40 Best Free Things to Do in Edinburgh

Last Updated on 13/02/2024

Visiting Edinburgh on a budget or wanting to save your pennies for a swanky hotel or meal? – This post has you covered! Whilst the city is a hotspot for tourists, there are plenty of free things to do in Edinburgh that will keep you busy without the crowds and without spending a penny.

Ideal if like me, you would rather save your pennies for swankier accommodation or a nice meal out during your visit.

This post includes some of the best free attractions in Edinburgh to help you plan your own Edinburgh itinerary.

Feel free to use the Contents Quick Links below if there’s something you’re looking for in particular:

Fun Free Things to do in Edinburgh

A trip to Edinburgh is must for your UK bucket list, whether you choose to uncover Edinburgh’s history, enjoy a girls’ weekend in Edinburgh shopping, or relax in the city’s many parks and gardens.

There are so many fun things to do in Edinburgh for free for every itinerary, without spending £100s on entry price tickets for attractions!

1. Take a free walking tour of Edinburgh

There’s no better introduction to Edinburgh than a free walking tour. Edinburgh’s free walking tours generally last around 2 hours and are hosted by city experts who are knowledgeable about the city’s history and the best places to see in Edinburgh.

If you want to see as much of Edinburgh as possible in a short amount of time, a free walking tour is a way to go to help you narrow down the Edinburgh attractions you want to visit. Free walking tours are also a great way to uncover hidden gems in Edinburgh that you may be unaware of.

There are several free walking tours in Edinburgh available that will take you around the city’s most popular sights, including the Grassmarket Ghost Walk and the Literary Pub Crawl. Be sure to check out the free walking tour options before you visit!

2. Step back in time at Dean Village

The picturesque Dean Village is a hidden gem in Edinburgh that you’ll want to explore. Once home to the city’s millers and weavers, the village has been preserved today and is now a popular spot for photographers, wedding ceremonies, and visitors alike. It’s free to wander around the pretty cobbled streets and admire the traditional sandstone buildings.

Dean Village is so unlike other areas I visited in Edinburgh and is a wonderful spot to capture photos with the beautiful water of the Leith River as a backdrop.

If you want to learn more about the history of Dean Village, there is a free audio tour available from the Edinburgh Visitor Centre on the Royal Mile.

3. Walk the Water of Leith Walkway

Another hidden gem worth venturing outside the city centre, The Water of Leith Walkway is a 12.5-mile trail that runs through the Edinburgh suburbs and out into the countryside. The picturesque walkway follows the river from Balerno in the west all the way to Leith in the east.

You can choose to do the entire walk or just sections of it, depending on your time and energy levels. Whilst I didn’t walk the entire Water of Leith Walkway, the sections between Stockbridge and Dean Village are particularly beautiful.

The walkway is a great way to see some of Edinburgh’s prettiest suburbs and get out into the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Explore Stockbridge Market on a Sunday

If you’re visiting Edinburgh on a Sunday, be sure to check out Stockbridge Market. The weekly market is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh on a Sunday and is free to browse.

The market features an array of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and artisanal food products to vintage clothes and homewares. There’s also a great range of street food options available, so you can enjoy a cheap and delicious meal whilst you peruse the market stalls.

Stockbridge Market is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family back home. I also discovered some great charity shop finds in Stockbridge too.

In fact, Stockbridge was one of my favourite areas to explore in Edinburgh and has some great brunch options. There are so many things to do in Stockbridge Edinburgh – so be sure to browse around Stockbridge even if you do miss the Sunday market.

An extra treat if you’re visiting Edinburgh in June – The Annual Stockbridge Duck Race involves hundreds of yellow rubber ducks being raced down the Water of Leith!

5. Circus Lane Edinburgh Photo Spot

Whilst located in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, Circus Lane deserves its very own entry, being one of the most popular Edinburgh Instagram spots!

Circus Lane is a quiet picturesque mews located in the backdrop of St Stephen Street bars and nightlife and is a great place to capture a photo of Edinburgh.

Though, please be respectful of residents who have the pleasure of living in this delightful area. 

6. Listen to the One O’clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle

If you’re looking for free things to do in Edinburgh with a bit of history and culture, don’t miss the One O’Clock Gun from Edinburgh castle walls! 

