One of the best things about Edinburgh? So many museums are free. I decided to make the most of it and hit up as many as I could.
š§µ The People’s Story Museum
First stop: The People’s Story Museum, housed in the historic Canongate Tolbooth on the Royal Mile. This museum gives a voice to Edinburghās working-class history, from the 18th century to today. The exhibits are built around oral histories and personal stories, with displays of trade union banners, tools, and life-size dioramas showing daily life – from domestic chores to political activism. It gave me a deep look at the city’s past.
šŗ Museum of Edinburgh
Next up was the Museum of Edinburgh, just across the street. Itās a maze-like building filled with artifacts that trace the cityās evolution. Highlights include the original National Covenant and beautiful 18th-century glassware and silver. The museum also covers some of Edinburghās darker tales, like public executions and plague outbreaks. Itās a great mix of elegant and eerie.
š The Writers’ Museum
Then I wandered over to The Writers’ Museum, tucked into Lady Stairās Close. It celebrates three Scottish literary legends: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Youāll find personal items like Burnsā writing desk, Scottās chessboard, and Stevensonās riding boots. Thereās even a plaster cast of Burnsā skullāa bit macabre, but fascinating. Outside, Makarsā Court features quotes from Scottish writers engraved into the pavement.
āŖ St Giles’ Cathedral
I made a quick stop inside the St Gilesā Cathedral, which is known for the Thistle Chapel inside. It’s the home of the Order of the Thistle, Scotlandās highest order of chivalry. The space is stunning – Gothic Revival design – ornate wood carvings, vaulted ceilings, and beautifully detailed stalls for the knights, but unfortunately, it was packed when I visited. The small size of the chapel means it fills up fast, and with so many people crammed in, it was hard to take in the details or enjoy the quiet reverence the space deserves. Iād recommend going early in the day or during off-peak hours if you want a more peaceful experience.
š„£ Haggis at The Haggis Box
For lunch, I stopped at The Haggis Box, a casual spot inside the Scottish Storytelling Centre. I got the traditional haggis with whisky sauce – absolutely delicious. If youāve never had haggis, itās a savory pudding made from sheepās heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, and spices, all cooked inside a casing. Sounds intense, but itās rich, peppery, and comforting. Iāve always liked haggis, and this one hit the spot.
š¶āāļø City Explorers Walking Tour
Later, I joined the City Explorers free walking tour. My guide was enthusiastic, but instead of telling us information about the sites, he just kept saying how much he loved them. I felt like there was a lot of filler, and not much substance. Still, it was a nice walk around town and a good way to get oriented. I’m glad that it didn’t overlap much with the CodePod Hostel walking tour I went on yesterday.
šļø National Museum of Scotland
Then I headed to the National Museum of Scotland, which is massive and covers everything from natural history and science to fashion, design, and Scottish heritage. I followed their Highlights Audio Tour, which you can download on your phone. It took me to standout pieces like the Lewis Chessmen, Dolly the Sheep, and a giant whale skeleton. After that, I spent extra time in the Scotland galleries, which dive deep into the countryās history, culture, and innovations.
š· Hog Roast at Oink
Dinner was at Oink, a local favorite for hog roast sandwiches. I went to their Victoria Street branch, where they serve slow-roasted pork in soft buns with your choice of stuffing and sauce. I got mine with Homemade Chilli Cheese sauceāsweet, tangy, and perfect with the juicy pork. Sadly, they were out of crackling, which is usually the best part.
š§ Supermarket Snacks & Postcard Writing
After dinner, I popped into Tesco and Sainsburyās to grab some snacks and souvenirs. I picked up shortbread and British cheddar cheese – which, by the way, is nothing like the cheddar back home in Canada or the US. Itās white, crumbly, and full of flavor, not the rubbery yellow stuff Iām used to.
I wandered the Royal Mile and did a bit more postcard shopping, then headed back to the hostel to spend the evening writing them out. Thereās something satisfying about ending a day with pen and paper, reflecting on all the little moments as I share them with our members.
Note: Iām not affiliated with or being paid by any of the places Iāve mentioned in this post. Every stop, meal, and museum visit was part of my own trip, and all opinions are based on my personal experience. Iām sharing these details to help fellow travelers plan their own adventures, not to promote any specific business.