5 Wonderful Free Museums In Edinburgh
Looking for fun and free museums in Edinburgh? This post has you covered. Below I’m sharing a comprehensive guide to the Scottish capital's best museums, galleries, and gardens.
If you’re on a city break in the Scottish capital but tired of wandering the picturesque yet hilly streets (or seeking shelter from the unpredictable Scottish weather), you might want to step inside one of the city’s incredible museums.
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With a reputation as city combining culture and cosmopolitan buzz, Edinburgh also has its share of grand historical gems. Amongst the sights and attractions are exceptional museums and galleries - perfect for learning more about the city’s history, they’re ideal rainy day activities too. Though some are paid, its the free museums in Edinburgh we love the most.
There are several free museums in Edinburgh, each teeming with centuries of history and fascinating exhibitions.
Yet, despite their historical credentials, they are often overlooked by travellers seeking more glamorous attractions.
It’s entirely understandable; with a castle dating back to the 12th century and an ancient royal thoroughfare dotted with cathedral spires and medieval alleyways, there’s a lot of history on offer for even the most casual traveller.
The best Edinburgh itinerary includes a tour of these iconic places, most especially the cobbles and nooks of the Old Town. Other highlights around the city - like Victoria Street, Dean Village, and Stockbridge – are tempting too, with quintessential, and unmissable, Edinburgh locales.
However, when it comes to gaining deeper insight into Edinburgh’s history, we think the city centre museums are the best option - and at least one should be on your list of things to do in the city.
Their graceful buildings offer a journey back in time to an entirely different side of this now cosmopolitan capital, replete with ancient artefacts and fascinating exhibits.
You can emphasise the cultural, ancient past, modern history, celebrity, exhibition, or art. And it’s perfectly possible to spend an entire day museum hopping, hide from the rain for a few hours, or slide a quick afternoon visit into your Edinburgh visit.
As well as being completely free to visit, some of Edinburgh’s museums double as some of the most photogenic spots in the city. And, as a bonus, there are some excellent coffee and cake options on offer too.
Inside, there is A LOT to see, from a medieval chess set to the world’s first cloned animal to Robert Burns’ writing desk. And, for the sake of this post, we will also include the best Edinburgh art galleries to visit on your trip, with their world-renowned paintings, photographs, and stunning buildings.
These are our favourite free Edinburgh museums.
1. National Museum of Scotland
Where | Old Town / George IV Bridge
Address | Chambers St, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Plan | Visit alongside a visit to Victoria Street, the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Greyfriars Bobby or the Meadows.
Located in the Old Town, just a few minutes from the Royal Mile, the National Museum of Scotland is a strong contender for Edinburgh’s best museum. Prepare to get lost amongst a maze of exhibitions, galleries, and interactive exhibits that explore Scottish history and culture throughout the centuries.
The vast number of galleries include the world’s first cloned animal, Dolly the Sheep, a massive T-Rex skeleton, world-famous medieval chess pieces (fans of those famous wizard movies might recognise these), and other ancient Scottish artefacts dating back to the Palaeolithic era.
The most beautiful part of the museum is the Grand Gallery - a breathtaking glass-roofed atrium ringed by layers of balconies. This light-filled space is truly incredible, and thankfully, there are plenty of places to sit and soak in the architecture.
Completely free to enter, you can see the highlights in a few hours or spend the entire day exploring every gallery.
It’s a real family-friendly option, too, with exhibits for younger kids and a great cafe on the first-level balcony serving delicious coffee, cake, and light bites (but skip the downstairs restaurant).
2. Writers Museum
Where | Lawnmarket / Old Town
Address | Lawnmarket, Lady Stair's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA
Plan | At the top of the Royal Mile, visit on a walking tour alongside the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh’s museums and galleries are generally centred around grand buildings and purpose-built spaces. However, the Writers Museum is a surprising and charmingly quaint little gem.
Tucked away in a close best accessed from the Lawn Market (the top part of the Royal Mile), the museum's facade is a popular photography spot thanks to its quintessential Old Town architecture and quotes inscribed on the street.
However, venture inside this free Edinburgh museum to discover more about three icons of Scottish Literature – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Celebrating the life of these authors, the museum has a collection of their rare books, manuscripts, and personal objects, including writing desks and trinkets.
