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Looking for free things to do in Edinburgh? This guide details free attractions to get the best out of Scotland’s capital without breaking the bank. Whether you are a backpacker on a budget or a local looking for something cheap to do, let’s explore affordable options without skimping on fun.
You might also like our budget hotel guide and how much a visit to Edinburgh costs.
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Fun But Free Things to Do in Edinburgh
1. Edinburgh Old Town
Wander the historic Royal Mile, pretend to spit in the Heart of Midlothian and rub Hume’s toe without spending a penny in the city’s Old Town.
Listen out for the One O’clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle.
It fires every day at 1pm, historically, to allow ships to set their clocks; today, it just makes shoppers poop their pants.
Enjoy the areas “closes”, which are alleyways that take you to other streets, gardens, and residential houses.
2. Advocate’s Close
This is one of the most photographed areas on the Royal Mile, as this archway creates a lovely frame of Princes Street Gardens.
There is also an antique gas-style lamp in the picture.
In December, you can see the Christmas market from this close.
Edinburgh Museums Free Options
3. The Writer’s Museum
The Writer’s Museum (Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Close) tells the stories of Scotland’s literary greats, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Book fans may also like my friend Amy’s article titled Books Set in Edinburgh.
The building isn’t just steeped in literary history; according to some records, this is where the first known African servant in Edinburgh, a man called Oronoce, was kept by Lady Stair.
While Edinburgh’s literary past is celebrated, its Black heritage and relationship with the transatlantic slave trade is lesser-known.
While you wander around the New Town, consider that many of the buildings were built using money from merchants who became wealthy from owning plantations and enslaved people.
4. Museum on the Mound
Have you ever seen a million pounds in real life?
You can, for free, at the Museum on the Mound.
5. The Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum (Royal Mile) is another free museum in Edinburgh which hosts interactive games and an interesting doll room…
Visiting as a family? Here’s our guide to child-friendly activities in the city.
6. National Museum of Scotland
If you are interested in planes, sharks, or technology, visit the National Museum of Scotland (Chamber Street).
It’s free to enter, but it’s worth booking a table at the museum restaurant, for the views of the Castle.
Alternatively, you can pop up to the roof terrace, which is free.
7. Grassmarket
Predominantly known for its pub crawl options, Edinburgh’s Grassmarket has a couple of free attractions.
Sniff the food stalls at the Saturday farmer’s market, take a photo of the colourful Victoria Street with its cobbled stones and enjoy the short hike up The Vennel stairs for views of Castle Rock and Edinburgh Castle.
This is a great place to return in the evening – check out our guide for things to do in Edinburgh at night.
8. Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby is not just any old best man’s friend.
The cute Skye Terrier is known for guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray, for over a decade after his death.
This story has been reenacted in film. Rub Bobby’s nose at Candlemaker Row.
Bobby is our brand mascot!
9. Greyfriars Kirkyard
One of the free Harry Potter things to do in Edinburgh is to visit Greyfriars Kirk to view the headstones from which JK Rowling inspired her characters.
The Potters, Thomas Riddell, McGonagall, and Moodie can all be found on the gravestones.
Keep close to your pals; poltergeists operate in this graveyard!
Find out more in our spooky tour guide or reserve a spot on this Greyfriars Graveyard tour.
10. Scotsman Steps
Named after the Scotsman newspaper and placed at the bottom of the Scotsman Hotel, these winding stairs take you from North Bridge to the Waverley Station on the Market Street entrance.
Erected in 1899, the 104 steps have had a colourful past.
This busy stairwell was the site of art exhibitions in the 1950s and 1960s; later, it became known as the ‘p*shy steps’.
Thanks to the Fruitmarket Gallery, they have been scrubbed and are now on our list.
Each step is made from a different kind of marble.
A unique, lesser-known attraction in the city which many people walk straight past.
Free Art Galleries in Edinburgh
11. National Gallery of Modern Art
Modern 1 and Modern 2, spread over two venues, are well worth a short detour from the city centre.
The welcoming and reassuring sign outside the gallery is one of the coolest things in Edinburgh. It proclaims, ‘Everything is going to be alright.’
Another honestly dictates, ‘There will be no miracles here’.
12. Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queens Street
When you first enter, you will marvel at the panoramic prints and floor-to-ceiling design of the Portrait Museum.
Climb the stairs that peel off into different exhibitions.
Nip into the library to see some unusual skulls.
13. Royal Scottish Academy on Princes Street
Variety of changing contemporary art exhibitions located on Edinburgh’s main shopping drag, Princes Street
14. Scottish National Gallery on The Mound
See the Skating Minister, who influenced the design of the Scottish Parliament at the National Gallery.
15. Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is free to enter, and it is a ‘marmite’ design that some locals love and others hate.
What’s your take?
The architecture represents the keels of the fishing boat, the windows are shaped to encourage transparency, and the Debating Chamber itself takes the form of a horseshoe to encourage discussion, not conflict.
The public can apply to watch debates and First Minister’s Questions, which take place on Thursdays.
16. Calton Hill
One of the most popular free things to do in Edinburgh is to walk up Calton Hill for epic views of the city and beyond.
At the top of the hill is the National Monument or The National Disgrace.
This is a 12-pillar stone monument that was supposed to represent the Parthenon from Athens, but it was never completed. Today, it makes a good climbing frame for kids.