The gun is fired every day at 1pm from Edinburgh Castle and can be heard throughout the city. The tradition dates back to 1861 when it was used as a time signal for ships in the Firth of Forth.

Nowadays, the One O’Clock Gun is more of a tourist attraction than anything else and is quite startling for tourists (like myself) who may not be aware of this before visiting Edinburgh!

As someone who has a dislike for loud noises, it certainly wasn’t for me, but it certainly is a quirky thing to do in Edinburgh for those with kids in tow.

7. Listen to Scottish Bagpipers on the Royal Mile

It’s no trip to Edinburgh without listening to the bagpipers play on the Royal Mile.  Bagpipers can be found playing throughout the day on the Royal Mile and add a touch of Scottish culture and tradition to any visit to Edinburgh. Plus, they provide great photo opportunities!

8. Wander down the Royal Mile  

If you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh for free that are quintessentially Scottish, a walk down the Royal Mile is a must.

The Royal Mile is the main street in Edinburgh’s Old Town and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The mile-long street is free to walk down and offers a great way to see some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace without having to pay a single entrance fee.

9. Explore Old Town Edinburgh Victoria Street Shops

Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town is one of the most picturesque streets in the city and is home to a range of independent shops. This winding colourful street is a must-visit in Edinburgh and has everything from vintage fashion stores to bookshops and independent cafes

Victoria Street is particularly popular with Harry Potter fans as it was used as a filming location for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Even if you’re not a fan of Harry Potter, it’s still worth a wander down Victoria Street to take in the pretty Georgian architecture and browse the eclectic mix of shops.

10. Browse Armchair Books

Picture perfect Armchair Books is the place to find rare book titles and floor-to-ceiling second-hand finds filled with literary gems, whilst taking in the smell of vintage books – Carrie Bradshaw would be in her element!

11. Soak up the sunshine at Portobello Beach

Ok, you may not necessarily be guaranteed sunshine in Edinburgh, but it’s nice to know there’s a beach close to the city centre if the sun does make an appearance.

Portobello beach is just a short bus ride from the city centre and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike on sunny days. The golden sandy beach stretches for over 2 miles and there’s also a lovely promenade to walk along.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Edinburgh with kids, Portobello beach is a great place to take them for a paddle in the sea (if it’s warm enough) or to build sandcastles.

12. Marvel at Edinburgh’s Architecture

From honey-coloured Georgian buildings in Edinburgh’s new town to Gothic and Renaissance styles, if you’re a fan of architecture, or simply want to brush up on your knowledge, there are free walking tours available that will take you around some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to explore at your own pace, pick up a free map from the  Edinburgh Visitor Centre and explore the city’s Architectural heritage on your own.

13. Admire Gothic Scott Monument 

Understood to be the largest monument in the world dedicated to a writer, the mesmerising Victorian Gothic Scott Monument pays tribute to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The monument is located in the Princes Street Gardens, therefore can be seen whilst browsing the gardens and viewing the nearby Ross fountain. 

Whilst the Scott Monument tour and viewing platform is currently closed, you can still view the monument from the street at any time.

Best Viewpoints in Edinburgh

There are so many incredible viewpoints to capture the best of Edinburgh, enjoy nature, as well as enjoy rooftops views of Edinburgh (with a drink, of course!)

Check out my recommendations for the best viewpoints in Edinburgh to visit:

14. Calton Hill Sunset

Before visiting Edinburgh, I already knew I wanted to explore Calton Hill after saving it to my Edinburgh Instagram spots!

Calton Hill is one of the best places to get views of Edinburgh and it’s free to visit! The hill is located just outside the city centre and can be easily reached on foot.

Calton Hill is particularly beautiful to visit at sunset when you will find both locals and tourists alike enjoying the spectacular views of Edinburgh city below, whilst enjoying a drink or a picnic. It’s a great place to socialise and take pictures of the glorious sunset over the city.

From Calton Hill, you can see panoramic views of the city and beyond. Calton Hill is also home to a number of monuments, including the National Monument of Scotland, Nelson’s Monument and Dugald Stewart Monument. If you’re looking for free things to do in Edinburgh with a view, this is definitely a must-see!

