Our journey through Scotland's museums begins with two national institutions that provide the foundation for understanding the country's history and culture.

The first stop is the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. This place is a true treasure trove of knowledge that will take you on a journey from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum impresses not only with its rich collections, but also with its modern form of presentation. As visitors point out, 'Free entrance, storage lockers paid via app, cafe, gift store. Tour for about 2-4 hours. Interesting, very nice museum, both for children and the elderly.' This is the perfect place to start an educational adventure in Scotland.

For those interested in military history, the National War Museum should be a must-see. It is located on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle, which adds to its charm and authenticity. The museum focuses mainly on the Scottish army and its role in British history. As one visitor notes: 'It's very interesting and mainly deals with the Scottish army and its role in British history, but we enjoyed it. You can watch a very informative film on the first one, the islands of the rest of the museum are narrow, so it can be very crowded. Be patient.'

Comparing the two museums, it's worth noting that the National Museum of Scotland offers a broader range of topics and is more family-friendly with its interactive displays. The National War Museum, on the other hand, focuses on narrower topics, but can be fascinating for military history buffs. Both museums are free, which is a definite advantage for families planning a travel budget.

It's worth remembering that both museums can be crowded during the tourist season, so it's advisable to plan your visit in advance and be patient while visiting. The National Museum of Scotland requires more time for a thorough tour, while the National War Museum can be viewed in a shorter period of time, which can be beneficial with a busy travel schedule.

Continuing our journey through Scotland's museums, we will now move on to sites that reveal fascinating aspects of Scottish science, economics and maritime history.

Surgeons' Hall Museums is an unusual place that is sure to interest both adults and older children interested in medicine and life sciences. As one visitor describes: 'This museum surprises you with the quantity and quality of the exhibits. The medical world in a nutshell. Unfortunately there is no possibility to take even a single photo, but nevertheless the time spent there is a great scientific feast. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of surgery and anatomy, featuring slides, surgical instruments and interactive displays.

For those interested in economics and financial history, Museum on the Mound is a must-stop. As one visitor notes: 'A great museum with free admission. You'll learn interesting things about the history of money and banking in Scotland and the UK, but also some interesting facts about other countries. This is the perfect place for families who want to teach their children about the value of money and its role in history in an accessible way.

An unusual spot on the map of Scottish museums is the Scottish Lighthouse Museum. This place pays homage to an important part of Scotland's maritime heritage. As one visitor describes: 'Not a big museum, but worth a visit. Interesting place. Lots of different kinds of lenses from lighthouse lamps from different periods.' This is an ideal place for families who want to combine learning with Scotland's fascinating maritime history.

When comparing the three institutions, it's worth noting that each offers a unique experience. Surgeons' Hall Museums may be the most challenging for younger visitors due to the subject matter, but offers an unforgettable experience for older children and adults. The Museum on the Mound is more accessible for all ages and offers free entry, which is a big plus for families. The Scottish Lighthouse Museum may be the smallest of the three, but its unique subject matter and location make it a unique place on the map of Scottish attractions.

The difference in ticket prices is worth noting: Surgeons' Hall Museums requires an admission fee (about £9 for adults, as of 2023), while Museum on the Mound offers free entry. It's a good idea to check information on Scottish Lantern Museum ticket prices immediately prior to your visit, as they can change.

When planning your visit, consider that the Surgeons' Hall Museums and the Museum of Scottish Lanterns may require more travel time if you're staying in the center of Edinburgh, while Museum on the Mound is easily accessible in the city center.

To conclude our tour of Scotland's museums, we'll visit two sites that uniquely combine history with memorable visual experiences - Urquhart Castle and HMY Britannia.

Urquhart Castle is not just a museum, but a true symbol of Scottish history. Located on the shores of the famous Loch Ness Lake, the castle offers not only a history lesson, but also breathtaking views. As one visitor notes: 'A great place with super views of Lake Loch Ness. Well worth the walk and walk through the visitor center. Parking easily available right at the entrance. The ruins themselves well maintained and the views are breathtaking.' This is an ideal place for families who want to combine learning history with outdoor activities.

HMY Britannia, on the other hand, is a unique opportunity to see what life was like for British royalty at sea. This royal yacht, now moored in Edinburgh, offers a fascinating journey back in time. One visitor describes: 'An amazing place for any fan of the royal family. The ticket price includes an audioguide in Polish, which guides us through all the rooms available. We can learn about the history of the ship, a detailed description of the rooms and the rules there.' This is a great opportunity for children and adults to see what life was like on a royal yacht.

When comparing the two attractions, several aspects are worth noting. Urquhart Castle offers a combination of history and beautiful scenery, which can be particularly appealing to families who enjoy active recreation. HMY Britannia, on the other hand, is a more traditional museum, but offers a unique look into the life of the royal family.

In terms of accessibility, Urquhart Castle requires a longer trip from Edinburgh (about 3-4 hours by car), but it can be a great point on a trip around Scotland. HMY Britannia is located in Edinburgh, making it more accessible for tourists staying in the capital.

Ticket prices vary considerably. Admission to Urquhart Castle costs about £12 for adults (as of 2023), while a ticket to HMY Britannia is more expensive - about £18 for adults. However, it is worth remembering that both venues offer family and children's discounts.

The tour time also differs: Urquhart Castle can be visited in 1-2 hours, while at HMY Britannia it is worth reserving at least 2-3 hours.

All in all, each of these seven museums offers a unique look at Scotland's history and culture. From traditional displays to interactive experiences, from urban museums to picturesque castles, each of these places has something unique to offer. When planning a visit, consider the interests of the whole family, available time and budget. Whatever your choices, these Scottish museums are sure to provide an unforgettable experience and a deep understanding of the fascinating history of this remarkable country.