Edinburgh

Visiting Edinburgh? Don’t miss the National Museum of Scotland! This emblematic institution of the Scottish capital houses one of the UK’s richest collections. We enjoyed the diversity of its 36 galleries spread over 7 floors. The visit is a captivating journey through science, art and history.

In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Why visit the National Museum of Scotland

Is the National Museum of Scotland worth it? Our opinion:

Yes, the National Museum of Scotland is definitely worth a visit. We were impressed by the richness of its collections, which cover everything from natural science and technology to world cultures and Scottish history. The building’s remarkable architecture blends Victorian style with contemporary extensions. The National Museum of Scotland is, in our opinion, one of the best things to do in Edinburgh!

Why is the National Museum of Scotland famous?

The museum is internationally renowned for a number of reasons:

• Here you’ll find Dolly the sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal and now a global scientific icon.
• The collections relating toScottish history are among the most comprehensive, with unique artifacts such as the reconstructed tomb of Mary Stuart.
• The museum is also distinguished by its hybrid architecture. The Victorian building from 1866 and the modern extensions from 1998 create a stunning architectural ensemble on Chambers Street.

Our favorite moments

In addition to our keen interest in the collections, which we’ll share with you later in this article, we loved it:

• The Grande Galerie and its magnificent glass roof, the architectural heart of the museum
• The Millennium Clock and its regular mechanical animations
• The panoramic view from the 7th floor terrace, an unforgettable view of Edinburgh and its castle (even in the rain!).
• The small space on the 3rd floor dedicated to ceramics.

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History in brief

The history of the National Museum of Scotland is built around several milestones:

• 1866: Opening of the Victorian building on Chambers Street, designed by David Bryce in the Scottish Renaissance Revival style.
• 1904: Museum extension to accommodate growing collections
• 1998: Merger with the Royal Museum to create the National Museum of Scotland
• 2011: Major £47 million renovation, and creation of 16 new galleries
• 2016: Opening of new galleries dedicated to science and technology

Access: National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Where is the National Museum of Scotland?

The National Museum of Scotland is located in Chambers Street, Edinburgh (EH1 1JF).

• In Edinburgh city center, in theOld Town district
• 5min walk from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
• Close to the University of Edinburgh and Grassmarket

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How to get there?

The museum is within easy reach of central Edinburgh.

• From Waverley station, it’s a 10-minute walk up to the Royal Mile.
• Regular bus routes stop nearby.
• If you’re planning to visit the museum as part of a city tour, you can opt for a multi-stop bus that will leave you in front of the museum. See prices, photos and availability.

Parking

• Parking in Edinburgh’s historic center is limited, and there are a few on-street pay spaces, but they are rare.
• The NCP Edinburgh Castle Terrace parking lot is an 8-minute walk away, while the Blackfriars St car park is only 6 minutes away.
• For a leisurely visit, take public transport or walk from your accommodation if you’re staying in the city center.

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Best time to visit

We found that the National Museum of Scotland is a very busy museum. It’s always a bit crowded, especially on rainy days, which are relatively common in Edinburgh. Sunny weekday afternoons can be quite peaceful.

Length of visit and main difficulties

• Allow at least 3 hours for a complete visit, 4 hours if you wish to see everything in detail.
• The museum covers 7 floors with 36 galleries: plan your visit according to your interests.
• Access is fully adapted for people with reduced mobility thanks to the elevators.
• Free changing rooms are available at the entrance.

Advice on how to visit

We began our visit in the main gallery. This allows you to get an immediate feel for the building’s architecture. We then gradually climbed to the upper floors. After a break at the Balcony Café, we returned to the tower to finish the tour on the 7th floor terrace, with its panoramic view of the city.
Pick up a free map at reception to help you find your way around this vast complex.

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Visiting with children

• The museum is perfectly suited to families.
• Children love the animal gallery, with its life-size T-Rex and numerous interactive features, but there are also discovery trails, and we spotted an adventure area entirely dedicated to them on the 5th floor.
• More info here

Schedules and rates

• The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Closed on December 25 and January 1 only.
• Admission to all permanent collections is completely free, making it one of Edinburgh’s most accessible attractions.
• Only certain temporary exhibitions may be subject to a charge.
• Visit the official website for more info here.