The iconic hill is also home to Nelson Monument, which you can pay to go up, and Dugald Stewart Monument, the memorial seen in many Edinburgh landscape photos with the Castle in the background.
Calton Hill is a busy tourist attraction but a great spot for sunsets and photography.
Read next: Our guide to the best Edinburgh restaurants
17. Arthur’s Seat
The one-hour walk up Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park is a more challenging climb.
The extinct volcano, which peaks at 250 metres, offers 360-degree views as far as the Forth Bridges. Hike at sunrise to avoid crowds.
Local tip: Walk down the hill via Pollock Hall, then gorge on the biggest plate of nachos at The Auld Hoose.
18. Princes Street Gardens
The city’s lungs are two massive public parks which are actually a drained loch.
There are benches dotted throughout the park for locals to enjoy their lunch.
The Castle is perched above the gardens; photographers can get lovely framed blossom images from Princes Street level.
Scott Monument and its 287 steps can also be found in the gardens.
During winter, this is where the Edinburgh Christmas Market is located.
19. Union Canal
Did you know Edinburgh has a canal that runs by the Kelpies in Falkirk?
I will be honest: I was late to the party knowing this, too!
Visitors can walk or bike along the path at the side of the water.
20. Dean Village
This is frequently cited as one of the prettiest places in Edinburgh.
Dean Village was once home to mills.
You can still see carved stones with symbols associated with mill life.
You’ve probably seen oversaturated photos of the yellow historic building in this area.
You wouldn’t believe this is a five-minute walk from the city’s hustle!
21. Mooch Around Stockbridge
Stockbridge is where I spent many Saturdays as a teenager, cleaning my uncle’s flat (apartment!)
This has always been a sought-after area in Edinburgh, which was confirmed when Waitrose moved in.
The main attraction in Stockbridge is the main street, Raeburn Place, which is crammed with small shops, eateries and bars.
Other areas include the old Stockbridge Market Arch, St Stephen’s Church, Circus Lane, the Potted Garden, and Dean Park Mews.
Please be mindful that this is a residential area.
One of the best things about Stockbridge is the second-hand shops.
Since the residents are middle class, the quality of threads turfed aside is excellent!
22. Stockbridge Market
While technically free, you’ll want to part with some money when you get a waft from Stockbridge Market’s fresh produce and snacks.
Held weekly at its permanent outdoor spot, Saunders Street, near where I used to do a boot camp class, vendors sell drinks, hot food, and baked goods.
Think of me doing burpees as you tuck into your burger.
23. Inverleith Park
Grab a sandwich or sushi in Stockbridge and take it to Inverleith Park for clear views of Edinburgh Castle!
The 54-acre urban green space is used mainly by locals, so you’ll spot a cute dog or two; it is Stockbridge, after all.
Read more: Edinburgh’s loveliest gardens.
24. Water of Leith
Nothing beats a Sunday stroll along the Water of Leith walkway.
The path is split into sections, and each is signposted:
- Balerno to Slateford part around 5 miles (2 hours)
- Slateford to Leith is longer, 7.5 miles (3 hours)
- Roseburn to Stockbridge is 2 miles (45 mins)
- Stockbridge to Leith around 3.5 miles (1 hour 20 mins)
Timings depend on how fast you walk. Leith Shore is well worth some of your time, too.
I recommend staying here if you have more than a few days or if it is your second visit to Edinburgh.
25. Portobello Beach
Take the left turning at the bottom of Leith Walk to make your way to Edinburgh’s most popular beach, Portobello.
Easily cycled from the city centre, this wide sandy beach is packed with families and groups of friends on rare sunny days.
The promenade is 2 miles long, so it’s easy to walk and stroller-friendly.
There are a handful of bars and cafes around for snacks and drinks.
Enjoy a walk or a cycle, chill in the sun and give Fife a wave.
26. Cramond Beach
Cramond Beach is the lesser-known beach in Edinburgh, but that doesn’t mean it is quiet on weekends.
Turn right at the bottom of Leith Walk, past Newhaven and Granton, until you reach the beach car park.
There’s more than just the beach! Turn the corner to the Cramond Boat Club moorings at the mouth of the River Almond.
Head past the fish ladder. The wooded path ends at the busy A90, where you can catch a bus back to the city centre.
This was one of my favourite weekend walking routes in Leith.
27. Cramond Island
You can even walk to Cramond Island from the beach, but the tide pattern must be observed.
For low tide times, text Cramond to 81400.
There is a free car park at Cramond Beach, but spaces are limited.
Read Next: Beautiful Beaches in Edinburgh
28. Silverknowes Beach
Just before you reach Cramond, you will see Silverknowes Beach.
A popular spot for a coffee at the Boardwalk Beach Club.
29. Free Walking Tours and Events
Although coined ‘free walking tours Edinburgh, ‘ free tours are never free.
You are expected to pay a donation at the end of the tour to show gratitude to your guide.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable walking tour, you can certainly find many themes, from Old Town tours to Harry Potter.
We’ve done the Harry Potter tour over Zoom video call, which is a must for muggles!
If you visit in August, you are in for a treat, as there is a whole schedule of free Festival Fringe events!
30. Test Your Knowledge at a Pub Quiz
Check out our guide for some of the best pub quizzes in Edinburgh.
Some have no entry fee – and maybe you could get your mates to buy all the drinks!
Read next: 101 Things to Do in Edinburgh.
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