50 FREE Things to do in Edinburgh

50 FREE Things to do in Edinburgh

martaplore
Looking for an unforgettable Edinburgh experience that won’t cost you a dime? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re a budget traveler, backpacker, or someone who loves exploring without spending a fortune, Edinburgh has countless free attractions and activities. From iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle (from the outside!) to peaceful walks along the Royal Mile and breathtaking views from Arthur’s Seat, this historic city offers endless ways to soak up Scottish culture for free. Get ready to save this ultimate guide packed with insider tips on how to experience the best of Edinburgh’s rich history, art, and local life – all without opening your wallet! This guide includes: 👉🏼 A list of 50 FREE things to do in Edinburgh! 👉🏼 Where to Stay in Edinburgh on a Budget 👉🏼 How Your Vacation Will Look Like
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List of FREE Things

🏛️ Museums & Galleries

National Museum of Scotland
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1 - Free to enter. Very nice museum about the history of Scotland. The interiors themselves are worth a quick stop
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National Galleries of Scotland: National
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2 - Free art museum. If you enjoy paintings and learning more about Scotland you should definetly make a stop. The location of the gallery also offers a great bathroom pit-stop if you are on the go or a rain shelter in case you get unlucky with the weather . 28 - The roof garden is a great viepoint.
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National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
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3
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National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One
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4
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The Royal Scottish Academy
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5
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The Writers' Museum
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6 - Small Free museum containing objects that once belonged to some famous Scottish writers. I think the building is very charming hence worth a visit
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Museum of Edinburgh
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7
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The People's Story Museum
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8
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🔔 Places of Worship

St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
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9
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St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral
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10
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St Giles' Cathedral
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11 - Free to enter. Very beautiful church with nice colored decorations. Absolutely worth a stop
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King’s Church Edinburgh
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12
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St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church
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13
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St Cuthbert's Church
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14
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Greyfriars Kirk
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15
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🌳 Parks & Beaches

Portobello Beach
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16
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Princes Street Gardens
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17 - Beautiful park right at the heart of Edinburgh. Enjoy a stroll as you admire the castle above you. Doing a picnic in the park is also a great option if you are on a budget ;)
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Holyrood Park
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18
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
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19 - Free to enter!
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The Meadows
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20
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Pentland Hills Regional Park
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21
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Cramond Beach
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22
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Cramond Island
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23
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Silverknowes Beach
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24
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🌅 Viewpoints

Calton Hill
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25 - Probably the most beautiful view point in Edinburgh reachable with only 20/25 minutes walk from the city center (Royal Mile). There is a short climb at the end of the path but I would say it is very easy. Be mindful about visibility conditions on a rainy day
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Arthur's Seat
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26 - This one is a bit of an hike (approximately 30/35 minutes from Calton Hill). I would keep it optional in the itinerary depending on how much time you will be spending in Edinburgh and the weather conditions. I would skip it on a rainy/low visibility day
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Blackford Hill
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27
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National Galleries of Scotland: National
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2 - Free art museum. If you enjoy paintings and learning more about Scotland you should definetly make a stop. The location of the gallery also offers a great bathroom pit-stop if you are on the go or a rain shelter in case you get unlucky with the weather . 28 - The roof garden is a great viepoint.
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The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
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29 - My personal favorite viewpoint in Edinburgh. This is a quiet street offering perfect views of the Edinburgh castle surrounded by typical Scottish houses
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📸 Photo Spots

Dean Village
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30 - Explore this lovely village just outside of Edinburgh and enjoy the breathtaking views over the castle
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Water of Leith Walkway
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31
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Circus Lane
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32
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Royal Mile
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33
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Victoria Street
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34
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St. Bernard's Well
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35
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The Shore
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36
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💌 Others

Grassmarket
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37 - Go on the Grassmarket Ghost Walk
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The Elephant House
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38 - Visit the birth place of Harry Potter
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Scottish Parliament Building
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39
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Thomas Riddell's Grave
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40 - Go on a free Harry Potter walking tour
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Stockbridge Market
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41
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Greyfriars Bobby Statue
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42
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Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh
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43 - This graveyard contains all the charm and moody atmosphere of Edinburgh. One of the highlights of our day in Edinburgh. Once there, try to spot the grave of famous "Tom Riddle"
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The Witches Well
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44
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One O’Clock Gun
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45
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Makars' Court
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46
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Advocate's Close
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48
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The Scotsman Steps
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49
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Union Canal
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50
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Where to Stay in Edinburgh on a Budget

easyHotel Edinburgh
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This is where I stayed last time I visited Edinburgh. I can't recommend this hotel because the room I had was literally a shoebox, a bit noisy, and with no windows. Nevertheless, I included it in this guide because it is one of the cheapest options you will find in Edinburgh if you want a central location. If you plan to stay for only one night you might (?) want to consider it: 130€ a night
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YOTEL Edinburgh
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Starting at 150€ a night
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Point A Edinburgh
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Starting at 130€ a night
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Four Points by Sheraton Edinburgh
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Nice hotel a bit far from the city center but with a very good price point: 130€
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Novotel Edinburgh Centre
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Starting at 130€ a night
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How Your Vacation Will Look Like

If you want to get an insight on how your vacation will look like check out my instagram highlights!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram to be the first to know when I post a new "50 FREE Things to Do in .." !

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
martaplore
Hi there, I'm Marta 👋🏼 I am an Italian traveler 🇮🇹 with a passion for exploring the world and discovering new cultures! 💕 ABOUT ME During high school, I spent a year living in the United States 🇺🇸, which ignited my love for travel and cultural immersion. After returning to Italy, I moved around Milan and Turin, earned an engineering degree, and relocated to The Netherlands 🇳🇱 to work in the space industry 🛰️🪐 However, my desire to keep learning and exploring led me to the South of France 🇫🇷, where I am currently living while pursuing a PhD in satellite remote sensing 🌱. I've committed to living an exciting life and seizing every opportunity to travel the world 🌍✈️ 🌎 WHERE I'VE TRAVELED I've visited 24 countries so far: Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, The Netherlands 🇳🇱, Spain 🇪🇸, The United States 🇺🇸, England 🏴, Scotland 🏴, Germany 🇩🇪, Sweden 🇸🇪, Malta 🇲🇹, Croatia 🇭🇷, Greece 🇬🇷, Morocco 🇲🇦, Belgium 🇧🇪, Montenegro 🇲🇪, Hungary 🇭🇺, Bosnia 🇧🇦, Portugal 🇵🇹, Switzerland 🇨🇭, Turkey 🇹🇷, Monaco 🇲🇨, Brazil 🇧🇷, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, and New Zealand 🇳🇿. 🗺️ MY TRAVEL STYLE For every trip, I focus on three key elements: 1️⃣ Research: I gather extensive information to create a custom itinerary tailored to my interests 2️⃣ Budget: As a PhD student, I aim to maximize experiences without overspending. I proudly consider myself "Bougie on a Budget" 3️⃣ Memories: I prioritize creating and preserving memorable experiences, so my itineraries are packed with diverse activities 📖 WHAT YOU CAN GET FROM ME 📌 Travel Itineraries: Detailed guides on where to go, must-try experiences, dining spots, cost breakdowns, and tips 📌 Maps: Ordered itineraries, food recommendations, scenic viewpoints, and more 📌 Customized Travel Planning: Let me plan your next vacation, tailored to your preferences and budget 📸 HOW DO MY TRAVELS LOOK LIKE? Check out my Instagram @martaplore 😉
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