Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is famous for its incredible architecture, historic attractions, and the iconic Fringe Festival.
There are so many wonderful things to do here so for the best experience, try to allow at least 2-3 days for your visit. If you’re planning a road trip itinerary, make sure to add this destination to your list!
Like many of the United Kingdom’s cities, visiting Edinburgh can be expensive. When you’re paying for accommodation, food, and activities, the cost can soon add up.
Luckily, there are plenty of free attractions here for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to wander around beautiful gardens or visit a museum, this incredible city has so much to offer.
Here’s a guide to the best free things to do in Edinburgh!
The Best Free Things to Do in Edinburgh
1. Wander around Princes Street Gardens
Address: Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG
Princes Street Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. Located beneath the iconic Edinburgh Castle, this is one of the best places to visit if you’re on a budget.
Covering 37 acres, these gardens are the perfect place to wander around. There’s no fee to enter these gardens and you spend as long as you like here.
Whether you’re looking to relax with a picnic, grab something little from the cafe, or simply admire the views, Princes Street Gardens offers something for everyone! Just keep in mind that it’s a popular spot.
2. Relax on Portobello Beach
As the name may suggest, Portobello Beach is located in the coastal suburb of Portobello. It’s just a 20-minute bus ride from the city center and is another excellent place to visit if you’re on a budget.
Here, you can relax on the beach, head out for a swim, or take a walk along the promenade. There’s also a Victorian swimming pool located along Portobello Beach, so no there’s no shortage of free things to do.
As such, it’s a must for any Edinburgh itinerary, especially if you’re on a budget. Just make sure you don’t rush your time here!
3. Head to the National Museum of Scotland
Address: Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Next up is the National Museum of Scotland, which is the perfect rainy-day activity. It’s another of Edinburgh’s free activities and is considered to be one of the UK’s top attractions!
This awesome museum will take you through Scotland’s history, as well as the cultures of the world, nature, science, technology, art, and design. To see all this place has to offer, allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
Some of the highlights of this museum include the Grand Gallery, the Natural World Galleries, and the Scottish History Galleries. Sometimes there are special exhibitions here too!
4. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard
Address: 26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ
There are plenty of free things to do in Edinburgh, but no trip to the city is complete without heading to Greyfriars Kirkyard. This is one of the world’s most famous graveyards and attracts thousands of visitors annually!
You’ll find many awesome tours that include a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard or you can visit solo. This graveyard dates back to the 1500s so it’s no surprise to hear that it’s thought to be haunted. For this reason, many people choose to visit at night.
Some of the graves here are also thought to have inspired some of Harry Potter’s most iconic characters!
5. Hike up Arthurs’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh at an impressive 251 meters tall. Located in Holyrood Park, this ancient Volcano is one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Edinburgh, then make sure you hike up to the top of Arthurs Seat. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city, which is why many people choose to walk up for sunrise or sunset.
There are several different routes up to the summit of Arthur’s Seat. Holyrood Palace is a popular starting option, and you’ll want to allow at least a couple of hours for the hike.
6. Enjoy the views from Calton Hill
Calton Hill is one of the best places you can go if you’re looking for epic views of the city. The vistas from the top of the hill rival those on offer at Arthur’s Seat, so try to spend at least an hour up here.
To your right, you’ll be able to see the medieval part of the city and the Old Town. To your left, you’ll be able to see Arthur’s Seat and out towards Portobello!
Aside from the epic views, which help make Calton Hill a great place to have a picnic, you can also find The National Monument and the Collective Contemporary Art Gallery at the top of this hill.
7. Walk along the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is arguably Edinburgh’s most famous street so make sure you don’t miss it during your visit to the city! It connects Holyrood Palace with Edinburgh Castle and runs right through the Old Town.
For the last 500 years, the street had been used as a processional route for the kings and queens, hence its royal name. However, it has so much more to offer than that!
Along the Royal Mile, you’ll find some of the city’s most famous attractions. This includes The Writer’s Museum, The Museum of Edinburgh, and St. Giles Cathedral, so there’s a lot to see.
8. Explore Dean Village
If you’re looking for free things to do in Edinburgh, then make sure you head to Dean Village. This gorgeous part of the city is located along the Water of Leith and is known for its incredible architecture and charm.
