Planning a trip to Edinburgh on a budget might seem like an impossibility, but our personal experience proves otherwise.
During our trips, we actively sought out free Edinburgh things to do. We visited cost-free museums, created our own walking tours and spent time reveling in Scotland’s beautiful nature.
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And, the truth is, the free attractions not only saved us a bundle of money, but they turned out to be some of the best experiences we had!
5 Best Free Edinburgh Things To Do
Whether you are traveling on a bare bones budget or are just seeking ways to save a little cash, you can use our list of Edinburgh freebies to help plan your trip.
Need help creating a vacation plan? Read our 3 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary for ideas of what to see, do and eat.
#1 Visit Free Edinburgh Museums and Galleries
The free museums in Edinburgh are exceptional – and there are several to choose from. Not only are these cost-free cultural institutions filled with exquisite art and historic artifacts, but they are also fantastic for (the inevitable) rainy weather.
The complimentary National Gallery is a beautiful art museum that contains a collection of works by Scottish painters, as well as world renowned artists – like Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Monet.
We almost skipped the gratis National Portrait Gallery, but that would have been huge mistake. Not only do the paintings provide a historic timeline of Scotland, but the building itself is a masterpiece.
The National Museum of Scotland is also free of charge. We spent the better part of a day navigating the displays – from natural history to Scottish history to modern science. Be sure to find Dolly the Sheep (the world’s first cloned mammal) – it’s a Unique Edinburgh Thing To See!
All about money, the Museum on the Mound is a free attraction that delves deep into the history of currency in the United Kingdom. Top attractions are the £1 million display and historic bank notes – plus they have fun kid-focused activities.
The Museum of Edinburgh and the People’s Story Museum are two smaller venues on the Royal Mile, but they certainly pack a punch. Both tell the story of the past with engaging (and easy to digest) exhibits.
Finally, for a bit of nostalgia, stop by the Museum of Childhood. The displays feature toys and dolls that have been popular throughout the decades.
#2 Discover Edinburgh Churches and Graveyards
The city of Edinburgh is dotted with magnificent churches and ancient graveyards. These centuries-old places are not only free to visit, but they offer a glimpse into the past.
St. Giles’ Cathedral is an Edinburgh must-see sight. The Gothic masterpiece can trace its history to the 12th century.
The church played a part in the Scottish Reformation, too, with John Knox serving as minister. In addition to free entry, St. Giles’ also offers free guided tours and complimentary concerts.
The West End’s St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is another architectural gem. The Victorian Gothic church was built in the 19th century and it’s a sublime work of art. Inside, the serene space is enhanced by the stained-glass windows.
Canongate Kirk is a smaller church near Holyrood Palace that’s worth popping into. Often frequented by the Royal Family, the cemetery hosts a number of ornate tombstones.
That said, Greyfriars Kirkyard is the city’s most fascinating graveyard. Established in the 16th century, Greyfriars is the final resting place for many prominent citizens.
It’s also filled with ghost stories and legends – like that of its namesake dog who refused to leave his owner’s side.
The burial ground is also incredibly popular with Harry Potter fans, as author JK Rowling used names from the gravestones as inspiration for the book’s characters.
Although it is completely free to enter, they do accept donations and offer an affordable audio guide for self-guided tours.
#3 Explore the Best Edinburgh Districts
An ideal way to save money while traveling is to freely explore – and there are so many incredible neighborhoods and districts to discover in Edinburgh.
Together, the Edinburgh Old Town and New Town have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We have created a Free Self-Guided Royal Mile Walking Tour that showcases the top Old Town sights from the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Our Free New Town Self-Guided Walk explores the slightly more modern district on the north side of Old Town.
More Edinburgh Neighborhoods to See
The bucolic Dean Village is one of the prettiest places in Edinburgh. Occupying the banks of the curving river, the site was once home to working mills. Today, it is drenched in charm and one of our favorite spots for photos.
Stockbridge is a bit of a hidden gem to tourists. With cobblestone lanes and curving mews, it’s quaint and perfect for wandering.
Be sure to find the Old Stockbridge Market Arch on St. Stephen Street and the adjacent Circus Lane. They are both quite pretty and very photogenic.
The West End is also a lovely district to roam. Architecturally beautiful, the enclave boasts high-end hotels and classy restaurants.
Also in the area is the Edinburgh Filmhouse, the Calendonian Hotel, the Edinburgh Gin Distillery and the Gothic St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Fountainbridge – once home to numerous breweries – is where late actor Sir Sean Connery was born and raised. The prime free attractions in the district are the Union Canal and Leamington Lift Bridge.
Bruntsfiled and Morningside are two more affluent residential areas packed with restaurants, cafes, parks and boutique shops. It’s fun to simply stroll around – but the Salt Café is excellent for brunch in Morningside!
The University District is worth exploring, too. The top sights to see on campus are McEwan Hall, Teviot Row House, the Labyrinth in George Square Gardens and The Meadow.
Nearby Places To See for Free
If you want to go further afield, Leith is phenomenal. Bursting with fantastic eateries and loads of fun bars, the historic port city is an appealing place to just observe, as well.
Leith is also home to the Royal Yacht Britannia (ticket required) and expensive dining (such as Michelin star The Kitchin and local seafood spot, Fisher’s).
An interesting freebie that we discovered is the Wee Museum of Memory, which exhibits an array of everyday objects from the past.
If your visit coincides with sunny weather, join the locals at Portobello Beach. Porty, as they call it, is a coastal community that features a wide, sandy beach and the 1-mile Portobello Promenade fronting the shoreline.
#4 Spend Time Outdoors in Edinburgh
We absolutely fell in love with the free, wide-open spaces that dot the landscape. Edinburgh boasts a dazzling number of public parks and gardens – and the best ones don’t charge admission fees.
