National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh: Hours, Address, National Museum of Scotland Reviews: 4.5/5
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, science and technology, art, design and fashion, and Scottish history, all under one roof.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
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0.1 miNeighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
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Festival Theatre
427
0.1 miTheaters
George IV Bridge
101
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges
The Real Mary King's Close
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0.2 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Talbot Rice Gallery
15
355 ftArt Galleries
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Popular mentions
4.5
21,526 reviews
Excellent
16,019
Very good
4,393
Average
878
Poor
163
Terrible
76
Brian G
2 contributions
Great place
Oct 2021 • Family
Had a great visit but cafe was way to expensive.
But we came to see the museum so 5 stars for that and our 4 year old loved it especially the animal sections.
But we came to see the museum so 5 stars for that and our 4 year old loved it especially the animal sections.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mai Gallagher
Newquay, UK2 contributions
So awesome !!!!
Oct 2021 • Couples
Amazing amazing amazing !!!!
Totally reccomended for couples it's very fun! First time going to this museum and it was awesome
Totally reccomended for couples it's very fun! First time going to this museum and it was awesome
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PA147
Gateshead, UK119 contributions
Disappointing Apologism
Oct 2021 • Friends
Lovely building spoiled by woke apologist display captions. A very disappointing reflection on the museum administrators that current trendy thinking, supported by online trolling and bullying, is now so pervasive. The trendy apologism did not add value at all.
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kash M
Edinburgh, UK2 contributions
Great place to visit especially on a rainy day
Oct 2021
I visited the National Museum of Scotland, initially to duck out of the rain, but was soo glad I popped in. Not only is it a free museum to visit, but it kept me entertained for a number of hours, with soo much to see inside and explore.
I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
louiseaI5534NQ
Westhill, UK41 contributions
Fantastic
Oct 2021 • Couples
This is an amazing museum. You would need a good number of hours to see everything here. The museum covers everything. They also currently have a typewritter exhibition which was very interesting. The museum covers artefacts from around the world with a section devoted to Scotland also which is fascinating. The animal section is also great. Its free so you could come and go as you please over a few days if necessary. Well worth a visit.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
marco
Belfast, UK94 contributions
Great museum
Sep 2021
Excellent museum in the centre of Edinburgh, it's housed in a beautiful building and has something for everyone. From animals to minerals, from vehicles to local history, you will find plenty to entertain yourself for a few hours or even a full day. The newer part of the museum (an extension building) has a convoluted layout which makes it confusing to navigate, though there too there's plenty to see.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Oyesola
West Bridgford, UK1,061 contributions
Good, free activity for a couple of hours
Aug 2021 • Family
Free entry so very good but you still have to book online so you have a timed entry due to covid regulations and all. Beautiful exhibits. The museum is huge. We loved the animals area the best, followed by the African and other cultures and fashion exhibits. The museum is spread over various floors and they have elevator and escalators for those who can't climb the steps. A few seating areas scattered around thankfully as at a point, I needed to take a seat and rest my legs. There was a private screening going on that we went in to see but didn't stay too long. The basement section is closed, not yet open. Overall my 14y.o and I enjoyed it here. I'll recommend spending 2 hours here.
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joe F
Carrigaline, Ireland29 contributions
Beautiful example of a modern museum layout
Sep 2021
Spread over a number of floors, this is a stunning collection of artefacts expertly displayed. Would take days to do credit to the exhibits, but the airiness, lighting space makes this a very comfortable visiting experience.
Don't miss the rooftop garden, and the stunning views over the Edinburgh rooftops.
Lovely cafe, too!!
Don't miss the rooftop garden, and the stunning views over the Edinburgh rooftops.
Lovely cafe, too!!
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Beatso
Aberdeen, UK112 contributions
Always a pleasure
Oct 2021 • Family
The national museum is fabulous place to visit with kids of all ages.
There is so much to see and do and all for free entry (although donations are suggested and should be encouraged more).
It’s just a pity that many of the interactive activities were off due to COVID, but for me, they might as well left them on.
As my youngest (along with many other kids) was touching them anyway.
But never the less, a good time was had by all.
There is so much to see and do and all for free entry (although donations are suggested and should be encouraged more).
It’s just a pity that many of the interactive activities were off due to COVID, but for me, they might as well left them on.
