So, you’re finally planning a trip to Edinburgh, and you’re looking for a way to explore Edinburgh on a budget.
Adventuring through Scotland’s capital city doesn’t mean you have to empty your pockets – you can get swept up in the Scottish magic and go home with a full wallet. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular backpacker visiting Edinburgh, Bright Bus Tours offers the complete lowdown on the best free attractions in town.
Pair that with our hop-on, hop-off Edinburgh bus tour ticket, and you’re in for the budget-friendly adventure of a lifetime.
Bright Bus Tours offers the brightest way to get to know the city, with our hop-on, hop-off buses taking you to some of the city’s biggest highlights. Read on for 15 of the best places to visit in Edinburgh for free.
The Ultimate Free Things to Do in Edinburgh
There are more than enough free Edinburgh attractions to keep you busy during your visit. From Edinburgh museums to iconic royal landmarks along the Royal Mile, here are our favourite spots among Edinburgh’s free attractions.
Tip: Get around the city with a cost-effective hop-on, hop-off bus tour from Bright Bus Tours. Our tour buses stop throughout Edinburgh’s city centre, allowing you to see more for less.
1. Visit the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum is a go-to for history buffs. This attraction boasts galleries with artefacts from some of the oldest humans in Scotland, as well as incredible fossils and innovative inventions in the science wing.
With completely free entry and even a family fun zone, this museum is one of those family-friendly free things to do in Edinburgh that you absolutely can’t miss.
And if you’re looking for more free museums, the Writers’ Museum is just a short walk away. Situated near the top of the Royal Mile, this free museum covers the lives and works of three incredible Scottish authors: Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott.
2. Take in the View at Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a volcanic hill and UNESCO World Heritage Site showing off incredible views of the city centre and beyond, worthy of being featured in many historical paintings. With a stunning combination of natural beauty and city landscapes, this volcanic hill is the perfect spot for a picnic.
One of the best things to do here is to admire the various important monuments – a notable one being the National Monument. This monument was originally designed to mimic the image of the Parthenon in honour of a serviceman but was sadly never completed. There’s also the Nelson Monument to admire, where you can pay your respects to the sad passing of Admiral Lord Nelson, who died in battle in the early 19th century.
3. Admire the Art at the Scottish National Gallery
Are you a lover of fine art? Edinburgh has three incredible galleries to take advantage of. The Scottish National Gallery and Scottish National Portrait Gallery are quite close by and make for an intriguing visit. These free exhibitions in Edinburgh show off some of the greatest art in the country, from watercolours and sculptures to impressive canvases and more.
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is another free gallery in New Town, hosting pieces from icons such as Salvador Dali and Picasso. Free art galleries like these don’t come around too often, so make sure you stop by for a visit on your Edinburgh adventure.
4. Explore Scottish History at Edinburgh Castle
Once you’ve gotten your fill of art from Edinburgh’s free galleries, pop over to Edinburgh Castle for a deeper look into the city’s history. This incredible landmark on the Royal Mile near Princes Street Gardens has some fascinating stories lurking in its ancient walls. Follow in the footsteps of royalty in the Great Hall, where King James IV once enjoyed many celebrations.
Take a moment of silence at St Margaret’s Chapel for Queen Margaret, whom King David I honoured when he commissioned the building. If you’re visiting around lunchtime, keep your ears peeled for the sound of the One O’clock Gun, which was used from 1861 to help ships set their maritime clocks.
5. Stroll Through the Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is ideal for anyone looking for a moment of peace, quiet, and solitude. While it is another great picnic spot spreading 70 acres, this garden offers so much more than a place to kick back or stroll about.
It was originally designed in 1670 as a garden dedicated to growing medicinal plants. Now, it’s home to one of the largest plant collections in the world. You can enjoy an interesting Rock Garden with dozens of stunning formations or stop at the pond for a moment of solitude.
There are also a number of seasonal events happening here; in winter, they trail the garden with a stunning pattern of lights. Though these may not always be free events in Edinburgh, there is still plenty to do around the garden to keep yourself entertained — for example, perusing the art at the Inverleith House.
6. Immerse Yourself in Pottermania at Victoria Street
Calling all Harry Potter fans – this is one of the best free places to go in Edinburgh that’s filled with magic. Victoria Street, rumoured to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films, is definitely a camera-worthy little road.
This charming street has tons of cute shops and coffee spots to check out, too. Don’t forget to bring your camera to catch your own unforgettable wizardry moment.
7. Wander About Edinburgh’s Old Town
Edinburgh’s Old Town is the historic heart of the city, where it first formed its roots. The Old Town is home to many alluring hotspots, especially if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Scotland’s culture.
Explore historic landmarks like the 12th-century St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile. You can also pay a visit to the Heart of Midlothian, a brick mosaic near the cathedral’s entrance that marks the entrance to Edinburgh’s old toll booth.
The Royal Mile is an intriguing street to wander down, rife with history, entertainment, and culture. It’s a go-to for any traveller looking for free things to do in Edinburgh city centre.
8. Climb Arthur’s Seat
Ever wondered what it might be like to climb up an extinct volcano? That’s exactly what’s in store for you with an adventure up Arthur’s Seat.
There are several routes to take up Arthur’s Seat. The easiest is the Green Route, which takes around 30-60 minutes to climb on a gradual incline. The 360-degree view of the city at the top is completely worth the exercise.
You can also spot Edinburgh Castle in the distance! It’s even rumoured that this viewpoint is the spot where Camelot — a castle associated with King Arthur — used to stand.
