As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is one of the most historic and beautiful places to visit, especially if you like taking the odd city break. The people are charming, and the surrounding scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.
One of the other great things about the city is there are loads of activities to do that won’t cost you a penny. If you’re not looking to spend loads on touring around this incredible gothic city, then keep reading this article for ideas on free things to do in Edinburgh.
Hike Arthur’s Seat
For nature lovers and those with more of a flair for the outdoors, Arthurs seat is for you. Popular among tourists for its panoramic view from the top, this short 40-minute hike from Holyrood Park is challenging towards the top, but the view is well worth the short exerting stint. You’ll get views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle landmark, as well as views right down to the coast. It’s the perfect active excursion to start your day exploring Edinburgh.
Take a Walk up The Royal Mile
One thing that can be said about Edinburgh is that there are plenty of hills, making exploring the city a cultural challenge of the mind – but also the body. That being said, the city also lends itself to leisurely meanders and with so much to do and see, you’ll barely notice getting a little tired.
For example, going up the Royal Mile is one of the best things you can do to get into the vibe that makes Edinburgh so special. With loads of shops and attractions and Edinburgh Castle right at the top, it’s one of the best city routes.
Wander Around Palace Gardens
Edinburgh is home to ample, exquisite, perfectly manicured gardens maintained to create wonderful sanctuaries that combine nature and sophistication. They’re perfect for a few-minute break from the bustling city and are ideal settings for picnics and relaxed sunny afternoons.
They also provide an explosion of inspiration for enthusiasts who take pride in their gardens at home. One such garden for your list should be the grounds at Holyroodhouse, which are the perfect chaser after your trek up Arthur’s Seat.
Explore Graves with Famous Names at Greyfriars Kirkyard
If you want to explore the more eerie side of Edinburgh, then you’ll certainly want to pay a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard. What makes this attraction so interesting is the familiar names you may come across – perhaps from a certain famous wizarding story. It’s said that JK Rowling got much of her inspiration for character names from the tombstones in this iconic graveyard. You’ll get to see the likes of Sirius Black, Robert Potter, William McGonagall, and Thomas Riddell, AKA Lord Voldemort.
Visit the National Museum of Scotland
This is one of the top museums you can visit for free in the whole of the United Kingdom. The exhibitions are constantly changing, with new artefacts and displays regularly making their way into museums’ galleries. It’s one of the perfect free things to do in Edinburgh for those of you who want to kill some time and enjoy an afternoon of culture.
Explore the Monuments of Calton Hill
If you fancy taking a walk and enjoying the bonus of seeing historic monuments, you must visit Calton Hill. This attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to the National Monument, the City Observatory, the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the Nelson Monument. All these were erected to commemorate several historic events. Calton Hill also offers visitors panoramic views of the city, making it a great place to snap a few pics to add to your travel album.
Marvel at the Design of St Giles Cathedral
Edinburgh is famous for its Gothic buildings and incredible architecture. St Giles Cathedral is one of the most exemplary sites of these great designs. Free for all visitors to enter, this historic landmark is home to some of the most impressive stained-glass windows and figurines. To this day, the Cathedral hosts important events, including the Order of the Thistle and several other significant religious services.
Spend a Day in the Sun at Portobello Beach
If you happen to be in Edinburgh over the warm summer months, then a visit to Portobello Beach is certainly worth it. If you’re in the city without access to a vehicle, you may need to spend a little on transport to get there, as the beach is around 3.6 miles away from the city centre. Access to the beach, however, is free. You can also get your hands on some lovely fresh fish and chips or enjoy the sunset on an evening stroll along the shore.
Have a Picnic in the Royal Botanic Garden
We already know that Edinburgh has no shortage of gardens for people to visit. However, the Royal Botanic Gardens are among the most notable ones. With perfectly manicured garden displays, exotic plants and stunningly designed old orangeries, it’s the perfect spot to have a relaxed walk around or to stop off for a leisurely picnic.
Spend the Afternoon Along the Water of Leith Walkway
It’s quite clear that Edinburgh is the ideal city break for those who lead an active lifestyle. So, to add to the list of walks and things to do around the city, you need to check out the Water of Leith Walkway. This is one of the prettiest walks visitors can look forward to.
With 12.2 miles worth of walking trails, you can take the whole day to meander or simply pick out sections of the walk for shorter strolls. The trail houses beautiful natural scenes with Gothic sculptures and buildings – giving you the feeling of an olden-day promenade.
