10 Free Things to Do in Edinburgh for Budget Travelers

Planning a trip to Edinburgh and worried about the cost?

Honestly, we get it. Edinburgh is one of our favorite cities in the world, but it’s no secret that Scotland’s capital can drain your wallet faster than a pint at the pub. Castle tickets, whisky tastings, ghost tours, distillery experiences. It all adds up.

However, here’s the good news: some of the most magical things to do in Edinburgh are completely free. In fact, on our trips, we’ve found that the free experiences often beat the paid ones. Climbing a volcano at sunrise, wandering a haunted graveyard that inspired Harry Potter, walking through a storybook village hidden in the middle of the city. None of that costs a penny.

So here are our 10 favorite free things to do in Edinburgh, plus a bonus you absolutely should not miss if you’re visiting in August. Whether you’re chasing history, hiking, or just a great free view, Edinburgh delivers for everyone.

Before You Explore: Edinburgh Basics

Before you set out, here are a few things worth knowing.

The weather changes fast. First and foremost, you’ll experience all four seasons in a single afternoon. Pack a waterproof jacket, layers, and good walking shoes. In fact, “It’s a soft day” is local code for “you’re about to get rained on.”

Old Town vs. New Town. Edinburgh is split into two main historic areas. Old Town is medieval, cobbled, and atmospheric. Meanwhile, New Town is Georgian, elegant, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So both are walkable, and most of our free recommendations are in or between them.

Wear good shoes. Specifically, Edinburgh is hilly. The cobblestones get slick when it rains (which is often). Therefore, save the cute boots for somewhere flatter.

10 Free Things to Do in Edinburgh

Tested, loved, and absolutely free. Here’s our ranked list.

1
Wander the Royal Mile

First, start with the Royal Mile. This iconic stretch runs from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is the beating heart of Old Town. As you walk the cobbled streets, you’ll pass street performers, pipers in full kilt, and historic landmarks like the Scottish Parliament Building and Tolbooth Tavern.

Ultimately, the Royal Mile is best experienced slowly. So duck into the narrow alleyways (called “closes”) that branch off from the main street. Honestly, they’re where the real Edinburgh magic hides.

2
Hike Arthur’s Seat

Have you ever hiked an extinct volcano? Well, here’s your chance. Arthur’s Seat sits in Holyrood Park and offers the best panoramic view of Edinburgh you’ll find anywhere. In fact, this is our number one free experience in the city.

The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour up, depending on the route. Additionally, there are easier and harder paths to the summit. So pick the one that matches your fitness level.

3
Relax in Princes Street Gardens

Hands down, this is the best place in the city to rest your feet. Princes Street Gardens sits in the valley below Edinburgh Castle, and the views looking up at the castle from the garden benches are unreal.

We always make a stop here when we visit. So find a bench near the Ross Fountain, or alternatively, grab a coffee from a nearby café and have an impromptu picnic in the grass. Honestly, this is the kind of free that doesn’t feel free.

4
Admire the Scott Monument

Right inside Princes Street Gardens, you’ll spot the Gothic spire of the Scott Monument. Specifically, it was built in 1844 to honor the famous Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, and it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

Admiring it from the gardens is completely free. However, if you want to climb the 287 stairs to the top, there’s a small fee. In our opinion, the view from the gardens looking up is just as good.

5
Visit the National Museum of Scotland

Science, nature, culture, history. In short, the National Museum of Scotland has a little bit of everything for every kind of curious mind. Best of all, admission is completely free.

Probably the coolest thing we saw here was the display of Dolly the Sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal. Furthermore, if you’re traveling with kids or kids-at-heart, you can easily spend 3-4 hours here. So we save this for rainy days when being outside isn’t fun.

6
Catch the View from Calton Hill

If Arthur’s Seat is too ambitious, Calton Hill is the easier alternative with nearly as good a view. Specifically, this UNESCO World Heritage Site takes about 20 minutes to hike, and it’s home to the National Monument, the City Observatory, and the Dugald Stewart Monument.

