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Museums & galleries

National Galleries Scotland

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National Galleries Scotland

About the Galleries

National Galleries Scotland comprises three main venues across Edinburgh, along with two partner galleries. The collection spans Scottish and international art from the early Renaissance through modern and contemporary periods. Travellers visit to study prominent fine art collections, portraiture, and rotating exhibitions housed in dedicated spaces.

Getting There

The central site sits right off Princes Street, roughly a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station. The modern art venues west of the city centre take approximately 15 to 20 minutes by bus or around 25 minutes on foot.

Time to Allow

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a single building. Exploring multiple gallery venues across the city requires at least half a day.

When to Visit

Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest. The galleries get crowded on rainy afternoons, weekends, and during the Edinburgh festival season in August. Aiming for early arrival times offers a calmer visit.

Nearby Attractions

You can combine your visit with these nearby sites:

  • Modern Two: 0km
  • Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: 0.3km
  • St Mary's Cathedral: 0.6km
  • Usher Hall: 1.3km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near National Galleries Scotland

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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National Galleries Scotland Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Modern Two

Museums & galleries

Modern Two

One of Edinburgh's modern art gallery buildings, run in tandem with its counterpart across Belford Road. It's a great place to view a collection of Scottish modern art.

0.0 km away
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Museums & galleries

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

An art gallery made up of two buildings facing each other on Belford Road, west of Edinburgh's city center. It holds an extensive collection of modern art from the 1900s onward.

0.3 km away
St Mary's Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

St Mary's Cathedral

A Catholic cathedral in eastern Edinburgh's New Town, seat of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh. Located in the city center, it's easy to visit on foot.

0.6 km away
Usher Hall

Culture & venues

Usher Hall

A concert hall in Edinburgh's West End that has hosted a wide range of concerts and events since opening in 1914. With around 2,200 seats, it's a great place to enjoy classical performances and more.

1.3 km away
Princes Street Gardens

Parks & gardens

Princes Street Gardens

Two parks in the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland, lying below Edinburgh Castle. Created in the 1820s by draining the Nor Loch as the New Town was built, they're a pleasant place to walk while looking up at the castle.

1.3 km away
Castle Rock

Nature

Castle Rock

A volcanic rock hill topped by Edinburgh Castle. Formed by volcanic activity around 350 million years ago and shaped by glacial erosion, it offers sweeping views of the city below its walls.

1.5 km away