Location: Old Town
Top Things to do in Old Town
10 Specialty Museums in Old Town That You Shouldn't Miss
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. St Cecilia's Hall & Music Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
St Cecilia's Hall brings together one of the world's most important collections of historic musical instruments into the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. As well as being Scotland's oldest purpose-built concert hall, St Cecilia's Hall is open as a free public museum and hosts a range of concerts and public events. St Cecilia’s Hall is proud to be part of The University of Edinburgh. In response to Covid-19 we are currently open Thursday - Saturday with a free bookable 1 hour slot. Please visit our website for more information.
Reviewed By SallyMilan
The museum has a wonderful collection of old and new instruments from around the world, such as the ‘love violin’ (violin d’amore). There are drawers to open in the room on the ground floor with videos, interaction, sounds etc. There are also volunteer guides, happy to walk around with you, who are very friendly and really bring the history of the instruments to life, even demonstrating the odd one. Amazing collection of spinets, clavichord, harpsichords and pianos. Wonderful! Sally
2. The Chocolatarium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 418 reviews
90 minutes of chocolate heaven. Find out how chocolate is made, make your own dream chocolate bar to take home and enjoy a session in the Tasting Room with over 40 kinds of chocolate! Same wonderful tour. Comfortable social distancing.
Reviewed By rah20014
I absolutely loved visiting The Chocolatarium! Erin, our tour guide was fun and very knowledgable about chocolate. Erin explained everything in a great way and made me feel engaged the whole time. Making our own chocolate bars was so fun. I loved the tasting room and it was interesting to learn about how chocolate is made. I would 100% recommend visiting The Chocolatarium to anyone who visits Edinburgh.
3. Lady Stairs House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By SmileyKay - Cluj-Napoca, Romania
This building with a fairy-tale look has almost 400 years of history.Today Lady Stair’s House houses the Writers’ Museum, with displays world-famous authors such as Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.
4. Scottish Genealogy Society
5. Dynamic Earth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,647 reviews
A visit to Dynamic Earth is like nothing else on Earth. It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet. As if this wasn't enough, Dynamic Earth is home to Scotland's only 360 degree full dome film theatre. We have a variety of films showing throughout the year.
Reviewed By BeckyC526
We visited on 9th February and had an excellent family day out. The staff were really engaging and friendly without being overbearing and from the moment you enter the building there are things to do. The attention to detail for each section of the tour was really something and each area was its own sensory experience full of learning material. We loved it as two adults for what we could learn and our 18 month old daughter was enthralled by the lights and sounds. There was a lot on offer for the entrance fee, as well as the tour there is a 360 showdome and a soft play area. We didn’t use the showdome on this occasion as our little one was getting tired but we can’t wait to see it in action. The cafe food was actually edible and there was good choice. The gift shop had lots of the usual soft toys and trinkets but it also has a nice selection of maps, science kits, minerals and lots of interesting books. I was particularly impressed with the books on offer. Overall I highly recommend a visit and i cannot believe that this was our first visit after 12 years of living in Edinburgh. We will definitely be back soon.
6. People's Story
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
The People's Story gives an unique insight in to Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th century to the late 20th century. The displays include tableaux, original objects, images and personal stories to reveal their fascinating history of the city. The collection focuses on the history, culture, crafts and trades, and the people of Edinburgh but also as a place to explore more contemporary issues, events and opinions.
Reviewed By leither71 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
This small museum is worth a visit to learn about the history of the people of Edinburgh. The informative displays cover housing, industry and the trade union movement. The museum is free to visit and gives a real insight into the lives of past generations.
7. Museum on the Mound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Temporarily closed for refurbishment. Want to see a million pounds? See some of Scotland's oldest banknotes? Explore the changing face of Edinburgh? Build a model home? Crack open a safe? Then come to the Museum on the Mound. Opened in 2006, this fascinating museum takes a fresh look at money - and much, much more. Art & design, technology, crime, trade and security - all feature in the story of money. We are open throughout the year and admission is FREE. We look forward to seeing you! Please note - we are open Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays 1pm - 4pm.
Reviewed By lauracB2099UK
We came across this and it was an excellent find. Its free admission and has some great interactive parts. It goes through the history of money and banking in scotland. Although its only small, it is very well put together and was a great way to spend a few hours. Staff were also really friendly and knowledgable.
8. Shout! The Scottish Music Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The Scottish Music Experience is a must-see for music lovers visiting our beautiful city of Edinburgh. Nestled right in the heart of the city, join us as we take you on a musical journey of discovery, showcasing the history of Scottish Music. Take a trip through the ages. Go back to where it all began with our traditional music past, wind your way through the decades to the present day. Celebrate the Then, Now and Next of Scottish Music. Enjoy classic Scottish Hospitality and some great tunes, with something to suit everyone. Whether your visiting The Scottish Music Experience, here for one of our events or just passing by, we’ll have you never wanting to leave. Join us in the bar for Live Music and Events all year round. We love showcasing the very best of Scottish talent across the creative industries here at The Home of Scottish Music.
9. Writers' Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 371 reviews
The Writers' Museum in the 17th century Lady Stair's House, is dedicated to the lives and work of Scotland's great literary figures, particularly Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. The rich collection of manuscripts, first editions and portraits is complemented by a series of personal exhibits that include Burns' writing desk and the Ballantyne Press on which Scott's Waverley novels were originally published.
Reviewed By 266annettep - Melbourne, Australia
This little free Museum is hidden away in Lady Stairs Close, we visited the square while on our walking tour and vowed to go back. It is a great little museum paying homage to the Scottish writers Robert Louis Stephenson, Robbie Burns and Sir Walter Scott. Well done displays and easy to read information be aware there are very narrow stairs to get up to the top floor, but so worth the effort.
10. Institut francais d'Ecosse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
Founded in 1946, the Institut français d’Ecosse is the Scottish outpost of the French Embassy in the United Kingdom. Within its Edinburgh base, it combines: - A cultural venue with a 55-seat theatre for shows, music, theatre, talks, cinema screenings, and an art gallery; - A French language centre with about 1,500 students per year, more than 150 classes and 15 teachers; - An on-site and digital resource centre in the forms of our médiathèque and the online Culturethèque; - A network of correspondents coordinating its membership throughout Scotland.
