Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, is a popular travel destination and frequently the first stop on a trip to Scotland. There are several activities to do in the city early in the morning, throughout day, and late into the night. There are also a ton of free activities on this lengthy list of attractions.
The world-famous Royal Mile can be walked along with seeing some of the best museums in the nation, in addition to many other free activities. Additional free locations to visit in Edinburgh include royal gardens; centuries-old churches; and Arthur's Seat, with spectacular vistas. These all-free attractions present many facets of Edinburgh's artistic, cultural, and family-friendly offerings.
Enjoy our list of the best free things to do in Edinburgh to get the most out of your trip and stretch your travel dollars as far as possible.
1. Visit the Scottish National Museum
Under one roof, the National Museum of Scotland is a sizable repository for art, culture, science, and history. Free admission to this massive museum that might last all day (if not more).
The Grand Gallery welcomes visitors with its light-filled atrium as soon as they enter. From this lovely location, you may travel the rest of the world.
The Natural World, Science and Technology, and Art, Design, and Fashion are a few noteworthy galleries. Many displays covering a huge range of themes are hidden behind glass barriers and suspended from the ceiling.
When visiting this free attraction in Edinburgh, be sure to allow additional time.
2. Go through Holyrood Park to Arthur's Seat
A 640-acre Royal Park next to the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park offers some of the nicest hikes in the city. With an extinct ancient volcano rising 251 meters (823 feet) above the city, Arthur's Seat is the park's highest point and a popular destination for visitors. A 360-degree view of the entire city is provided from this unique vantage point.
Although it takes some effort, climbing Arthur's Seat is free of charge. The Palace of Holyroodhouse parking lot is close by and is the most frequent starting location. The trek to the peak is around 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) from here. Navigation is made easier by several well-worn routes, but expect rocky terrain, particularly towards the top.
For those who don't feel like taking the easy walk, Holyrood Park has a number of other worthwhile attractions. Salisbury Crags, Duddingston Loch, and the remains of an old fort are all included inside the park.
3. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh to see what's in bloom
72 acres of botanical beauty make up Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden. Less than a mile from the city center, these magnificent and green gardens are reachable from the Royal Mile by foot or bus.
It costs nothing to enter and wander about the Royal Botanic Garden. Allow at least two hours to explore, and possibly more to take in all of its other attractions, such as the Inverleith House.
Each season brings a unique appeal to the Royal Botanic Garden, and there is enough to see in the spring, fall, summer, and winter. The Rock Garden, the Woodland Garden, and the Chinese Hillside are a few noteworthy attractions. The Queen's Mother Memorial Garden and the neighboring Botanic Cottage are also noteworthy.
4. Go about Old Town Edinburgh
The historic center of the city, Edinburgh's Old Town, is frequently the first location tourists go. It is centered around the Royal Mile, which runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is famous throughout the world.
Its historic street is lined with centuries-old structures, free museums, and a ton of shops and restaurants, coupled with an overwhelming number of people on any fine day.
When visiting, spend some time strolling along the Royal Mile. There are many attractions in this region of Edinburgh, so something will undoubtedly catch your attention, even if it's just the breathtaking history that permeates the whole place. The Royal Mile offers a variety of planned and impromptu activities, including free excursions, free museums, and plenty of people-watching.
5. Take in St. Giles' Cathedral's heritage
On the Royal Mile, about halfway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, stands the iconic St. Giles' Church. It was established in the 1120s and served as John Knox's church during the Reformation. The walls and stained-glass windows of this beautiful cathedral still emit the radiance of its ancient past.
St. Giles' Cathedral is still in use for religious services and other occasions. Although donations are encouraged, admission is free. Visiting hours for the general public may be restricted during religious services or other special events.
The enormous Rieger organ and the well-known Thistle Chapel are a couple of the significant attractions that may be seen during a self-guided tour.
6. See the Scottish National Gallery's collection of fine art
Another fantastic free visitor destination in Edinburgh is the Scottish National Gallery. The National Galleries of Scotland run the facility, which is located between Princes Street Gardens and Waverley train station.
The National Gallery Building and the Royal Scottish Academy Building each house a portion of the Scottish National Gallery.
Explore excellent art from the early Renaissance to the early 19th century inside the National Gallery Building. While well-known painters are represented throughout the various wings, the work by renowned Scottish artists like Raeburn, Ramsay, and Wilkie has the highest concentration.
7. Save a Spot on an Edinburgh Free Guided Tour
The extensive history of Edingburgh is evident in everything from the historic structures in Old Town to the enormous castle looming over the city. But joining a competent docent-led guided sightseeing tour is the greatest way to uncover the layers of time. Moreover, various free guided tours are available to Edinburgh visitors.
