Edinburgh's top five rainy day attractions

Edinburgh is one of my favourite city break destinations in the UK: the architecture is breathtaking, the people are lovely, and there’s so much to see and do. However, there's one thing that can (quite literally) dampen the mood on a trip to Scotland’s capital: the notoriously wet climate. Here, then, are five of the city’s best rainy day attractions, so that you can make the most of your visit, whatever the weather!

Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is one of the most visited art venues in Edinburgh, and, in fact, in the whole of Scotland. Free to enter, it’s home to some world-famous paintings – Botticelli’s Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child, Titian’s Diana and Callisto, and Henry Raeburn’s The Rev Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch by Henry Raeburn, among others– and is a fantastic place to get lost in on a rainy day. Once you’ve seen all of the permanent collection, make sure to check out any temporary exhibitions that are on.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

If contemporary art is more your thing, venture slightly further from the centre of town to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Even before you’ve entered one of its two buildings (helpfully named Modern One and Modern Two), you’ll notice works of art decorating the lawns and edifices. Head inside for hours of visual entertainment – I particularly liked seeing the Paolozzi Studio – then treat yourself to afternoon tea in one of the institution’s cafés.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Just one more art gallery, I promise! The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is home to studies of some of the country’s most renowned figures, from former monarchs like Mary, Queen of Scots, to modern-day personalities like Tilda Swinton, and Andy Murray. Look out also for temporary exhibitions: I saw a great photography display on childhood when I was there. When you’ve finished your visit, take some time to admire the gallery’s stunning entrance hall, with its colourful frieze, painted by William Hole.

Surgeons' Hall Museums

From artistic glory to just plain gory, head to the Surgeons’ Hall Museums to learn everything you need to know about the history of medicine and dentistry. Here, you’ll find body parts of every kind displayed in glass jars, as well as information on different remedies used to treat illnesses as long ago as the sixteenth century.

Staring at organs may not be the best thing to do just before eating, but if you do get peckish, pop into Café 1505 for some refreshments. Their cakes are particularly delicious!

Royal Botanic Garden

Last but not least – in fact, probably my favourite of the lot – is the Royal Botanic Garden, a 72-acre plot of land, filled with exotic plants and interesting wildlife. Much of this attraction is, of course, situated out of doors, but if the rain is pelting down, take shelter in one of the institution’s glasshouses. Here, in the steamy warmth, you’ll come across everything from dainty flowers to tremendous palm trees, as well as a large lily pond.

If the weather starts to clear up a bit, make a quick dash for the Botanic Cottage, which was once the home of the main gardener. You may be amused to learn that this house was built on the garden’s old site, then moved brick by brick across the city to its current location!

Heavy showers? No problem!

So there we have it: five attractions to visit if you get caught in the rain while exploring Scotland’s capital city! Grey skies can make things rather gloomy, but they shouldn’t stop you from leaving the house and seeing all that Edinburgh has to offer. Put on your waterproof coat, grab an umbrella, and get out there!

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