Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A red sandstone palace of Scottish faces, from Mary Queen of Scots to Billy Connolly, free.
The great hall's processional frieze of Scottish history is worth the visit alone, and the galleries upstairs mix historic portraits with contemporary photography. It is free, quieter than the National Gallery and warm on a cold day. Twenty minutes from Waverley on foot.
When it works
Indoors, so the weather does not matter. Best morning, afternoon.
Good for going solo, a date and step-free visits.
On these lists
- Things to do in Edinburgh when it rains
- Free things to do in Edinburgh
- Date ideas in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Edinburgh this weekend
- 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.