The City Explorers Edinburgh free city tour is the most well-liked. Three times per day, seven days a week, this two-hour tour departs from and returns to the Royal Mile. Throughout the route, learn more about the iconic sights along the well-known boulevard and delve deeper into its untold past. It is advised to reserve spots on these free tours.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award asks young people, aged 14-24, to take part in activities in four categories…
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) January 30, 2023
🚴 Improve a physical activity;
🎨 Learn a new skill;
🤝 Volunteer for a cause of your choice;
🏕️ Complete a challenging expedition. pic.twitter.com/RtTyQUZLWw
Free Ghost Tours and Free New Town Tours are two additional free tours. In addition, City Explorers offers the well-liked Free Harry Potter Tour, which teaches visitors about Edinburgh's impact on J.K. Rowling and her magical universe.
8. See the Scenery from Calton Hill
Another high viewing point with a stunning metropolitan perspective is Calton Hill. The short stroll up a paved path from Regent Road will take you to this World Heritage Site, which is located just east of Edinburgh's New Town.
Get breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from the summit. For those that brave the quick ascent, a fantastic view of Holyrood Park and Edinburgh's Old Town is in store.
A number of striking monuments and tourist destinations may be found on Calton Hill, including the National Monument, a replica of the Parthenon in Athens.
The Nelson Monument, the venerable City Observatory, and a Greek Temple are all located atop. While capturing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, all of these monuments make excellent foreground subjects.
9. Take a stroll down Princes Street in New Town Edinburgh
The New Town of Edinburgh's Princes Street is its southernmost roadway. It's a busy boulevard lined with stores, monuments, and plenty of benches where you can relax and take it all in. Also, despite the name "New Town," there is still a ton of beautiful historical architecture to take in.
The imposing Scott Monument honoring the late great Scottish author Sir Walter Scott is one of Princes Street's most striking features. The summit of Princes Street Gardens, a bustling green area on the south side of Princes Street, is where this imposing monument is located.
10. Check out the Scottish National Portrait Gallery's exhibit on the faces of Scotland.
The National Galleries of Scotland run the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, another free attraction. It has been in operation since 1889 and is located inside one of Edinburgh's most recognizable structures.
Many photos and portrait poses used inside use close-up pictures of the people to illustrate the story of Scotland.
The structure itself is enjoyable to explore in addition to the permanent and changing artworks inside. Particularly, Scotland's past is beautifully illustrated in the Great Hall, which is located in the middle of the Portrait Gallery. The Great Hall has numerous fresco and mural decorations that undoubtedly enhance its artistic beauty.
11. City Art Center
Six display rooms are available in the City Art Centre, which is close to the Waverly train station. The revolving collection features historical and modern works from Scotland and other countries. There is always something new to see because to the lineup of paintings, photos, and other multi-media pieces that is always changing.
Entry to the City Art Center is free. However, there can be a charge for some unique exhibits.
On every visit of the Art Center, allow some time to relax in the first-floor café. When there are no unforeseen situations or events, the City Art Centre is open every day of the week.
12. Wander the Water of Leith Walkway
If the Royal Mile crowds get too overwhelming, go to The Water of Leith Walkway. This rather calm waterway provides a welcome respite from the bustle of the city. It's an excellent linking route for Edinburgh's other free attractions.
The 12-mile Water of Leith Walkway, often known as The Walkway, runs through Edinburgh on its way from Balerno to Leith.
The majority of the trail is located inside the city, running between the Royal Botanic Garden and the Museum of Modern Art. This portion, which is slightly over two miles long, traverses the lovely Dean Village.
13. Visit the Museum of Edinburgh to learn about local history.
On the Royal Mile, next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is the 16th-century Huntly House, which houses the Museum of Edinburgh. It is entirely devoted to the history of the city and features a number of relics and informational panels. It's a worthwhile stop for any visit, and after navigating the different rooms and exhibitions, it adds to the pleasure of crossing the street again.
Visits to the museum are free. Even if it's fascinating, the historic house from the sixteenth century is not open to the public. Visitors must negotiate twisting steps, just like at many of Edinburgh's historical sites.
14. Discover Your Inspiration at The Authors' Museum
Another free museum off the Royal Mile is the Authors' Museum. This free museum is specifically located close to the top of the Royal Mile and is reachable by passing via Lady Stair's Close (alley). Three of Scotland's most well-known writers, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson, are honored in the museum.
This intriguing historic home turned museum is filled with information, relics, and personal items. Among the items on show are Sir Walter Scott's childhood rocking horse and Robert Burn's writing desk. In addition to first edition books, the museum's collection includes manuscripts and other artifacts.
15. Appreciate Dean Village's aesthetic appeal
A little distance from Princes Street is Dean Village, a charming and historic village. These days, the neighborhood is primarily residential, with few open stores. Its stunning features, however, make up for its absence of commercial activity. The village is located along the River of Leith, and rain or shine, its old structures sparkle.
It is advised to combine a visit to Dean Village with a visit to the Museum of Modern Art when planning a vacation there (another free attraction). These two picturesque locations are connected by the Water of Leith Walkway, which offers a picturesque walk. The Walkway connects Dean Village and the Museum of Modern Art in about a half-mile.