As my youngest (along with many other kids) was touching them anyway.
But never the less, a good time was had by all.
Written October 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ian B
Aberdeen, UK32 contributions
Superb Experience
Oct 2021
What a fantastic place to visit.My wife and I visited unintended,as we were on the "Hop On-Hop Off Bus Tour" and decided to get off the bus and visit and I am so glad we did.
A fantastic place full of mind blowing exhibits and as an ornithologist,I loved the mammal and bird sections.
There Is something here for everyone and no matter what your Interest,you shall leave,a little bit more educated and glad you visited.
A fantastic place full of mind blowing exhibits and as an ornithologist,I loved the mammal and bird sections.
There Is something here for everyone and no matter what your Interest,you shall leave,a little bit more educated and glad you visited.
Written October 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Huffers57
York, UK96 contributions
We missed seeing any of the Scotland story exhibits. We used the Chambers Street entrance. Should we have used a different one as there seems to be no direct link from the main museum to any of the Scotland areas.
Chris P
Laguna Hills, CA114 contributions
Not sure I understand your question. We entered through Chambers Street. I believe that is the main entrance. There is access to the entire museum from that entrance. Seems we went up some stairs from entrance and that took us to the main multi story room. From there all the exhibits and rooms were available.
Is there parking as I don’t want to get the train through and then a taxi?
National Museums Scotland
Edinburgh, UK12 contributions
Hi,
The National Museum of Scotland is based in the centre of Edinburgh and we do not have on-site parking. The Museum is a 10-15 minute walk away from Edinburgh Waverley train station.
More information on city centre parking and transport options are available on the main website.
Paula-Te-Amo
Stockton-on-Tees, UK23 contributions
Is it wheelchair accessible
National Museums Scotland
Edinburgh, UK12 contributions
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
There is level access to the Museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.
Four designated public parking spaces are available for disabled visitors in Chambers Street. There is no charge for these spaces. However, please note that they cannot be booked in advance.
Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge. Please note wheelchairs cannot be booked in advance. On arrival, ask about availability at the Information Desk. Small mobility scooters are permitted inside the museum.
Lifts are available to all floors and there is a variety of seating throughout the museum. Accessible toilets are also available on most floors and there is a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0.
You can download a map of the museum to see the exact locations of our lifts and accessible toilets.
We hope you enjoy your visit!
elizabethjl2016
Dundee, UK148 contributions
How long would you allow to visit the RIP IT UP exhibition ?
buddhastummy
Calgary, Canada54 contributions
Unfortunately, I cheaped out and didn't go in to that. Based on what I could see and size wise, I would guess at least an hour if not two.
How much for That
National Museums Scotland
Edinburgh, UK12 contributions
Admission to the National Museum of Scotland is free, although donations are welcome and are increasingly critical to enabling us to continue our work. If you would like to visit one of our major exhibitions, tickets cost around £10 for adults (free for Members).
Mr Jeremy W
1 contribution
Can dogs go in
Kirsty F
Edinburgh, UK55 contributions
I’m sorry I don’t know, I’d assume guide dogs would be allowed
Peabrain2013
Edinburgh, UK195 contributions
Is there air conditioning on hot days?
SafariGirl100
Banbury, UK410 contributions
We went on a hot day. It was not fully air con and felt a bit stuffy but not nearly as bad as outside. Lots of enclosed areas to keep cool
GeordieOzzie
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK14 contributions
It seems parking in Edinburgh centre is extortionate, is there somewhere on the outskirts we can park and ride to the museum? We are only in Edinburgh for one day and will be travelling back down to Newcastle after the museum.
National Museums Scotland
Edinburgh, UK12 contributions
A number of buses go via the city centre and stop outside the museum on Chambers Street, or nearby on George IV Bridge and South Bridge. Single and day tickets are available.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Museum of Scotland
- National Museum of Scotland is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking National Museum of Scotland tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 30 National Museum of Scotland tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience National Museum of Scotland:
- City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From $22.28)
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh w/ Private Tour Option (From $102.80)
- Edinburgh: 3-Hours Walking Tour - English Tour Guide (From $16.71)
- Edinburgh Rail Trip from London with Castle entry, Optional Hop-on Hop-off bus (From $252.67)
- Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems: Covid-19 Regulated Private Tour Edinburgh (From $67.26)
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