Authors and book lovers can continue the literary theme and combine a visit to the museum with a tour of Edinburgh’s best bookshops like nearby John Kays.
Free to enter, there is a suggested donation of £3 towards the museum's upkeep.
3. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Where | New Town
Address | 1 Queen St, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD
Plan | Visit going to or from Stockbridge, Princes Street Gardens, or any other city centre location.
If your cultural tastes lean towards the arts, visiting the Scottish National Portrait Gallery is a must. Situated on Queen Street, this grand, neo-gothic gallery in distinctive red sandstone is home to painted portraits and photographs of Scotland’s distinguished past and present inhabitants.
The portraits range from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns to contemporary pop culture icons like Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé, and Tilda Swinton. Plus, there are ever-changing displays and exhibits.
However, even if art isn’t your thing, visit to experience the ground floor of the Great Hall.
Elaborate murals, colossal stained glass windows, sculptural embellishments, and dozens of arches gather beneath a zodiac ceiling, and 2,000 golden stars and 47 constellations twinkle overhead. It’s truly breathtaking.
4. The National Gallery
Where | city centre
Address | The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
Plan | Visit as you walk between the Old and New Town or through Princes Street Gardens.
Located in the city centre, right where the Old and New Town meet, the Scottish National Gallery is one of the most striking buildings in the city. Home to paintings by internationally renowned artists and serious heavy hitters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso, as well as pioneering Scottish artists like Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Art buffs will love the history, displays, and sheer number of paintings, including temporary exhibits and permanent collections.
At the same time, those looking for a relaxing place to unwind can appreciate the chilled vibe, cafe, and art-inspired gifts and books in the gallery shop.
It’s an excellent gallery experience. The cherry on top for any visitor are the photogenic terraces, replete with Roman-style columns, that offer spectacular views over the Castle, garden, and Old Town.
5. Royal Botanic Gardens
Where | Stockbridge
Address | 6 Inverleith Pl Ln, Edinburgh, EH3 5QJ
Plan | Visit alongside a visit to Stockbridge, Circus Lane, and Dean Village. Located in Stockbridge, it’s around a 25-minute walk from the city centre to the gardens. Or take the local bus (numbers 8, 9, 23, and 27) to the East Gate on Inverleith Row.
Whilst I’m not sure if the Royal Botanic Gardens is, strictly speaking, a museum, it is home to some of my favourite leafy exhibits, is free to enter, and perfect for adding some nature into a city break.
Other than its pretty corners and leafy spots, there’s a lot to experience in these 72-acre gardens.
Botanists and gardeners will, of course, love learning about the collections of plant species, some native and others cultivated from more international climates. But those less green-fingered (like me) will still love this little oasis of tranquillity; the botanic gardens are a must when the city centre gets too busy, especially during the Edinburgh Festival.
Outside, there’s a woodland walk, giant redwoods, a Chinese hillside, a rock garden and a spectacular glass palm house. Plus, there are pretty spectacular views over Edinburgh Castle in the distance. Inside, you’ll find a quaint cafe, exhibitions, and a funky little gift shop selling souvenirs, crafts and plants.
In winter, the gardens light up with a magical, illuminated festive trail that’s very much worth visiting.
Entry to Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens is free, though a small charge applies to the palm house.
More Free Edinburgh museums
There are 17 free museums across Edinburgh, each offering insight into particular areas of the city’s past. While the list above are my top recommendations, other popular options include: The Museum of Childhood, the Museum of Edinburgh, the National War Museum, Museum on the Mound, and the People’s Story Museum.
Other museums & Attractions you’ll love
In addition to the free options, there are museums and exhibitions around the city that are very much worth visiting. These tend to be more experiential, are bookable in advance, and generally involve a tour guide.
One of the most popular is Edinburgh Castle, where your entry ticket includes an expert guide, access to the dungeons, military prison, crown room, and spectacular panoramic viewpoints.
However, my personal favourite is the Real Mary King’s Close, a thrilling and through-provoking walk through centuries of history, on Edinburgh’s oldest and best preserved street.
Read next:
For history, architecture, and exceptional views, Edinburgh is one of those glorious cities I never tire of. Use my Scotland planning tools and itineraries to find what awaits you in the capital and beyond. Or use these guides to help plan your travels:
