> Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-kingdom/edinburgh/ — updated 2026-09-25. Markdown mirror generated at build time from the same content as the HTML page. Title: Museums in Edinburgh, United Kingdom: Visitor Guide

United Kingdom · 2 museums · 2 free

# Museums in Edinburgh

## Quick answer

The best museums in Edinburgh are National Galleries of Scotland and National Museum of Scotland. World Museum Guide covers 2 museums in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, with verified admission prices, opening hours and how long to allow for each. 2 are free to enter for everyone.

Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.

## Edinburgh museums compared: price, time needed and closing day

| # | Museum | Admission | Time needed | Closed |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [National Galleries of Scotland](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-galleries-of-scotland/) | Free | 2–3 hours | Open daily |
| 2 | [National Museum of Scotland](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-museum-of-scotland/) | Free | 2–3 hours | Open daily |

Standard adult prices, checked from 2026-06-30. Confirm on each museum's official website before you go.

## Edinburgh museums, ranked

 [Free](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-galleries-of-scotland/)

### [National Galleries of Scotland](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-galleries-of-scotland/)

Art Museum · Best for art lovers & first-timers

The National Galleries of Scotland comprise the National, the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, and Modern One and Two in the city's west. Together they form one of Europe's great public art collections.

Free entry · ⏱ 2–3 hours

 [Free](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-museum-of-scotland/)

### [National Museum of Scotland](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-museum-of-scotland/)

Art Museum · Best for families & history enthusiasts

The National Museum of Scotland occupies two adjoining buildings in Edinburgh's Old Town: the original Victorian Royal Museum building (1866), with its magnificent glass-roofed Grand Gallery, and the striking modern addition opened in 1998, clad in honey-coloured Clashach sandstone. The combined complex is one of Scotland's most visited attractions.

Free entry · ⏱ 2–3 hours

Visiting on a budget? See every [free and discounted museum in Edinburgh](https://worldmuseumguide.org/free-museums/edinburgh/).

## Museums in Edinburgh: FAQs

### What are the best museums in Edinburgh?

The best museums in Edinburgh are National Galleries of Scotland and National Museum of Scotland. World Museum Guide ranks 2 museums in Edinburgh by visitor numbers and collection strength.

### How many museums in Edinburgh does World Museum Guide cover?

World Museum Guide covers 2 museums in Edinburgh, United Kingdom — 2 with free standard admission. Each guide lists admission, opening hours, highlights and how long to allow.

### Which museums in Edinburgh are free?

Free for everyone: National Galleries of Scotland and National Museum of Scotland.

## More in the United Kingdom

[All United Kingdom museums](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-kingdom/) [London (13)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-kingdom/london/) [Birmingham (1)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-kingdom/birmingham/) [Manchester (1)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-kingdom/manchester/) [Liverpool (1)](https://worldmuseumguide.org/countries/united-kingdom/liverpool/)