Global Major Cities Guide

Explore Edinburgh's rich history and artistic heritage through its museums and galleries.

Overview: One of Edinburgh's most iconic cultural landmarks, the National Museum of Scotland showcases a vast collection of artifacts spanning natural history, world cultures, science, technology, and Scottish history.
Highlights: Dolly the Sheep (the first cloned mammal), the Lewis Chessmen, and the Grand Gallery.
Location: Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ticket Costs: Free entry (special exhibitions may have a fee).
Booking: No booking required for general admission; advance booking recommended for special exhibitions (via their website).
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with lifts, ramps, and accessible toilets. Wheelchairs are available to borrow.
Transportation:
- By bus: Lothian Buses 23, 27, 35, and 45 stop nearby.
- By train: A 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Local Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and school holidays. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for stunning views of the city.

Overview: Located within Edinburgh Castle, this museum explores Scotland's military history through artifacts, uniforms, and weaponry.
Highlights: The Scottish regimental collections and exhibits on Scotland's role in global conflicts.
Location: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:15 PM).
Ticket Costs: Included in the Edinburgh Castle admission (£19.50 for adults, £11.50 for children aged 5–15; free for under-5s).
Booking: Advance booking for Edinburgh Castle is recommended (via the Historic Environment Scotland website).
Accessibility: Limited due to the castle’s historic nature; some areas are steep or cobbled. Mobility scooters are available for hire.
Transportation:
- By bus: Lothian Buses 23, 27, and 41 stop nearby.
- By train: A 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Local Tips: Visit early in the day to explore the castle grounds and museum at a leisurely pace.

Overview: Home to Scotland’s national collection of fine art, featuring works from the Renaissance to the early 20th century.
Highlights: Masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh.
Location: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Thursdays until 7:00 PM).
Ticket Costs: Free entry (special exhibitions may have a fee).
Booking: No booking required for general admission; book online for special exhibitions.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with lifts, ramps, and accessible toilets. Wheelchairs are available to borrow.
Transportation:
- By bus: Lothian Buses 23, 27, and 41 stop nearby.
- By train: A 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Local Tips: Combine your visit with a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, located just outside the gallery.

Overview: Two buildings dedicated to modern and contemporary art, featuring works by Picasso, Matisse, and Scottish artists.
Highlights: The outdoor sculpture park and the Surrealist collection.
Location: 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh EH4 3DR.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ticket Costs: Free entry (special exhibitions may have a fee).
Booking: No booking required for general admission; book online for special exhibitions.
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with lifts, ramps, and accessible toilets. Wheelchairs are available to borrow.
Transportation:
- By bus: Lothian Buses 13 stops nearby.
- By train: A 20-minute walk from Haymarket Station.
Local Tips: Take the Water of Leith Walkway to enjoy a scenic route to the galleries.

Overview: Focuses on the lives of ordinary Edinburgh residents from the 18th century to the present day.
Highlights: Reconstructed workshops, homes, and personal stories.
Location: 163 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BN.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ticket Costs: Free entry.
Booking: No booking required.
Accessibility: Partially accessible; some areas may be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users.
Transportation:
- By bus: Lothian Buses 35 and 36 stop nearby.
- By train: A 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Local Tips: Combine your visit with a trip to the Museum of Edinburgh, located nearby.

Overview: A treasure trove of Edinburgh’s history, featuring artifacts, decorative arts, and historical documents.
Highlights: The original plans for the New Town and Greyfriars Bobby’s collar and bowl.
Location: 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DD.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ticket Costs: Free entry.
Booking: No booking required.
Accessibility: Partially accessible; some areas may be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users.
Transportation:
- By bus: Lothian Buses 35 and 36 stop nearby.
- By train: A 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Local Tips: Look out for the museum’s charming courtyard garden.

Overview: An interactive science museum that takes visitors on a journey through Earth’s history, from the Big Bang to the present day.
Highlights: The 4D cinema, earthquake simulator, and polar ice experience.
Location: Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS.
Opening Hours: Varies seasonally; typically 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (check the website for updates).
Ticket Costs: £17.50 for adults, £10.50 for children aged 3–15, free for under-3s.
Booking: Advance booking recommended (via their website).
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with lifts, ramps, and accessible toilets. Wheelchairs are available to borrow.
Transportation:
- By bus: Lothian Buses 35 and 36 stop nearby.
- By train: A 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Local Tips: Ideal for families with children due to its interactive exhibits.

Overview: Celebrates the lives and works of Scotland’s literary greats, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Highlights: Personal artifacts, manuscripts, and first editions.
Location: Lady Stair’s Close, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PA.
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Ticket Costs: Free entry.
Booking: No booking required.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible due to the historic nature of the building.
Transportation:
- By bus: Lothian Buses 23, 27, and 41 stop nearby.
- By train: A 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Local Tips: Combine your visit with a walk along the Royal Mile.

Weather Considerations: Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk between sites.
Peak Times: Museums and galleries can get busy during weekends, school holidays, and the Edinburgh Festival (August). Visit early in the day for a quieter experience.
Photography: Check individual policies on photography; some museums and galleries may restrict it in certain areas.
Food and Drink: Many museums and galleries have excellent cafés offering local Scottish treats like shortbread and Cullen skink (a traditional soup).

With this guide, you’re well-equipped to explore Edinburgh’s rich cultural offerings. Enjoy your visit!