The 49 best things to do in Edinburgh (2024)

This is a very interesting place. We spent three hours here but it is a full day family program if you want to try everything on every floor. The entry is free of charge.There is a restaurant on the ground floor and a bar on the first floor. I can highly recommend to visit this museum with the kids. They can learn a lot here.

Super cool architecture. Even if you’re not interested in the things in the museum, you can go there to appreciate the design of the building.A lot of interactive games suitable for kids to enjoy and many historical and new facts to explore. A great place!

Top class museum. It is a great place to visit. It atrium is a visual delight of space. Lovely cafes, not cheap but the cafe under the atrium roof is my favourite.There are two lifts to the Upper floors.Current temporary exhibition is Beyond The Little Black Dress.

To say the National Museum of Scotland is overwhelming would be the understatement of the century. It’s filled with an amazingly eclectic selection of items of all types from all over the world. The layout is a bit confusing but keep track of what you’ve seen and what you want to see and wander and you should be fine. There is a decent cafe and clean toilets on every level. I wish there were a few more places to sit but overall it was an amazing experience and I wish we had more than just a few hours to rush through!

I truly enjoyed this museum. Lots to see and also lots of things you can do/experiment with. It's a great place for children (or adults who are still children at heart). And it's free! How cool is that?The toilets were very clean and the staff was very friendly.Also the museum shop has so many cool things to offer 😜

We're getting married here! Yes! In May 😍😍 You can hire rooms for the whole evening and have views to the castle. Love this museum. And a beautiful building, if that's the only reason you go. There is a new bit and the old bit, the entrance is an old crypt (brilliant gift shop here too). I love the animals and the cars. I would say it is like a down play version of the World of Illusions in some parts!⭐

Honestly to say this place is free entry, is just the cherry on top to this adventure. With 3 floors and a ton to look at and play with, you really can't beat it. I spent 3 hours here with my wife and we still had to leave without and having seen everything. Honestly, it's so bright and well presented with so much to look at and experience. Truely one of the better museums I've ever seen in my travels.Just watch out for the cafe!! It's £10 for a sandwich, more of you'd like a drink. However I'd your up for supporting the museum, feel free to purchase!! There is also a restaurant on the ground floor for proper foods.

If you are looking for a fun and FREE activity to do while you are visiting Edinburgh, this is a great location.The museum covers a wide variety of topics. You can take all the time you like to visit their different exhibits.As well, you will find QR codes that you can easily scan with your phone to provide you with a video explanation of the piece you are looking at.There are plenty interactive sections to visit.Definitely a recommendation to go and visit!

Fantastic exhibits. We went not really knowing what to expect but the Scottish medieval era along with the world exhibits and the like did not disappoint. The kids especially liked the travel exhibit with the trains and cars etc. entrance was free and when the Desk attendant mentioned you could easily spend an entire day he wasn't kidding. Put this on your itinerary!

That was the best time of my life. 5 stars are too few. The museum was the best way to enjoy ourselves not for a few hours but for the whole day!! Which was unbelievable. We spent 5 whole hours to see all of it and I'm sure we missed some exhibits too! In every corner you see something fascinating and interesting that keeps you engaged. You can interact with some which was awesome, you can get quizzes and every few steps you think that you learn the most interesting thing, but no, there's so much more. You learn about cultures, religion, science, animals, the planet. It was FANTASTIC. Would visit again if I had more vacation time.Staff were very informative, ready to help you in any way they can.There is a small cafeteria too to eat and rest. Bit overpriced but its definitely worth it since there is no entry fee to the museum.Be prepared though, wear good and comfy shoes.

Stunning building which is nice and bright, not overcrowded. Nice to be able to enter for free and have donation points around the place. Some really nice points of interest and they look to have some regular short term exhibits. Only downside is we found there were lots of kids running wild from school trips. They seemed to be mainly around the nature areas so it did quiet down around other areas. The roof terrace has a great view.

