Edinburgh Culture

A walk through Edinburgh’s UNESCO world heritage site is a constant reminder of the cultural foundations of the capital.

Visit a Georgian town house, an Old Town tenement or a medieval castle, each within walking distance of the other. The National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland own properties throughout the city which are open to the public.

Crowned the first City of Literature, Edinburgh is a city built on books, full of writers, readers and an inspiration for hundreds of authors and artists. Nowhere is this more evident than at Edinburgh’s year-round festivals and in the city’s galleries and museums. The City of Literature have developed a series of podcasts on Edinburgh's literary and built heritage, offering an ideal opportunity to learn more.

The National Galleries of Scotland operate five main galleries in central Edinburgh, and admission is free to the permanent collections. You could spend day explorings all there is to offer there and at the National Museums Scotland or the museums and galleries run by The City of Edinburgh Council. (There are eleven in total and entry is free to every one).

Edinburgh has an exceptionally high number of theatres which attract a variety of world renown shows and events.

The wider city region also offers a range of art house cinemas, theatres and music venues to enthral and entertain.

Check a box for the location type you want to see on the map:

Theatres

Museums

Exhibitions

Art Galleries

Of interest...

• The City of Edinburgh Council Museums and Galleries
• The List
• Edinburgh’s Festivals
• Literary Tour of Edinburgh (podcast)
• Edinburgh Inspiring Capital Blog