15. Hike Arthur’s Seat

Whilst it may be known to most as the most famous hill in Edinburgh. I have to admit, before visiting Edinburgh I had no idea what Arthur’s Seat is and had thought it was possibly a throne at Edinburgh Castle. Unbeknown to me, Arthur’s Seat is in fact an extinct volcano located in the centre of Holyrood Park and offers stunning 360-degree views of Edinburgh.

The hike to the top of this iconic Edinburgh landmark may be a little strenuous, but the views from the summit are definitely worth inclusion on your Edinburgh bucket list.

16. Explore Iron Age Forts at Holyrood Park

Don’t miss out on seeing the Iron Age Forts after hiking Arthur’s Seat.

Holyrood Park is a royal park in Edinburgh and is free to enter. The best part is you can explore the remains of Iron Age forts and marvel at the incredible views from the top of the crags.

Entry to Holyrood Park is free and you can also learn about the history of the park and archaeology at Holyrood Lodge Information Centre.

17. Best view of Edinburgh Castle at Vennels Point

If you’re looking for the best free view of Edinburgh Castle, make your way to Vennels Point. Easily up there as one of Edinburgh’s best Instagram spots, I was so glad I included Vennels Point on my Edinburgh itinerary.

Vennels Point is located in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh and is a picturesque spot to take in views of Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding cityscape. The viewpoint can be easily accessed, located down the road from popular Victoria Street and is free to visit.

A must-see for the best free view of Edinburgh Castle and especially ideal if you don’t get a chance to visit the castle during your time in Edinburgh.

18. Balmoral Hotel Terrace Views

If you’re looking for a free spot to take in panoramic views of Edinburgh, the Balmoral Hotel Terrace is a great option. The terrace can be accessed from Princes Street and you can visit for a drink even if you aren’t staying at the hotel.

The terrace offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the cityscape beyond. It’s definitely one of the best views of Edinburgh that you can get!

Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city full of beautiful parks and gardens, perfect for a relaxing day out. The Princes Street Gardens are a great place to start, and you can also wander through to the Scott Monument and St. Giles’ Cathedral. If you’re looking for something a little more peaceful, the Royal Botanic Garden is a great option.

Check out recommendations for the best parks and gardens in Edinburgh to visit for free:

19. Royal Edinburgh Botanic Gardens

The Royal Edinburgh Botanic Gardens are such a glorious place to spend a day in Edinburgh that I was so shocked when I discovered they are actually free to visit!

The gardens were originally founded to collect and study plants from the tropics, but have now expanded to include a beautiful glasshouse, a number of different gardens and an education centre.

There’s plenty to explore in the gardens, including the beautiful range of different plant species from all over the world, and it makes for a peaceful day out in Edinburgh.

There’s also a great cafe on site for when you need a break from exploring the gardens.

A haven in the heart of the city, don’t miss the Royal Edinburgh Botanic Gardens.

20. Enjoy a picnic in Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is a large public park in the centre of Edinburgh and a favourite spot for locals and tourists. The gardens are free to enter and offer a range of activities, including children’s play areas, a bandstand, numerous sculptures and a beautiful fountain.

The Princes Street fountain is a firm Edinburgh photo spot favourite for me, particularly for capturing a picture of Edinburgh Castle in the background.

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh, and whilst it’s not free to enter, you can admire the castle from afar for free from Princes Street Gardens. If you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh for free with a view, this is definitely a must-see and a great picnic spot too!

21. Play in The Meadows

Located just south of Princes Street Gardens, The Meadows is another free park in Edinburgh that’s perfect for a relaxing day out. The park is large and includes a children’s play area, football pitches, a bandstand and numerous walking paths.

The Meadows is also home to the Edinburgh International Film Festival each year and is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Want to get fit? Why not take part in The Meadows Marathon, a 5K run held in aid of charity.

 22. Pentlands Hill Regional Park

If you’re looking for a bit of fresh air and some stunning views, the Pentlands Hill Regional Park is the place to go. The park is free to enter and includes various walking trails, as well as cycle routes and an animal farm, which is ideal for free things to do in Edinburgh for families.

The park is located just south of Edinburgh and makes for a great day out in the city.