The bright and colorful Prince’s Street Gardens sit below Castle Rock. The public park features statues, fountains and monuments throughout.
The free-to-visit, 70-acre Royal Botanic Garden is a sprawling green space that pops with color in the summertime.
Dunbar’s Close is a free hidden gem. Accessible from the Royal Mile, the pocket garden resembles typical gardens of the 16th century. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds for a moment of relaxation.
There are plenty of places visitors can stretch their legs, too. Climbing up Calton Hill and hiking to Arthur’s Seat are two fantastic things to do in Edinburgh for free. The reward from both summits is the incredible views.
Free Public Parks South of Edinburgh
With a short drive or bus journey, you can experience the rolling hills to the south of the city – and they are open to the public for free.
The 538-foot-tall Blackford Hill encompasses 149 acres of land and is crisscrossed with hiking paths that lead to stellar views.
The best things to see at Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve are the Hermitage of Braid, the foundations of an ancient fort at the summit and the Royal Observatory.
Further south is the remarkable Pentland Hills Regional Park. Sometimes described as a mini-Highlands, the area offers a variety of hikes and you may even spot Highland Cattle!
We prefer the Capital View Walk, with a detour up to both Caerketton Hill and Allermuir Hill (which offer panoramic views and a great chance to see the hairy Highland Cows). More info
#5 Plan Your Own Edinburgh Day Trips
While Edinburgh is a fabulous place to visit with plenty of things to see and do on a budget, nearby destinations are equally enthralling.
Rather than joining a pricey organized tour, we recommend planning your own excursions. For the price of a bus or train ticket, it’s easy to venture beyond Edinburgh to see more of Scotland.
Top Day Trip Options from Edinburgh
Embark on a DIY day trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city. Hop on a train or bus to see the ‘Dear Green Place’ that is marked by free historic sites and superb street art.
Alternatively, go north of Edinburgh and across the Firth of Forth to Fife. Home to St Andrews (known for its famous golf course and historic university), the fishing villages of East Neuk and the Falkland Palace, Fife is a sublime destination.
Organized tours are not too outrageously priced, but planning your outing – with the help of our free guide to St Andrews – definitely costs less.
For an easy and off-the-beaten-path day trip, go to Dunbar. The coastal village is just a 20-minute train ride away and proclaims to be one of the sunniest places in Scotland.
A few of the best things to see in Dunbar are the three harbors, a crumbling castle, a bridge to nowhere and the birthplace of John Muir.
You can also walk The Glebe Clifftop Path and drink Scottish craft beer at two of Dunbar’s breweries. Read all about how to plan your fun Day Trip to Dunbar!
The Highlands are a highlight of any trip to Scotland – but visiting the area without a car is challenging from Edinburgh.
If one day is all the time you have for the Scottish Highlands, we recommend joining an organized excursion through the wild wilderness. Although it won’t be free, it can still be a good value.
On this full-day tour you will set off to explore the astounding beauty of the dramatic region, visit a famous castle, search for the Loch Ness Monster and see Glen Coe.
Top Tips for Edinburgh on a Budget
We have a few final bits of advice for planning a budget trip to Edinburgh. Want more honest trip planning hacks? Read all our Travel Tips for Scotland!
Book Hotels Far in Advance
Edinburgh hotels are on the pricey side – and the top value accommodations get snapped up the quickest.
On our most recent Edinburgh trip, we opted to stay in New Town, which we found to be less expensive than staying in the heart of the Old Town.
Previously, we have stayed at an Airbnb in Leith for a month, which was even priced better. We didn’t mind the walk into central Edinburgh, but trams and buses will get you there quicker if needed.
We share specifics for finding cheap rates in our guide to Booking Hotels at the Best Price.
Find Low-Priced Flights
Edinburgh is well connected to cities throughout the UK and Europe (and seasonally from the US). If you can’t find affordable prices on direct flights to Edinburgh, check Skyscanner for routes to alternate airports in Scotland, like Glasgow or even Aberdeen.
If you do fly into the Edinburgh Airport (EDI), it’s just a short distance from the city center. Use the tram or bus to get into the city, instead of a taxi.
You can also save a bit more money by purchasing roundtrip tickets on the Edinburgh Airport Bus or Tram.
Get Around Edinburgh on Foot
Most of the free Edinburgh activities on our list can be reached on foot – which is the cheapest way to get around the city!
That said, the public transport is excellent, with a network of buses, trams and trains to get further afield.
Although the Hop On Hop Off Bus is quite a bit more expensive, it is very efficient for getting to the top tourist attractions. It could be worth the cost for the ease of planning sightseeing adventures.
Purchase an Edinburgh Attractions Pass
In addition to the many Edinburgh free things to do, most visitors also plan to tour some ticketed venues – like royal residences.
Paying for admission to the city’s three royal sites – the Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia – will add up in a hurry.
The money-saving Royal Attractions Pass includes admission to all three sights, plus 2 days of unlimited travel on the Hop On Hop Off Bus routes.
Eat Cheap Edinburgh Food
Eating at restaurants can put a real dent in your Edinburgh travel budget. No need to stress – there are plenty of cheap eats in Edinburgh!
Pubs typically offer a good value – and pizza-by-the-slice and scrumptious Scotch Pies are great street food options, too. We share our top picks for the what and where to eat in our Edinburgh Foodie Guide.
Organize Your Budget Trip to Edinburgh
Getting your vacation organized will help keep your budget in check. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details!
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Scotland and UK Travel Guides
- The Best of Isle of Skye
- Fun and Free Inverness Activities
- The Underrated East Coast of Scotland
- London on a Budget
- Aberdeen Coastal Walks
- Hiking the West Highland Way
- Top Free Museums in London
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