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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

Up until recently, many large-scale museums were dull, dusty and stuck in the past. Now, though, they strive for the wow factor, and the state-of-the-art National Museum of Scotland, which reopened in 2011 after a £47 million revamp, is a prime example.

The Grand Gallery is an airy atrium housing the four-story Window on the World installation, while 16 other spellbinding galleries explore Scotland’s history, culture, art and design, fashion, science and technology. There are also galleries devoted to Ancient Egypt, East Asia and Pacific Islanders.

Don’t miss 

The story of Mary Queen of Scots – Scotland’s most infamous and controversial monarch executed by Queen Elizabeth – is told in the ‘Kingdom of the Scots’ gallery.

Dolly the sheep – the first-ever cloned mammal and the most famous sheep in the world – is on display in the ‘Explore’ gallery.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley and the museum is a 15-minute walk away. Prebooking tickets is not required – you can just turn up.

The museum can seem overwhelming, but thankfully they offer a number of themed trails on the website.

Including a family trail, and a staff picks trail of the key highlights. Worth checking out before you go (and keeping with you on your mobile device). You can also download a museum map, or again, keep it with you on your mobile.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, seven days a week.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Cheval Old Town Chambers

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Chic, contemporary design and a family and pet-friendly ethos come as standard in these luxury apartments in Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town.

Official star rating:

The Witchery by the Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

A flamboyant, historic bijoux bolthole in the shadow of the castle, its sumptuous suites the most romantic in Edinburgh. For lovers and history lovers who want to step back in time.

Official star rating:

Market Street Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

A cool, central upside-down design hotel with a rooftop terrace and champagne lounge. Perfect for those who love cool design and champagne sundowners.

Official star rating:

The Balmoral Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

The grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, this luxurious landmark hotel is still the epitome of elegance.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Region, United Kingdom (UK)

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Writers’ Museum
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Writers’ Museum

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

This hidden gem in the medieval Old Town is a treasure trove of artifacts and manuscripts belonging to three of Scotland’s most famous writers; Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Camera Obscura - two people inside a mirrored room
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Camera Obscura

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

The city’s oldest purpose-built tourist attraction, at the top of the Royal Mile, is topped with a periscope that transfers images of Edinburgh’s skyline onto a table-top.

Best for ages: 4+ | £16 | Around 1 hour 45 min

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Edinburgh Dungeon
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Edinburgh Dungeon

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

An underground yomp through the darkest episodes in the city’s history, including the story of body-snatchers Burke & Hare, a torture chamber and the Grassmarket Gallows – a re-creation of when Edinburgh’s central square was famous for its hangings.

Best for ages: 10+ | £18

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