You have to visit !This place is amazing. Not only is it free admission which is incredible (donations are suggested for entry) but the amount of information / things to see is incredible.No matter what you’re interested in you will find it here I’m sure. So much information to take in and enjoy reading / looking at exhibits. I was blown away with this museum. Easily the best I’ve ever been to.If you take your children they will thoroughly enjoy it. Even if you have no children it’s well worth visiting.There are cafes on different levels and toilets on every level which is very helpful as you can spend alot of time walking here. The toilets are extremely clean.Lifts are on every floor as well.I was particularly amazed by the animal exhibit which is on the ground floor. So much to see and read. Truly amazing.Everything is very clean too.Upon arrival it seemed busy but once we left the entrance it wasn’t as busy and you can walk around at your own leisureYou won’t be disappointed at all. This museum is a must visit ! I would happily visit again.

By far one of the best museums I've ever been to anywhere in the world. It recently underwent a massive renovation and the results are stunning. Exhibits are diverse and extremely well done. There is so much to see it's actually mind blowing. You could easily spend a whole day here, we only planned for a half day and it wasn't long enough, so we will definitely have to return!

Very impressive museum! I liked a lot. The layout and display organization of the exhibition pieces amazed me. Loved the hanging airplanes and F1 cars.It is great that the museums in UK are usually free and you can donate as much as you would like.The area with the white walls and glass ceiling was also so pretty

The National Museum of Scotland is a true gem, offering free entry to its extraordinary collection of artifacts. From ancient relics to contemporary art, this museum boasts a diverse range of exhibits that will captivate visitors of all ages. It's a perfect destination for history buffs and art lovers alike, providing an enriching and immersive experience. The added bonus of free entry makes it even more accessible and compelling, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and learn from Scotland's fascinating past.

The museum is huge with lots to see.It's a perfect destination for history buffs and art lovers alike, providing an enriching and immersive experience.This captivating museum weaves together Scotland's rich history, the marvels of nature, captivating art, cutting-edge science, and a global tapestry of cultures. Also go to the roof for amazing views of Edinburgh. Highly recommend making time for the museum!

The museum is very good. Especially for the kids as they will find a lot of activities and interactive things to do. It is so huge that if you are planning to cover all the floors, then it will be difficult to cover everything in one day. There are many activities for the kids which require waiting. There is no entry ticket for the museum. However, there can be charges for some activities like car racing.

Spent a wonderful half-day exploring this world-class museum. Especially enjoyed the lower-level exhibits. The roof garden has not only nice overview of Edinburgh, but also native plantings. Well worth visiting.

MUST GO! I will return again and again. I am not a huge museum person, but the stuff they have is so amazing! And it doesn’t feel like the British Museum or some large international museum - although their collections rival many collections across the world. This is a great option for a rainy day in Edinburgh. You will not be disappointed. Also, great gift shops. If you have not seen the Lewis Chessmen, do yourself a favor and stop by to see the pieces they have in their possession. Nice and accommodating staff as well. I think it offered free admission. Although I strongly suggest contributing a donation. This place is kid-friendly!!!!

Loved the museum so much to see, we were here for over an hour & definitely did not see everything. There was a Nintendo game exhibition on & unfortunately we did not book tickets in advance so we're unable to visit this so book in advance for any special exhibitions that may be on as these clearly sell out fast! The rest is all free with the option to donate which of course you must to preserve such an amazing establishment such as this it is utterly stunning in every section. A must see on your visit to Edinburgh.

Great place to visit. Lots of different areas to go into and I can see why people would spend all day in there as there is loads to view. Kids really enjoyed it as well. Plenty of places to eat, plenty of toilets. Best part is it's free which a bonus for anyone. Definitely recommend visiting.

Oh what a wonderful visit. I can spend hours and hours and still find new things to learn. Museum is well maintained, the exhibits are all informative and staff is helpful. The gift shop is good too. Take the day off and be prepared to walk.. lord!

Lots to do and see. Very interactive. Free admission. Plenty of space. Nice cafe for a break, since you can end up spending a good chunk of time here. Building itself is pretty. Something for everyone for sure!

