If you think all cities in Europe will drain your budget, think again. Edinburgh, Scotland is a stunningly beautiful city steeped in interesting history, and it just so happens to be a great place to visit for those on a budget.
Why is Edinburgh a great place for budget travelers? Well, Edinburgh offers so many things to do for FREE. Let’s explore a few of these things to do in Edinburgh for free.
17 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh For Free
1. Explore Victoria Street
Victoria Street was named after none other than Queen Victoria. It was built between 1829 and 1834 as Edinburgh aimed to improve access to Old Town. Now Victoria Street is a world-famous cobblestone street of colorful shops that winds down from the Royal Mile to Grassmarket.
It’s more recently been named the one and only inspiration of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. Our walking tour guide had several points about why Victoria Street is Diagon Alley — the most obvious being that J. K. Rowling would have walked down this street nearly every day while writing the Harry Potter books.
Embrace the magic of Victoria Street and explore the shops and restaurants here. You’ll find:
- The Enchanted Galaxy, a Harry Potter retailer.
- Museum Context, a Harry Potter retailer. You’ll often see a queue of people waiting outside the store, just to enter.
- The Elephant House, the newly moved cafe where J. K. Rowling famously wrote her first Harry Potter books. It’s original location was on the George IV Bridge, but it was unfortunately burnt down.
When’s the best time for photos? It can get crowded in the middle of the day, so try to take your photos in the morning.
Get a bird’s-eye view of Victoria Street from the Victoria Terrace, accessible via the staircase next to Walker Slater Menswear.
2. Admire Edinburgh Castle in the Vennel
One of the best views of Edinburgh Castle as in The Vennel, a staircase in Grassmarket.
Head to the top of the staircase to see Edinburgh Castle on a hill framed by historic buildings and lampposts. What a shot!
Why is it called the Vennel? “Vennel” comes from an old French word “venelle” meaning “alley.” A vennel is different from a close, in that it’s a public way, not a private lane like a close.
The Vennel has become more popular in recent years as it’s made its rounds on social media. Try to get here either early in the morning or be patient to wait for your perfect shot without the crowds.
3. See What’s Left of the Historic Flodden Wall
You’ll find parts of the historic Flodden Wall at the top of The Vennel.
The Flodden Wall was built around Old Town Edinburgh in the 1500s to protect the city against an English invasion. At the time, Edinburgh’s population was only 10,000, but as the city grew, the walls proved to be a hindrance. By the 1700s, most of the 24-foot-tall wall had come to ruins.
What’s left of the wall today is protected as an historic monument. So don’t miss it when visiting The Vennel!
4. Walk the Royal Mile
One doesn’t need to spend money to enjoy Edinburgh; simply walking its streets is enough. Old Town will keep you in awe for hours. The Royal Mile, running down High Street, is about 1.13 miles long.
Castles bookend each side — Palace of Holyroodhouse on the east end and Edinburgh Castle on the west (though admission to both of these castles is definitely NOT free). Shops and cafes line the middle.
As you wander down the Royal Mile, you’ll hear the sound of bagpipes played by local musicians, which just adds even more to the atmosphere. You also might see owls! There’s always something going on at the Royal Mile. Pick up some souvenirs or stop into a cafe or pub for a drink.
5. Roam St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard for Views of Edinburgh Castle
Head down to the St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard for even more incredible views of Edinburgh Castle. Graveyards aren’t typically considered a sightseeing place, but the graveyards in Edinburgh are historic, and this one is no different.
St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard is near Princes Street Gardens. It’s easy to miss if you’re just walking by, but don’t miss this. Take a wander around the ancient tombstones and look up to admire the castle. It’s a great area for photography.
If St. Cuthbert’s parish is open, feel free to tour the inside. The original church that stood here fell into ruins in the 18th century but it was eventually rebuilt in the New Town style. It’s very grand. Did you know that mystery writer Agatha Christie was married here?
6. Roam Greyfriars Kirkyard
Edinburgh is a city where the living and the dead exist side by side. Graveyards can be found around town, and Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the most famous graveyards in Scotland, if not the world.
