Free entry at the National Museum of Scotland. Filled with rich history and interactive booths…read more There is a cafe with grab and go options and a gift shop too. The best photo op is the third floor balcony overlooking the atrium! Such a gorgeous spot and great option to get out of the rainy weather!

It's the museum on Chambers Street. The entrance is in the round tower that is across the street…read morefrom Greyfriars Bobby. You might as well rub his nose for good luck before crossing over. There is a beautiful & bright atrium in the heart of the museum. You can see all 4 floors from this spot as you look up from the first floor. There are galleries and exhibits all around it. We started our journey on the ground floor of the tower in the Kingdom of the Scots, and then worked our way up and over. It truly is the perfect place to go on a rainy morning. The best part is that it's free admission, but donations are always welcomed. There were many highlights for me. The Maiden that was used for public executions in Grassmarket, Mercat Cross, and Castlehill was certainly eerie to look at along with some of the torture devices used back in that period. The display of items belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots was presented beautifully. Especially that lovely jeweled necklace. The exhibits of the Americas was nicely done. I even saw a gut parka on display that was similar to one we saw in Alaska earlier this year. The displays of musical instruments and ceremonial dance costumes was vibrant & interesting. I was drawn to the Bloody Empire display. It was a very artistic expression of anarchism in the form of wallpaper. It's unique. I have to say the same thing about the Slit Gong musical instrument that is said to bring out the voices of a dead ancestor. Very creepy stuff! The subject matter lightened up a bit as we walked through the technology & industry part of the museum. It was cool to see "The Hawk" as well as the display of bicycles and phones (including a Mickey Mouse one). But, I think the best part was the spectacular view of Edinburgh from the open rooftop. It would have been better on a sunny day, but it was still a great sight to see. It's worth taking those outdoor spiral steps up to see it. I love that there's a mini garden with upland grasses and plants along the lookout walls of the roof. A nice little touch. We spent about 2 hours here, but could have easily stayed longer. There's a balcony café on what is technically the 3rd floor of the building (2nd floor when looking up from the main atrium). There is a fee-based exhibit called "Monkeys Our Primate Family" that may be of interest to some. It ends on 30 Nov 2025. Overall, the museum is great fun for all ages. It's a great way to learn more about the Scottish innovators throughout history.

The most unique museum I have ever been to. Beware...this is Not for the squeamish…read more Surgeons' Hall Museums is an award winning Museum that is home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in England. It showcases the history of surgery and is so different from anything you have ever seen. I'm not in healthcare, I don't like anything that has to do with disease, yet, I couldn't stop looking. I was so intrigued. There was room after room of jars with body parts and showcases of how they see certain diseases. I couldn't stop looking. Venture up to the top floor to see the robotics and AI surgery exhibit....so interesting. to see the wave of the future. No photos allowed but it is worth the $10 entry fee.

I wasn't sure what to expect when we came here today but I've never seen anything like this museum…read morein my life! The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was founded in 1505 and was originally used as a teaching museum for students of medicine. Its vast collection opened to the public in 1832. Here you will learn about the history of surgeries- how the medical field started and where it is headed. It was also fascinating to learn about William Burke and William Hare who murdered sixteen people in 1828 and sold the corpses to Robert Knox for dissection at his anatomy lectures. And I've never seen so many bones and organs on display! Many of the specimens show the results of certain diseases or injuries. Plus there are many historical surgical instruments, paintings and illustrations on display. There is also a section on medical advances like robot-assisted surgeries- something I have benefited from. No pictures are allowed so you'll have to come see it all for yourselves!

