Edinburgh, the city of endless time and beauty, hides the privilege of enjoying things for free, in plain sight. This Scottish capital is home to some of the most incredible architectures which gives an immense sense of perfection. Visible at every turn, the city houses medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings.
Whilst you wander around and cruise through the city, there are many things that don’t burden your pockets. The city’s popularity has increased, which is visible by visitors’ preference and made Edinburgh the second most visited city in the UK. Even though, this statement might make you wonder if the city is pricey, what might blow your mind is the fact that the majority of things to do in Edinburgh are free!
To help you explore better and plan a budget-friendly trip, here is a list of Free Things To Do In Edinburgh.
No time to read now? No problem, save a pin to your Pinterest board for later!
Free Things To Do In Edinburgh
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Edinburgh, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Edinburgh for any budget.
Luxury – Sitting less than 500m from one of Edinburgh’s main stations, Edinburgh Haymarket, the Leonardo Royal hotel is a fantastic choice if you would like a bit of luxury. The spacious and comfortable rooms at this city-centre hotel are complete with a large TV, tea and coffee facilities and work away.
Book your stay at the Leonardo Royal Haymarket here.
Mid-Range – For a more reasonably priced stay in the city of Edinburgh, without crimping on comfort, the Haymarket Hub Hotel is the best choice for you. This comfortable and central hotel is just a 15-minute walk from sights such as the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Book your stay at the Haymarket Hub Hotel here.
Budget – For those wishing to make the most of their time out in Edinburgh and don’t plan on staying long inside the accommodation itself, the High Street Hostel is your best choice. The building that hosts this hostel dates back to 1564 and sits right on a high street just off the Royal Mile.
St Giles Cathedral
If you wish to experience thousands of years in a single visit, then come down to St Giles Cathedral. Located on High St. in the Old Town of Edinburgh, this Parish cathedral is an evident part of the rich and grand history of the city.
As per the historical scripts, the church was founded in 1120 and was considered the church of John Knox. This happened during the Reformation and was eventually referred to as the ‘Cradle of Presbyterianism’.
As the years went by, the church has many additions to it. For instance, the impressive Rieger organ was installed in 1992 and the famous Thistle Chapel, home of the Knights of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s great order of chivalry designed by Robert Lorimer for the Order of the Thistle, was added in 1911
The gradual increment of beauty has led to the increased footfall of visitors over the years. This act has made the church operational for over 900 years now.
Visitors can be a part of a short worship service which takes place from 12 pm-12:10 pm on Monday to Saturday. Therefore, Free Things To Do In Edinburgh includes a must-visit to the beautiful St Giles Cathedral.
The Writers’ Museum
Have you ever wondered if there was a place that actually acknowledged writers? No, I am not talking about a library! I am talking about the magnificent Writers’ Museum.
Located in a historic close adjacent to the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, this museum is a top choice for visitors who are looking for Free Museums In Edinburgh.
The museum is a direct celebration of astonishing writers in Scottish history. The focus falls on- Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Finding this wonder is not a hassle at all, as it is located in 17th-century Lady Stair’s House in Lady Stair’s Close.
Apart from honouring their legacy and work, the visitors are in for a treat! The museum also is a haven for those who have a liking for writing and admire others’ work. It conserves and exhibits rare books, manuscripts, portraits, and personal items. Items mostly belong to the beloved 18th-century poet Burns; the 18th and 19th-century poet, novelist, and historian Scott; and 19th-century novelist Stevenson, famous for Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
If you wish to explore the Free Things To Do In Edinburgh, visiting the Writers’ Museum is a must.
Note: The museum operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Also, there is a narrow flight of stairs with no elevator or ramp facility available.
The Scottish National Gallery
Amongst the list of highly visited locations in Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery holds a special mention. This Scottish marvel has maintained its visitor footfall with its astonishing beauty and marvellous history.
According to historical facts, the Scottish National Gallery has on display some of the greatest art in the world. Included in these masterpieces are workpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Constable, Turner, Monet, Van Gogh and Gauguin, amongst many others.
Note: if you wish to explore the gallery sites, there is a shuttle bus service for visitors for a voluntary donation of £1.
The Royal Botanic Gardens
If you want to do Free Things To Do In Edinburgh and wish to explore one of the finest botanic gardens in the world, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. These magnificent gardens are a treat for visitors who are travelling with their families.
Once here, you can witness the fantastic views of the capital’s skyline, featuring Edinburgh Castle, majestic enough to keep you bound. Fellow visitors can discover its fascinating history, which dates back 350 years, learn about its plantings and walk around 72 acres of beautiful, awe-inspiring landscape.
If you plan to visit during the winter season, you could be a spectator to the magical Garden lights which act as a botanical trail Christmas at the Botanics.
