Museums in Edinburgh

24 November 2022|Read time 2 mins

Edinburgh has an almost unlimited selection of fantastic museums and art galleries to suit each visitor and resident alike.

However, it also boasts a wealth of slightly more unusual attractions that can sometimes be missed. Fear not, for we have a run down of our top five alternative museums and informative attractions in Edinburgh.

Top Museums in Edinburgh

All of these museums are in the city centre and perfect for your self-catering break in Edinburgh.

Enjoy visiting with the family and learn more about our fantastic city.

Surgeon’s Hall Museum 

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh harks back to 1505, and hosts one of the leading collections of surgical pathology in the world.

Educate yourself in The History of Surgery Museum and Dental Museum, before being blown away (if you dare) by the vast array of specimens and samples in The Pathology Museum.

If you’ve been swatting up on Burke and Hare facts whilst in Edinburgh, you can even visit Burke’s skeleton and death mask.

Camera Obscura

The Camera Obscura offers an in-depth look at Edinburgh and its history, but with a twist.

Ascend to the rooftop chamber and view the 360-degree panorama of the city projected live in front of you; it's like fate is in your hands.

Also on offer is the World of Illusions, an interactive gallery of light and illusion exhibits with plenty of great photo opportunities and fun for all the family.

Our Dynamic Earth

Our Dynamic Earth is a rather impressive science centre set in the green landscape of Holyrood Park.

It offers an insight into the processes and events that have shaped our very own Earth, allowing for a stealthily packaged educational experience for youngsters and big kids alike.

Explore everything from the Big Bang and dinosaurs to volcanoes and icebergs (both of which are on display), at this super hi-tech, fabulous day out.

Historic Vaults Tour

Most cities have a few skeletons in their closet. However, Edinburgh’s past can be particularly grisly.

There are many horror attractions and walks in the city centre similar to those in other ancient towns, but unique to Edinburgh are the Old Town Vaults.

This series of chambers beneath South Bridge housed peasants in the 18th century, and Mercat Tours have several fascinating walks through these eerie caverns. 

Museum of Childhood

This one is a perfect family pleaser if you’re caught short on a rainy day.

Learn about the toys and pastimes of children throughout the ages, and get involved in a puppet show, or a spot of dressing up.

Kids will marvel at the old-fashioned toys, and adults may be taken back a few decades as they are reintroduced to their childhood treasures. 

The People's Story Museum, Edinburgh

Located at the lower end of the Royal Mile, the People's Story Museum offers a great insight into the life of Edinburgh's working-class population from the 18th to the 20th century. 

Based on oral history, as well as written records, this museum tells the story of the different aspects of life in the city, including culture, crafts and trades.

There are many displays recreating scenes from the past, enabling visitors to fully immerse themselves in the lives of our city's residents.

The building is worth a visit in itself; formerly the Cannongate Tollbooth it was built in 1591 and has seen many events during its history.

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