23. Get Spooked at the Grassmarket Ghost Walk

If you’re looking for scary things to do in Edinburgh for free then the Grassmarket Ghost Walk is for you!

You’ll find The Grassmarket is a lively and vibrant square in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The best part is you can sample food in the Grassmarket without spending a penny! When you find a place to dine in Grassmarket – There are a number of restaurants and cafes that offer outdoor seating, so make sure you take advantage of the sunshine and people-watch whilst enjoying a meal.

The Grassmarket is also home to a number of street performers, so keep your eyes peeled for some free entertainment.

Free Indoor Things to Do in Edinburgh When it Rains

Free Museums in Edinburgh 

Museums are a great way to uncover the history of a location and add some culture to your itinerary. I love that the museums in the UK are free as it makes cultural and historical artefacts accessible for everyone!

Edinburgh is home to a range of free museums and galleries, perfect if you’re wondering what to do in Edinburgh when it rains! The National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery and the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions are all free to enter and offer a range of different exhibits.

Check out this guide to free museums and galleries in Edinburgh for more information.

*Please note – Whilst I have detailed opening times, these are subject to change, therefore please ensure you make your own enquiries prior to visiting as some museums may be temporarily closed or have differing Sunday hours.

24.  The National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most popular free museums in Edinburgh. It offers visitors a vast array of exhibits spanning history, art, culture, and science. 

The museum is free to enter and is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

25. The Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh is a free museum located in the city’s Old Town. The museum offers visitors a look at the history of Edinburgh from the prehistoric period to the present day.

The museum is free to enter and is open Monday from 10am-5pm and then Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. The Museum of Edinburgh is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

26. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is also free to enter and showcases portraits of influential Scots from the past and present.

The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

The free museums in Edinburgh are a great way to learn about the city and its history, so make sure you add at least one of these to your itinerary!

27. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a free museum in Edinburgh that offers visitors a range of optical illusions and interactive exhibits. What I love most about Camera Obscura is that it is far from boring, from mind-boggling facts to the most random of exhibits – Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a must for fun things to do in Edinburgh for families for free!

The museum is open daily from 9.30am until 7pm (sometimes later at weekends). 

28. People’s Story Museum

One of the best ways to truly learn about a destination is to uncover more about the people who live and call the place home. It’s also a great way to be a better tourist and learn more about the world around you.

The People’s Story Museum is free to enter and offers visitors a look at the lives of ordinary Edinburgh residents from the 18th century onwards.

*Please note at the time of posting, People’s Story Museum is temporarily closed. However, the museum is usually open from 10am to 5pm.

29. Young V&A Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood is free to enter and showcases toys, games and objects from childhood throughout the ages. It’s a fascinating place to visit with plenty of fun interactive activities and is without a doubt one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh for families.

*Please note at the time of posting, The Museum of Childhood is temporarily closed. However, the museum is usually open from 10am to 5pm.

30. Museum on the Mound

The Museum on the Mound is free to enter and offers visitors a look at the history of money, from its origins to the present day. The museum is located in the former Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters and is open from Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm.

Whilst this museum is all about money, you’ll be pleased to know you don’t need any to enter!

Unusual Things to Do in Edinburgh for Free

In addition to free museums and galleries, there are also a range of free things to do in Edinburgh that offer a more unique Edinburgh experience.

From haunted graveyards, condemned witches, Harry Potter filming locations to a famous dog; there’s more to Edinburgh than meets the eye!

Check out these quirky things to do in Edinburgh for free:

31. Rub Greyfriars Bobby’s nose for good luck 

Included in my Edinburgh free things to do is a lucky dog that you don’t want to miss!

In Edinburgh’s Old Town you’ll find Greyfriars Bobby, a small dog who is famous for his loyalty to his owner. After his owner’s death, Bobby spent 14 years guarding his grave and was eventually buried next to him. To this day, tourists and locals rub Bobby’s nose for good luck!

32. Visit the haunted graveyard Edinburgh

Edinburgh is home to a number of haunted graveyards and one of the most famous is Greyfriars Kirkyard. The graveyard is said to be home to the ghost of ‘McGonagall’, a local poet who wrote about the graveyard in one of his poems and a name that may be familiar to Harry Potter fans.

