Edinburgh has always intrigued me and has been on my travel bucket list for a long time. The Scottish capital lived up beyond my expectations. We found an enchanting city where history meets culture with a vast collection of fascinating buildings and interesting activities and great for the family travel budget. Here are some free things to do in Edinburgh.
Wander Through the Royal Mile
Considered the center of Edinburgh, there are many attractions around the Old Town and the Royal Mile. This area offered a unique blend of history, culture and architectural splendor. We actually spent the most time in this area during our visit in Edinburgh.
The Royal Mile is a historic street stretching about a mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and where many tourists and locals congregate.
We enjoyed wandering around the maze of narrow alleys and hidden courtyards that date back centuries. It was hard not to marvel at the impressive architecture, from the imposing Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock to the picturesque and historic buildings lining the Royal Mile.
We highly recommend walking the Royal Mile, even if just parts of it, to explore and get lost. Don’t miss walking down side streets to see what each corner uncovers. This area has everything from the cool pubs, unique shops, great cafes and many souvenir stores.
Hike up Arthur’s Seat
One may not think of hiking in Edinburgh but this trail may be an exception. Go on a scenic climb up Arthur’s Seat which is an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park. The sweeping panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond is the reward since this is the city’s highest point.
At 822 feet, Arthur’s Seat offers a perfect vantage point to see the city’s stunning skyline and the surrounding countryside especially on a clear day.
The trail to the summit is steep. It is a moderate hilly circuit route through the ragged Salisbury Crags is about 2.5 miles long and takes between 1.5-2.5 hours depending on your fitness levels and pace. I most likely would have taken longer with the number of stops for taking pictures along the trail.
If you want a shorter route but still want to see part of the Edinburgh skyline, go to Salisbury Crags which takes 30 minutes to go up. We had a busy itinerary during our short visit and unfortunately, didn’t get to do this hike. It’s definitely something we’d like to do on the return trip to Edinburgh. We passed by on our tour bus and saw many people climbing up.
Tips for Hiking Arthur’s Seat
- Always check the weather and don’t go when it’s rainy or windy since the trails will be muddy and slippery. Plus, there will also be poor visibility of the skyline.
- Wear layers since it can get windy and cold at the top.
- Wear sturdy footwear since some areas are steep.
- Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit and offer stunning lighting and fewer crowds.
Explore the Museums
Edinburgh is a culturally rich area and luckily, many of its museums are free. Here are some not to be missed museums during your visit.
National Museum of Scotland
Delve into Scotland’s rich heritage and diverse culture at the National Museum of Scotland. Housing a vast collection of artifacts spanning centuries, this world-class museum offers something for everyone in the family.
The museum has ancient relics and archaeological treasures plus some interactive exhibits showcasing science and technology. Some highlights include the T-rex skeleton, Moby the Whale’s skull, the Millennium Clock, Dolly the cloned sheep and the breathtaking Grand Gallery.
There are many galleries for everyone to learn. Kids can participate in interactive exhibits, dress up, participate in story corner and hands-on games. Learning is fun here from launching hot air balloons to doing science experiments. Check out these museum activities to try with kids
The museum is open daily. This is the ideal rainy-day activity or educational outing for families and students. There are a series of free audio tours using the museum’s app to learn more about the various collections.
National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland is made up of three venues: the Modern, National and Portrait. These galleries are home to 4,273 artworks by 1,460 artists and all offer free admission to their permanent collections. It caters to everyone no matter what type of art you may prefer. Though, some exhibitions may charge minimal fees.
Modern
For art lovers of the modern era, the Modern features two gallery spaces (Modern One and Modern Two) that are located across from each other. They are home to art works in the Modern era of xxx. No matter which gallery you visit, you’re bound to be inspired with the artists’ originalities and creativities.
Modern One houses today’s contemporary and leading artists with various shows and exhibits both indoors and outdoors. Modern Two features a bit more “wacky and the wonderful” art from late 19th and early 20th century.
National
For some of us who like a bit more of the traditional art styles, the Scottish National Gallery is a wonderful place to visit. The gallery is home to various paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from internationally-renowned to Scottish artists ranging from the 1300 to 1945.