Edinburgh Castle is the most visited attraction in Scotland, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors…read moreeach year who come in search of views, royal history, and a glimpse at the 'Honours of Scotland' - Britain's oldest crown jewels. Edinburgh Castle is not only the dominant feature of the city's skyline, visible from miles around, it's also the feature which gives the city its name -- the old Gaelic name translates roughly as 'the fort on the hill'. trust me, you might underestimate this castle, and even i have kept 2 hrs for this, but it needs more time. With several museums, a large war memorial, a royal palace, a Great Hall & several other little stops/activities, if you want to actually see all of Edinburgh Castle's sights and attractions, you'll need much more than two hours... especially considering the line to see the Honours of Scotland (AKA the Crown Jewels) can last 20+ minutes. * Three regimental military museums * The National War Museum * The Scottish National War Memorial * The Honours of Scotland, featuring the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Destiny * St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh * Optional 30-minute introductory tours available throughout the day * Prisons of War exhibition * The Great Hall where banquets were held * The One O'Clock Gun, fired every day (except Sunday) at 1pm * Visit the small antechamber where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, James VI of Scotland * Three gift shops and two cafes The oldest surviving structure at the castle (and the oldest in the city) dates back to the 12th century. It is of course St Margaret's Chapel, built by King David I in honour of his mother. This same king is the one credited with turning Edinburgh Castle into a royal residence. As the years rolled on, royals came and went, with new additions being made to the castle, creating the complex we see today. The Renaissance of the 1400s for instance brought us the Royal Palace that now houses various royal paintings and displays (including THE closet where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI of Scotland, AKA King James I of England). The 1500s brought us the Great Hall, which was needed of course for fancy banquets. The 1600s brought new defences and barracks as the castle eased into its role of a military outpost more than swanky royal digs Tickets to Edinburgh Castle should be booked online before you arrive. Tip: these spots across the city offers great view of the castle- Calton Hill, The Grassmarket, Salisbury Crags, Castle Esplanade, Ross Fountain, St Cuthbert's Churchyard, The Vennel

Must-visit if you're in Edinburgh…read more We had reserved tickets to get in, and got lucky as it was a beautiful day, sandwiched between dreary rainy ones which are more common in this part of Great Britain. We enjoyed the history, the magnificent views of old and new town sprawled below us and the Firth of Forth beyond, the museum, and the One-O-Clock gun! Pro-tip: Book a late morning entry time so you can be there at 1 pm for the gun, duck indoors into the museum or gift shop if it rains, and dress in layers, as the weather can change in minutes.

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery is a small but delightful museum…read more While Scottish artists are the main focus, the National Gallery also houses works of art from famous European artists. All of Edinburgh's publicly owned museums and galleries offer free entry to their permanent collections, and National Galleries Scotland manage five buildings which provide access to a fantastic array of artworks. In the very heart of Edinburgh, on the Mound, which connects both Old and New Town, is the original National Gallery of Scotland itself, alongside its sister gallery, the Royal Scottish Academy building. Inside the building is a sumptuous series of open spaces with works by some of the world's greatest classic artists on display, alongside iconic works by Scottish painters. Artists like Rembrandt and Van Dyck are represented alongside Monet, Reubens and Titian, as well as British painters like Constable and Turner. One iconic picture which is often considered a definitively Scottish work is Edwin Landseer's Monarch of the Glen, featuring a majestic stag in front of a Scottish Highland backdrop.

Superb gallery in Edinburgh - well worth the visit…read more We stopped by on our third morning and had a wonderful time. This is not a massive (aka tiring) place, but it has excellent representation of Masters (Rubens, Rembrandt, Titian), and even a specially designed octagonal room dedicated to Nicolas Poussin's Seven Sacraments (1644-1648) - considered one of the greatest sets of paintings in the history of Western art. But my favorites pieces were by lesser known English, Scottish and Italian artists - such as Monarch of the Glen, Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch, and The Campbell Sisters. They have a small cafe which we visited when we needed a little coffee and cookie break, and the staff were very helpful and gracious. Would be happy to return.

