Scottish National Gallery Tours and Activities

Set within an imposing neoclassical building, this museum presents an impressive collection of artwork spanning the Renaissance to the 20th century. Works by European masters, such as Titian, Monet, Rembrandt, and van Gogh, are complemented by a collection of Scottish works that includes pieces from Allan Ramsay and Sir Henry Raeburn.
The Basics
Because of its central location on the Mound between Edinburgh Old Town and New Town, the exterior of the Scottish National Gallery building is often seen during guided walking tours of Edinburgh. Of course, to explore the gallery’s collections, it’s necessary to venture inside. Visitors can browse permanent and special exhibitions independently or join free drop-in tours, talks, and workshops, which take place on select dates.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Scottish National Gallery is a must for art enthusiasts.
- Don’t miss The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch, also known as The Skating Minister, one of Scotland’s most famous artworks.
- A restaurant, café, and shop are located at the National Gallery.
- The National Gallery of Scotland is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Scottish National Gallery sits on the Mound, an artificial hill connecting Edinburgh Old Town to the New Town. From Edinburgh Waverley Station, it is just a 5-minute walk to the gallery. Take the Waverley Bridge exit and stroll through Princes Street Gardens.
When to Get There
The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and until 7pm on Thursdays. Afternoons tend to be busier, especially on summer weekends, so get there first thing to avoid the rush.
Gallery-Hopping at the Scottish National Galleries
The Scottish National Gallery is one of three institutions—together with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery—that make up the National Galleries of Scotland. Visitors who want to gallery-hop between the three locations can use the wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus that travels between them.
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH22EL, Scotland
Admission: Varies
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Scottish National Gallery
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Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh
511
Explore famous landmarks and hidden secrets in Edinburgh on this walking tour. Explore Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile with a guide, and gain insight into famous writers and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard—Robert Burns—and discover top landmarks such as St. Giles’ Cathedral and the National Galleries of Scotland. Capture Edinburgh through the eye of your camera as you go, and find out what makes this ancient city tick.
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From
$34.50
From
$34.50
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
104
Embark on an enriching 3.5 or 7-hour walking tour of Edinburgh’s cultural and historical highlights with a private guide. While you listen to insightful commentary, you’ll visit iconic landmarks and hidden gems according to an itinerary tailored to your interests. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, gaze at Edinburgh Castle on its rocky perch and ascend to the summit of Calton Hill for panoramic city views. On this private tour, you’ll receive the undivided attention of your guide while gaining unique insight into the Scottish capital.
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From
$277.94
per group
From
$277.94
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Edinburgh Scavenger Hunt: A Fairy Tale Capital
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
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From
$12.31
From
$12.31

Silent Disco Adventure Tour
158
Explore the streets of Edinburgh on this fun walking tour. As you listen to popular theme songs and hits through your headset, sing along and dance past landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Waverley Station, and more. This is an alternative to the traditional tour groups.
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From
$23.00
From
$23.00

Self-Guided Exploration Game of The Haunted Edinburgh City
Embark on a haunted Edinburgh tour where you will follow clues to discover striking places and local stories.
Play the role of a devilish staff on this spine-tingling walking tour, which takes you on a journey through some of the city’s most haunted places, including Greyfriars Kirkyard, the site of the Nor’ Loch and West Bow.
Are you ready for a haunted walk around Edinburgh?
Discover Edinburgh’s dark and bloody past, from the Great Scottish Witch Hunts to the Burke and Hare murders and learn about the haunting stories of the Wizard of West Bow, the Grey Lady, George Mackenzie and more.
Explore the many sites where public executions were held and visit the hall containing a book made of William Burke’s flesh
Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, an outdoor escape game, and a treasure hunt.
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From
$18.25
Price varies by group size
From
$18.25
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Victorian wonders: the New Town
The "New Edinburgh in Georgian and Victorian times" tour offers a unique prospective of 19th century Edinburgh, covering a gap of time stretching from the construction of the first new neighborhoods of the New Town until the death of Queen Victoria in 1901.
Have a taste of the expensive and fancy life of the Georgians Edinburghers and don't miss the chance to discover all the Victorian inventions and innovations which we still use today!
Get to know the people that made it possible, from writers like Arthur Conan Doyle or Robert Luis Stevenson, to doctors like James Young Simpson, to scientists like James Clerk Maxwell and Joseph Black.
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From
$30.67
Price varies by group size
From
$30.67
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow 3 Days Scotland Private Tour
The Highlands is the epitome of Scotland. Big skies, sparkling countryside, great food, friendly people and the Scottish Highlands. A natural playground that begs to be explored, with the finest and most romantic castles. Edinburgh is the inspiring capital of Scotland where hundreds of years of history unite an unforgettable world-class city. The magnificent architecture of the city is shifting from the enclosures of the medieval Old City to the grace of the new Georgian City. Above all, Edinburgh Castle stands with its magnificent splendour. Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a compact and lively town but home to the world's largest arts festival. Glasgow is true heaven with excellent food, drinks and unforgettable experiences as well. The lush and beautiful land is full of green areas, evergreen forestry of the Highlands with their sweeping mountains and deep “lochs”, and its compact wildlands, the islands with lots of beautiful beaches and vast views. Oh, what views!
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From
$1,428.33
Price varies by group size
From
$1,428.33
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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