9. Wander the Water of Leith Walkway
The Water of Leith Walkway is a favourite attraction amongst both tourists and locals. Stretching around 5km long along Edinburgh’s main river, this walkway offers a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and take some peaceful moments to yourself.
The Water of Leith walkway offers stunning views of nature surrounding a shimmering river. You’ll spot some architectural surprises along the way, like St Bernards Well, which holds water believed by the locals to have healing powers. You can also explore the unique 6 Times sculpture by Antony Gormley — a unique fixture positioned among the waters.
10. Journey to the Forts in Holyrood Park
Holyrood Park is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon, with a history dating back 10,00 years. Studies suggest that the park was even the location of hunter-gatherer communities 6,000 years ago.
One of the most remarkable things to enjoy here is the four Iron Age Hill Forts, rife with historical significance. The park also has some religious significance, and many visitors stop by St Anthony’s Well and St Margaret’s Well for a spiritual experience. You can hear all about the history of this fascinating park at the Educational Centre close by.
11. Discover Dean Village
If you’re making a stop by Water of Leith, you absolutely have to make time to visit Dean Village — a sleepy village seemingly straight from a storybook. What was once a milling settlement in the 1100s and a mark of the Industrial Period is now a charming village that makes for some great pictures. One of the most interesting architectural marvels here is the Well Court, built in the late 19th century to provide a home for water mill workers.
When you take a stroll through the village, keep an eye out for the decorative stone plaques and mill stones designed to celebrate Scotland’s industrial history. The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is also nearby if you are feeling artsy. Here, you’ll get to see gems like Van Gogh’s work in the flesh.
12. Rub Greyfriars Bobby’s Nose
Greyfriars Bobby was known as the most loyal dog in Scotland in the mid-1800s. Bobby was a lovable Skye Terrier and best friend to John Gray, a respected constable in Edinburgh’s police force. They used to travel the streets together, side by side, protecting citizens at night.
When John Gray fell terribly ill, Bobby stayed by his side until he passed. Bobby proceeded to guard his grave for 14 years until his sad passing in 1872. Now, you can stop by his statue outside Greyfriars Kirkyard and rub his nose to pay your respects. There are even free walking tours starting here, where you can explore Edinburgh side-by-side with a friendly tour guide and his dog!
13. Get Spooked at a Haunted Graveyard
While the official Edinburgh ghost tour is not a free event, you can still get spooked in the city for free. Greyfriars Kirkyard is along Candlemaker Row, close to the statue of Greyfriars Bobby on Chambers Street. Greyfriars Kirkyard is home to the grave of Harry Potter’s arch-nemesis, Tom Riddle.
There are a few other spooky spots around here, too, like the Covenanter’s Prison, where hundreds of men were sadly tortured in the 1600s. You’ll also find George MacKenzie’s grave here, the very same man who tortured all those men in the kirkyard. You’ll find his grave in a black mausoleum, which is reported to have some scratches on it. Visit if you dare!
14. Admire the Architecture at Circus Lane
Built in the early 19th century as a picturesque part of Edinburgh’s new town, Circus Lane is one of the most popular streets in the city, and for good reason. Circus Lane is close to the Royal Botanic Garden, so you can take a quick walk over from our guided tour stop.
With quaint cobblestone houses, old stables restored into charming blocks, and stunning flowers to enjoy while you save money, it’ll definitely be a walk to remember.
Transport yourself back in time and wander these streets at absolutely no cost. This charming little spot is also close to Dean Village, so you can hit them both in one day and test your photography skills while you’re at it!
15. Walk Up the Vennel Steps
When you hop off our Edinburgh bus at Grass Market, there’s so much more than meets the eye. The area hides a secret alley to the iconic Vennel Steps. This hidden gem takes you past the Flodden Wall, which was built in 1560 in an attempt to protect the city from potential English invasions.
After a fifteen-minute walk up, you’ll reach a large platform with vistas of Edinburgh Castle and beyond. It’s a popular hotspot with photographers. Why not bring your camera and test your own photography skills?
Wondering how to hit as many free events in Edinburgh as possible? Book a spot with Bright Bus Tours and stop for dozens of free activities in Edinburgh in one day.
Places to Go in Edinburgh For Free – FAQs
What are some free things to do in Edinburgh at night?
Seeing the sunset at Arthur’s Seat is an unforgettable free experience in Edinburgh. If you happen to be around the Royal Mile, wander down the road and enjoy admiring the street performers, from quirky musicians and singers to portrait artists and balloonists.
Are there free indoor activities in Edinburgh?
If you’re trying to escape the weather, there are many free activities to explore. From travelling to the past in The People’s Story Museum and exploring St Giles’ Cathedral to gazing in awe at the work in the City Art Centre, you don’t have to head outside for a fun time!
Are all museums free in Edinburgh?
Most museum sites in Edinburgh are free, while others have a small entry charge. For example, the Surgeons’ Hall Museums require you to pay an entry fee. However, there are plenty of other museum hotspots, like the Writers’ Museum, that are along the Royal Mile and beyond.
Which of Edinburgh’s free activities are family-friendly?
Many of the free attractions in Edinburgh are family-friendly. These include visiting an Edinburgh museum or strolling through the art galleries. A popular spot for children to visit is Greyfriars Bobby, where the whole family can rub the nose of this brave dog for good luck! The Museum of Childhood is another fantastic place for hours of family fun, with fun toys and games from the 19th century on display.