Haunted or not, the Greyfriars Kirkyard has been around since the seventeenth century. The land had formerly been a Franciscan monastery, hence the name “friar,” before it was converted to a gravesite.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is open 24 hours, but choose wisely whether to visit at night.
You might be wondering why visit a graveyard at all?
- Harry Potter fans can find the grave of “Thomas Riddle” and wander the tombstones as J. K. Rowling once did. Did you know J. K. Rowling often walked about Greyfriars Kirkyard for inspiration? It’s true.
- You can also visit the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a famous dog who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years until his death in 1871. People leave sticks for Bobby to play with in the yard. Perhaps you’ll see his ghost running around.
7. Admire Edinburgh Castle from Waterstones Cafe Windows
The Waterstones Cafe on Princes Street has one of the most beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle. Once inside the bookstore, head up the stairs to the cafe, and grab a cup of tea or coffee. There are only 6 tables in the area by the window, so you may not get to sit in one of them unless you’re early or very lucky.
When we arrived, all these tables by the window were taken, but once I’d ordered my chai latte and had it in hand, I went down to the window area to wait and look out at the views. Within a few minutes, someone started packing up, and I got to swoop right in.
Take a break from your whirlwind day exploring Edinburgh at the Waterstones Cafe. The views could not be better.
Bonus Cafe with Views of the Castle: You can also try your luck at Starbucks, which is down the street, and also has great views of Edinburgh Castle.
8. Hike to Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the highest point of a hill in Holyrood Park. Said hill is an extinct volcano that last erupted millions of years ago. Those who climb to the peak are treated with panoramic views of the city.
While the origin of the name remains a mystery, Arthur’s Seat looms high over Edinburgh, beckoning hikers.
I must confess that I wasn’t able to hike Arthur’s Seat either time I visited Edinburgh due to time constraints or weather. But it’s a top experience for most visitors to Edinburgh, so definitely add it to your list if you enjoy hiking.
Bonus: You can find Dr. Neil’s Garden near Duddingston Loch and the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat. It’s free as well!
Hike to Arthur’s Seat Stats
Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation gain: 885 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Need an alternative to Arthur’s Seat? Try hiking to Calton Hill for similar views with a less strenuous climb.
9. Visit Dean Village and the Water of Leith Walkway
Dean Village is a charming part of Edinburgh, only a few minutes from the city center. The village was once a mill town back in the 1500s. Stone houses surround the peaceful, flowing river, called Water of Leith. Alongside the river is a 12-mile path where many locals jog.
We spent more than two hours exploring Dean Village because we loved it so much. Do not miss this spot!
10. Stroll Down Circus Lane
Circus Lane may be just a street of houses, but it’s the most picturesque street of houses in Edinburgh. Is it worth visiting? Yes! I’d say so. But do go into it with the understanding that it’s just a street that you walk on. There’s nothing else really to do aside from enjoying the scenery and taking photographs.
Circus Lane was built in the 18th century when curved streets were in fashion. This was a lane of mews, meant for horses owned by the wealthy.
There are so many unique angles to photograph, so definitely walk back and forth a few times. Notice the clock tower, flowers, and shrubbery. But do be respectful as it is a residential area.
It shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes to visit, unless you get caught up in the photography, which is somewhat expected. It’s just so beautiful!
11. Peruse a Free Museum
There are plenty of free museums in Edinburgh, known as the first city of literature. Stop in any of the following to learn more about Edinburgh and Scotland at large:
- Museum of Edinburgh
- Scottish National Gallery
- Scottish National Portrait Gallery
- The Writers Museum
- Museum on the Mound
- National Museum of Scotland
12. Explore the Free Royal Botanic Garden
Take a free stroll through the eight-plus different gardens in the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden. You’ll not only see flowers and trees but amazing views of the city skyline.
Every time I’ve visited Edinburgh, I’ve sworn to go to the Royal Botanic Garden, but I still haven’t made it out yet. It’s on my list, though, for next time.