Take Memorable Photographs in Edinburgh Old Town
When exploring Edinburgh Old Town, you need time. There are so many different cafes, bars, shops, and points of interest you won’t want to miss out on. The older architecture of the buildings also lends itself to the perfect photo opportunity for those who want to add special memories to their Edinburgh trip. Complete with cobbled streets and charming shop windows, it’s one of the liveliest spots in the city.
Get Culinary Inspiration at the Grassmarket
Grassmarket costs nothing to enter, although you probably won’t be able to resist one of the many street food dishes served up by one of the many talented vendors. Walking around the market, you’ll be greeted by wonderful aromas of delicious food and dishes that look simply delectable.
Touch the Lucky Nose of Greyfriars Bobby
A trip to Edinburgh is only complete with touching the nose of Greyfriars Bobby. This heartfelt story of a loyal Skye Terrier characterises the warmth of the Edinburgh locals. The legend goes that Greyfriars Bobby guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years until his own passing in 1872. When you walk past the monument on George IV Bridge, you’ll notice his particularly shiny nose, owing to the millions of people who touch it for good luck.
Take a Self-Guided Harry Potter Tour
JK Rowling famously started working on the famous Harry Potter series while living in Edinburgh. Visitors can walk past the Elephant House, where she sat for many hours, creating the stories behind everyone’s favourite wizarding world. Other cafes include Nicolsons’ Cafe and the Balmoral Hotel.
When you walk up Victoria Street, you’ll get to explore the very road that is said to have inspired Diagon Alley. A self-guided tour is one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh for all those Potter-Heads out there.
See Iconic Artworks in Edinburgh’s Galleries
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is also home to several iconic artworks you’ll instantly recognise if you know a thing or two about art history. With free entrance to most of the galleries in Edinburgh, you’ll love discovering works from famous artists as well as some more contemporary modernist pieces. Exploring the galleries around Edinburgh is a must-do for anyone with a creative flair.
Check Out Interesting Architecture at the Scottish Parliament
You’ll be able to take a free guided tour around the impressive buildings of the Scottish Parliament. The main building was designed in the style of abstract modernism by architect Enric Miralles, which in itself creates a lot of intrigue surrounding the space. On guided tours, you’ll get to learn all about the ins and outs of political meetings, including those held by committees and political debates.
See the Quaint Cottages of Circus Lane
Once you catch a glimpse of these beautifully designed cottages, you’ll start wishing you owned one. Circus Lane is one of the most picturesque streets in Edinburgh, boasting quaint homes, cobbled streets, and beautiful floral displays along the road. It’s also a popular place for people to take photos from a more artistic perspective, and it is certainly ideal for a summer’s day stroll.
Enter a Fee-Free Pub Quiz
Pubs are somewhat of an institution in Edinburgh, and one of the locals’ favourite pastimes is a good old pub quiz. Some pubs give patrons free entry into quiz night, but you’ll most likely end up splurging on a pint or two as the atmosphere demands. Pub Quiz nights are a great activity to enjoy with friends or people you meet during travels. If you’re looking for a bit of fun while testing your general knowledge, then a free pub quiz is a must for your Edinburgh itinerary.
Take a Short Walk to Dean Village
If you choose to walk along the Water of Leith, then you’ll likely have the pleasure of coming across Dean Village. As one of the most picturesque areas around Edinburgh, you’ll be blown away by the beautiful architecture and quaint aesthetics of the cottages, churches and views that characterise this part of the city. Set right along the water, Dean Village is the perfect setting for a walk where you can explore nooks and crannies.
Catch a Street Show
Although Edinburgh is famous for its annual Fringe Festival, which attracts national and international talents, street performers can be seen all year round, especially along bustling roads like the Royal Mile, Hunter Square, and the Mound Precinct. Shows vary, with talents showcasing their magic, music, acting and comedy skills throughout the year.
Of course, if you happen to be in Edinburgh for Fringe, the streets come to life with performances of all kinds as the city becomes a hub of cultural excellence. Many shows that take place during the festival are free to attend.
Book Your Edinburgh Accommodation with Edinburgh Luxury Stays
If you want to make the most of your trip to Edinburgh, book your very own luxury apartment with Edinburgh Luxury Stays. You’ll love exploring the city and coming back to a cosy apartment with all the amenities to make you feel right at home.
For more information or to make enquiries about available properties, get in touch with one of our friendly team members today, and we’ll help you plan an unforgettable trip to Edinburgh.