Guided tours

• Free guided tours are offered daily.
• Audioguides are also available in 5 languages (English, German, Spanish, French and Chinese) via the Smartify app. During our visit, they offered 3 different themes: the must-sees, LGBTQIA+ stories and a mindfulness trail to explore the museum in complete serenity.

Catering

We spotted 2 restoration points within the museum grounds:

• The Museum Kitchen on the first floor offers modern Scottish cuisine in elegant surroundings.
• For a quick break, the Balcony Café on the 3rd floor offers sandwiches, pastries and hot drinks.

Explore the natural and scientific worlds of the main building

The Grande Galerie and the Millennium Clock, between light and mechanics

As soon as we entered the Grande Galerie, we were captivated by the magnificence of its Victorian glass roof, which bathes the space in exceptional natural light. This architecture of iron and glass, typical of the 19th century, creates a grandiose atmosphere in which visitors move harmoniously between the different galleries.

At the edge of the gallery and at the foot of the escalators, don’t miss the Millennium Clock. We loved its mechanical animations, which are triggered regularly. Take your time to observe the details of this contemporary work of art, a veritable technical feat that blends traditional watchmaking with modern innovation.

Dolly the cloned sheep at the heart of technological innovation

In the section dedicated to cutting-edge technologies, we searched for and found the famous Dolly! This pretty sheep has become a worldwide symbol of the scientific advances of the 20th century. Displayed in a showcase on a specially-designed circular base, she is enthroned at the heart of technological innovation.

A life-size T-Rex in the Animal World Gallery

The “Natural World” gallery impressed us with its imposing tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, which majestically dominates the space. The dimensions of this prehistoric predator, perfectly reconstructed using modern paleontological techniques, are spectacular.

Around this giant of ancient times, you can admire a remarkable collection of naturalized specimens that trace the evolution of life on Earth. Well-designed interactive displays allow you to explore past and present biodiversity in detail, from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals.

Explore cultures, arts and everyday objects

Suspended pirogues in the maritime routes gallery

In the “Facing the Sea” room, we loved the traditional boats from Oceania that floated above the void. They bear witness to the extraordinary nautical skills of the Pacific peoples. Note the finesse of their construction, based on ancestral techniques handed down from generation to generation.

Around these masterpieces, you’ll discover a fascinating array of objects linked to global navigation. The exhibition reveals how the oceans have always been routes of cultural exchange rather than barriers, linking civilizations through millennia of maritime routes that you can retrace thanks to the interactive features on display.

Egyptian mummies and Buddhist statues in sacred collections

Galleries devoted to ancient Egypt and Asia transported us into the mysterious world of millennia-old spiritual beliefs. We were particularly struck by the presence of authentic mummies, preserved with consummate skill by ancient embalmers. The funerary objects that accompany them tell a vivid story of Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.

In the Asian section, you’ll be struck by the serenity emanating from the Buddhist sculptures, from Burmese Buddhas to Chinese bodhisattvas. Each expresses a particular philosophy of spiritual awakening. We found it fascinating to compare these different approaches to the sacred, from the elaborate rituals of Pharaonic Egypt to the contemplative meditation of Buddhism. They are universal testimonies to the human quest for transcendence.

An 18th-century Mantua dress in the fashion gallery

In the “Fashion and Style” exhibition, we loved this 18th-century Mantua court dress. It epitomizes the splendor and constraints of the European aristocracy of the Ancien Régime. This spectacular piece, with its precious fabrics and extraordinarily fine embroidery, revealed the complex dress codes that governed society at the time.

This gallery brilliantly traces the evolution of fashion as a mirror of social transformations, from restrictive crinolines to the contemporary sartorial revolutions you’ll discover along the chronological trail.

