A Guide to Free Activities in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the United Kingdom. From its sprawling cobbled streets, to its iconic castle dominating the skyline, the city has plenty to offer tourists looking for a unique experience. Often referred to as the “Athens of the North’, Edinburgh is a city steeped in history, with a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or have visited before, there’s something new to discover in the city each and every day.

One of the great things about Edinburgh is that there are plenty of free activities to enjoy during your stay. Here we’ll explore some of the city’s most popular attractions, and also provide some insight into some of the lesser-known spots that are perfect for those looking to explore the city at no cost.

A Brief History of Edinburgh

The city of Edinburgh was founded in the early 12th century by King David I of Scotland. It quickly grew in size and importance, becoming a cultural and religious hub for the country. The city continued to develop throughout the years, with many of its iconic buildings being added during the 18th century. The Old Town area of Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its well-preserved architecture and ancient cobbled streets.

Edinburgh is a city of two halves – the grandeur of the Old Town, and the grandeur of the New Town. The Old Town is full of narrow cobbled streets, and is home to many of Edinburgh’s most iconic attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle and St Giles’ Cathedral. The New Town is a bustling modern area, with plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as the famous Princes Street Gardens.

Today, Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s home to over 500,000 people, and attracts over four million visitors each year. As well as its great range of attractions, Edinburgh is also known for its vibrant art scene, fantastic food scene and lively nightlife.

Explore Edinburgh’s Iconic Attractions

Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most iconic attractions and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland. The castle offers stunning views over the city and has been at the heart of Scottish history for centuries. It’s free to enter the castle grounds, however there is an admission fee for entry into some of the more historic parts of the castle.

St Giles’ Cathedral is another iconic attraction in Edinburgh. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in Scotland. It’s free to enter and explore the cathedral grounds, however there is an admission fee for entry into some of the more historic parts of the cathedral.

Princes Street Gardens are a much-loved public park in Edinburgh and a great place to relax and take in the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. The gardens are free to enter, however there are fees for some of the attractions within the park, such as boat rides and miniature golf.

Discover Edinburgh’s Hidden Gems

The heart of Edinburgh is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by those willing to explore a little further afield. The Grassmarket area is a great place to start your exploration – it’s a bustling cobbled street full of independent cafes, shops and galleries. Wander down winding alleys and explore hidden courtyards – you never know what you might find!

The Royal Botanic Garden is another great spot to explore in Edinburgh. This beautiful garden is home to over 70,000 plants from all around the world. It’s free to enter and explore, however there are fees for some of the more popular attractions such as the glasshouses and water gardens.

The Scottish National Gallery is another great option for those looking to explore some of Edinburgh’s hidden gems. This gallery houses works from some of Scotland’s most famous artists, as well as international masters such as Rembrandt and Monet. Entry to the gallery is free, however there are fees for some of the special exhibitions.

Discover Edinburgh on Foot

One of the best ways to explore Edinburgh is on foot – there’s something new around every corner! There are plenty of walking tours available that will take you around some of Edinburgh’s most iconic spots, such as the Royal Mile and Calton Hill. Many of these tours are free or low cost, so be sure to check out what’s on offer before you arrive in Edinburgh!

There are also plenty of self-guided walking tours available too – simply pick up a map from one of the city’s many tourist information centres and set off exploring! This is a great way to uncover some hidden gems that you may not find on a guided tour, such as secret courtyards or tucked away cafés.

Experience Edinburgh from Water

If you’re looking for an alternative way to explore Edinburgh then why not take a boat trip? There are plenty of boat tours available that will take you around some of Edinburgh’s most iconic sights such as Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. Most boat trips last around an hour and cost around £15 per person – however there are also plenty of free boat trips available too!

Book a Tour: Edinburgh Castle Tour

For those looking to get an up close look at one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks then why not book an Edinburgh Castle tour? These tours give you access to exclusive parts of the castle that are not normally open to the public. You’ll get an up close look at some of Scotland’s most important historical artifacts, as well as the chance to explore hidden passageways and secret chambers. You can book a tour on Viator using this link.

Book a Tour: Edinburgh Ghost Tour

If you’re looking for a unique experience then why not book an Edinburgh Ghost Tour? These tours take you around some of Edinburgh’s most haunted spots, as well as giving you access to some exclusive parts of the city that are normally off limits to visitors. You can book a tour on GetYourGuide using this link.

Book a Tour: Scotland Whisky Tour

If you’re looking to sample some of Scotland’s finest whiskies then why not book a whisky tour? These tours take you around some of Scotland’s best whisky distilleries, as well as giving you access to exclusive tastings and masterclasses from industry experts. You can book a tour on GetYourGuide using this link.

Conclusion

Edinburgh has plenty to offer tourists looking for a unique experience. From exploring iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, to discovering hidden gems such as secret courtyards and tucked away cafés, there’s something new to see each and every day in this vibrant city. There are also plenty of free activities available in Edinburgh – from walking tours to boat trips – so be sure to make the most of your stay!