stew or sea bass. The speciality of course is mussels in half kilo or kilo pots which you can have completely unadorned, or in classic moules marinière style, they can come with blue cheese, bacon and cream, plus there are more options."
Mentioned by 10Best
Edinburgh's Best Seafood: Fresh Fish and Shellfish from the Scottish Sea
"The focus here is on tasty, freshly prepared seafood at very affordable prices. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for the whole family. All of the seafood on offer is carefully sourced and the shellfish is cultivated in an environmentally-friendly way in the sea lochs of the West Coast and near the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Isles."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Best Seafood Restaurants In Edinburgh
"What you see is what you get with the Mussel Inn — excellent seafood and impeccable service in a brilliant relaxed setting. Besides, the maritime feel could never get old. This beauty is conveniently located on Rose Street (just off Princes Street) and makes for the perfect pit stop in between the hustle and bustle of everyday city life."

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Edinburgh

Stunning 2BR Flat in Morningside by GuestReady
Stunning 2BR Flat in Morningside by GuestReady
Hotel
$121 /night
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Beautifully presented New Town Apt - sleeps 4
Beautifully presented New Town Apt - sleeps 4
Hotel
$86 /night
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Haymarket Apartments
4.7 (556 reviews)
Haymarket Apartments
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$128.25 /night
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