Sounds, instruments and moods in the temporary music exhibition

The musical exhibition in progress at the time of our visit offered us a real sensory voyage, thanks in particular to its immersive approach. We enjoyed the diversity of the traditional instruments on display, and had fun testing them out to discover and compare their sounds.

A number of interactive devices allowed visitors to explore the manufacturing secrets and playing techniques specific to each musical tradition. The exhibition showed how music is a universal language that crosses borders and unites peoples.

Tracing Scottish history on the Tower’s floors

From Celtic stones to Mary Stuart’s tomb

The first levels of the Tower plunged us into Scotland’s most ancient roots, from the mysterious stelae carved by the Picts to the sumptuous artefacts of the Scottish Renaissance. We particularly liked a bas-relief called The Deer Hunt, depicting a stag hunt. This carved stone bears witness to the narrative art of the Picts.

The highlight of this historical tour is the symbolic reconstruction of the tomb of Mary Stuart, a tragic and emblematic figure in Scottish history. Her personal objects, from her jewels to the political documents that sealed her fate, moved us. This section traces the tumultuous history of medieval Scotland, from Viking invasions to the Wars of Independence.

Industrial machinery and everyday life in the Victorian era

The Tower’s intermediate levels took us back to industrial Scotland in the 19th century, a period of revolutionary transformation that forged the country’s modern identity. We saw monumental textile machines that showcase Scottish technical ingenuity and the meteoric rise of the Lowlands textile industry.

You’ll discover how the Industrial Revolution radically transformed everyday life in Scotland. Everyday objects produced on a large scale (crockery, furniture, clothing) illustrate the emergence of a consumer society and the gradual improvement in living conditions.

Panoramic view of Edinburgh from the museum terrace

The climb to the 7th floor finds its ultimate reward on the panoramic terrace, which offers an unobstructed view of Edinburgh. We stayed for a while, despite the rain, contemplating the panorama and trying to identify the main monuments of Scotland’s capital. The castle perched on its volcanic rock was a hideout in the mist, helping us to rediscover the winding lanes of Old Town and, beyond, the geometric order of New Town.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book in advance?

Admission is free and no reservation is required.

Is Dolly the real thing?

Yes, the Dolly sheep on display at the National Museum of Scotland is the real Dolly, the one who made scientific history by becoming, in 1996, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. She was cloned at the Roslin Institute, a few miles from Edinburgh, and lived until 2003. After her death, she was naturalized (taxidermy) and integrated into the museum’s collections.

SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Sèverine

Visiting Edinburgh? Don’t miss the People’s Story Museum! This unique museum traces the history of Edinburgh’s working classes since the 18th century. We were captivated by this authentic approach to Scottish social history, which gives a voice to ordinary workers, servants and craftsmen.

In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Why visit the People’s Story Museum?

Is the People’s Story Museum worth it? Our opinion:

Yes, the People’s Story Museum is well worth a visit. It allowed us to discover a lesser-known facet of history, focused not on kings or battles, but on the lives of ordinary people. We follow the daily lives of workers, women and modest families, from the 18th century to the present day.

The scenography is sober but effective. The reconstructions, objects and testimonies give an impression of closeness to those who lived there. The visit takes less than an hour, making it an accessible and enriching stopover that complements the city’s other museums.

A visit to this museum is, in our opinion, one ofthe best things to do in Edinburgh.

Why is the People Story Museum famous?

The People’s Story Museum occupies the Canongate Tolbooth, an iconic building recognizable by its distinctive clock-topped tower that dominates the lower Royal Mile. The museum stands out for its unique focus on the history of Edinburgh’s ordinary people.

Unlike traditional museums that focus on famous personalities, this place gives a voice to anonymous citizens. Its exceptional collection of oral testimonies and everyday objects makes it a benchmark for understanding the social evolution of Scotland’s capital.

Our favorite moments

We particularly appreciated it:

• Reconstructions of 19th-centuryworking-class interiors, immersing us in the atmosphere of the time.
• The audio testimonials from Royal Mile residents also touched us with their authenticity.
• Finally, we were fascinated by the richly documented Scottish trade union movements.

