The National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is a national museum & exhibition in Edinburgh, Scotland. Entry is free. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.
| Price | Free entry Checked on the official page: free entry; some special exhibitions charge. |
|---|---|
| Opening times | Daily 10am-5pm. Closed 25 Dec; 26 Dec and 1 Jan 12pm-5pm. |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings and rainy days are busiest. Opening time is best. |
| School holiday tip | Free entry. August Festival season is busy; late August is better for English/Welsh visitors than for local families in July. |
| Best ages | All ages; hands-on galleries for under-10s |
| If it rains | Indoors |
| Food | Balcony Café (Level 3), Hawthornden Café (Level 1) and Museum Kitchen (Level 0), all 10am-5pm. A Lunch Space in the Entrance Hall is available for eating your own food. |
| Money saver | Free entry; roof terrace views are free too |
| Top tips | Go to the Grand Gallery and Science and Technology floors first. Take the lift up to the rooftop terrace for views. |
| What to pack | Snacks, water |
Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source
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