Many of Edinburgh's world-class public museums offer free general admission. This includes major attractions like the National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and the Museum of Childhood. Special temporary exhibitions or private interactive attractions (such as Camera Obscura & World of Illusions) require paid entry.

Standard adult tickets for Camera Obscura & World of Illusions start around £23.95–£24.95, with discounts available for children (£17.95), students, seniors, and early-morning online bookings. Children under 5 enter for free.

The National War Museum is located inside Edinburgh Castle. Entry to the museum itself is included with a standard Edinburgh Castle admission ticket. Because castle tickets often sell out fast during peak seasons, booking your castle entry slot online in advance is highly recommended.

Most national museums, including the National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries, are open daily from 10am to 5pm. Private or commercial attractions like Camera Obscura open earlier (around 8am or 9am during holidays) and stay open late into the evening (until 8pm or 9:30pm).

​Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is situated near the top of the Royal Mile (Castlehill), just a short walk from the entrance of Edinburgh Castle.

Due to its setting inside a 17th-century historic tower with narrow winding staircases, Camera Obscura does not have elevator access to upper levels, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users or visitors with severe mobility impairments. However, other top museums like the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery are fully accessible with ramp and lift facilities.

Located within Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum displays over 400 years of Scottish military history. Highlights include foreign military equipment, Highland weapons (such as broadswords), battle paintings like Robert Gibb's The Thin Red Line, and personal letters written by Scottish soldiers.