The museums are open from 10am to 5pm and it is recommended you set aside all of this time for your visits as there is a lot to take in - especially at the National Museum of Scotland. You could quite easily spend the whole day in there alone! All offer free entry and a circular route can be followed from Waverley Station. Take the Calton Road exit and turn right. Head up Old Tollbooth Wynd and on the corner with Royal Mile you will find The People's Story Museum. The galleries relay the life experiences of the city's inhabitants over the last couple
of centuries as the population rapidly expanded. It is recommended you spend around an hour here.
Proceed up the Royal Mile soaking in the ancient atmosphere. Take a left along South Bridge and then turn right on to Chambers Street. Along the way you will pass Piemaker where a quick bite can be grabbed. The entrance to the National Museum of Scotland is now at street level, rendering the steps and iconic revolving doors somewhat sadly redundant (although a good spot to eat that pie!).
Make your way up to the original grand hall which is flooded with natural light and features stunning architecture. This building dates from Victorian times and was formerly known as the Royal Museum. A vastly diverse collection is housed here. In 1998, a huge extension was opened and the whole complex renamed as the NMS. The modern building is rather bare in comparison but explains the history of Scotland admirably. The whole place could easily slot into a list of the world's greatest museums. Allow a minimum of three hours for your visit. The rooftop terrace offers extensive views of the Edinburgh skyline.
Walk to the end of Chambers Street, turn right along King George IV Bridge and skip over the Royal Mile on to Bank Street. Pay a visit to the Museum on the Mound if time permits. Owned by the Bank of Scotland, it tells the story of the financial system in Scotland - which is more interesting than it may sound!
Descend the News Steps to Market Street and walk towards Waverley Station. If you're travelling on an off-peak ticket, you may have to wait a while for a train. How about a visit to the tiny Halfway House on Fleshmarket Close? A few ales are dispensed here.