Super fun! It was free to enter there are no queues. There are a lot of things you can interact with which makes learning exciting. If you have children with you, the animals section and science section are probably the most fun. I would recommend taking the whole day to see it! It is 100% worth visiting when in Edinburgh.

Hands down one of my favourite museums I have ever seen and I’ve seen quite a few. Loved this place. The displays were both factual and interactive which made the experience even more interesting. It is also extremely diverse with so many different genre of exhibits. Loved it. Will a 100 percent recommend

The museum is huge with lots to see. They have exhibitions on animals, energy, physics, engineering, space, tradition, geography, culture, geology etc. I think there is something for everyone here.We spent almost 3 hours here.Entrance is free. The museum is very clean and well maintained. It’s the nicest museum that I’ve been to.They had a lot of interactive things here so we were very invested and entertained.

Have been coming here for years. As a child and then with my children. I love it ♡ There is something for everyone here, all ages, all interests. Travelling through continents and time ♡ Quiet on a cold Tuesday in January, but know it is busy in the summer months. There is a cafe and restaurant but that can be pricey if coming with a family to feed.

I can’t believe how well organized this place is. You will never get bored or lost simply because the exhibits are perfectly placed and explained! It’s very big but it doesn’t seem endless, and there is a huge variety of rooms to spend time in, ranging from natural history to fashion. It caters to a lot of audiences. There is also a great cafe in the first floor, where you can also order food. Overall a great experience, and it’s free — a must see

It is a perfect blend of fun and education, making it an ideal destination for all ages.Exploring this place was not only enjoyable, but also very enriching. It provided a learning experience for both children and adults alike, making it a great choice for a family outing. The interactive exhibits and informative displays were both engaging and educational, leaving a lasting impression on all of us.

Excellent free museum in a beautiful building. Good variety in the exhibits. Great effort section. The animal section is very impressive. Lovely way to spend a wet morning in Edinburgh. The whole family loved it.

Expansive museum with exhibits for kids and adults alike. Free admission. Interactive stations, lots of historical relics and folklore. Plenty of seating throughout the museum to catch a quick break. A nice café with a selection of sweet and savory. Lots of families, many strollers and toddlers. If in Edinburgh give this a go.

Just can’t believe it how big is it and is free of charge! So many things to see and do for every age.Is massive you can spend all day inside lots of different categories and is just heaven for a children.They have a cafe with lovely cakes and sandwiches . Also lots of games and few floors to explore. I highly recommend to everyone who’s visiting Edinburgh to stop over I promise you won’t be disappointed.Thank you so much for having us

The National Museum of Scotland is a very enjoyable way of discovering Scotland's past. Visitors will explore the country's most important periods that have transformed it into the nation it is today.Is free entrance.Amazing place :)

The National Museum of Scotland offers a rich tapestry of exhibits showcasing Scotland’s history, culture, and natural heritage. The museum’s diverse collections range from ancient artifacts to contemporary displays, providing a comprehensive overview of Scottish heritage. Highlights include the impressive galleries dedicated to Scottish history, science, and world cultures.At the end this location is free entry

I had a great time at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The museum is full of interesting exhibits, from ancient artifacts to modern technology. The displays are well-organized, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. I loved the interactive exhibits and learning about Scotland's history and culture. The rooftop terrace offers amazing views of the city. The museum is free to enter, making it a perfect place to visit. I recommend it for a fun and educational day out.

This museum documents the history of Scotland and the Scottish people from the Stone Age to the modern industrial era. No fee and no ticket is needed. Museum entry is free. There are sections for wildlife, minerals, and other cultures like ancient Egypt. You can easily spend two hours exploring every part of the museum without getting bored.

Cannot believe that this is a free experience! The National Museum of Scotland is a real gem, showcases the rich history of Scotland. We were in awe as soon as we stepped inside this grand building.There is an impressive array of exhibits, displays and artefacts. Everything ranging from ancient relics to modern artworks, even though we are not a massive History buff, we couldn’t help but be in amazement of everything!The highlight of this museum is its interactive exhibits, myself and the children had lots of fun. There is definitely something for everyone here, can easily spend hours exploring and learning.We’d definitely come back, a definite must visit if you’re in Edinburgh!

