Location: Cowgate
Top Things to do in Cowgate
The 5 Best Museums in Cowgate, Scotland
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. 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.
3. Museum of Childhood
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,236 reviews
Adults can indulge in a nostalgia-fest and children discover how their (not so) aged parents amused themselves as youngsters in a world before video games. There’s a wholesomeness to the construction kits and embroidery sets that once kept little fingers busy in a world that embraced the notion of "Improving Sunday Toys," while train sets and dolls houses have enduring appeal. If the implacable stare of the massed ranks of a compendious collection of dolls becomes a little unnerving, there are dressing-up boxes, and regular organized activities to provide diversions.
Reviewed By stevef851 - North Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Found this place to be great fun for my grankids who at 5 and 3 appeared to really enjoy this place as it had lots on offer for a variation of ages .... Took me back to my childhood with some of the items on display .... Certainly be bringing them back next year when the up visiting .... Cheers for the memories of ker-plunk as I must certainly get that for my grankids and ME OF COURSE HAHA ....