From the Renaissance masters to the Impressionists, you’ll find Vermeer, Rembrandt, Monet, Dali and Van Gogh. This is also a wonderful place to see and lear about art works by Scottish painters like Sir Henry Raeburn and Allan Ramsay. It reminds us of our visit to Musee d’Orsay in Paris.
The galleries offer several lessons, workshops and many family-friendly events throughout the year like art baskets and sensory art.
Museum of Childhood
Delight your inner child at the Museum of Childhood, located on the Royal Mile. Housed in a charming 18th-century building, this unique museum showcases a vast collection of toys, games, and memorabilia spanning generations. From vintage dolls to retro board games and interactive exhibits, the museum offers a nostalgic journey through generations of childhood.
We stopped at this museum and had such a wonderful time. It was fun to see some toys we played with despite not growing up in Europe which shows that dolls, cars, teddy bears and board games were a universal tours. The museum wasn’t very big but offered a wonderful insight into our childhood and brought so much nostalgia along the way.
Take a Stroll in the Green Spaces
We love exploring green spaces in European cities and Edinburgh has a few beautiful gardens in its city center. These gardens and parks made for great afternoon breaks while sightseeing. They offered a wonderful dose of nature amidst all the brick buildings.
Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens, a former loch, is nestled between the historic Old Town and New Town. These lush gardens offer a serene retreat amid the urban landscape. It is also a popular place for joggers, walkers and plenty of sunbathers during our summer visit.
The tree-lined pathways and benches were wonderful for resting and people watching. We could have stayed there all afternoon looking out into views of the Edinburgh Castle and the beautiful Old Town buildings.
During the summer months, the gardens host various events and festivals, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. fountains. There is an East/West portion of the gardens. The East has a large hill area and home to the Scott Monument.
The Royal Botanic Gardens
If you’re a plant lover, the 70-acre Royal Botanic Gardens is your retreat located just one mile north of the city center. This public garden has many trees, plants and flowers from around the world. There are over 13,500 living species in their vast collection. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic 1858 Victorian Palm House
Locals call the gardens “The Botanics” and it has many beautiful areas to explore. Don’t miss the picturesque Rock Garden, the Woodland Garden (home of coastal giant redwoods), the Chinese Hillside (with a large collection of Chinese plants), a Biodiversity Garden, glass houses, ponds and the iconic 19th century Victorian Palm House.
The Botanics offers a free, daily and guided seasonal tour to learn more about the garden’s history and unique plant collection. These tours are offered everyday at 11 AM and 2 PM between April and October. Private guided tours for groups are also available for a fee.
Check the Events calendar for what may be interesting things happening at The Botanics during your visit. I regret not making time to visit this garden.
Holyrood Park
This 640-acre Royal Park is adjacent to Holyrood Palace with the volcanic Arthur’s Seat as its centerpiece. It’s not just a park filled with lush greenery and a variety of flora and fauna but also has interesting archaeological sites from the Iron Age.
Holyrood Palace, the King’s official residence in Edinburgh, was closed by the time we visited the area. But, we were able to see the palace from beyond the fence. It was beautiful and I wish we could have gone inside for a tour.
The ruins of the 15th century medieval St. Anthony’s Chapel can be found within the park. There are Iron Age hill forts and Bronze Age agricultural terraces.
Look up to see the 150 foot cliff Salisbury Crags, on the west side. There is an expansive wilderness area here to explore and enjoy nature’s beauty. Pick a trail and start your adventure!
Don’t miss watching the birdlife and waterfowl in the freshwater Duddingston Loch. Holyrood Park is open 24 hours and 365 days a year and is about a mile east of Edinburgh Castle. The park is closed to cars during the weekends.
Attend a Free Festival or Event
Edinburgh is renowned for its lively calendar of festivals and events and many offer free admission or activities. From the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August to the vibrant Edinburgh International Film Festival, there’s always something exciting happening in the city.
Keep an eye out for street performances, art exhibitions, and cultural celebrations taking place throughout the year. We found many talented buskers in the Royal Mile area and by Princes Street Gardens including performers wearing traditional Scottish kilts and playing bag pipes. Their music was captivating and always drew a crowd. Though, tips are much appreciated and well-deserved.