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History in brief

Housed in the former Canongate Tolbooth, a 16th-century prison and court building, the museum opened in 1989 to give a voice to Edinburgh’s working classes. It traces the lives of the city’s inhabitants from the 18th to the 20th century through objects, testimonials and reconstructions of everyday scenes. We discover working conditions, domestic life, trade union movements and social struggles. The museum is free of charge and remains a committed place, dedicated to the memory of ordinary people.

How to find us: People’s Story Museum, Edinburgh

Where is the People’s Story Museum?

The museum’s address is 163 Canongate, Edinburgh (EH8 8BN).

• In downtown Edinburgh, on the Royal Mile
• In the Canongate Tolbooth, a historic 16th-century building
• Close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament

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How to get there?

• Located on the Royal Mile, the museum is easily accessible from central Edinburgh.
• Bus routes 35 and 6 stop nearby.
• From Waverley station, it’s a 15-minute walk.

Parking

• As parking on the Royal Mile is difficult, we recommend you use the Holyrood Car Park.
• However, parking spaces are limited, so you’ll find it easier to park at the St James Centre parking lot, a 15-minute walk from the museum.

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Best time to visit

• We recommend visiting the People’s Story Museum in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Extended opening hours are available from May to September.
• During the Edinburgh Festival in August, look out for more visitors and a particularly lively atmosphere in the area.

Length of visit and main difficulties

• Allow 1 hour for your complete visit to the museum.
• The building features narrow staircases and passageways.
• Access is limited to the ground floor and 1st floor for people with reduced mobility.

Advice on how to visit

• Start your visit on the first floor, which presents the historical foundations of Edinburgh.
• Then move on to the floor devoted to contemporary testimonies.
• The video room was closed at the time of our visit.

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Visiting with children

The museum offers family-friendly activities with game booklets to help you discover Edinburgh’s history in an interactive way. There are also period re-enactments to captivate the youngest visitors. Audio testimonials include stories specially selected for young audiences.

• Family-sized sensory backpacks are available for people with neurodivergences or additional support needs (ASN), and can be requested at reception. Find out more here.

Schedules and rates

The museum is open:

• Every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• More details here

Rates:

• Free admission for all visitors
• Voluntary donations accepted to support the museum

Catering

The museum doesn’t have a café, but the Royal Mile offers plenty of nearby dining options. We recommend Clarinda’s Tearoom Restaurant, just 3 minutes away, on the same sidewalk.

A glimpse of daily life in Edinburgh from the 18th to the 20th century

Servitude, social hierarchy and deprivation of freedom

We learned a great deal about the living conditions of the servants who made up a large part of Edinburgh’s population. We were able to observe reconstructions of maids’ rooms under the roofs, furnished with a simple bed and a basin.

The apprenticeship contracts on display show how young men were bound to their masters for several years, in a system akin to servitude. This section illustrates the rigidity of the Scottish social hierarchy, where social mobility remained exceptional.

Precarious workers and forgotten trades

The museum highlights the many small trades that sustained Edinburgh’s working classes. We were fascinated by the diversity of activities: water carriers, rag-pickers, street vendors and town criers.

You’ll discover the tools and uniforms of these precarious workers who subsisted from day to day. The testimonies gathered reveal the ingenuity of these men and women who created their own jobs in a flourishing informal economy.

You’ll also learn about the impact of the first industrial revolutions on these traditional trades, many of which disappeared in the face of mechanization and new modes of transport.

Justice, public disorder and social control

The museum offers a fascinating insight into the Scottish justice system and its impact on the working classes. We examined police records documenting arrests for drunkenness, vagrancy and disorderly conduct.

You’ll be able to see a reconstruction of the Tolbooth cell, where offenders were locked up before their trial. The archives on display reveal that punishments mainly affected the poorest, who were often unable to pay the fines.

We also learned about the means of social control exercised by religious and civil authorities, and how the surveillance of morals and behavior shaped the daily lives of Royal Mile residents.