Just a five-minute walk from Princes Street, you’ll come across beautiful buildings, some of which date back to the 1800s. This area was originally home to several mills, so you’ll find some unique millstones throughout this part of Edinburgh.
Dean Village is a great place to wander around and is located near the National Galleries of Scotland, so you can visit both at the same time!
9. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is another great free activity. These gardens are world-famous and are set across 70 acres of land, with a unique history dating back to the 17th century.
Some of the highlights of this attraction include the Scottish Native Plants Collection, the Arboretum, and the Chinese Hillside. You’ll also be treated to panoramic views of the city, and there are a few cafes here if you want to grab something to eat.
There are two entrances when it comes to visiting Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh; the East Gate along Inverleith Row and the West Gate which is found on Arboretum Place.
10. Spend some time at the Scottish National Gallery
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh, The City Of Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
The Scottish National Gallery is one of the city’s most popular free attractions. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re interested in art and culture, as you’ll get to admire some spectacular artworks.
The Scottish National Gallery features pieces from several fantastic artists such as Constable, Rembrandt, and Titian. You’ll also get to enjoy some paintings from famous Scottish painters, so it’s another place that you’ll want to take your time at.
Throughout the year, temporary exhibitions are held here, so check to see if anything’s on during your visit.
11. Take photographs of Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most popular attractions. However, if you don’t want to pay the entrance fee, then there are plenty of ways to enjoy the castle for free!
Taking photos of the Edinburgh Castle is one of the fun things to do in Scotland!
For the best views of Edinburgh Castle, you’ll want to visit the Vennel. This charming street is located in the Grassmarket area and is the perfect spot to take some photographs of one of the city’s most famous attractions.
Other fantastic places to get a view of Edinburgh Castle include Arthurs Seat, Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens, Johnston Terrace, and Salisbury Crags. Just make sure you’ve got a camera with you!
12. Embrace the sensation of ‘Harry Potter’
If you weren’t already aware of the book and film sensation ‘Harry Potter’, then you will be after visiting Edinburgh.
Many of these books were written in the city by the author JW Rowling. In fact, The Elephant House is a cozy coffee shop and is known to be the birthplace of Harry Potter, so you’ll want to try and visit if you can.
You’ll also find plenty of awesome Harry Potter-themed activities in the city such as walking tours, quizzes, and the Cauldron Bar (where you’ll get to make wizard-themed cocktails).
Don’t miss out on visiting Museum Context either, which is located on the striking Victoria Street! To be honest, no trip to the city is complete without embracing the ‘Wizarding World’.
13. Visit the Writer’s Museum
There’s no shortage of free things to do in Edinburgh, but don’t miss out on visiting The Writer’s Museum! This incredible place is dedicated to three of Scotland’s most famous writers; Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott.
Within this museum, you’ll find a variety of interesting personal objects and rare books. This includes the writing desk of Burns and a pair of riding boots worn by Louis Stevenson, among other items.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in literature, The Writer’s Museum is still a fantastic place to visit, as you’ll get to learn about the life stories of these authors, rather than just their work.
14. Explore the neighborhood of Leith
Leith is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Edinburgh and is found along the city’s North shore. Known for its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and charming architecture, this area has so much to offer.
Originally dating back to the 14th century, Leith has played an important role in Scotland’s history, with the neighborhood once being one of the main trading ports in the country.
Leith is also beautiful as it’s located along the Firth of Forth, so is the perfect place for a stroll. The Water of Leith Walkway is the best place for this as it links the neighborhood with Princes Street, back in the center of Edinburgh.
15. Marvel at St. Giles Cathedral
St. Giles Cathedral is known as the ‘Mother Kirk’ of Scotland and dates back to the 1140s. This incredible place is located along the Royal Mile and is open every day, including Sundays.
Boasting stunning glass-stained windows, an incredible Rieger organ, and an original copy of the Covenant, you don’t want to miss out on this cathedral. It’s also a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking to learn about the country’s history and traditions.
Just make sure you check the opening times before you head there. If you time your visit right, there are often volunteers here to answer any questions you may have!
Final Thoughts
You’ll find so many amazing things to do in Edinburgh, and even though it can be an expensive city to visit, you can also make it very affordable.
Edinburgh is a must for any Scotland itinerary, and although accommodation can be costly, there are plenty of free attractions that you can fill your time with.
Whether you want to visit a museum or head out on a hike, this city has something for everyone!