13. Climb Calton Hill
If you’ve seen photos of Edinburgh, chances are that Calton Hill was in one of them. It’s an iconic landmark of central Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the home of several monuments.
It only takes a few minutes to get to the summit but once there, you’ll find epic views of the city.
Calton Hill was a highlight of our trip to Edinburgh, something you definitely can’t miss! It’s also a great alternative to hiking Arthur’s Seat. You’ll get similar panoramic views but without a strenuous hike.
There are a few staircases to reach Calton Hill, but you can also take the stair-free circular route, which gently slopes up to the top of the hill.
14. Take a Free Walking Tour
Start your Edinburgh adventure with a walking tour to get better acquainted with the city. I’ve gone on both an Old Town walking tour and a Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh and would recommend either.
The Old Town walking tour and the Harry Potter walking tour both follow a similar route but focus on different topics.
- The Old Town walking tour focuses on the history of Edinburgh and interesting, true stories behind some of the iconic landmarks.
- The Harry Potter walking tour focuses on the life of J.K. Rowling and how Edinburgh inspired her to write the Harry Potter series.
I booked both the free Harry Potter walking tour and free Old Town walking tour with City Explorers. City Explorers meets on the Royal Mile and can be spotted by their big yellow umbrellas.
You can also book the free Potter Trail Tour at pottertrail.com, which meets at the Greyfriars Bobby statue, just outside the Greyfriars Kirkyard. (I would have liked to take this tour but it sadly wasn’t running in the winter when I visited.)
For both tour companies, you do need to book your spot in advance.
Is it really free? While both walking tour companies advertise their walking tours as free, note that the guides will ask for tips at the end of the tour. They suggest anything from $10 to $20 a person, whatever you can pay and whatever you feel the tour was worth. You don’t technically have to pay, but do bring cash in case you like the tour enough to tip.
15. Tour St. Giles Cathedral
St. Giles Cathedral is great to visit while you’re exploring the Royal Mile. It doesn’t take too long to tour the cathedral, and it really is stunning inside.
It’s open for visitors weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. It’s free to tour but donations are welcome.
16. Explore the Princes Street Gardens
The Princes Street Gardens runs in between New Town and Old Town, adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. There’s an east and west side.
In East Princes Street Gardens, you’ll find:
- The Scott Monument, a gothic memorial to the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. You can admire the monument for free, but to climb inside, you’ll have to pay a small fee.
- The National Gallery of Scotland, a large art museum, which is free to visit.
- The Royal Scottish Academy, which is also free to visit.
In West Princes Street Gardens, you’ll find:
- The world’s first and largest floral clock, which tells the correct time, and is made of flowers.
- Ross Fountain, a cast-iron sculpted fountain, sitting in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, which was installed in 1872.
During Christmas time, a Christmas market is set up along the entire Princes Street Gardens, including fair rides, booths, and food venues.
It’s hard to believe it now, but at one point, Princes Street Gardens was the location of Nor Loch, which had become almost radioactive because people threw sewage and chamber pot contents into it.
It had a horrible smell and was one of the reasons Edinburgh earned the nickname “Auld Reekie.” The loch was drained in 1820 to make way for the gardens. And aren’t we all happy about that decision?
17. Walk in the Meadows
The Meadows is a public park in Edinburgh with tree-lined paths and lots of green space. It’s beautiful to walk around, especially in spring when the cherry blossom trees are blooming or in the fall when the leaves turn orange and red.
Have a picnic here in the Meadows, throw a ball, take some photos, or just enjoy the nature.
Map of Free Things to Do in Edinburgh
In case you need to visualize all these wonderful free places on a map, explore the one below! It’s feasible to do several activities in one day, even without a car, but it may be best to spread the activities out over several days.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Things to Do in Edinburgh
Where to stay in Edinburgh?
Should you stay in Old Town or New Town?
I’ve stayed in both areas and can speak on the pros and cons of both.
In New Town: It is much quieter, less crowded, and more peaceful. It’s more residential than touristy. You will be farther away from the main attractions, so it will take extra time to get to the activities in Old Town. It is easy, however, to catch the tram or an Uber down to Princes Street.