Whether you’re into comedy, music, or visual arts, you’re sure to find a free event that piques your interest. Check out this Events page to see what is happening in Edinburgh during your visit.
Explore Dean Village
One of my favorite parts of our Edinburgh visit was exploring Dean Village. This picturesque village is nestled along the Water of Leith. We did a leisurely 15-minute walk from the West End tram stop.
We felt like we stepped back in time walking through the charming cobblestone streets of the village. Dean Village was once a busy milling village and many of its historic mills and buildings have been well-preserved.
Check out Well Court and its courtyard which is the red sandstone building that used to be a social house for the local mill workers. Another place to see in the village is the 18th century St. Bernard’s Well. The structure has a statue of the Greek goddess of health – Hygeia within its columns. Locals believed the natural spring had healing properties.
Don’t miss stopping by Dean Bridge. This 19th century bridge across the Water of Leith offers beautiful views of the village below.
We enjoyed our stroll along the riverside Water of Leith Walkway and even passed by a small waterfall. There are several spots near the bridge for beautiful photographs of the buildings and the village.
Please keep in mind the village is not an outdoor museum but an actual residential area. So, please be mindful where you park and pass or walk through.
Attend a Free Walking Tour
Get acquainted with Edinburgh’s history, culture, rich heritage and discover hidden gems by joining a free walking tour led by knowledgeable local guides. Tour companies offer complimentary guided walks that cover various parts of the city, from its medieval origins to its modern-day attractions. Tours are tip-based but is still quite reasonable priced for families.
This particular free two-hour walking tour starts every day at 10 AM, 11 AM and 1 PM on The Royal Mile, just in front of a bar called Copper Still (154 High Street).
Free Tours by Foot is also a two-hour walking tour that covers the Old Town and the Royal Mile. Tours start at 10 AM, 11 AM or 1400 and 1630 in the summer. The tour starts from 351 High Street, opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral. This tour charges a minimal $4 per person.
Explore Calton Hill
One of the first attractions we visited was climbing up Calton Hill. Fresh air and a dose of nature helped beat our jet lag. During our visit, we found beautiful panoramic views of the city and beyond. But, Calton Hill is also home to some of Edinburgh’s notable and historic monuments and buildings:
National Monument of Scotland: We spent quite a bit of time, relaxing and people watching from this unfinished structure of columns. On a hot summer day, this had great views and a wonderful breeze too.
The monument was initially built to look like the Parthenon in Athens. Construction started in 1826 but funds ran out and it has stayed this way for centuries. It is still an imposing structure that was meant to commemorate Scottish soldiers and sailors who died in the Napoleonic Wars.
Nelson Monument: This tower was built to honor Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson and to commemorate his victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Visitors can climb the 143 steps to the top for stunning views of the city.
Dugald Stewart Monument: Designed by William Henry Playfair, this memorial honors the philosopher Dugald Stewart. This is one of the most photographed structures on Calton Hill.
City Observatory: Dating back to 1818, the City Observatory was an important site for astronomical observations. It has since been renovated and now serves as an arts center.
Calton Hill is easily accessible from the city center. There are well-marked paths leading to the top. There’s a small steep portion but definitely worth the climb. We wished we could have seen the sunrise or sunset from here.
Stroll through Victoria Street
Victoria Street is one of the most picturesque and vibrant streets in the city. It is known for its colorful facades, history, unique shops, interesting architecture and curved entrance.
For Harry Potter fans, Victoria Street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley with its colorful, narrow buildings and quirky shops along cobblestoned street. As we walked up and down the street, it was easy to see how it could have easily passed for the magical alley.
This was one of my favorite areas in Edinburg. We liked it so much we visited and strolled through its cobblestoned streets twice. Some of our favorite Edinburgh pictures were taken here with the colorful shops as a beautiful backdrop.
Here are some free attractions and points of interest we enjoyed exploring along Victoria Street:
The Bow Well
Located at the top of Victoria Street, this historical 17th century water fountain provided an important water supply for the Old Town residents and was the first well in the area. It is also known as West Bow.
It features an intricate stonework designs with a square base and pyramid shape roof. The well was a part of the city’s old public water system.