Testimonies and struggles for social rights in the 20th century

Workers’ awareness and union mobilization

Throughout the rooms, we were able to appreciate the emergence of the Scottish labor movement and its main demands. Banners, posters and union leaflets bear witness to the struggle for shorter working hours and higher wages.

You’ll discover portraits of local trade union figures such as John MacLean, a socialist revolutionary born in Glasgow but active in Edinburgh. The oral testimonies of activists give an insight into the organization of strikes and demonstrations in working-class neighborhoods.

The exhibition also details the creation of the first workers’ cooperatives, which offered economic alternatives based on solidarity to workers and their families.

Women and equality

The museum devotes an important space to the women who left their mark on Edinburgh’s social history through their commitment. We were able to see the careers of local suffragettes who campaigned for women’s suffrage, many of whom were imprisoned for their actions. Personal objects and letters from activists reveal their motivations and sacrifices.

The fight for access to education and skilled professions, long denied to women, is also mentioned. The testimonies of women trade unionists show their crucial role in protest movements, particularly in the textile and food sectors, where they constituted an important but underpaid workforce.

Life stories and memories of the working classes

We particularly enjoyed the contemporary accounts, which give substance to Edinburgh’s social history, especially the stories of former residents of the Royal Mile who recall the transformation of their neighborhood over the decades. You’ll hear accounts of living conditions in the tenements, the typical Edinburgh buildings where several families lived together.

The interviews also reveal community traditions: block parties, mutual aid between neighbors and the transmission of craft skills. The exhibition shows how these communities have managed to preserve their identities despite urban change, creating a collective memory that still nourishes the popular soul of Scotland’s capital today.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book in advance?

No, reservations are not required for individual visits. Admission is free, but a time slot may be recommended for groups.

Is witchcraft on the agenda at the People’s Story Museum?

Not directly. The museum focuses on everyday life and social struggles, but some stories from the past evoke popular superstitions and beliefs, particularly in poor neighborhoods.

SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Sèverine

If you’re planning to spend a few days in Edinburgh, be sure to visit Edinburgh Castle. In addition to magnificent views over the city’s rooftops and its impressive fortified architecture, you’ll learn about important pages in Scottish history and discover its hidden treasures.

In this article, you’ll find all our useful tips in pictures to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Why visit Edinburgh Castle?

Is the castle worth it? Our opinion:

Yes, Edinburgh Castle is well worth a visit. Located at the top of Castle Rock, it dominates the entire city. Its impressive architecture and numerous areas to explore fully justify spending some time there. Even though it’s a very busy place, we found that the diversity of views, buildings and historical treasures made it an Edinburgh must-see.

In our opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.

We strongly advise you to reserve your ticket to avoid the queues.

Why is Edinburgh Castle famous?

A true symbol of Scotland, the castle has served as royal residence, fortress and military garrison. Today, it houses a number of iconic landmarks: the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the famous Mons Meg cannon, the One O’Clock Gun firing range and St. Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building.

Our favorite moments

We particularly appreciated it:

• Panoramic views from the ramparts: throughout the visit, we took time to admire the scenery. From the different levels, the panoramas are superb: views of Edinburgh’s rooftops, Princes Street gardens and the Firth of Forth in the distance.
• The atmosphere of Hospital Square: a real break in the tour. The equestrian statue of Earl Haig is a reminder of the site’s military history.
• The elegance of the Great Hall: one of the finest interior spaces in the castle. The wooden framework is remarkable, and the walls decorated with antique weapons create a spectacular ambience. We loved its solemn, well-preserved feel.

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History in brief

Occupied since ancient times, the site became a royal castle in the 12th century under David I. It played a key role in Scotland’s wars of independence. It played a key role in the Scottish Wars of Independence. The royal family stayed here until the 16th century. It was then used as a garrison and prison. Since the 20th century, it has been one of Europe’s most visited sites.

How to get there: Edinburgh Castle

Where is the castle?

• The castle stands atop Castle Rock, an ancient volcano in the heart of the old town.
• It marks the western end of the Royal Mile.
• Its silhouette is visible from many points in Edinburgh, making it an immediate landmark.

