The Scottish National Gallery is the principal art gallery in Scotland and one of the most accessible and welcoming institutions of its kind in Europe.

It is located right on Princes Street, in the heart of Edinburgh, between the Old and New Towns, on the edge of Princes Street Gardens. What's the best part? Admission is free for all visitors all year round.

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The gallery is housed in a classic mid-19th century neoclassical building that is an architectural gem in its own right. Inside is a permanent collection of European painting from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, with an emphasis on Scottish art.

Here you will find works by such greats as Rembrandt, Turner, Rubens, Botticelli, Monet, Cézanne, van Gogh, as well as local artists such as Raeburn, Ramsay and Wilkie.

What not to miss

The gallery is fairly straightforward and will take you about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore, but it offers a number of treasures worthy of your attention. Highlights include:

Rembrandt's Old Testament scene "A Woman in Bed" - a painting from the Dutch master's peak period.
Botticelli's "Virgin and Child" - one of the few works of the Italian Renaissance in British collections outside London.
Turner's Landscapes - the gallery owns an extensive collection of works by J. M. W. Turner, which is traditionally exhibited in January.
Sir Henry Raeburn - The Skating Minister - The Scottish artist's most famous painting, an iconic portrait of a man skating on a frozen lake.
Impressionists - the gallery owns an exceptional collection of works by Monet, Degas, Pissarro and van Gogh.

In addition to the permanent collection, it hosts temporary exhibitions, often with an admission fee, that bring in works from galleries such as the Louvre, the Rijksmuseum and the Met. The exhibitions tend to vary in theme, from retrospectives to modern art to photography.

Café, shop and atmosphere

Inside the gallery, you'll also find a café overlooking the park, perfect for a coffee or Scottish biscuits after your tour. There's also a shop with art replicas, catalogues, postcards and designer gifts.

The building has a pleasantly quiet atmosphere, natural light, comfortable benches and friendly staff. The experience is comparable to visiting galleries in Paris or Amsterdam, but without the crowded halls and long lines.

Practical information

Opening hours:

Daily 10:00-17:00 (Thursday until 19:00).

Admission:

Permanent collection free.
Temporary exhibitions: prices vary (usually 8-12 gbp)

Website and current exhibitions: nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-gallery

How to get there

The gallery is located by The Mound, right between the Old Town (Royal Mile) and Princes Street. Access is from both sides - either via the stairs from the park or a gentle climb from the tram stop.

Public transport: tram and bus stops on Princes Street (1 min walk)
Train: 5 minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Central Station
Parking: recommended car park in St James Quarter (approx 7-10 min walk)

Our tips

Every January the gallery exhibits the Turner Collection of watercolours - a unique tradition since 1901.
Don't miss the view from the steps above the gallery towards Edinburgh Castle - the perfect photo op.
If you're travelling with children, the gallery offers interactive zones and creative activities.
Combine your visit with a walk in Princes Street Gardens, which runs right past the building.