Honestly, go at sunrise or sunset. The light over Edinburgh from up here is unbeatable. As a result, you’ll also get incredible views of the Nelson Monument and the wider city skyline.

7
Walk Through Dean Village

Dean Village is a storybook neighborhood tucked along the Water of Leith, just a 15-minute walk from Princes Street. Once a milling village dating back to the 12th century, today it feels like a hidden pocket of medieval Scotland that the city built itself around.

So plan to spend an hour or two here. Wander the winding cobbled lanes, photograph the colorful buildings, and follow the path along the water. In fact, this is one of the most photogenic free spots in Edinburgh.

8
Explore the Scottish National Gallery

Whether you can name-drop Titian, Rembrandt, and Turner (all featured here) or you just enjoy a good painting, the Scottish National Gallery is worth a visit. Furthermore, admission is free, so there’s zero pressure to “make it worth it.” Pop in for 30 minutes or stay all afternoon.

Like the National Museum, we save this for days when the weather is too rough to enjoy outdoor activities. Ultimately, it’s a peaceful, art-filled escape right in the middle of Princes Street Gardens.

9
Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this graveyard is non-negotiable. Specifically, Greyfriars Kirkyard sits in Old Town and is famous for both its history and its ghostly legends. In fact, J.K. Rowling reportedly drew inspiration from the names on the headstones while writing the books. (Look for Thomas Riddell’s grave.)

The Story of Greyfriars Bobby

However, the kirkyard isn’t all ghosts. It’s also home to the legend of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years until his own death. Today, visitors leave sticks at Bobby’s grave as a symbol of love and loyalty.

Just outside the graveyard, you’ll find a bronze statue of Bobby. Additionally, a relatively new tradition has people rubbing his nose for good luck, which has worn the bronze shiny and discolored.

What Does “Kirkyard” Mean?

Quick Scottish lesson: Kirk is the Gaelic word for Church. So a kirkyard is the church’s graveyard. Now you know.

10
Walk the Water of Leith Walkway

Finally, the Water of Leith Walkway is a 13-mile path that follows the river right through the heart of the city. Furthermore, it runs through Dean Village and Stockbridge and is suitable for walkers, cyclists, and (in some sections) wheelchair users.

You don’t have to walk the whole thing. Instead, even a short 30-minute stroll along a section is a peaceful escape from the busy city. So check the free walkway map from the Water of Leith Visitor Centre to plan your route.

★
Bonus: Catch the Fringe Festival

If you happen to be visiting Edinburgh in August, you’ll stumble into the largest arts festival in the world. Specifically, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe brings thousands of performers from around the globe to perform across the city in venues big and small.

Most importantly, many shows are completely free. Street performers fill the Royal Mile, and “Free Fringe” venues host comedy, theater, and music with no admission charge.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

Honestly, every season in Edinburgh has its charm. However, when you visit changes the experience significantly.

May, June, and September are our sweet spots. Specifically, mild weather, fewer crowds, and longer daylight hours (in midsummer, the sun rises around 4:30am and sets close to 10pm).

August is festival month. As a result, the city quadruples in size between the Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Royal Military Tattoo. So if you want the energy, this is the time. But if you want peace, avoid it.

December and January bring Hogmanay (Scotland’s massive New Year celebration) and Christmas markets. Although it’s cold, the magic is real. So pack layers.

Avoid: However, mid-November and mid-February can be gray and wet without the festive sparkle to balance it out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Edinburgh

A few things we wish we’d known on our first trip:

• Don’t overpack the day. First, Edinburgh’s hills are no joke. So plan 3-4 stops a day max, not 7.
• Don’t skip the Old Town closes. The narrow alleys off the Royal Mile are where the best photo ops and quirky shops hide. So don’t just walk the main drag.
• Don’t underestimate the weather. Even in summer, it can be 50°F and pouring rain. Therefore, layers and a waterproof jacket are non-negotiable.
• Don’t only do paid attractions. Specifically, the free experiences in Edinburgh genuinely rival the paid ones. So mix and match.

Edinburgh FAQ

Planning Your Trip

On the Ground in Edinburgh