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• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a car that’s not too wide, as some roads have only one lane.
• Book early for choice.

How to get there?

• The main access is on foot via Castlehill.
• It’s easily reached from the city center by walking up the Royal Mile.
• Waverley station is a 10-minute walk away.
• Several bus routes stop nearby (National Museum or George IV Bridge).

Parking

There is no reserved parking for visitors to the castle. The nearest public parking lots are at Castle Terrace and Johnston Terrace. We recommend using public transport or walking from the city center.

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Best time to visit

The castle is very busy, especially between 11am and 2pm. We advise you to come as soon as it opens or at the end of the day. The cannon shot at 1 p.m. attracts a lot of people, but it’s well worth the detour if you like tradition.

Length of visit and main difficulties

• Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire site.
• Some of the climbs are steep, and several areas feature irregular steps and cobblestones.
• An accessibility card is available for visitors with reduced mobility. Find out more here.

Advice on how to visit

The route is well signposted. We found it very pleasant to follow the natural ascent to Crown Square. Starting with the ramparts and cannons, the tour builds up to the royal apartments and jewels.

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Visiting with children

While children are particularly fond of the cannons, the armoury and the stories about kings and battles, we didn’t notice any special activities dedicated to them. However, an activity book is available from the castle store. Find out more here.

Toilets with changing tables are available.

Schedules and rates

The château is open every day:

• April to September: 9.30am – 6pm
• October to March: 9.30am – 5pm
  Last admission 1h before closing time. Closed on December 25 and 26.

Adult price: £19.50

Guided tours

• Guided tours are offered in English at set times.
• Multilingual audio guides are available for hire at the entrance to the site, or as a mobile version via the château app.
• Find out more here.

Catering

The château has two dining areas:

• The Redcoat Cafe, located on the esplanade, offers hot and cold dishes with a view of the city.
• The cozier Tea Rooms serves teas, pastries and light lunches in a tranquil setting.

Access and early fortifications from Castle Hill

Climb Castle Hill to the main entrance

On our visit, we walked up Johnston Terrace to Castle Hill via the Castle Wynd North staircase. As we climbed, the view of the city gradually opened up.

Crossing the Gatehouse and Portcullis Gate

Entrance is via the Gatehouse, an imposing defensive structure marking the main entrance. Then climb to the right to Portcullis Gate, an ancient drawbridge with a portcullis and thick walls. It was clear that we were entering a fortress.

Admire the cannons of Mill’s Mount Battery

Just beyond the gate, you come to a vast esplanade where we found the lined-up cannons of Mill’s Mount. But it was the view over the city that caught our eye. It’s already spectacular.

Explore the lower level: esplanade, museum and ramparts

Panoramic break on the esplanade

After Mill’s Mount, we stayed a while to admire the view from the open esplanade over the city’s rooftops. The Redcoat Cafe is also a great place to grab a bite to eat or a drink before continuing up the hill.

Earl Haig’s equestrian statue in Hospital Square

Continuing on, on our right, we discovered a square square marked by the equestrian statue of Earl Haig, a Scottish military figure of the First World War. Hospital Square provides another real sense of space in the heart of the ramparts.

Climb up to Foog’s Gate and the upper ramparts

The path then climbs gently to Foog’s Gate. This fortified passage marks the entrance to the upper level of the site. On the way up, we again enjoyed lovely views of the walls and surrounding landscape. The atmosphere becomes more historic and solemn.

Discover the upper level: cannons, chapel and historic buildings

The legendary Mons Meg and its fortifications

After passing through Foog’s Gate, we soon came across Mons Meg, one of Europe’s most famous medieval cannons. Its massive size always impresses visitors. Around it, the ramparts offer spectacular views over the town and the Forth estuary.

St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building on the site

A little further on, we discovered the small 12th-century Sainte-Marguerite chapel. It’s the oldest building on the site. Its simple architecture and thick walls create an intimate atmosphere, in contrast to the other, more imposing buildings. And above it, an ever more breathtaking view.