Victoria Terrace
This terrace, located above Victoria Street, offers a different perspective of the area. Built in the 19th century, it provides a picturesque vantage point over the busy street below.
We enjoyed going up here and seeing the activities and views of the colorful shops. There were also some cafes and bars to enjoy the views from the terrace.
Museum Context
If you’re a Harry Potter series fan (like our family), don’t miss the Museum Context shop here. The store is in a historic building and offers a magical shopping experience.
We loved exploring this store with their extensive collection of officially licensed Harry Potter-themed merchandise and memorabilia. It felt like we stepped into the Hogwarts and in one of the Diagon alley stores. We even posed with Harry Potter props.
The Grassmarket
While not technically on Victoria Street, the Grassmarket is just a short walk away and is closely connected to the history and culture of Victoria Street. This historic market square has been a hub of activity since the 14th century.
There were several restaurants, pubs and shops here. But, we enjoyed one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle from here. We ate at the No. 12 Black Bull if you want some Scottish food and an interesting interior of hanging items at the lobby.
We also found what was touted as the smallest pub in Scotland which only accommodates up to 20 people – The Wee Pub.
Visit the Churches
We love exploring European churches and Edinburgh had some beautiful ones that were worth entering and of course, free. These were some of the ones we saw and recommend to add to your list.
St. Giles’ Cathedral
Located on the Royal Mile, it’s hard to miss this Gothic masterpiece also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh. Dating back to the 12th century, this is one of the city’s most prominent and historic churches
We went inside and marveled at the colorful stained glass windows, impressive pipe organ, ornate ceilings and majestic arches. Don’t miss the neo-Gothic Thistle Chapel filled with intricate wood carvings. The chapel was built in 1911 to honor and house the Order of the Thistle which is Scotland’s order of chivalry.
Greyfriars Kirk
This early 17th-century church was founded in 1620 and famous for the monument inside it commemorating the National Covenant signing which signified the church’s independence from the monarchy. The church has a simple and understated elegance but is more famous for the graveyard around it and connection to a famous dog statue.
Greyfriars Bobby was the loyal dog who guarded his master’s grave for 14 years. You can visit his grave and also see his statue near the graveyard.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this historic graveyard inspired JK Rowling to use several names in the popular series. We actually walked around this graveyard to look for the names and also came across Harry Potter fans (some dressed like characters) on a scavenger hunt. Many have now called this the Harry Potter cemetery and yes, there are some Potter family tombstones.
- Thomas Riddell’s Grave: Look for the tombstone of Thomas Riddell, whose name bears a striking resemblance to Tom Riddle (Lord Voldemort).
- William McGonagall’s Grave: This grave is thought to have inspired the name of Professor Minerva McGonagall.
Harry Potter tidbit: The prestigious private school George Heriot’s School with its four houses and turreted architecture, is said to have inspired Hogwarts. While you can’t enter without permission, the school’s exterior is visible from surrounding streets and makes for an impressive sight. We caught a glimpse of the school grounds from behind the fence of the the Greyfriars Kirkyard.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Diocese of Edinburgh, was built in the late 19th century and consecrated in 1879. This Victorian Gothic architecture was beautiful and is known for its distinctive three spires.
We visited the cathedral on our way to Dean Village. It is tucked away in a residential area. We loved the tall stained glass windows, the altar, impressive vaulted ceilings and the wooden choir stalls and pulpit.
Canongate Kirk
Canongate Kirk, built in 1688, serves as the parish church for the Canongate area of Edinburgh. It is the church of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament and nestled along the Royal Mile with ties to royalty.
It has a distinctive Dutch-style gable and worth visiting inside for its beautiful stained glass windows, impressive organ and ornate woodwork amidst its white walls. There are also some memorials and plaque dedicated to prominent figures in Scottish history.
Edinburgh proves that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy a memorable family travel experience. With plenty of free attractions and activities, this captivating city offered endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. We fell in love with this city as we admired historic landmarks, soaked up panoramic views, and immersed ourselves in its culture and history.
*What other free things to do in Edinburgh can you add?
The World Is A Book contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links or any of the product links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
Check out these tours in Edinburgh!
Pin it for later!
