National Museum of Scotland
Dolly the sheep, dinosaurs, Scottish history and a free rooftop terrace.
The Grand Gallery is a cast-iron Victorian atrium and the galleries off it cover everything from Lewis chessmen to a Formula 1 car. It is free, huge and the best wet-day choice in the city for any age. Take the lift to the roof terrace for a view of the castle that most visitors miss.
When it works
Indoors, so the weather does not matter. Best morning, afternoon.
Good for kids, a first visit, going solo and step-free visits.
On these lists
- Things to do in Edinburgh when it rains
- Free things to do in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Edinburgh with kids
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- Plan an afternoon in Edinburgh around it
Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in Edinburgh ranked for right now.