Here are all of my favourite free things to do in Edinburgh and cheap Edinburgh attractions too. 

One of the (many) things I love about Edinburgh is that although it’s not the cheapest place to visit in Europe, there are plenty of free things to do. From historic landmarks to natural attractions, you can easily enjoy Edinburgh on a budget. Here are over 20 of my favourite cheap and free things to do in Edinburgh. 

Check out my guide to all the reasons to visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh travel tips

Getting to and around Edinburgh

You can arrive in Edinburgh via all modes of transport: bus, train and plane. Personally, I’ve travelled to the city by bus from Glasgow and by train from York. Both times I’ve left Edinburgh, I’ve hopped on the train to London. As for getting around Edinburgh, there’s a good public transport system with buses and trains available. However, Edinburgh is a very walkable city and I only caught the public bus once.

Where to stay in Edinburgh (on a budget)

I’ve visited Edinburgh twice now and both times I stayed at Kick Ass Greyfriars (formerly Budget Backpackers). It’s a very affordable hostel, considering its location steps from The Royal Mile, Grassmarket and Victoria Street. With modern rooms, kitchen facilities and an onsite bar, I highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for budget accommodation in Edinburgh. They also have a sister hostel nearby called Kick Ass Grassmarket.

Cheap and free things to do in Edinburgh

1. Do a free walking tour

We all know I love a free walking tour and there are plenty of free walking tours in Edinburgh. I did a historic Old Town tour that takes you past points of interest like The Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, Victoria Street, Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Along the way, our host was great and spoke about politics, religion, Edinburgh’s history and points of interest to Harry Potter fans.

I always recommend doing a free walking tour on your first day in a city, as most guides will point out attractions and pass on recommendations that you can enjoy for the remainder of your trip.

2. Visit Edinburgh Castle

Now, you do have to pay to enter Edinburgh Castle. However, you can take great photos of the castle from the end of Grassmarket (see the first photo) and from Princes Street Garden. Plus, the sweeping views over Edinburgh from the outside are pretty spectacular too.

3. Window shop for merchandise

Any Harry Potter fans here? There are so many merchandise shops in Edinburgh, where you can buy everything from Harry Potter to Star Wars paraphernalia. But we’re going to just classify this as “window shopping” so we can add it this list of cheap attractions in Edinburgh. I really liked Galaxy, but other recommendations include Museum Context, The Enchanted Galaxy and John Kay’s Shop.

4. Walk along the Royal Mile

One of the most popular free things to do in Edinburgh that you can’t skip when in town is strolling down the Royal Mile. Yes, it’s the main tourist hub, but there are so many worthwhile attractions, restaurants and shops along the bustling strip. Personally, I couldn’t resist grabbing a souvenir scarf in my family tartan. My tip is to step into the Closes off the Royal Mile to see what you find and for great views.

5. Stop for ice cream

There’s always room in the budget for ice cream, right? If so, you have to visit Mary’s Milk Bar. They make their gelato fresh daily and the walnut flavour was to die for. Plus, you can enjoy it with a view of the castle.

6. Go to the Royal Botanic Garden

Now, it’s free to walk around the Royal Botanic Garden, which is a walkable distance from the city centre. However, it’s also home to 10 glasshouses that represent different climates and you have to pay an entry fee to visit them.

7. See the view from Calton Hill

Climbing the steps up to Calton Hill is definitely worth the exertion. It’s home to several moments, including the National Monument of Scotland (inspired by the Parthenon in Athens) and the Nelson Monument. But it’s the views across Edinburgh to the castle, Arthur’s Seat and the water beyond that are the most impressive.

8. Visit Dean Village

If you’re wondering whether Dean Village is worth the visit, my answer is 100% yes! It’s as pretty as a picture, with 19th-century buildings lining a tranquil stream. Seriously, it’s something out of a children’s storybook. Don’t miss it! Then you can follow my lead and follow the path along the Water of Leith Walkway that leads you to Stockbridge.

9. See Stockbridge

Speaking of… Stockbridge is another great Edinburgh area to spend the afternoon. It’s known for its gorgeous Georgian architecture, cobbled streets and independent shops and restaurants. Here’s a great guide full of things to do, places to eat and shops to visit. 

10. Have a picnic in Princes Street Gardens

If you happen to visit Edinburgh when the weather is cooperating, make the most of the sunny conditions and enjoy a picnic in Princes Street Gardens. There’s plenty of open grassy space and the castle views aren’t half bad.

11. Visit Victoria Street

One of my favourite free things to do in Edinburgh is of course photograph the picturesque colourful buildings lining Victoria Street in the Old Town. I recommend getting in early to try and capture the view without people and cars. But no matter what, don’t miss it! 

