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10 Free Activities in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. While the city has plenty of paid attractions, there are also many free things to do, making it an excellent destination for budget travelers. Discover ten fantastic free activities you can enjoy in Edinburgh below!
Walk Up Arthur’s Seat
• Location: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
• Activity: Hiking, Scenic Views, Photography
• Details: Arthur’s Seat is a dormant volcano and the highest point in Holyrood Park. The hike to the summit is moderate, taking around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the route. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Edinburgh, including the Old Town, New Town, and beyond. It’s one of the best places in the city for sunrise or sunset views.
Explore the Royal Mile
• Location: From Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace
• Activity: Sightseeing, Street Performers, Historic Landmarks
• Details: The Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, filled with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and unique shops. Walking along it, you can admire landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House, and Canongate Kirk. Street performers (especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August) provide a lively atmosphere. You can also peek into hidden closes (alleys) that date back centuries.
Visit the National Museum of Scotland
•Location: Chambers Street, Edinburgh
• Activity: Exploring Exhibits, Learning, Family-Friendly
• Details: This vast museum covers everything from Scottish history and world cultures to science, nature, and fashion. Highlights include the Lewis Chessmen, Dolly the Sheep (the first cloned mammal), and ancient Egyptian artefacts. The museum also has a rooftop terrace with great views of the city. Entry is completely free, making it one of the best indoor activities in Edinburgh.
Take in the Views from Calton Hill
• Location: Regent Road, Edinburgh
• Activity: Photography, Sightseeing, Sunset Watching
• Details: Calton Hill is home to several iconic monuments, including the National Monument (Scotland’s unfinished Parthenon), Nelson Monument, and Dugald Stewart Monument. The hill is an easy climb and offers stunning panoramic views over Edinburgh. It’s a great spot for photographers, especially at sunset.
Wander Through Dean Village
• Location: Along the Water of Leith, Edinburgh
• Activity: Scenic Walks, Photography, Relaxation
• Details: Just a short walk from Princes Street, Dean Village feels like a hidden oasis with its picturesque houses, cobbled streets, and riverside pathways. Once a milling village, today it’s a tranquil spot to escape the city crowds. Walk along the Water of Leith Walkway to explore more scenic areas, such as the St. Bernard’s Well and Stockbridge. This is a little gem of a place.
Discover the Scottish Parliament building
• Location: Holyrood, Edinburgh
• Activity: Architecture, Politics, Guided Tours
• Details: The Scottish Parliament, located near Holyrood Palace, is an architecturally striking building designed by Enric Miralles. Visitors can explore the public areas for free and even sit in on parliamentary debates when they are in session. Free guided tours are also available, providing insights into Scotland’s political system.
Experience the Writers’ Museum
• Location: Lady Stair’s Close, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh
• Activity: Literature, History, Museum
• Details: Literature lovers will enjoy this small but fascinating museum, dedicated to Scotland’s most famous writers: Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. You’ll find rare manuscripts, personal belongings, and first editions of their works. The museum is housed in a lovely little 17th-century building hidden away in a historic close.
Stroll through Princes Street Gardens
• Location: Between Princes Street and the Old Town
• Activity: Relaxing, Picnicking, Photography
• Details: These beautiful gardens provide a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city. They are home to several landmarks, including the Scott Monument (dedicated to Sir Walter Scott), the Ross Fountain, and the Floral Clock. In December, part of the gardens transforms into a Christmas market and ice rink.
Explore Greyfriars Kirkyard
• Location: Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh
• Activity: History, Ghost Stories, Photography
• Details: This historic cemetery is famous for its haunting atmosphere and fascinating stories. It is the resting place of Greyfriars Bobby (a loyal dog who stayed by his owner’s grave for 14 years) and contains gravestones that inspired J.K. Rowling when writing Harry Potter (e.g., Tom Riddle’s grave). Some say the Mackenzie Poltergeist haunts the area, making it a popular spot for ghost hunters.
Walk the Water of Leith Walkway
• Location: Starts in Balerno and runs through Edinburgh
• Activity: Walking, Nature, Wildlife Spotting
• Details: The Water of Leith Walkway is a peaceful 12-mile path that runs through various parts of Edinburgh, including Dean Village, Stockbridge, and Leith. Along the way, you can see wildlife, historic buildings, and scenic river views. The stretch near Stockbridge is charming, with its boutique shops, Sunday market, and the Royal Botanic Garden nearby.