Recommended Hotels in New Town:
In Old Town: It is more lively and touristy, and you are right in the middle of all the action. It’s very convenient to get around. You can simply walk everywhere.
Recommended Hotels in Old Town:
- Leonardo Royal Hotel (near the train station)
- Apex Grassmarket Hotel (near Grassmarket Square, for views of the castle)
- Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel (near Grassmarket Square, for views of the castle)
- The Witchery by the Castle (on the Royal Mile, for a splurge)
Where I stayed: I stayed in short-term rentals during both visits to Edinburgh.
On my first visit, I stayed in this 2-bedroom flat in the West End, a quiet and peaceful neighborhood in New Town, which was close to the West End tram stop and Dean Village.
On my second visit, I stayed for a week in a 1-bedroom flat in Grassmarket in Old Town. It was facing the Grassmarket Square, right next to the Vennel and Mary’s Milk Bar, with views of Edinburgh Castle out the window.
I’d recommend both!
What should you not miss in Edinburgh?
Don’t miss the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Edinburgh Castle, Dean Village, and Calton Hill.
Can you see Edinburgh Castle for free?
You can see it for free, but you can’t enter it for free.
These are the best viewing spots of Edinburgh Castle:
- The Vennel
- St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard
- Waterstones Cafe Windows
- Starbucks Windows (on Princes Street)
- Princes Street Gardens
Can you walk around Edinburgh Castle for free?
No, unfortunately, you have to pay for or book a ticket before getting to walk around Edinburgh Castle.
How to get into Edinburgh Castle for free?
See if you qualify for free entry into Edinburgh Castle:
- Historic Scotland members
- English Heritage members (half-price entry the first year, then free entry subsequent years)
- Explorer Pass holders (a 14-day pass)
- Young Scot card holders (entry is £1, but not free)
- Current members of the British Armed Forces
- Carers who accompany visitors with disabilities
Learn more about booking tickets to Edinburgh Castle.
Can you walk around Edinburgh in a day?
Yes, sort of. Edinburgh is a big city. You could walk around Old Town Edinburgh in a day, but it would be hard to explore much else.
Things to do in Edinburgh for free with kids?
I think kids would enjoy the free Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh, climbing Calton Hill, and exploring the Royal Mile.
Unusual things to do in Edinburgh for free?
I think I’ll always find graveyards to be an unusual thing to visit. Edinburgh has some really good ones, such as Greyfriars Kirkyard and St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard.
Things to do in Edinburgh for free for couples?
Walking along the Water of Leith Walkway and visiting Dean Village, climbing Calton Hill, exploring the Royal Botanic Garden, and walking through the Meadows sound like fun things to do for free for couples.
What not to do in Edinburgh?
Personally, I am not interested in visiting places that seem like it could be in any city. For example, a lot of tourists visit Camera Obscura & World of Illusions in Edinburgh, but why? It’s expensive, and there’s nothing special about it. If you come all the way to Scotland, might as well spend your time doing things you can only do here.
Things to do in Edinburgh at night for free?
At night, the best things you can do in Edinburgh are drop by some pubs or walk around Old Town. You could stop by a few graveyards and see how they are at night, if you aren’t too scared.
What should I pack to visit Edinburgh?
Warm, waterproof wear
If you’re visiting Edinburgh during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.
- This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped us explore no matter the weather. We walked around Edinburgh in the rain and snow, during foggy mornings and chilly evenings, and enjoyed it all. Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
- Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!
Favorite travel essentials
- I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
- I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
- I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
- I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
- For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Scotland
3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First Timers
Create Your Own Harris Tweed Bag in the Islander Edinburgh Workshop
Is There an Underground City in Edinburgh? (Guide + Map)
20 Best Places to Visit in New Town Edinburgh
10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh (I Tried 4!)
Complete Guide to Joining the Edinburgh Torchlight Procession during Hogmanay
Is a Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Worth It?
20 Best Things to Do in Inverness, Scotland
Guide to Visiting Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye
Day Trip from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle (and Dornoch)
All About the 2-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness
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