All free museums and attractions to visit in Edinburgh

Edinburgh (Scotland) has a lot to offer for you culturally, even if you're on a budget, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 18 museums and attractions in Edinburgh can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in Edinburgh? These are the best places to visit:

  1. National Museum of Scotland1

    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.
  2. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh2

    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.
  3. Scottish National Gallery3

    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
  4. Scottish National Portrait Gallery4

    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
  5. National War Museum Scotland5

    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.
  6. Museum of Childhood6

    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.
  7. The Museum on the Mound7

    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.
  8. Museum of Edinburgh8

    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.
  9. Peoples' Story Museum9

    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.
  10. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art10

    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.
  11. Writers' Museum11

    Writers' Museum

     Edinburgh
    The Writers' Museum is a literary museum that is devoted to three Scottish writers. Once collection is dedicated to Robert Burns, a Scottish national poet and lyricist. Another collection focuses on Robert Louis Stevenson, a poet and novelist, the author of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. And
  12. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum12

    The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum

     Edinburgh
    The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum is a regimental museum that showcases the collections of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and its predecessor regiments. It provides a comprehensive view of the history and heritage of these regiments, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in military history.
  13. Royal Scots Regimental Museum13

    Royal Scots Regimental Museum

     Edinburgh
    Royal Scots Regimental Museum is a museum in Edinburgh that tells the story of the Regiment in chronological order on pictorial wall panels supported by maps, display cases, tableaux and dioramas. Its medal collection is partly on display. Besides this, the museum features weapons, pictures, collect
  14. Water of Leith Visitor Centre14

    Water of Leith Visitor Centre

     Edinburgh
    Water of Leith Visitor Centre is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: inland waterways and natural sciences.
  15. Reid Concert Hall Museum of Instruments15

    Reid Concert Hall Museum of Instruments

     Edinburgh
    The Reid Concert Hall is a quaint music venue nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is conveniently located in Bristo Square, just a short distance south of the famous Royal Mile. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists exploring the city's historic sites.
  16. Anatomical museum16

    Anatomical museum

     Edinburgh
    Anatomical museum is a museum in Edinburgh which holds a collection of around 12,000 objects and specimens that tell the story of 300 years of anatomical teaching at the University of Edinburgh. The collection is partly related to pathology, anatomy and zoology with anatomical teaching models, human
  17. 17

    Cockburn Geological Museum

     Edinburgh
    Cockburn Geological Museum is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences.
  18. 18

    Museum Collections Centre

     Edinburgh
    The Museum Collections Centre houses objects spanning a wide range of subjects. Visitors can view the reserve collections of the social history, Museum of Childhood and applied art collections when the items are not on display in the museums.