Name: The Museum of Edinburgh
Rating: 5.0

The Museum of Edinburgh

Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate, Edinburgh, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Museum of Edinburgh, located in the historic Canongate on the Royal Mile, is a fascinating maze of 16th-century buildings. As one of the best things to do with kids in Edinburgh, this museum brings the capital's history to life through beautiful objects and gritty local stories. It is an essential stop for families looking to explore Scotland’s vibrant past in an authentic setting.

Admission to the museum is completely free, making it a highly accessible choice for families seeking a budget-friendly outing. Donations are welcomed to support the upkeep of the venue and its extensive collections.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, the Museum of Edinburgh offers a unique blend of heritage and curiosity. With its historic architecture and engaging exhibitions, it provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Historic Architecture: Explore a maze-like 16th-century interior that is a classic example of Edinburgh’s architectural heritage.
Social History Collections: Discover how the city’s residents lived and worked through hundreds of years of Scottish history.
Educational Day Out: Engage with stories of trade, industry, and the people who helped build Scotland’s capital.
Special Exhibitions: Enjoy an exciting programme of rotating displays that highlight different facets of the city's past and present.

What to See

The National Covenant (1638): A pivotal document in Scottish history that helps explain the religious and political shifts of the 17th century.
Greyfriars Bobby’s Bowl: See the original feeding bowl of Edinburgh’s most famous and loyal terrier, a personal favourite for younger visitors.
The Huntly House Interior: Wander through the maze-like 16th-century rooms to see how wealthy Edinburgh families once lived.
Scottish Pottery: A selection of intricately decorated earthenware that highlights early local craftsmanship and home life.
Trade Guild Artefacts: View the tools and signs used by Edinburgh’s historic trade guilds, showcasing the city's industrious history.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible facilities are available on-site.
Gift Shop: A small shop offering books and local history-themed souvenirs.
Accessibility: Ramp access is available for visitors with mobility requirements.
Meeting Space: A lecture room is available for hire for small meetings or group gatherings.

Pro-Tips for Families

Quiet Time: Visit on weekday mornings to avoid the peak crowds of the Royal Mile.
Footwear: The historic building features uneven floors and narrow staircases, so wear comfortable shoes.
Planning: Pair your visit with a walk down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to make the most of your time in the Canongate.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, the museum’s manageable size and fascinating objects like the Greyfriars Bobby bowl make it a great, low-stress stop for toddlers and younger children.
How long does a visit take? Most visitors spend between one and two hours, which is the perfect amount of time to explore the maze-like galleries at a leisurely pace.
Where is the best place to park? There is no parking at the museum, but the public car park at St John’s Hill is the most convenient option for families arriving by car.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The atmosphere is often described as intimate and genuinely historic, feeling more like a private home than a large institution.
The content is highly educational and provides a great way to introduce children to local history in an accessible way.
The staff are consistently praised for being helpful, approachable, and passionate about the stories they share.

What Visitors Don't Like

Because it is a 16th-century building, it is not as spacious as modern museums and can feel crowded on busy weekends.
Navigation can be tricky with very large buggies due to the narrow corridors and historic layout.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum houses a vast array of artefacts that document the evolution of Edinburgh:
Greyfriars Bobby’s Collar and Bowl: Personal relics of the famous dog.
1638 National Covenant: A significant historical document.
18th Century Earthenware: Local pottery and tableware.
Old Town Trade Tools: Items representing various historic guilds.
City Archive Maps: Records charting the expansion of the city.
Household Utensils: Kitchen and domestic items from the 17th–19th centuries.
Period Costume: Historical garments worn by Edinburgh residents.
Ornate Metalwork: Historic door knockers and shop signs.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The museum is in the heart of the historic Old Town:
The Canongate Kirk: A beautiful 17th-century church located directly opposite.
Palace of Holyroodhouse: A short walk downhill to the King’s official residence.
Scottish Parliament: Explore the modern architectural landmark just a few minutes away.

New for 2026

The museum’s programming for 2026 includes special projects and exhibitions:
Past Shelves: Histories of Queer Reading (Ends 20 Sept 2026): An exhibition exploring the history of queer literature.
Reviving the Trinity Stones (Ends 28 June 2026): A special focus on the history and preservation of the Trinity Stones.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Museum of Edinburgh does not currently offer commercial birthday party packages. For private event inquiries or group booking requests, please contact the museum directly via their official email or phone number.

The Museum of Edinburgh is free to visit and is open seven days a week from 10am - 5pm. Last entry is 4.30pm.

Address: Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate, Edinburgh, UK

Post Code: EH8 8DD

Council: Edinburgh

County: Edinburgh and Lothia

On foot: Walk down the Royal Mile towards Holyrood Palace. Pass New Street on your left and you’ll find The Museum of Edinburgh on the right hand side of the road, opposite the People's Story Museum.
By bike: From Princes Street area turn on to and cycle down Waverley Bridge and then left at the mini roundabout onto Market Street. Cycle along Market Street/East Market Street and turn right into New Street. From New Street turn left onto the Royal Mile and the Museum of Edinburgh is on the right hand side of the road opposite the People's Story Museum.
By train: Exit Waverley Station and turn left onto Waverley Bridge. Cross the roundabout and go up Cockburn Street. At the top of Cockburn Street, turn left, cross over North Bridge and continue down the High Street. The Museum of Edinburgh is on the right-hand side of road as you head towards Holyrood Palace, and is directly opposite the People's Story Museum.
By bus/tram: The Lothian bus No. 35 stops by the Museum of Edinburgh (Heriot-Watt University-bound) and by the People's Story Museum (Ocean Terminal-bound). It is opposite the People's Story Museum. There are lots of buses going down North Bridge which cross the Royal Mile.
Parking: The Museum of Edinburgh does not have its own parking facilities. You can find ‘Pay and display’ on-street parking nearby.