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh truly stands out as a cultural gem, showcasing the diverse heritage and rich history of Scotland in a captivating way. From the moment you step inside the grand building, you are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and curious minds alike.The museum's architectural grandeur is matched by the impressive array of artifacts, exhibits, and displays that span centuries of Scottish history. From ancient relics to contemporary artworks, the museum's collections offer a comprehensive journey through the country's past, shedding light on its traditions, innovations, and pivotal moments.One of the highlights of the museum is its interactive exhibits and engaging presentations that bring history to life for visitors of all ages. Whether you're exploring the realms of science, technology, art, or social history, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn from at the National Museum of Scotland.The museum's commitment to education and outreach is evident in its diverse programming, which includes lectures, workshops, guided tours, and special events that cater to a wide range of interests. Visitors have the opportunity to delve deeper into specific topics or simply marvel at the breadth and depth of the museum's collections.Overall, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is a cultural treasure trove that offers a captivating blend of history, art, and innovation under one roof. A visit to this museum is not just an exploration of Scotland's past, but a journey of discovery that illuminates the richness and complexity of this fascinating country. Be sure to set aside ample time to explore the museum's many wonders and be prepared to be inspired, enlightened, and enchanted by the stories it has to tell.

I loved it here!! So much to see, I really should've took it across two days to get around everything 🥺 loved the animal room the best, the poses were so much more dynamic and the animals were better preserved than the Natural History Museum in London

I had an hour to kill before an appointment and walk the museum when I decided to visit. I was completely blown away, It very much reminded me of Night at the Museum (the movie) the attention to detail in all of the exhibits are just phenomenal. It really takes you back in time and it’s a wonderful museum for children as well. There are so many different artifacts and a variety of exhibits, one in particular that they have going right now is the exhibition of the Cold War. I would definitely go back as the hour went by very quickly.

A Must-Visit!The National Museum of Scotland is an absolute gem! The exhibits are vast and cover a wide range of interests, from Scottish history to natural science, technology, and world cultures. The layout is easy to navigate, and the interactive displays make it engaging for visitors of all ages. The highlight for me was the incredible collection of Scottish artifacts and the stunning view of Edinburgh from the rooftop terrace. Plus, the admission is free, which is fantastic for such a rich cultural experience.I highly recommend this museum to anyone visiting Scotland—there's something for everyone!

Fabulous place to visit while in Edinburgh. It's free to visit, donation optional. Great place to bring kids with some interactive exhibits. Great roof terrace on floor 7 with amazing views of the city. There's a cafe and gift shop which we didn't get a chance to visit as we left just before the museum closed. I would definitely visit again.

The National Museum of Scotland offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views. From the rooftop, visitors are treated to an amazing panorama of the city skyline, making it a standout feature of the museum experience. Inside, an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits further enriches the visit, providing insight into Scotland's rich heritage. With its combination of stunning vistas and fascinating displays, a trip to the National Museum of Scotland is a must for anyone exploring Edinburgh.

I love museums and could spend hours there. This one is amazing! Great for all ages, lots of things to interact with so the kids have fun and the adults feel like kids again. Make sure to give yourself a whole day because in 2 hours I just barely scratched the surface.

Can't believe this was a free experience. Simply awesome. So much to see and do. So many different sections covering so much history and subjects. Most related to Scotland but also in general and let's face it Scotland is the home of so much brilliance it's no surprise it's such a large and varied museum. We spent half the day walking around and still missed some sections which we will have to do another visit.

Mind blowing experience. Never seen such a grand thing ever in my life. Further it’s for free. It’s unbelievably true. If I were asked to pay 40 pounds for it, I would have given itBut no, it’s for free. You can easily spend 4-5 hours here. Very informative and entertaining experience. You must visit this place. Do explore the rooftop view (it’s breathtaking) and try the balcony cafe (inside the museum(

This is an absolute must do for any visitor to Scotland.The entrance is free (which is amazing) but you can make donations in various places.The layout is thoughtful so you can walk through Scottish history as you go up in floor number. Then there are multiple other exhibits throughout.A lot of interactive places for kids - my 3yr old loved it.Very accessible - wheelchairs and strollers.Beautiful.

