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attraction · Edinburgh
Free Entry in a City That Charges for Almost Everything Else
Review of National Museum of Scotland
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Share your experienceThe National Museum of Scotland has free entry, with charges for some special exhibitions only. In a city where the castle, the underground tours and most of the Royal Mile attractions all charge, that single fact makes this the best-value few hours in Edinburgh. The collection is unusually broad: Scottish history and archaeology in one wing, natural history, world cultures, science and technology in another, joined by a Victorian glass-roofed grand gallery that is worth standing in on its own. The roof terrace is the part visitors miss. It is free, it is at the top of the building, and it gives a view over the Old Town rooftops to the castle that many people pay for elsewhere.
What was great
Free entry to a genuinely national-scale collection, which in Edinburgh is close to unique. The range means it works for almost anyone, including families on a wet afternoon. The roof terrace view over the Old Town costs nothing and is one of the best in the city.
What nearly ruined the trip
It is large and the layout across old and new buildings confuses people, so first visits often involve backtracking. Special exhibitions are charged, which is a jolt inside a free museum. It is one of the busiest indoor spaces in Edinburgh during festival season and in bad weather.
Value for money
★★★★★ BargainSafety
★★★★★ Felt safeMore from Edinburgh
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