Art & Culture
Edinburgh is full of places to explore. Visiting one of our Museums is a must!
MUSEUMS
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Royal Mile
Great for children, this house of optical illusions is a sensory adventure. Very close to The Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile
Gladstone's Land
Royal Mile
Gladstone’s Land is a typical example of the lands – or tenements – that once lined the Royal Mile
John Knox House
The Knox house is a genuine fifteenth-century property that was saved from demolition in the nineteenth century in the belief that the founder of Scottish Presbyterianism had lived there.
Museum of Childhood
This museum displays rarely seen objects relating to childhood life.
Museum of Edinburgh
Royal Mile
Based on an authentic sixteenth-century townhouse and it’s adjoining properties, this museum has history woven into it’s fabric as well as its artefacts and curious.
Museum on the Mound
Located in the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office, this fascinating museum takes a fresh look at money and more. Open throughout the year and free admission.
National Museum of Flight Scotland
East Lothian
Located outside of Edinburgh, close to Haddington. Well worth the road trip, be sure to step onboard the last Concorde! Hosts annual airshow during the summer.
National Museum of Scotland
Old Town
One of our favourite places in Edinburgh! This museum showcases diverse collections from historic Scotland and the World. Exhibitions of Art, Fashion, Nature, and Design. Best of all it is free. It’s brilliant for kids and great for a rainy day.
Old Town
A bustling area of centuries-old buildings and narrow alleys. At its heart, perched on an extinct volcano, is Edinburgh Castle.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a historical and cultural playground begging to be explored – from the castle to the palace of Holyrood, explore this delightful cobbled stretch in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The Georgian House
Well worth a visit, boasting first-rate food and atmosphere, whiskey, craft beers & wines…. just follow the fairy lights!
The Writers Museum
Old Town
This museum is based in Lady Stair’s House, remarkable for its sharp turnpike staircases and maze-like layout. Built by William Gray in 1622.
ART GALLERIES
City Art Centre
Old Town
A central large exhibition space used for Art exhibitions and touring shows of design and photography.
Edinburgh Printmakers
A commercial venture which has been active for 45 years, Edinburgh Printmakers has built a substantial reputation for itself. It has welcomed the work of high-profile artists.
Embassy Gallery
New Town
Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2014, the Embassy is the most long-running and highly regarded of Edinburgh’s grassroots, artist-run gallery spaces.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Dean Village
Regular exhibitions across the art spectrum, worth a visit for the lovely cafe and walled flower gardens alone.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Central location
This museum showcases our national collections of portraits. The gallery also has a lovely café.
Stills Gallery
Founded in 1977, the Stills is a centre for photography, offering a wide range of production facilities and education courses.
Summerhall
Newington
Edinburgh’s newest – and hippest – multi-arts venue.
The Fruit Market Gallery
Old Town
Bright and contemporary art space. Hosting both local and international exhibitions
THEATRES
Edinburgh Playhouse
East City Centre
Hosts touring musicals and music concerts.
Kings Theatre
Tollcross, City Centre
A bustling home to popular stage entertainment.
Royal Lyceum Theatre
Newington, City Centre
Showcasing original and revived productions.
The Traverse Theatre
West City Centre
Known for new and cutting edge productions.