Great experience! I love the interactive elements and could easily do this in an morning/afternoon.It's nice that the entry is free, as you can do short or long visits, or just go for the cafe and architecture.If you are not a fan of kids running around, definitely come at off-peak times.

This museum is pure magic! I don't normally like museums, but this one made me rediscover museums all together. There is something for everyone there, adults, kids and everyone really, so many exhibitions, fantastic ones, really captivating, got me inspired to review books on human history and learn about who we are as species. Prompted a read of Sapiens, Brief History. Seriously incredible. Just add it to your list of places to check out! Do yourself a favor. + they had incredible video game expo, I don't even like video games, but again there was something for everyone. This museum is beautiful too, full of natural light in certain areas! They got it all right, the places to just sit and relax and the areas where you want more peace and calm. It was pure magic. We loved it so much, we went several times during our stay, because there is so much to explore and makes you come back for more every time!

We visit this museum during the half-termBreak, a lot of kids come here and enjoy the activity. It is free of charge to enter and easy to find because it is located at the heart of the old town.We love the interactive activity and games in the technology zone, especially about F1 cars. You can try to drive the vehicle for £1 per 3 minutes.A bit of disappointment here is about the toilets which do not have enough for people when they crowed and need to keep it cleaned.

Very interesting museum!From what I can see, it is great for kids. I loved how there were a lot of interactive portions, even if I didn’t use them, it was nice.A wide variety of subjects in one place, which is nice.The views from the balcony are amazing!

This is an impressive and elaborate preservation of history. It is very large and has historic features from wildlife, nature, science and even spiritual cultures. The location is perfect for everyone in and around Edinburgh to have easy access.The National Museum of Scotland offers a captivating journey through Scotland's rich history, culture, and natural heritage.With diverse exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern innovations, the museum provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Its architecture blends traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly, creating a visually stunning backdrop for exploration.The museum's extensive collection, interactive displays, and informative presentations make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Scotland's past, present, and future.The staff are extremely helpful and it is also nice to see so many cultures from all over the world in one place.

It's a GIANT FREE museum! It's incredible it's free!They have lockers in the basement where you can put your backpack for a small fee.There is so much to see.There is a very good view of the city on the roof!

Excellent place to visit. There is so much to take in and do. You can easily spend more than a day here since the museum is only open from 10 am to 5 pm. Wheelchair accessible is great all round. There are disabled toilets on each floor, places to eat and of course the gift shop. Floor 7 terrace has great views of Edinburgh. The only negative is the lifts or rather other lazy, none disabled people who unnecessarily use the lift instead of stairs, causing frustration by stopping at each floor. The Game On exhitbition was fun remembering past computer entertainments. Recommend a visit if you're in the area.

A huge museum with exhibits on just about everything, including history, science, transport, art, life, sport and much more.It is clean and well presented, with lots of facilities including 2 cafes which are reasonably priced with a good selection of food and drink, 3 gift shops, toilets, lockers, a research library and a roof terrace.Navigating the museum can be a bit confusing as exhibitions are split across several floors, and there isn't really a set route to follow. There are 9 floors including the roof terrace and basement.I would recommend starting with the 'Scotland' section, which is on all floors from -1 to 6, making your way up to the roof terrace on 7, and then work your way down through the rest of the museum which is on levels 1, 3 and 5.Lifts, stairs and escalators are located throughout, although the terrace lift especially can get very busy with waits of 5-10 minutes at times as it serves all floors.Entry is free, although donations are encouraged, and you should allow a minimum of 3-4 hours if you're going to see everything.Overall a great experience and must do if you're in Edinburgh.

Stunning museum. The collection of artifacts is mind blowing. This place takes a minimum of 2 to 3 days to walk through with how much reading and displays there are. One of the absolute best museums I've ever seen in my life. We spent a day here and barely covered one floor of Scottish history.

