Every year on 18 May, International Museum Day is celebrated to raise awareness and highlight the role museums play in sharing knowledge, preserving heritage, and inspiring curiosity.
In the Scottish capital, we’re fortunate to have a wealth of museums located throughout the city. From culture to science, medicine to the natural world – whatever your taste there’s something for everyone, and Edinburgh Bus Tours is the ideal way to travel between the city’s top museums whilst soaking in the sights of the capital along the way.
Here are some of our top museums to visit in Edinburgh this International Museum Day (and every other day of the year!).
National Museum of Scotland
One of Scotland’s most popular attractions, the National Museum of Scotland brings together history, nature, art and design, science, technology and so much more. Upon your visit, you’ll discover everything from dinosaurs and space exploration to ancient artefacts and iconic Scottish inventions. The museum is also home to Dolly the Sheep – the first cloned mammal ever to be created from an adult cell!
Entry is free (donations are encouraged) and you can hop off at Stop 5 on our CitySightseeing Tour or Stop 9 on our Edinburgh Tour.
Surgeons’ Hall Museum
Fascinated by the history of medicine and development of surgical practices? The Surgeons’ Hall Museum is a must-see experience on your visit to the Scottish capital. Home to one of the largest and most historical pathology collections in the United Kingdom, the museum offers a fascinating (and sometimes grisly!) look at the development of surgery and medical practices through the ages.
It’s one not to be missed! Take a short walk from Stop 4 on the CitySightseeing Tour or Stop 8 on the Edinburgh Tour to get you there.
National War Museum
Set within the walls of Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum explores Scotland’s military history over the past 400 years. Discover uniforms, weaponry, and personal stories that highlight the nation’s role in conflicts both near and far.
Entry is free with a paid entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle, so make sure you don’t miss out on your visit to the defender of the nation! Even better, you can purchase guarantee entry Edinburgh Castle tickets from one of our ticket sellers – even if the Castle’s website is sold out that day!
A short stroll from Stop 6 on the CitySightseeing Tour and Stop 9 on the Edinburgh Tour will take you to your day out to explore more of Scotland’s history.
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
This striking red sandstone building houses the stories of Scotland’s people, past and present, through powerful portraiture, photography, and sculpture. It’s the perfect place to meet the faces that have shaped the nation from Mary, Queen of Scots to modern legends like Sir Billy Connolly.
All three of our tours will take you a short distance from the gallery: CitySightseeing Tour Stop 8, Edinburgh Tour Stop 2, and Regal Tour Stop 2.
Museum on the Mound
Tucked inside the historic former Bank of Scotland building, the Museum on the Mound takes you through the history of money, banks, and crime in Edinburgh. It’s free to enter, and you’ll even get to see what one million pounds looks like up close in-person!
The museum is a short walk from CitySightseeing Tour Stops 6 or 7.
Museum of Edinburgh
Uncover the story of Edinburgh through this charming museum packed with local treasures. From decorative arts and historical objects to the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, it’s full of the character and charm of Edinburgh’s fascinating history.
Easily located on the Royal Mile, the museum is free to enter and our Edinburgh Tour stops right outside the door. Hop off at Stop 7.
The Writers’ Museum
Celebrate the lives of three of Scotland’s greatest writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. The Writers’ Museum is home to portraits, rate books, and personal items from the lives of Scottish Literature’s iconic writers.
The museum is tucked away in Lady Stair’s Close and is a brief walk from Stop 6 on the CitySightseeing Tour and Stop 9 on the Edinburgh Tour.
Museum of Childhood
Visit the world’s first ever museum dedicated to the history of childhood. Take a trip down memory lane with toys, games, and childhood objects dating from the 1800s to the present day. A great stop for families or anyone looking to reconnect with their inner child!
Stop 8 on the Edinburgh Tour will take you there for a nostalgic day out rediscovering your childhood.
Scottish National Gallery
Located on The Mound, just off Princes Street, the Scottish National Gallery is home to world-class international Scottish and international art dating from 1300 to 1945. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking art collection from some of Scotland’s most famous artists.
Hop off at Stop 7 on the CitySightseeing Tour and cross the road for a day of cultural day of art.
Make the most of International Museum Day by hopping on board with Edinburgh Bus Tour. With hop-on, hop-off flexibility, informative multi-lingual commentary or expert commentary from our live guides, and routes that stop close to all these top museums, it’s the most scenic and stress-free way to experience the city’s rich cultural offering.
Plan your route, hop on board, and explore Edinburgh’s museum scene one stop at a time.
