There are actually so many really great free things to do in Edinburgh! It’s actually one of the things I loved most about the city.
Since the restrictions COVID-19 has brought with it, most of these attractions are still completely free but do need to be booked online in advance. Make sure to double-check the websites (I’ll link them all) when planning your trip!
If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh soon, feel free to also read my “BEST THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH” guide.
Admire the Archetecture
One of the things I love to do in a new city is to wander around and admire the architecture. Edinburgh will not disappoint you. The Old Town is especially beautiful and there are so many fabulous buildings to see. I’ve shared a few of my favorites below.
While you do have to pay to visit Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, looking at them from the outside is absolutely free!
McEWAN HALL
EDINBURGH CROWN COURT
Walk Along The Royal Mile
Following on from my last point, walk the Royal Mile. Starting at the castle and finishing at the palace, the Royal Mile is packed with atmosphere and interesting things to see.
This is a must-do when visiting Edinburgh!
Visit a Museum
A museum (or gallery) is a great option if you visit Edinburgh and get typical Scottish weather (rain!). There are actually 35 museums in Edinburgh, quite a few of them are free!
We visited the National Museum of Scotland and it is the most beautiful museum I’ve ever seen! It is free but booking in advance is required, see HERE.
Other popular choices include The Scottish Storytelling Centre, The Museum of Childhood and The Museum on the Mound.
SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
Climb to see a View
We chose to climb Calton Hill. It was surprisingly, a pretty easy climb, only taking around 5-10 minutes from the bottom to the top. The views are stunning so it is well worth it!
If you’re looking for a bit more of a hike, try Arthurs Seat. I haven’t done it myself, but I know it is a popular thing to do when visiting Edinburgh!
View from Calton Hill Calton Hill Arthur’s Seat
Visit The Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are high on anyone’s list of things to do in Edinburgh.
I am amazed that these beautiful gardens are free to visit. If you’re there on a sunny day, you could take a picnic and spend quite a while exploring the 70 achers of plants and flowers!
Again, booking in advance is required and you can do that HERE.
Wander Through a Park
There are plenty of parks in Edinburgh. My favorite was Princes Street Gardens, located right between the Old and New Towns, it is so beautiful and has some amazing views.
Other parks include The Meadows and Holyrood Park.
Take a Walking Tour
City Explorers is a company that organizes free walking tours in Edinburgh. These tours are interesting (We did the Harry Potter one) and are a great way to explore the city.
While these tours are “free” you are asked to tip the guide/ pay what you can afford. Obviously, it is your choice however I would have felt pretty guilty to pay nothing!
Read about our Harry Potter Tour HERE!
Thank you so much for reading my guide about the best free things to do in Edinburgh! I hope it has helped you plan your trip!
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Happy Traveling,
