Free things to do in Edinburgh
The Vennel viewpoint
If you are looking for some beatiful viewpoints then this is one of the best spots in Edinburgh with a view of the gorgeous castle. It’s on these steps that visitors report the most breath-taking view of Edinburgh Castle anywhere in the city. The buildings that line The Vennel provide a makeshift frame from which the rock seat arises.
Walk in Princes street gardens
The gardens are over 37 acres and are divided into two parts by The Mound, an artificial hill that connects Edinburgh’s New Town and Old Town and where the Scottish National Gallery is located.
Princes Street Gardens was created by draining Edinburgh’s largest loch, the Nor Loch. Nor Loch, which was first a marshland on the north side of Edinburgh had initially been used as a natural Medieval defence along with Edinburgh Castle.
In spring the gardens are full of beautiful cherry blossoms which make for a stunning photo backdrop.
Visit the National Museum of Scotland
This incredible museum is free to visit and is absolutely jam packed with so much interesting history and artifacts. There is luggage storage here if you came with suitcases or large bags.
Admire the beautiful Victoria Street
This historic street stretches just off the Royal Mile and is often featured in guided tours of Edinburgh's most scenic areas. Victoria Street starts off the Grassmarket at West Bow, which was its historic name, and snakes up the hillside. Some of the buildings along the way date to the 17th century.
Visit the Harry Potter shop
As you walk around the city, you can see the streets and sights that many people believe inspired the global sensation. So of course there is a shop dedicated to Harry Potter located on Victoria Street.
Walk around Dean village
Visit St Giles cathedral
St Giles' is situated on the historic Royal Mile, halfway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood, we are open every day including Sunday afternoon. Highlights of my visit were the beautiful stained-glass windows, the impressive Rieger organ, and the famous Thistle Chapel, home of Scotland's great order of chivalry.
Walk up Calton hill
From the top of the hill you get panoramicviews over the stuning city of Edinburgh. Aparently in the 19th century, Edinburgh was envisioned as the ‘Athens of the North’ and Calton Hill was considered Edinburgh’s version of the Athenian Acropolis.
Hike Holyrood Park and visit Arthers seat
Holyrood Park is a short walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile in the heart of the city. It is a 640 acre Royal Park adjacent to Holyrood Palace.
Arthur’s Seat is located in Holyrood Park, at the end of the Royal Mile. This large, grass covered hill is the remains of an extinct volcano that erupted 350 million years ago.
Walk down Circus Lane
Edinburgh is an incredibly walkable city. It takes roughly thirty minutes to reach Circus Lane from the centre of Old town, and about 20 minutes from Edinburgh's train station. Other than taking photos, there is not much more that this spot offers.
Portobello is a popular sandy beach about 2 miles outside of the centre of
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