The graveyard is free to enter and is open 24 hours a day for those seeking spooktacular things to do in Edinburgh at night.

33. Visit St Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh

St Mary’s Cathedral is the mother church of the Edinburgh Episcopal Diocese and is free to enter.  The cathedral is open to the public daily from 8am to 6pm and is worth a visit for its Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows.

34. The Witches’ Well Edinburgh

When it comes to free stuff to do in Edinburgh, this might be one of the strangest on the list! In Edinburgh’s Old Town you’ll find the Witches’ Well, a small well that was once used to drown witches.  The well is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the witches and it’s free to view.

Located next to Greyfriars Kirkyard, the well is viewable at any time of day and is an interesting find to uncover Edinburgh’s dark history of witchcraft.

Free Harry Potter Locations Edinburgh

If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series (I mean, who isn’t), then you’ll be pleased to know that Edinburgh served as the backdrop for many of the films’ locations with so many places to visit in Edinburgh for free!

From The Elephant House where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the series, to Victoria Street which was used as Diagon Alley, there are plenty of free Harry Potter locations to explore in Edinburgh.

35. Walk the Harry Potter Trail

If you want to see all of the Harry Potter filming locations in Edinburgh, there’s a free Harry Potter Trail that you can follow! The trail takes you to 16 different spots around the city and is a great way to see some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks.

Why not take a self-guided Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh? To get the free Harry Potter Trail map, simply head to the information point at Edinburgh Visitor Centre on Princes Street.

36. The Witchery by the Castle

Another place to uncover Edinburgh’s dark past of witches is The Witchery by the Castle. The Witchery is said to be one of the most haunted places in Edinburgh and was once home to a number of witches who were burned at the stake.

The Witchery is now a restaurant, but you can still explore the building for free during the day.

For Harry Potter fans, The Witchery by the Castle, which was used as the exterior of Hogwarts School in the first movie is one not to miss!

37. Greyfriars Kirkyard Graveyard

As mentioned before, Greyfriars Kirkyard is well-known for its haunted graveyard, particularly for Harry Potter fans.  The graveyard was used as the filming location for many scenes in the Harry Potter movies, including the scene where Cedric Diggory was killed.

The names on the gravestones are also believed to be the inspiration for some of the characters in the Harry Potter series, including Tom Riddle (otherwise known as Voldemort), Professor McGonagall and Moaning Myrtle.

38. The Elephant House Cafe

The Elephant House is a cafe in Edinburgh that’s well-known for being the birthplace of Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling wrote the first two books of the series, Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets while sitting in The Elephant House.

As you can see from the photo below, The Elephant House House Cafe wants to be known on its own merits not just for any association with the wizarding world, so probably best not to mention Harry Potter…

Though, the loos at The Elephant House are said to be the real draw as it is a place where fans have left mementoes over the years. Needless to say, whilst included in places to visit in Edinburgh for free, I didn’t visit Edinburgh to spend my time browsing some toilets, but if you want to visit, The Elephant House is free to enter and is open daily from 9am to 6pm.

39. Victoria Street Diagon Alley

Do you see the resemblance between Victoria Street and Diagon Alley? Personally, I think The Shambles in York looks more similar to Diagon Alley.

Victoria Street in Edinburgh was used as the filming location for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The street is lined with colourful buildings and is definitely worth a visit, even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan!

One of Edinburgh’s best photo spots and certainly one of the most popular free places to visit in Edinburgh – Don’t miss Victoria Street!

40. J.K. Rowling’s Handprint at The City Chambers

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, make sure to stop by The City Chambers on the Royal Mile where you’ll find J.K. Rowling’s handprints. The City Chambers is free to enter and is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Top Free Things to do in Edinburgh

So there you have it, my top free things to do in Edinburgh, including all the best views in Edinburgh, photo spots and Edinburgh free attractions!

I hope you have found this post useful to plan your own Edinburgh itinerary (if you did, please drop me a comment in the box below) and if you would like to save this free things to do in Edinburgh blog post for a later date, you can hover over the pin image icon below or use the share buttons on the left (or below on mobile) to save/share for another time!

Thanks for reading!

Jaz 

xoxo

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