The Scottish National War Museum

Nearby, you’ll find the Scottish National War Museum. It traces Scotland’s military history through a fine collection of objects: uniforms, weapons, paintings and battle stories. The visit is quick but interesting, even for non-specialists.

Treasures of the former royal palace: Honours, Royal Apartments and Great Hall

We finally emerged into Crown Square and entered the most prestigious spaces.

• The Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny
  We began by discovering the jewels of the Scottish crown: crown, sceptre and ceremonial sword. The famous Stone of Destiny, used at royal coronations, is on display in the same room. The staging is sober and highlights these national symbols.

• The royal apartments
  The tour continues through the former apartments of the royal family. The rooms are simply furnished, but allow visitors to imagine life at the château. Panels explain the role of the different rooms and their use at the time.

• The Great Hall
  We finished with the Great Hall, a vast reception hall built in the early 16th century. Its wooden framework is impressive. The walls are decorated with ancient weapons, shields and coats of mail, recalling the military function of the place.

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Frequently asked questions

Are there any special events in the castle?

Yes, concerts, temporary exhibitions and ceremonies can be held on the castle grounds. Check the official website for dates here.

SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire

SHE WROTE THE ARTICLE Sèverine

If you’re planning a visit to Edinburgh, you’ll pass through the Royal Mile and, from there, you won’t be able to miss the massive silhouette of St. Giles Cathedral. Don’t hesitate to push open its heavy door and admire the treasures it houses – you won’t regret it.

In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!

This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Why visit St Giles’ Cathedral?

Is the cathedral worth it? Our opinion:

Yes, St Giles’ Cathedral is well worth a visit. It’s particularly striking. The exterior of the monument is already very impressive, with its massive, dark silhouette and crown spire. But it’s the interior that captivated us most. The variety of points of interest and the many surprises on offer along the way really won us over.

In our opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.

Why is St Giles’ Cathedral famous?

Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, the cathedral is famous for its crown spire, a particularly rare masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Visible from afar, it’s surprisingly slender and original. Inside, we were impressed by the colorful stained glass windows, the ceilings and themonumental organ. It’s even possible to get inside the instrument. The Chapelle du Chardon, with its impressive sculpted walls, is a real gem.

Our favorite moments

We particularly appreciated it:

• The contrast between the dark, massive exterior and the richly decorated interior.
• The Chapelle du Chardon(Thistle Chapel) charmed us with its calm atmosphere, soft light and fine detail.
• Finally, access to the interior of the organ was a rare and original experience, almost intimate, at the heart of this monumental instrument.

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History in brief

Founded in the 12th century, St Giles Cathedral is one of Edinburgh’s oldest monuments. Partially destroyed during English attacks in the 14th century, it was rebuilt in the 15th century in Gothic style, with its famous crown spire added in 1495. In the 16th century, it became a focal point of the Scottish Reformation, led by John Knox. A symbol of Presbyterianism, it has survived the centuries, preserving traces of its eventful history and multiple transformations.

How to find us: St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh

Where is Saint-Gilles Cathedral?

• St. Giles Cathedral is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
• It is located on the Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare between the castle and Holyrood Palace.
• It’s surrounded by many iconic monuments and attractions, including The Real Mary King’s Close, just across the road.

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How to get there?

• On foot: the cathedral is easily accessible from anywhere in Edinburgh city center.
• By train: Waverley station is less than 10 minutes’ walk away.
• By bus: the nearest stop is South Bridge.

Parking

Parking is particularly tight in Edinburgh’s historic district. There is no dedicated parking for The Real Mary King’s Close, but you can opt for the Blackfriars St parking lot, about 5min walk away.

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Best time to visit

We visited the cathedral in the late morning. The sun was barely filtering through, bringing out the best in the stained-glass windows. The early hours of the day and the late afternoon also offer a quieter atmosphere.

