Best History Museum in Edinburgh Waverley

"You won’t have any trouble finding this wee gem of a museum, as the highly photo-worthy yellow façade is difficult to miss. The museum sits in the heart of the Old Town, in a 16th century building called Huntly House, complete with creaky floorboards and classic wooden roof beams. The array of exhibits brings together the many stories which shape and define Edinburgh’s unique history and character, with tales of Greyfriars Bobby, the Flodden Wall, “Gardy Loo”, and Sir Walter Scott."

"This small and cosy museum across the road from The People’s Story is another free Edinburgh attraction. It tells the story of the Scottish capital from gruesome details to bizarre facts. There are plenty of iconic items inside including the collar and dog bowl of famous Greyfriars Bobby (more on him later!)."

"Housed in the historic Cannongate Tolbooth, the People's Story Museum tells the story of the people of Edinburgh from the late 18th century to the present day. The three galleries explore life in an Edinburgh tenement during the eighteenth century and recount the stories of Edinburgh citizens during the twentieth century using waxworks, recorded oral histories and written sources. The museum also houses an impressive number of early reform flags and banners in support of political reform, trade unions and the anti-apartheid movement."

"This second free museum in Edinburgh is dedicated to the real working-class people of Edinburgh. Images, objects and personal stories are used to document the lives of locals between the 18th and 20th centuries. Spend an hour browsing."

"In a glass cabinet in Surgeons' Hall Museums is a small hide-bound pocketbook the colour of strong tea. The wallet is made from the skin of William Burke, one half of Edinburgh's infamous body-snatchers and killers, Burke and Hare, whose victims were sold to the city's school of anatomy to be dissected. It is artefacts like this – and glass jars filled with gangrenous fingers, cancerous lungs, dried and varnished hearts – that have made the museum, tucked behind the Royal College of Surgeons, a favourite of crime writers."

"Surgeon’s Hall Museum Geared towards adults, older kids, and anyone with an interest in the medical field, this is a fascinating look into what can go wrong inside of our bodies. The Wohl Pathology Museum is home to one of the largest collections of pathological specimens in the world. It’s a bit gruesome, but for some that may be the appeal."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470, making it one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, as well as the oldest on the Royal Mile. Today, it’s a beautifully maintained museum that showcases the house and those who lived here, with special attention paid to the Scottish Reformation. Although it’s not on every tourist’s trail, those who do their research will be well rewarded with a fascinating trip back through time."

"John Knox House is a fascinating mediaeval building constructed in 1470. It is named after the famous Protestant reformer John Knox, although he actually only lived there for a short period in his life. The house was also home to James Mosman, an ardent supporter of Mary Queen of Scots who was one of the "Queen's Men" who seized Edinburgh Castle in a failed attempt to have her reinstated."

"Set within the walls of historic Edinburgh Castle the National War Museum explores the history of Scotland at war. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Scottish Highlander was viewed with suspicion and fear by the British state and even by many lowland Scots. In time the image of the Highland soldier became a central icon of Scottish identity, and Scots enlisted in the Armed forces in huge numbers."

"Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NGOpen daily, 09:45 – 17:45. Entry to the museum is free. (Historic Environment Scotland charges for admission to Edinburgh Castle where the National War Museum is locate)."

"The Physicians' Gallery is a free public exhibition space which is part of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Our exhibitions are based on the wealth of historical medical material which the College has collected over the last 300 years. ‘Moonstruck: 500 years of mental health’ is our new free exhibition– opening on 14 June 2019 and running until Spring 2020"

"What: Experimental chef Paul Kitching offers a choice of two starters, soup, two mains, cheese and two desserts – hence the 21212 moniker. The restrictive formula doesn’t mean there’s any limit to the chef’s ambition in the kitchen, however – or sense of humour. ‘Kidnapped in Scotland’ is a starter plate of the chef’s favourites while the soup might be ‘Rainy Allotment’ flavour."

"Paul Kitching’s 21212 opened in May 2009 and was awarded a Michelin star in 2010. Located in a Georgian townhouse, lunch time is the best to visit as a two-course weekday lunch starts at just £20 per person – and the menu changes every week. If you fancy staying, they also have four luxury bedrooms to rest your head in."

"As its name suggests, Edinburgh Food Studio, located on a nondescript road a short cab ride from central Edinburgh, is the city's apex for gastronomes. Although it's a bona fide restaurant, EFS has the hum, chatter, and excitement of a pop-up. James Murray, the chef, and Ben Reade and Sashana Souza Zanella, the young, supremely knowledgable founders, sometimes appear to chat about ingredients and dishes."

"Far from the city centre throng, Edinburgh Food Studio is a tiny unassuming restaurant and ‘food research hub’ dishing up some of the most creative, nerdy and – fear not – delicious cuisine in the capital."

"Cafe Andaluz is a culinary playground where tapas and sangria reign supreme. Although the inside is utterly charming, the outdoor section is just as lovely—and is a prime people-watching spot, as well. Menu highlights include sharing platters; paella; and an enticing range of meat, veggie and seafood tapas."

"Situated in the heart of George Street, this exceedingly popular Spanish tapas restaurant has an extensive range of tapas. A firm favourite is the Pollo Rebozado, succulent chicken fillets in a crisp batter coated with light grain mustard and honey."

"Penned as a destination for food that is nutritionally sound, seasonal and natural, MILK is one of the hippest breakfast eateries in the city. Creating dishes using Scottish grown and traditionally farmed food, diners can enjoy mushroom & rosemary breakfast burritos, full fry ups made with Red Tractor meats or eggs and Comte cheese for breakfast, while the cakes available all day long are delicious, fresh and fabulous. Steaming hot coffee also comes as standard here at MILK."

"What: With four locations currently operating across Edinburgh, Milk serves a succinct breakfast menu which mixes the classics with the novel. If you’re looking to try something different, go for the mushroom and rosemary burrito or the vegan fried breakfast, while sticklers for tradition can tuck into eggs any style or a bacon and cheese sarnie. There’s also every type of tea and coffee available to help wash it all down, including the option to have plant-based milk."

"Milk cafe serves good food fast in Edinburgh’s West End beating the hum drum of predictable sandwich shops hands down. From the outside this place looks cool with striking lettering and a slightly retro look and feel. MILK is white … Read More"

"The grounds of 17th-century Bonnington House, 10 miles west of Edinburgh, have been lovingly converted by owners and art patrons Robert and Nicky Wilson into a gorgeous, landscaped sculpture park. Meadows and woodland showcase works – many of them specially commissioned – by a clutch of Britain's leading artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Nathan Coley, anchored by the the vast landscape sculpture Cells of Life by Charles Jencks. A varied events program includes tours every Wednesday at 10.30am."

"The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive…"