The best museums in Edinburgh in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Edinburgh, Scotland, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Edinburgh, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Edinburgh.

You may need to reserve time slots for some museums in Edinburgh. Check here to see which places and tickets you can already book in advance. 👉
Reserve now

Looking for the best museums in Edinburgh? These are the best ones:

  1. The Scotch Whisky Experience1

    The Scotch Whisky Experience

     Edinburgh
    The Scotch Whisky Experience is a whisky-themed visitor attraction situated on Castlehill in the Old Town of Edinburgh. It is conveniently located next to the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you're planning to visit the castle. The location offers a unique blend of history and whisky culture, providing an immersive experience for whisky enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  2. National Museum of Scotland2

    National Museum of Scotland

     Edinburgh
    The National Museum of Scotland, located in Edinburgh, was established in 2006 as a result of the merger of two adjacent museums: the Scotland Museum and the Royal Museum. The Scotland Museum is home to collections that shed light on Scottish antiquity, culture, and history. On the other hand, the Royal Museum houses collections that cover a wide range of topics, including science and technology, natural history, and world cultures.
  3. Edinburgh Castle3

    Edinburgh Castle

     Edinburgh
    This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial aft
  4. The Real Mary King's Close4

    The Real Mary King's Close

     Edinburgh
    The 57 Gallery was a platform for many artists to showcase their work. Among them were Barbara Rae, Jock McFadyen, Eileen Lawrence, Barry Flanagan, and John Houston. These artists had the opportunity to display their work in a space that was dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting artists.
  5. The Palace of Holyroodhouse5

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse

     Edinburgh
    The Palace of Holyroodhouse, colloquially known as Holyrood Palace, has a rich history dating back to 1128 when it was founded as a monastery by David I of Scotland. Since the 16th century, it has served as the primary residence of the Scottish monarchs, with its last inhabitant being Queen Mary Stuart. This historical significance makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in Scottish history and royal residences.
  6. The Edinburgh Dungeon6

    The Edinburgh Dungeon

     Edinburgh
    The Edinburgh Dungeon, located in the city centre on Market Street, is an underground tourist attraction that uses live actor shows and interactive rides to depict various historical events from Scottish history. The shows are presented in a fun, scary style with audience interaction, special effects, theatrical sets, and performances.
  7. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh7

    Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

     Edinburgh
    Inverleith House is a significant historic house located within the Royal Botanic Garden in the suburb of Inverleith, Edinburgh, Scotland. This house, designed in 1773 by David Henderson and built for James Rocheid in 1774, offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area. It is now a part of the Royal Botanic Garden, providing a unique blend of history and nature for visitors to explore.
  8. Scottish National Gallery8

    Scottish National Gallery

     Edinburgh
    The National Gallery of Scotland opened in 1859 and is housed in a neoclassical building designed by William Henry Playfair. The gallery houses a collection of both classical and modern art from various countries. The displays are organized according to countries and periods. Highlights of the perma
  9. Scottish National Portrait Gallery9

    Scottish National Portrait Gallery

     Edinburgh
    The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is an art museum in Edinburgh housed in a red sandstone Gothic revival building that was built between 1885 and 1890, designed by Robert Rowand Anderson. The museum holds the national collections of portraits and the Scottish National Photography Collection. Th
  10. Edinburgh Zoo10

    Edinburgh Zoo

     Edinburgh
    Have an unforgettable day out at Edinburgh Zoo, home of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and over 2,500 incredible animals from around the world! Set in over 82 acres of wooded hillside, the zoo is open seven days a week and is a gateway to the natural world, where you can experience
  11. Surgeons' Hall Museums11

    Surgeons' Hall Museums

     Edinburgh
    Surgeons' Hall, located in Edinburgh, Scotland, serves as the headquarters for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd). This historic building is not only an important institution for medical professionals, but also a significant landmark in the city.
  12. National War Museum Scotland12

    National War Museum Scotland

     Edinburgh
    The National War Museum, situated within the historic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1933. The museum is housed in a converted 18th-century ordnance storehouse and offers a comprehensive look into Scotland's military history spanning over 400 years. The museum is managed by National Museums Scotland.
  13. Craigmillar Castle13

    Craigmillar Castle

     Edinburgh
    Craigmillar Castle is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to Social History and Architecture.
  14. Museum of Childhood14

    Museum of Childhood

     Edinburgh
    The Museum of Childhood, situated on the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, is home to a vast collection of children's toys. This unique museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of childhood, with exhibits spanning from the 18th to the 21st century. Visitors can explore a variety of toys and memorabilia, providing a nostalgic journey through the evolution of children's playthings.
  15. The Museum on the Mound15

    The Museum on the Mound

     Edinburgh
    The Museum on the Mound, located in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a unique institution that concentrates on the themes of money, coinage, and economics. It provides an in-depth look into the history and evolution of these subjects, offering a unique perspective on how they have shaped society and the world at large.
  16. 16

    Georgian House

     Edinburgh
    The Georgian House is a significant historical site located at Charlotte Square in Edinburgh. It is part of the New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the United Kingdom. This townhouse offers a glimpse into the life and circumstances of a wealthy family at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century. It is a part of the Charlotte Square 1–11 ensemble on the north side of the park, which has been included in the highest category A of the Scottish monument list by Historic Environment Scotland.
  17. Museum of Edinburgh17

    Museum of Edinburgh

     Edinburgh
    The Museum of Edinburgh, previously known as Huntly House and the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office, is situated at 142-146 Canongate. This location is in the heart of Edinburgh, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The museum is housed in a unique yellow, three-story building that dates back to the late 16th century.
  18. Peoples' Story Museum18

    Peoples' Story Museum

     Edinburgh
    The Museum of Edinburgh, previously known as Huntly House and the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office, is situated at 142-146 Canongate. This location is in the heart of Edinburgh, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The museum is housed in a unique yellow, three-story building that dates back to the late 16th century.
  19. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art19

    Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

     Edinburgh
    The National Galleries Scotland is a significant institution that oversees three national galleries and two partner galleries. These galleries form part of the National Collections of Scotland, a collection of significant cultural and historical artifacts. The organization's role is to manage these galleries, care for and preserve the objects in its collections, exhibit artworks to the public, and promote education and public enjoyment and understanding of the Fine Arts.
  20. 20

    Holyrood Abbey

     Edinburgh
    Holyrood Abbey is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, architecture and social history.

All museums in Edinburgh