Just across from the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile inside the historic Canongate Tolbooth is The People’s Story Museum .
This free Edinburgh museum has been open for just over 30 years but tells the story of Edinburgh’s residents from the late 18th century to today.
The collections tell about Edinburgh’s people and their history, culture, and everyday life for the last two centuries and touch on more current issues, events and opinions.
If you would like to learn about local culture during your trip, consider one of these Highland tours from Edinburgh, too.
The Collection and What to See
The museum uses reconstructed scenes, sounds and everyday objects to tell how Edinburgh’s ordinary people lived, worked and spent their leisure time from the late 18th century to today. Displays cover trades, homes and social movements, and touch on more current issues, events and opinions.
Location and Visiting
It occupies the historic Canongate Tolbooth on the Royal Mile, directly across from the Museum of Edinburgh. Entry is free, so the two make a natural pair for a walk down the lower Royal Mile.
Who It Suits
Perfect for visitors curious about social history and the everyday culture of the city rather than kings and battles. If you want to broaden the theme, the Museum of Edinburgh opposite covers the wider story of the city itself.
Practical Tips
- Free entry, no booking required
- Housed in the historic Canongate Tolbooth – hard to miss with its clock
- Directly across from the Museum of Edinburgh
- Focuses on ordinary lives rather than grand history
- Allow around an hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The People’s Story Museum free?
Yes, entry is free and no ticket is needed. It is set in the historic Canongate Tolbooth on the Royal Mile.
What is the museum about?
It tells the story of Edinburgh’s ordinary residents – their work, homes and daily life – from the late 1700s through to the present day.