Anatomical Museum is based in the Medical School of University of Edinburgh. It is open to public…read morelast Saturday of each month between 10am and 4pm. One of the highlights is William Burke's skeleton. Yes, Burke as in Burke and Hare, the pair who sold the corpses of their victims for medical dissection. After they were caught, Hare testified against Burke, Burke was hanged, Hare was released and disappeared. There is something ironic about the fact that Burke's skeleton ended up on display in the museum. There are skeletons and skulls of many different species on display. The most impressive ones are the elephant skeletons in the entrance. You can also enter into an anatomy lecture theatre, which I believe is still in use. I haven't been to Surgeons' Hall Museum, but I suspect that these two museums are similar. Overall, I enjoyed my visit to the Anatomical Museum. I didn't have a problem with the skeletons and bones, but walked past the displays of dissections rather fast:) It is not a big museum. So you can combine a visit there on a Saturday morning with lunch or some other activity outside.

The Anatomical Museum is a bit hard to find, but is open to the public on the last Saturday of the…read moremonth. Just give yourself a minute to find it. One if the photos I included here is of the old set up which is a bit more theatrical than the current, but I suppose less practical. The other photo is a pano view of the downstairs doorway where the elephants stand today. Photos are not allowed upstairs. The museum has animal skeletons as well as a few notable human forms including the last man who was sentenced to be executed and given to the medical school, and William Burke for which the museum is probably best known. I would not suggest bringing young children as the specimens are fragile and many are not behind glass. There are also some which may be too much for sensitive visitors, like foetuses in various stages, or a body which had been preserved (embalming possibly? I've forgotten). The museum is free, and definitely an interesting way to spend a few hours. Just one more thing to keep in mind, this is usually closed to the public and is most often a place for students to study the specimens. They will probably be there if you visit and they appreciate being able to ignore you.

We wandered in because it started to rain and it was nearby. And then we stayed until it was…read moreclosing because it was such a great museum!! Really great exhibits, lots to see from many different artists, eras, and styles. Highly recommend stopping in.

Visited the National Galleries of Scotland while in Edinburgh. The layout was easy to navigate, and…read morethe exhibits were well-presented and fascinating. Highlights included works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Raphael, and many other notables. Staff were helpful when needed, and entry was free. Overall, a great way to spend a few hours -- a must-see for art lovers. Saluti.

Worth a quick visit. The museum presents aspects of Edinburgh's history through the eyes of people…read morewho lived there. The museum is engaging and admission is free.

Ah to be surrounded by creepy mannequins…read more.. I popped into this place after hopping into Oink for lunch. Because what goes better with pulled pork then a wee bit of history? (answer: a lot of things.) This is no doubt and interesting little museum. It's free to enter and you're welcome to take pictures (obviously), so long as you clear it with the front desk before entering. It's a three story snapshot of how Edinburgh locals lived in the olden days... and the 80's. ... The first floor is a veritable horror shop of Edinburgh during the plague, and definitely take the time to read the information in this little dungeon. It's horrific but incredibly intriguing - an interesting snippet of a tumultuous past. The second and third floors are much of the same - depicting the living conditions and activities of Scottish folk throughout the ages. It is exceptionally interesting stuff. But... (you knew it was coming)... What is a really unique story, gets sort of overshadowed by the abundance of SUPER creepy mannequins. Maybe i've just watched one too many sci-fi flicks, but mannequins give me the hebegebees and the lot that's plunk into this place is a cut above the rest. I would have much preferred to wander about and take in the history of Edinburgh, without having to teeter around plague victims and taxidermy cats. And the 80's mannequins were just downright strange... So it's worth a stop in. It won't take you too long to pop through and if you're made of stronger stuff than myself, i'm sure the plastic people won't be quite so much of a deterrent. But do yourself a favour and actually READ the information... or else you're just walking through a room of creepy fake people and that's wholly a waste of time.

You can find the Museum tucked away in Lady Stair's Close within the aptly named Lady Stair's…read moreHouse. If not paying attention, you can easily missed the entrance from Royal Mile According to the Museum, the house was built in 1622. Different well-off families lived there until it was given to the city in 1907 for use as a museum. If you visit the Museum, make sure to take the time to appreciate the beautiful house that has its own fascinating history. The museum is dedicated to just three famous Scottish writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson, and contains books, manuscripts, portraits, and the odd statue, along with information giving insight into each writer's life story In the area devoted to Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) there is a precious first edition of his novel Waverley, a printing press, a chess set, an inkwell, and the rocking horse he used as a child. Yup, same Scott whose memorial is the only the second-largest monument to a writer in the world   The mansion has gone through many renovations since then and has a writerly ambiance to it.

