Edinburgh: A Guide to Free Things To Do

Edinburgh is a city of incredible historical, cultural and architectural significance, steeped in centuries of tradition and boasting a number of iconic landmarks, monuments and attractions. Located on the southeastern coast of Scotland, Edinburgh is the country’s second largest city, and is home to an estimated population of over 500,000 people. Founded in the 7th century AD, Edinburgh has grown to become one of the most important cities in Britain, with a rich and fascinating history, iconic attractions and a vibrant cultural scene.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Edinburgh is its iconic medieval Old Town, which is home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The city’s impressive skyline is dominated by its majestic castle, which overlooks the city from its position atop an extinct volcano. Edinburgh’s other iconic attractions include the National Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery of Scotland and Calton Hill.

The city also has plenty of natural beauty to explore, from its sprawling parks and gardens to its beautiful coastline. Edinburgh is renowned as a cultural hub, with a thriving music and theatre scene, numerous art galleries and museums, and an eclectic range of shops, restaurants and bars. There’s something for everyone in this vibrant city, which is why it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular cities in Europe for tourists.

The good news is that there’s plenty of free things to do in Edinburgh for those travelling on a budget. From historic monuments and stunning parks to cultural events and interactive exhibitions, here’s our guide to the best free things to do in Edinburgh.

Explore Historic Monuments

Edinburgh is home to some of the most impressive monuments in Europe, many of which are open to the public for free. One of the best examples of this is Edinburgh Castle, which overlooks the city from its position atop an extinct volcano. The castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland, and its imposing walls have stood guard over the city for centuries. The castle is free to explore during the day and offers stunning views across the city. Other popular monuments include St Giles’ Cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which has been the official residence of British monarchs since 1603.

Discover Scotland’s Natural Beauty

Edinburgh is blessed with plenty of natural beauty, from its stunning parks and gardens to its picturesque coastline. One of the most popular parks in Edinburgh is Princes Street Gardens, located at the east end of Princes Street. The park features beautiful flower beds and rolling lawns, as well as a large pond where you can hire boats during the summer months. The park is also home to a number of historic monuments including the National Monument, dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic Wars.

The city also offers easy access to some stunning beaches, including Portobello Beach which is located just a few miles from the city centre. Here you can enjoy beautiful views across the Firth of Forth and watch as boats sail past. The beach also boasts miles of golden sands, making it a popular spot for sunbathing or taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.

Experience Edinburgh’s Cultural Scene

Edinburgh is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of free events and activities taking place all year round. Musicians can enjoy free concerts at St Giles’ Cathedral on Sunday evenings during the summer months, while art lovers can explore an array of galleries and museums for free, including the National Gallery of Scotland and The Fruitmarket Gallery.

For those looking for something a bit more interactive, there’s also an array of free walking tours taking place throughout the year. These tours will take you around some of Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions as well as uncovering hidden gems along the way. There are also a number of free festivals taking place in Edinburgh throughout the year, such as Hogmanay (the Scottish New Year celebration) and Beltane Fire Festival which takes place in April each year.

Visit Edinburgh’s Iconic Attractions

Edinburgh’s iconic attractions are a must-see for any visitor to the city. From historic monuments such as Edinburgh Castle to modern masterpieces such as The Scott Monument, there are plenty of places to explore for free. One popular attraction is Calton Hill, located just east of Princes Street Gardens. This hill offers stunning views across Edinburgh and is home to some impressive monuments including the Nelson Monument and The Dugald Stewart Monument.

The city also offers easy access to two World Heritage Sites – Old Town and New Town – both of which are free to explore. Old Town dates back to medieval times and boasts some stunning architecture including St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle, while New Town was built in the 18th century and features grand Georgian squares and terraced houses.

Book a Free Tour in Edinburgh

Whether you’re looking for an informative walking tour or an exciting historical experience, there are plenty of tours available in Edinburgh that won’t cost you a penny. If you’re interested in learning about the city’s fascinating history then why not book a free walking tour with Edinburgh Walking Tours? Led by experienced locals who will share their knowledge of Edinburgh’s past, this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks as well as uncovering hidden gems along the way.

For something a bit more immersive why not book a free tour with Free Tours Edinburgh? This tour will take you on an exploration through time as you learn about the city’s unique past and explore some of its most famous sites including The Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace. You will also have the opportunity to see some stunning views across Edinburgh from Calton Hill.

You can also book a free tour with Hidden Door Tours which takes you off-the-beaten-track into some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems and secret locations that are often overlooked by tourists. This tour will take you on an exploration through time as you learn about some of Edinburgh’s quirkiest locations and their fascinating histories.

Enjoy Free Entertainment in Edinburgh

As well as free tours and attractions there are plenty of other ways to enjoy free entertainment in Edinburgh. Every Sunday during summer months The Royal Botanic Garden hosts free concerts featuring local musicians playing traditional Scottish music. There are also regular movie screenings taking place at Summerhall throughout the year, with films ranging from cult classics to new releases shown on a big screen outdoors in their courtyard area.

The National Museum of Scotland also offers free family-friendly activities throughout the year such as storytelling events, creative workshops and live music performances. For those looking for something more interactive why not try one of their hands-on science activities or visit one of their temporary exhibitions which showcase some of Scotland’s most important artefacts?

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a city full of fascinating history, beautiful natural landscapes and vibrant cultural attractions. From historic monuments to modern masterpieces there are plenty of things to explore for free in this amazing city. Whether you’re looking for an informative guided tour or an immersive cultural experience there’s something for everyone in Edinburgh – all without breaking your budget!