Note: Even though the admission to Gardens is free, to witness the magical light shows, you might have to buy tickets.
Leith
One of the most beautiful districts in Edinburgh, Leith surely makes a mark on the list. This historically rich place is now a top choice for those looking for an area that believes in creativity and cultural diversity. A top eating and drinking spot, Leith has managed to draw enough footfall of visitors over the years.
This meticulous place rests on the shores of the Firth of Forth, at the mouth of the Water of Leith. As per the historical facts, Leith was once the busy port of Edinburgh. Supporting this notion, the first mention states the presence of this port around the 14th Century. This was a busy harbour and had been visited by many travelling kings and queens, including Mary Queen of Scots and King George IV
If you visit Leith today, you would be welcomed into a totally different version of this place. It is a vivacious area jam-packed with delicious delis, chic drinking spots, and top restaurants boasting some of Scotland’s finest chefs, which makes it a must-visit for fellow travellers.
To explore this neighbourhood best, you can enjoy various free things here. Start your exploration journey with a meander down the stunning Water of Leith walkway, keeping an eye out for local wildlife along the way. Along with this, you can add The Pitt Market to the list. Here you can enjoy some live music, street food and local beers.
Greyfriars Bobby
One of the most heartwarming stories famous in the UK is the story of Greyfriars Bobby. This story has been considered folklore since 1873.
As per the tale, there was once a Skye terrier who gave a true meaning to ‘LOYALTY’. He was the true companion of a fellow Police force nightwatchman- John Gray. He found Bobby when he was just a puppy. Over the course of 2 years, their bond strengthened. Gradually with time, their bond deepened and they used to patrol together and stay with each other. With the sudden demise of John, Bobby was left alone. But, since he was faithful and loved his master way too much, he stayed with his grave.
For 14 years, Bobby did his duty faithfully and protected his master’s grave at the Greyfriars Kirkyard with all his might. He was there when leaves hanged their colours from green to red to brown and eventually when they fell down.
Bobby was determined and giving his loyalty a new definition, he stood guard. Eventually, Bobby found his owner in the afterlife and left Earth aged 16 years. To honour him, Baroness Angelia Georgina Burdett-Coutts, President of the Ladies Committee of the RSPCA, asked the City Council for permission to erect a granite fountain with a statue of Bobby placed on top.
You can easily visit and see the statue standing opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Before You Leave for Edinburgh
Before you set off on your way to Edinburgh, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Scotland. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Edinburgh
When you arrive in Edinburgh, you will most likely arrive at one of the two main train stations, the bus station or the airport. If you are wanting to explore the city centre sights, such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Princes Street shops, then Waverley is the best train station for you. The Edinburgh Bus station also sits just behind Princes St, so it is perfect for arriving into the city.
Haymarket Station sits slightly further from the city centre, and the airport itself even further out of the city, however, there is a very simple and reliable tram system that runs around the city. You can catch a tram from Edinburgh Airport directly into the city centre, passing through Haymarket, in just 35-minutes.
For this itinerary, any of these options will be fine for getting you into the city centre, however, most of the sights are based around the castle so Edinburgh Waverly or the bus station are the closest stations.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Edinburgh, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Edinburgh for any budget.
Luxury – Sitting less than 500m from one of Edinburgh’s main stations, Edinburgh Haymarket, the Leonardo Royal hotel is a fantastic choice if you would like a bit of luxury. The spacious and comfortable rooms at this city-centre hotel are complete with a large TV, tea and coffee facilities and work away.
Book your stay at the Leonardo Royal Haymarket here.
Mid-Range – For a more reasonably priced stay in the city of Edinburgh, without crimping on comfort, the Haymarket Hub Hotel is the best choice for you. This comfortable and central hotel is just a 15-minute walk from sights such as the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Book your stay at the Haymarket Hub Hotel here.
Budget – For those wishing to make the most of their time out in Edinburgh and don’t plan on staying long inside the accommodation itself, the High Street Hostel is your best choice. The building that hosts this hostel dates back to 1564 and sits right on a high street just off the Royal Mile.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Scotland
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your trip to the Isle of Skye, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket.
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots. A lot of the best sights on Skye require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the Edinburgh, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Scotland
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, a guide to the free things to do in Edinburgh. If you are visiting this incredible city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! Did you get to visit the castle? Did you manage the trip without getting caught in the rain? Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience visiting Edinburgh.
If you are planning a Scotland trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- Calton Hill Sunset – Edinburgh’s Best Sunset
- Edinburgh to Isle of Skye Itinerary – Haggis Adventures Skye High Review
- 10-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary – Edinburgh, Glasgow and Isle of Skye
This article may contain affiliate links that provide us with a small income. For more information read our Affiliate page.
Pin it for later!