3.5 stars rounded up…read more Located in an alleyway called Lady Stair's Close, the Writer's Museum is dedicated to the literary works & lives of Scottish authors Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, & Robert Louis Stevenson. Admittedly, my focus was on Stevenson's exhibits, as I'm fascinated by all things pertaining to the "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" author. On display were his earliest published manuscripts, but items not related to his body of work were just as captivating: artifacts from his travels & time living in Samoa, personal belongings like cigarette papers, photographs of his face I had never before seen. What a thrill to get a peek into his world. There are three levels to explore via steep staircases & narrow hallways, though I thought the collection was rather small. Despite this, it's worth a visit; the gift shop has a myriad of must-have things, entrance is free, & I'm all for supporting a museum whose sole purpose is to celebrate writers!

Let this review slip through the cracks but brought it back to life after scrolling through my pics…read moreof Scotland on my phone. Traveling through Scotland it is mandatory to take a stroll in the Royal Mile to see all the historic landmarks and whiskey stores. #1 See the iconic retro red British phone booths with the cool stickers. #2 Take a few pics with the Scottish guy in his kilt playing the bag pipes. #3 walk to the top of the Edinburgh Castle for a 360 degree view of the area. #4 Find the hidden Devil's Advocate Bar and have a cold craft beer. Great experience at the Royal Mile and cant wait to visit here again.

What's the first thing that pops into your head when you hear Royal Mile.... If you know Edinburgh,…read morethen you know it's here that lies the fame Edinburgh Castle. At the top of the cobble stones sits the majestic castle that's a staple to Scotland. If you haven't been it's great to check it out. Purchase tickets ahead of time as they do sell out and are limited everyday. But if you can't make it, you'll still hear the canons being shot often from up there. The views are amazing from top looking out to the new town and even the waterfront. Plenty of souvenirs shops along the mile. They tend to caters to the holiday makers as locals tends to have their regular spots that they go to. There's loads of restaurants as well as hotels pretty much near the mile. Just over the over side you have old town where more of the gothic building are. To the other end is new town where you'll have the fancier designer shopping as well as the bigger more fancier dining. Plus loads of the bigger upscale hotels are located there. Edinburgh Waverley train station is nearby. It's a staples of Scotland where yearly it brings people. No matter what the wether is like, it'll alway brings holidays makers out to enjoy. During the summer months of August, the streets are line with performers as well as loads of show. That's the month of the Fringe Festival. One of the biggest attractions during the summer. There's also plenty of whiskey tasting which they're known for. Tons of tours that's will actually show you around the area more. Scotland is beautiful and there's loads to see. It's not just green...

Real Mary King's Close was one of the most eerie, immersive experiences I had in Edinburgh. It…read moreisn't about Scotland's royalty or power struggles. It's about survival and daily life through really dark times. I took a guided tour with Daisy, and she was absolutely incredible! So knowledgeable, genuinely funny, and her acting and storytelling took you back in time... literally. It never felt scripted or forced, just engaging and real. She was so warm and sweet, which made the experience even better. It's hard to believe she's only 25 given how much depth she brought to the tour.

Went to the Real May King's Close tour based on a recommendation and didn't really do any research…read more It turned out to be one of the best tours of our 7 day trip thru Dublin, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. In case you don't already know, the current Edinburgh city center is built on top of the old city that is several hundred years old. This tour takes you beneath the streets to the old city. You will see the original close with houses and workshops. You will learn how they lived, "meet" other prominent people of that time, and learn about the black plagues. Really cool tour, very informative, and sometimes funny. Please note this tour is NOT for people with mobility issues or concerns. Tours leave on time from the street front store. So, be on time. They can't easily add you to your group if they have already left and gone underground. Highly recommended that you buy your tickets in advance. P.S. Photos are prohibited, and they try to sell you a picture of yourself in the old close on the way out. Tacky, I know, but still worth it.