12. Visit the National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is another one of the best free attractions in Edinburgh. It houses Scotland’s national fine art collection, dating back to the early Renaissance. Think Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet and Botticelli.

13. Step inside St Giles

St Giles’ Cathedral is located in the heart of the Old Town on the Royal Mile. It’s been a working church for nearly 900 years and I highly recommend stepping inside to see the striking interior. The amazing stained glass windows are something else, let me tell you!

14. Wander the Writers’ Museum

This was a recommendation from my free walking tour guide, but I was really glad I visited the Writers’ Museum. One of several free museums in Edinburgh, it’s dedicated to the lives of three prolific Scottish writers: Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns. It houses portraits, rare books, manuscripts and personal items.

15. Visit the National Museum of Scotland

Oh look, she’s recommending another museum. But I did say Edinburgh is home to some great free museums! The National Museum of Scotland is a beautiful building that houses natural history and industrial exhibits. There are displays on transport, fashion, communication, animals, you name it! Want to know a secret? Take the lift to the top floor and enjoy awesome views from the rooftop. You’re welcome.

16. Meander more museums

But wait, there’s more. Want more free Edinburgh museums? Check out this post. Top picks include the Museum of Edinburgh and the Museum of Childhood, which is known as the “world’s noisiest museum.” Enjoy!

17. Conquer Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is actually an ancient volcano on the outskirts of the city that you can walk up for stunning views in all directions. It’s a 4-kilometre loop trail that’s on the moderately challenging side, so be prepared!

18. Go for a walk around Leith

When I said I only took the public bus once? That was to visit Leith. It’s one of Edinburgh’s trendiest neighbourhoods on the waterfront. Go for a walk along The Shore’s cobblestones, which runs adjacent to the Water of Leith. It’s lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. But my top recommendation is to make a beeline for Mimi’s Bakehouse. I still think about their Nutella French Toast, it was SO good!

If you visit on the weekend, check out if there’s a free event or pop-up happening at Custom Lane and the adjoining Custom House. The Pitt Market is also a Saturday-only market that’s £2 for adults but includes street food, beers and live music. What more could you want?

19. Go to more galleries

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the City Art Centre and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art to name a few. That’ll keep you busy!

20. Step into Greyfriars Kirkyard

One thing you don’t expect to see in Edinburgh’s Old Town among the beautiful buildings is a cemetery. But burials at Greyfriars Kirkyard have been taking place since the 16th century and it’s undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous graveyards. It’s said that JK Rowling meandered the graveyard after writing at the nearby cafe, The Elephant House and took inspiration from many headstones, so keep an eye out for the Potters, Thomas Riddell, McGonagall and Moodie. While here, don’t miss saying hello to Greyfriars Bobby too.

21. Go behind the scenes at Scottish Parliament

You can visit Scottish Parliament for free and explore their free exhibition, join a free guided tour or watch a meeting in the Debating Chamber. Visit their website for more information.

22. Explore the New Town

If you spend time in Edinburgh’s Old Town, it’s only right to then walk over to the adjacent New Town. Here you’ll find Princes St, the city’s main shopping street, plus surrounding streets lined with restaurants and attractions galore. This includes the aforementioned Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Calton Hill and The Scott Monument. This is a Victorian Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, but you have to pay to climb to the top.

Edinburgh travel FAQs

What to do in Edinburgh with no money?

As you can see, there are so many things to do in Edinburgh with no money. Visit free museums and art galleries, stroll through unique neighbourhoods or soak up the hustle and bustle on the Royal Mile.

Can you walk around Edinburgh Castle for free?

There is a large area leading up to Edinburgh Castle you can walk around for free. However, to go inside you must pay an entrance fee.

Are museums in Edinburgh free?

Not every museum is free but yes, there are so many free museums to enjoy in Edinburgh. This includes the Writers’ Museum, the National Museum of Scotland and the Museum of Edinburgh.

Is Princes Street Garden free?

Yes, this sprawling park is free to roam around it to your heart’s content.

What can I do on a rainy day in Edinburgh?

There are so many free indoor things to do in Edinburgh. Just look at how many art galleries and museums you can visit! 

As you can see, there are so many amazing free things to do in Edinburgh.

From museums to art galleries to pretty attractions, I hope you have an amazing time while visiting Edinburgh, one of my favourite cities.

You may also like these blog posts: How to travel Europe on a budget, my top tips for travelling alone in Europe and my other favourite cities in Europe to visit solo.

Thank you to GuruWalk for partnering with me on this post.