All history museums and attractions to visit in Edinburgh

Edinburgh (Scotland) is a good place to visit if you are interested in history. Below we list all 21 history museums in Edinburgh, to lose yourself in the place's cultural heritage and local history.

Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Edinburgh? These are the ones:

  1. The Scotch Whisky Experience1

    The Scotch Whisky Experience

     Edinburgh
    The Scotch Whisky Experience is a whisky-themed visitor attraction situated on Castlehill in the Old Town of Edinburgh. It is conveniently located next to the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you're planning to visit the castle. The location offers a unique blend of history and whisky culture, providing an immersive experience for whisky enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  2. National Museum of Scotland2

    National Museum of Scotland

     Edinburgh
    The National Museum of Scotland, located in Edinburgh, was established in 2006 as a result of the merger of two adjacent museums: the Scotland Museum and the Royal Museum. The Scotland Museum is home to collections that shed light on Scottish antiquity, culture, and history. On the other hand, the Royal Museum houses collections that cover a wide range of topics, including science and technology, natural history, and world cultures.
  3. Edinburgh Castle3

    Edinburgh Castle

     Edinburgh
    This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial aft
  4. The Real Mary King's Close4

    The Real Mary King's Close

     Edinburgh
    The 57 Gallery was a platform for many artists to showcase their work. Among them were Barbara Rae, Jock McFadyen, Eileen Lawrence, Barry Flanagan, and John Houston. These artists had the opportunity to display their work in a space that was dedicated to promoting the arts and supporting artists.
  5. The Palace of Holyroodhouse5

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse

     Edinburgh
    The Palace of Holyroodhouse, colloquially known as Holyrood Palace, has a rich history dating back to 1128 when it was founded as a monastery by David I of Scotland. Since the 16th century, it has served as the primary residence of the Scottish monarchs, with its last inhabitant being Queen Mary Stuart. This historical significance makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in Scottish history and royal residences.
  6. The Edinburgh Dungeon6

    The Edinburgh Dungeon

     Edinburgh
    The Edinburgh Dungeon, located in the city centre on Market Street, is an underground tourist attraction that uses live actor shows and interactive rides to depict various historical events from Scottish history. The shows are presented in a fun, scary style with audience interaction, special effects, theatrical sets, and performances.
  7. Surgeons' Hall Museums7

    Surgeons' Hall Museums

     Edinburgh
    Surgeons' Hall, located in Edinburgh, Scotland, serves as the headquarters for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd). This historic building is not only an important institution for medical professionals, but also a significant landmark in the city.
  8. National War Museum Scotland8

    National War Museum Scotland

     Edinburgh
    The National War Museum, situated within the historic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1933. The museum is housed in a converted 18th-century ordnance storehouse and offers a comprehensive look into Scotland's military history spanning over 400 years. The museum is managed by National Museums Scotland.
  9. Craigmillar Castle9

    Craigmillar Castle

     Edinburgh
    Craigmillar Castle is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to Social History and Architecture.
  10. Museum of Childhood10

    Museum of Childhood

     Edinburgh
    The Museum of Childhood, situated on the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, is home to a vast collection of children's toys. This unique museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of childhood, with exhibits spanning from the 18th to the 21st century. Visitors can explore a variety of toys and memorabilia, providing a nostalgic journey through the evolution of children's playthings.
  11. The Museum on the Mound11

    The Museum on the Mound

     Edinburgh
    The Museum on the Mound, located in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a unique institution that concentrates on the themes of money, coinage, and economics. It provides an in-depth look into the history and evolution of these subjects, offering a unique perspective on how they have shaped society and the world at large.
  12. Museum of Edinburgh12

    Museum of Edinburgh

     Edinburgh
    The Museum of Edinburgh, previously known as Huntly House and the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office, is situated at 142-146 Canongate. This location is in the heart of Edinburgh, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The museum is housed in a unique yellow, three-story building that dates back to the late 16th century.
  13. Peoples' Story Museum13

    Peoples' Story Museum

     Edinburgh
    The Museum of Edinburgh, previously known as Huntly House and the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office, is situated at 142-146 Canongate. This location is in the heart of Edinburgh, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The museum is housed in a unique yellow, three-story building that dates back to the late 16th century.
  14. 14

    Holyrood Abbey

     Edinburgh
    Holyrood Abbey is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, architecture and social history.
  15. Lauriston Castle15

    Lauriston Castle

     Edinburgh
    Lauriston Castle, located in the Scottish city of Edinburgh, is a historical site dating back to the 16th century. The castle, which has been extended in the 19th century, offers a stunning view over the Firth of Forth. This makes it not only a place of historical interest but also a location with a beautiful landscape.
  16. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum16

    The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum

     Edinburgh
    The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum is a regimental museum that showcases the collections of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and its predecessor regiments. It provides a comprehensive view of the history and heritage of these regiments, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in military history.
  17. Royal Scots Regimental Museum17

    Royal Scots Regimental Museum

     Edinburgh
    Royal Scots Regimental Museum is a museum in Edinburgh that tells the story of the Regiment in chronological order on pictorial wall panels supported by maps, display cases, tableaux and dioramas. Its medal collection is partly on display. Besides this, the museum features weapons, pictures, collect
  18. The Royal Yacht Britannia18

    The Royal Yacht Britannia

     Edinburgh
    The HMY Britannia, a state yacht that served the British Crown for 43 years, was designated as a museum ship in Leith, Scotland, by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997. This historical vessel offers visitors a unique glimpse into the royal maritime history of Britain.
  19. 19

    South Side Museum

     Edinburgh
    The South Side Museum is located in the Gray Room and displays artefacts from the South Side's industrial past, school mementoes and old local photographs.
  20. 20

    John Knox House

     Edinburgh
  21. 21

    Museum Collections Centre

     Edinburgh
    The Museum Collections Centre houses objects spanning a wide range of subjects. Visitors can view the reserve collections of the social history, Museum of Childhood and applied art collections when the items are not on display in the museums.