Excellent museum that covers early Scotland people, Roman, Viking, Kings and Queens, modernization, natural history, science, fashion.... The gift shop is a must visit that has good selection and price is surprisingly good some even cheaper than those at Royal Mile. Free admission, coffee shop and seat down kitchen are both good. You will enjoy visiting here, make sure you plan at least 2 to 3 hours time.

This was an amazing world class museum. We could easily have spent several days here, but we only had a few hours. Sometimes I don't fully understand how displays are organized. The newer section of the museum is devoted to the history of Scotland. The older area has sections on essentially everything else. Natural history, human history, biology, technology, art. Free admission, like most of the museums in Scotland.

We visited this museum back in May during our British Isles trip. It is a sprawling museum with seemingly endless rooms and exhibits. It would be very hard to thoroughly see everything in one day. Items pictured include Dolly the sheep, prayer wheels, natural history exhibits, and the view from the top of the building.

Very interesting and lots of things to see.We went on an hour train ride to Edinburgh to go to the "Game On" exhibit and was very fun but some exhibits were not working, I understand that some of the retro ones were 40+ years old but it is still sad to see them out of order. Nonetheless it was still very exiting and cool to play some of the retro games older than me.

The National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of history and culture that simply cannot be fully explored in a single day. With such an extensive collection, you'll want to prioritize what you see, making it essential to grab a map from the front desk to help navigate the various exhibits.From the taxidermy of Dolly the cloned sheep to the stunning arts and sculptures that grace the halls, there's something for everyone. The museum beautifully showcases Scotland's rich cultural heritage, including music, history, and innovations.Don't miss the café on the second floor, which offers a delightful selection of food and drinks, perfect for a well-deserved break. Best of all, entry is free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a great day out, the National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit.

This is one of the best museums that I have visited lately that incorporates history, culture, arts, fashion and biology! And the best part? It’s completely free! My 16-year-old son and I split our visit into two separate afternoons because we didn’t have enough time to see and experience the entire place in just one day. Some locals that we met at the airport in Edinburgh had recommended that we visit. I am so thankful that we did. This is a great place for ages 8 to 88, and the café serves delicious food, as well!

My pictures weren't great but this Museum is. There are so many things to do and see at the National Museum of Scotland. Entrance is by donation which is lovely, so if you aren't positive if the experience is for you - you can donate on the way out. There are at least two cafes both with tasty tea, espresso, desserts, sandwiches, vegetarian options, etc.I saw people able to get on and off the lift/elevator with buggies/prams/strollers and with wheelchairs.Staff are helpful. The bathrooms are nice and there are multiple. There was too much to get through in one day so we'll be back. They have robots you can try, interactive opportunities throughout, a spot you can put your face in to look like you're in a space suit.The dinosaur bones are amazing, the meteor is cool, the interactive options are great, it was wild to see the remains of Dolly the cloned sheep!! So many scientific advancements explained, explored, and to engage with. The wave in the electrical section and the section on space were our favourites today.

I’m not a big fan of museums, but this, this is really something else.You really see a lot of things from different areas, you learn, it’s quite interactive as there are a lot of games or activities.I was really impressed about it, all those animals and other subjects, biggest surprise was the F1 cars.And the most surprising thing is that is free to visit. But of course, you can donate, and you should, no matter how much, because is really worth it.

In this place you can forget about everything! Such a great collection of history!For families is excellent choice to soend a full day! Kids can try so many amazing toys and learn a lot about animals, cultures, music and so on…

The National Museum of Scotland offers a captivating blend of history and culture, with breathtaking views (from the rooftop). Impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits further enriches the visit, providing insight into Scotland's rich heritage. With its combination of fascinating displays and stunning vistas, a trip to the National Museum of Scotland is a must for anyone exploring Edinburgh! Free entrance.

A wonderful time, lots to see and do. Well planned out and presented, most certainly one of the best museums to visit. Very spacious, no crowding.