Edinburgh on a Budget
20 free ideas to make the most of your time in Edinburgh without breaking the bank.
Hike up Arthur’s Seat and the Craggs for a breathtaking birds-eye view of Edinburgh city.
Get lost in the closes behind the Royal Mile and see how locals ancient and modern live.
Time your hike up to Edinburgh Castle to coincide with the 1pm gun and hear Mons Megs’ modern day replica cannon fire from Mills Mount Battery, as the original has done since 1449.
Located just outside the castle gates sharp eyes will spot the Witches Well. This memorial is to commemorate the 300+ people executed in the 16th century for witchcraft. There were more witch burnings carried out here on Castlehill than anywhere else in Europe.
Explore the Grassmarket and stop in at the famous Marys’ Milk Bar to sample ice cream that’s made fresh every morning with everchanging flavours.
Delve into the vintage clothing and memorabilia emporium at Armstrong and Sons of Edinburgh, established in 1840.
Spend hours going back in time and visiting different cultures at the National Museum of Scotland. See Edinburgh from the rooftop lookout.
Take a short or long walk along the Union Canal Towpath and view the canal boats. Stop for a coffee and sweet treat from The Watershed Canal Boat at Lemmington Bridge, Union Quay.
Feed the swans (green peas, not bread) at Holyrood Park. Swans are under royal protection so be sure to not disturb them.
Step into any number of churches and enjoy the stained glass and possibly the organ player practising. St Giles Cathedral, located in the middle of the Royal Mile has stood for centuries and is know as the High Kirk (church) of Edinburgh.
Visit a local artists or farmers market on selected days on Castle Street, Stockbridge or Leith.
Join a free walking tour. There are several locals running free tours of the city, online bookings required.
Take a stroll along the Portobello Promenade and hopefully enjoy some sunshine by the seaside.
Step into the rabbit warren that is the Edinburgh Tartan Weaving Mill. Plenty of woollen items for sale and you can also watch the tartan being made on the huge and only working weaving looms in the city.
Visit Carlton Hill, part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site with many monuments, fabulous views and a lovely restaurant.
Visit the beautiful 1670 Royal Botanic Gardens and spend the day surrounded by manicured gardens of both common and rare flowers.
Step into the Scottish National Gallery, located in a dominating building right in the centre of town you can see iconic Scottish painters work up close.
Stroll through the old mill workers village, Dean village and feel like you’ve travelled back in time, crossing stone bridges and viewing some of the most exclusive addresses in Edinburgh.
Hunt out Circus Lane, “Edinburgh’s most instagramable street” to view the terraced mews houses overflowing with plant pots and flowers. A very pretty little lane but do remember these are peoples houses so please be respectful when taking photographs.
Amble around the Meadows. This vast open green is home to one of the world’s oldest shorthand golf course, cafes, restaurants, tennis courts and children’s playgrounds. On middle meadows walk you’ll also find the children’s secret garden, a community garden with drum circles and kids shows shown on the big screen.