Length of visit and main difficulties

• Allow between 30min and 1h, depending on your interest, to explore the cathedral at your leisure.
• The tour is easily accessible, with no major difficulties, but some areas may be narrow or occupied by groups.
• If you want to take photos inside, you’ll need a permit. It cost £2 at the time of our visit.

Advice on how to visit

We recommend that you take the time to observe the façade, the crowned spire and the details of the portal before entering. Inside, the first thing you’ll notice is the stained glass windows and flags hanging everywhere as you stroll through the nave. We then moved on to the Chapelle du Charbon, before finishing with a visit to the organ.

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Schedules and rates

The cathedral is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.

Admission is free, but a donation is recommended. Find out more here.

Guided tours

• Audioguides are available in English and German, accessible from your phone via a QR code. The cost is £5.50. You can prepay here.
• Free daily guided tours are organized at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. They last 45 minutes. Reservations are essential, as there are many requests. Find out more here.

Discover the exterior of St Giles’ Cathedral

A massive and impressive silhouette in the heart of the Royal Mile

We couldn’t miss the imposing silhouette of St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile. This great block of grey stone, often referred to as the Grey Bulk, has dominated Edinburgh’s main street for centuries. The whole thing exudes a real power, more massive than slender, strongly marking the urban landscape. The sculptures on the outside of the building are rather discreet, but invite you to get up close and discover the details.

The crown spire, a Gothic emblem

The most striking feature of the exterior is the crowned spire, completed in 1495. This openwork Gothic structure, unique in Scotland, symbolizes the country’s royal and religious history. We particularly admired it as we stood back in the square, where it stands out perfectly against the Scottish sky.

The gateway and heart of Midlothian

Before entering, we took the time to observe the west portal of St Giles Cathedral. The doors and frames feature fine carvings that caught our attention. We didn’t photograph it, but on the floor you can see a heart-shaped paving pattern, the Heart of Midlothian. This pattern marks the former site of the Tolbooth, Edinburgh’s former parliament, court and prison. Tradition has it that passers-by spit on it to ward off bad luck… a local curiosity!

Explore the interior of the cathedral

Colored stained glass

The interior of St Giles Cathedral surprised us with its play of colored light, projected by the many stained glass windows. They depict biblical scenes, but also pay tribute to key figures in Scottish history. We appreciated the diversity of styles, reflecting the different periods of creation and restoration.

The nave ceilings

The interior of St Giles Cathedral didn’t really impress us with its height, but we did like the elegance of its stone vaults and the overall balance of the nave. The central pillars, remnants of the Norman church destroyed in the 14th century, add a special relief to the space. When we looked up, we also discovered the beautiful painted ceilings, whose blue hues add an unexpected touch.

Another eye-catching feature is the many flags hanging over the aisles. They are a reminder of St Giles Cathedral’s close links with military history and the various Scottish units. Their colorful presence gives the place a solemn, memorial dimension that contrasts with the surrounding gray stone.

The Chapelle du Chardon, a hidden gem

In the heart of St Giles Cathedral, theThistle Chapel offered a more intimate and refined experience. Built in 1911 for the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s highest honor), it is magnificently decorated with carved stone and wood.

The stalls and coat of arms impressed us greatly. This is undoubtedly the most precious and elaborate space in the whole cathedral.

The monumental organ, an immersive experience

The modern organ intrigued us with its imposing dimensions and clean lines. We were given access to the interior of this monumental instrument. A stunning immersive experience that rounded off our visit magnificently.

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Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to visit the interior of the organ all year round?

Built in 1992, it has been designed so that you can walk around the back and discover the inside of the instrument. Simply walk up to the red wooden panel and press the top button to illuminate the interior.

Can you climb the crown spire of St Giles Cathedral?

The crown spire of St Giles Cathedral is not open to the public. This spectacular piece of Gothic architecture is purely decorative and closed to the public for safety and structural reasons. There are no stairs or viewing platforms inside the spire itself. The best way to admire this crown of stone is to stand back on the Royal Mile, or to enjoy an overall view from the heights of Edinburgh, as from the castle or Calton Hill.

SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire

SHE WROTE THE ARTICLE Sèverine