Best Museums in Elphinstone

"Visit the Free Museums in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile Since you’re on the Royal Miles, you should definitely take advantage of the many free museums that you can find along it’s length. Some of our favourites include the Edinburgh Museum, the Writers Museum and the Museum of Childhood. You can read much more about what is in each of these museums and why you might want to visit them in Jess’s excellent post on the highlights of Edinburgh."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nachosan used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Walk down memory lane in this recently renovated museum highlighting items from prehistoric Scotland, arranged in a magnificent seven-level structure. Glance through more than 20,000 objects, ranging from weapons, ornaments, and artwork, each arranged in historical stages."

"From giant T-Rex skeletons to space rocks via fashion and human history, this is Edinburgh’s largest museum. The museum sits on Chambers Street, a few minutes walk from the University of Edinburgh’s central campus. And entry is FREE, which makes it even better."

"Be warned, if you take your children to visit the world's first museum devoted to childhood, you probably won't have time to do much of anything else. Full of exhibits and hands-on experiences with toys of the past and present, there are dozens of Dinky cars, doll houses, games, puppets, child-sized cars, and model planes to look at, and sometimes handle. The exhibits of children's clothes chart the development of the concept of childhood and the museum explores the process of growing up."

"Exploring the history of childhood, this Royal Mile museum houses a remarkable collection of children's toys and playthings including a doll dating from 1740. The museum will reopen following refurbishment in Spring. Visit: 42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG - edinburghmuseums.org.uk"

"The Museum of Childhood is a fun day out for the whole family. Young people can learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while adults enjoy a trip down memory lane. And you can see the Subbuteo set in our adverts!"

"Dynamic Earth is a multi-media presentation that takes visitors on a 500-million-year journey through the Earth's history. Using hi-tech gadgetry and superb special effects, its displays realistically portray natural events such as volcanoes, tropical rainstorms, and glaciation. Located at the foot of Arthur's Seat near Holyrood Park, this unique science center is housed in an ultra-modern tent-like structure and is particularly fun for kids."

"Sister to the Museum of Edinburgh and also set on the Royal Mile – this time in the 1591 Tolbooth building – this oral history museum delves into the lives of working people in the city, from the 18th century to the late 20th century. You’ll see recreations of a bookbinder’s workshop, a wartime kitchen complete with vintage packaging and a grisly jail cell."

"This museum is housed in the Canongate Tolbooth, an iconic building located on the Royal Mile. If you’d like to get a true insight into the lives of the working class of Edinburgh during the course of the last 3 centuries, then head to the People’s Story Museum. This museum is housed in an iconic building on the Royal Mile – the Canongate Tolbooth."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art — also known as "Modern One" — is another must-visit for art enthusiasts. Here, you'll find displays of paintings by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso; surrealistic works by Rene Magritte, Joan Miró, and Max Ernst; and contemporary paintings by Bruce McLean, Callum Innes, and Gwen Hardie. The gallery is also well-known for its impressive collection of sculptures."

"It comprises two galleries, one on either side of Belford Road, and a fantastic sculpture park. The lawn at the front of Modern One was landscaped to a design by Charles Jencks. Modern One is housed in a neoclassical building, which was designed by William Burn in 1825."

"You can explore Leith and visit the Trinity House Maritime Museum, stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway or see the latest exhibits on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art."

"Situated at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this gallery is one of 15 in the UK that houses the Royal Collection, the largest private art collection in the world. This is a fascinating record of the personal tastes of kings and queens over the past 500 years, comprising decorative arts, drawings, watercolours, paintings and photographs. Those that have made contributions to the collection over the years include Frederick Prince of Wales, George IV, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary."

"The Queen's Gallery, located in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in November 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Now, it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. A worthwhile stop on a visit to the Royal Mile."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queens Gallery lie at the east end of The Royal Mile, opposite the Scottish Parliament. The visit is best achieved by taxi, local bus service from Waverley Bridge or tour bus. Walking takes around 15 minutes from Waverley Station."

"What: Edinburgh Castle is one the city’s most recognisable sites and Cold Town House’s rooftop terrace offers some of the finest views you could wish for of the landmark. The après ski-themed outdoor area comes complete with gondola seats and vintage Nissan van-cum-bar, with food options at Cold Town House ranging from Neapolitan-style pizzas to hanging grills. Make sure to try one of beer’s brewed in-house with your food too.Where: 4 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU"

"There are three storeys to this Grassmarket bar, including a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for summertime drinking. Born from a desire to move past hipsterism-for-the-sake-of-hipsterism, Cold Town House dedicates itself to pretence-free pizza, beer and prosecco. They also have their own lager and pale ale (OK, that sounds a little hipster), and you can watch the brewing process through floor-to-ceiling windows on the bar’s first floor."

"Cold Town was born with Scottish history at its heart and is named in honour of the Calton Hill Brewery in Edinburgh – which in 1835 was the first in Britain to brew lager. Then known as Caldtoun, today we more commonly know the area as Calton Hill – hence the name Cold Town beer!. Bookings are now open for the Rooftop Terrace and should be made in advance on-line."

"Harajuku Kitchen is a light and bright Japanese bistro with a touch of magic in the air and food that it could have been teleported in from Tokyo. At first glance, the menu may look a little pedestrian—most of the usual suspects are here, including gyoza, sushi rolls, sashimi, and yakisoba noodles—but once the plates arrive, it's clear that there's a pro in the kitchen. The flavors sing, and everything tastes fresh and light but decidedly moreish."

"Harajuku Kitchen, the Bruntsfield-based Japanese bistro, is a sushi staple in the city and, to their credit, was one of the first eateries in Edinburgh to adapt to the takeaway trend. The online menu includes a variety of sushi, noodles, set mains (with miso soup and rice), sake and Japanese beer. The team’s focus is very much on respect for the ingredients used as well as their flavours."

"Source: Photo by user in Bourke Street, used under CC BY-SA 2.0. This shop is a little off the beaten path, but if you’re looking to take someone on a rainy day date (or you’re just too lazy to microwave yourself some soup – which I feel), head over to Maki Ramen and watch cars and people walk by while you guzzle down a bowl of hot ramen. Don’t forget to read the post-it note memories and doodles left on the wall by other customers, and maybe add your own to the mix!"

"Scotland is not especially renowned for its culinary highlights. However, if you are staying in Edinburgh, you will be blessed with a very rich food scene extending much further than Haggis and fish and chips. As every major city, Edinburgh has a very broad and multicultural food scene."