The Scottish capital is best known for its historic cobbled streets, iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, and its literary connections. But the free museums in Edinburgh are also worth adding to your itinerary. During the Middle Ages, Edinburgh grew around its castle, and the development of the New Town in the 18th century saw the city expand into what we know today. However, there’s much more to see beyond the usual tourist attractions. This is why Edinburgh is one city in Scotland that I can visit time and time again and always find something new to see.
If you like learning about the places you visit, you’ll find that many of the top museums in Edinburgh have no entry fee. Visiting Edinburgh on a budget can be tricky, but luckily you won’t need to reach for your wallet at some of the city’s attractions. There’s a fantastic mixture of smaller museums and those with large collections, covering everything from the people of Edinburgh to Scottish history and famous writers. Many of these free museums in Edinburgh are located in or close to the Royal Mile, so they’re easy to fit into your schedule. Whether you’re planning a city break or looking for something to do in Edinburgh when it’s raining, there are some free museums in Edinburgh you won’t want to miss.
Free museums in Edinburgh
The People’s Story Museum
To learn more about the people who helped shape the city, one of the best free museums in Edinburgh to visit is The People’s Story Museum. It’s located on Canongate, along the Royal Mile, and its collection explores working-class life starting from the 18th century. The displays are very interesting to read as they use the real words of the city’s residents and written accounts to tell their stories. There are several scenes that have been recreated, too, such as a wartime kitchen and a tea room. This will help you better visualize what everyday life was like beyond the city’s famous landmarks.
Besides the exhibitions inside, the building that the museum is housed in is worth noting as well. It sits inside the Canongate Tolbooth, which has a history dating back to 1591. The building served many purposes before becoming a museum, such as a tax collection point, a jail, and a meeting place. Its unique history makes it the perfect setting for The People’s Story Museum, so make sure you take a photo of its iconic exterior, too.
Museum of Childhood
Also located along the Royal Mile, on High Street, is the Museum of Childhood. It was founded in 1955, making it the world’s first museum dedicated to the history of childhood. There are, of course, collections about toys, but the museum also focuses on how children were brought up and educated across different generations. This is one of the top free museums in Edinburgh for families to visit, as it brings back memories for adults and gives children a look at life before smart devices.
There are a lot of objects to look at in the collections, but one of the most interesting is the Queen Anne doll that dates back to 1740. You’ll also find objects connected to children during WWII, so there are collections that focus more on the wider history of children and not just what happened within the city. Make sure you check the Museum of Childhood’s opening hours online before visiting, as they were temporarily closed for renovations the last time I spent a weekend in Edinburgh.
Museum of Edinburgh
The Museum of Edinburgh is a great starting point if you want to learn more about the history of the Scottish capital. It’s also located along Canongate, in a variety of historic buildings that have interiors dating back to the 16th century. There are a lot of rooms to walk through inside the museum, making it feel almost like a maze – which is part of the fun! Its location makes it ideal to pair with a trip to The People’s Story Museum and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Inside, visitors can read about a wide range of the city’s history while looking at important documents and objects made by local craftspeople. If you’ve heard of Greyfriars Bobby before, the museum is home to his collar and bowl, which is a highlight for many people. You’ll also find a variety of Scottish glass, pottery, and costume, which shows another side to the heritage of the city. This is one of the most important free museums in Edinburgh to explore, so allow enough time to see all the historic rooms without rushing.
The Writers’ Museum
The Writers’ Museum is still a bit of a hidden gem in Edinburgh, so you’ll have to look closely to find it. This museum is tucked away in Lady Stair’s Close, near the upper part of the Royal Mile. It focuses on three of the best-known literary figures in Scotland: Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns. I haven’t read much of their works, but I did know of their connection to Scotland, so I thought it was a good idea to stop by the museum. For me, this is one of the best free museums in Edinburgh, and it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Highlights of the collections include rare books, personal belongings, and portraits, so you really get to immerse yourself in all three authors and their lives. There are also some unusual objects to look at, such as a plaster cast of Burns’ skull. The building the museum is located in dates back to 1622, making it a lovely spot for photos, too. If you’re keen to learn about the literary connections Edinburgh has, The Writers’ Museum will be a great addition to your itinerary.
Scottish National Gallery
Out of all the free museums in Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery is one that I stop by every time I’m in the city. You’ll find it on The Mound, beside Princes Street Gardens, so it’s the perfect stop if you’re going between the Old and New Towns. The gallery boasts an incredible collection of international and Scottish art from the 14th century to 1945, including works by Rembrandt and Velázquez. There’s plenty to catch your attention, even if you don’t know much about art, and admission to the permanent collection is always free.
The Scottish National Gallery officially opened in 1859, but there are more recent additions to the building, too. The newer galleries shine a spotlight on artists such as the Glasgow Boys and Anne Redpath, so it’s nice to see Scottish artists alongside international names. If you happen to visit Edinburgh when it’s raining, the gallery is the perfect place to spend an hour or two while drying off.
Museum on the Mound
One of the most underrated free museums in Edinburgh is the Museum on the Mound. This unusual museum explores the history of money and how it’s influenced everyday life. It’s situated just a short walk from the Royal Mile, inside the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office, so the setting couldn’t be better. The displays tell the history of the changing landscape of Edinburgh as well as the bank itself, with maps showing how the city has evolved since the 17th century.
When I visited, there were a few small school groups having a guided tour, which shows it’s not just for adults to enjoy. You can even learn about how money has developed over thousands of years, making it a great addition to any history enthusiast’s Edinburgh itinerary. I didn’t have much time to spend here, but it’s made me want to come back the next time I’m in the city.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most visited attractions in Edinburgh. You can easily spend a full day here because there are so many collections to see. These collections cover everything from the natural world to Scottish history and technology. This means people of different interests can all spend time in one place without feeling bored. For history lovers, you can see pieces of jewellery associated with Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Lewis chess pieces. You could say there’s almost too much to see here in a day, so it might be worth picking a few galleries to focus on.
Did you know one of the best views in Edinburgh is located at the top of the National Museum of Scotland, too? It took me a while to find the right combination of lifts and stairs, but I eventually made it to the roof terrace. It provides a beautiful view over the old town, and a lot of people don’t even know it’s there.
Where to stay in Edinburgh
ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile
If you’re looking for somewhere central to base yourself, ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile is the best choice. This hotel in Edinburgh is located just around the corner from the Royal Mile, and places such as the National Museum of Scotland are close by. The rooms are modern and spacious, with a Scottish-inspired design and amenities such as coffee-making facilities and a writing desk. Before heading out to explore all the free museums in Edinburgh, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast, which is a useful add-on.
When I arrived in Edinburgh, it was quite late in the evening, so I took advantage of the bar menu and ordered something to eat before heading to bed. The bar’s open late, too, which is convenient if you want a late-night drink.
Can you visit Edinburgh on a budget?
Edinburgh may not be known for being a cheap city to spend time in, but you can definitely visit it on a budget if you plan yourself right. There are plenty of free museums in Edinburgh to enjoy, and you can wander along the Royal Mile or relax in Princes Street Gardens at any time of the year. Accommodation is most likely going to take up the biggest portion of your budget, so it’s a good idea to be flexible with dates and location. If you mix in a few casual meals alongside paid and free attractions in Edinburgh, you can easily enjoy a city break without feeling like you’re missing the most important parts of the city.
If you have any questions about which free museums in Edinburgh to prioritize or where to stay in the city centre, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok, where you’ll find many more helpful travel tips and ideas about where to plan your next adventure.
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