Edinburgh: A Comprehensive Guide to the City’s Free Places to Visit

Edinburgh is a beautiful and historic city located in Scotland. Its history dates back as far as the 2nd century AD and it has been a major cultural and economic hub for centuries. In recent years, the city has become a major tourist destination due to its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and abundance of free attractions. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the bustling Royal Mile, there are plenty of free places to visit in Edinburgh that will help make your trip to the city even more enjoyable.

A Brief History of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the oldest cities in Europe and was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. It has served as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century and was a major economic and cultural hub during the 18th and 19th centuries. During this time, Edinburgh became known as the “Athens of the North” due to its many educational institutions, such as the University of Edinburgh, which was founded in 1583.

The city has long been known for its vibrant culture, with many authors, artists, and musicians hailing from Edinburgh or spending time there during their careers. Famous people who have lived in Edinburgh include authors Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, scientists James Clerk Maxwell and Joseph Black, and philosophers David Hume and Adam Smith. The city is also home to some of the most iconic sights in Scotland, such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination due to its many attractions, such as its world-famous festivals, its vibrant nightlife scene, and its abundance of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions. The city is also home to a wide range of free places to visit, which make it easy for visitors to explore Edinburgh without breaking their budget.

The Iconic Edinburgh Castle

The most iconic landmark in Edinburgh is undoubtedly Edinburgh Castle. Situated atop an extinct volcano on Castle Rock, it has dominated the city’s skyline for centuries. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has played a major role in many of Scotland’s defining moments, such as the Wars of Independence and the Union of Crowns. The castle is packed with historical significance, with many of its structures dating back hundreds of years.

Visiting Edinburgh Castle is one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh. The castle is open every day from 9:30am until 6pm (April-September) or 5pm (October-March). Entry is free for all visitors but there are additional charges for certain attractions, such as the Great Hall or the Royal Palace.

The Royal Mile

Running for just over one mile between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile is one of the most popular areas of Edinburgh. It is made up of several streets that have been home to some of the most important people in Scotland’s history and is filled with ancient monuments, churches, and buildings that tell the story of Scotland’s past.

The Royal Mile is a great place for visitors to explore for free. It is filled with charming pubs, shops, galleries, and restaurants that can be enjoyed without spending a penny. It is also home to some fascinating historical attractions, such as St Giles’ Cathedral, which dates back to 1124, and The Real Mary King’s Close, which is an underground street network that dates back to the 17th century.

Museums & Galleries

Edinburgh is home to a wide range of fascinating museums and galleries that can be visited for free. The National Museum of Scotland is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a comprehensive insight into Scotland’s past. It covers everything from prehistory to present day and contains many fascinating artefacts from all eras of Scotland’s history. It is open every day from 10am until 5pm and entry is free.

The National Gallery of Scotland is another great place to visit if you’re looking for free things to do in Edinburgh. It houses a vast collection of artworks from all over the world, ranging from classic works by Da Vinci and Van Gogh to contemporary pieces from local artists. It is open from 10am until 5pm every day and entry is free.

Festivals & Events

Edinburgh is home to some of the world’s most famous festivals and events. From the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival to Hogmanay celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience the city’s vibrant culture without spending any money. Many of these events are free or low-cost, so you can enjoy them without breaking your budget.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the most popular events in the city and takes place every August. It is an arts festival that features performances from all over the world, including theatre, comedy, music, and more. Many performances are free or have very low ticket prices, so you can enjoy it without breaking your budget.

The Hogmanay celebrations are another great event for visitors to experience for free. This New Year’s Eve celebration takes place all over the city and features music, fireworks, and other festivities all night long.

Strolling Through Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful parks and one of the best places for visitors to enjoy some fresh air without spending any money. Located in front of Princes Street, it is a lush green oasis among the hustle and bustle of the city. It is filled with flowers and trees that provide colour all year round, as well as plenty of benches where visitors can sit and relax in peace. The gardens are open every day from 8am until dusk and entry is free for all visitors.

Exploring Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is one of Edinburgh’s most popular outdoor attractions. This ancient volcano provides stunning views across the city and is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life without spending any money. The seat can be accessed by foot or by car (although parking costs may apply) and there are plenty of trails that provide different levels of difficulty depending on your level of fitness.

Popular Tours Related To Edinburgh

Edinburgh City Tour

This 3-hour tour provides visitors with an introduction to Edinburgh’s history, culture, and architecture. You’ll get an overview of some of the city’s most iconic sights such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace as well as some lesser-known gems such as Greyfriars Kirkyard and Calton Hill. You’ll also have time to explore some of Edinburgh’s hidden corners and learn about its unique past from your knowledgeable guide. The tour includes transport from your hotel or accommodation to various locations in the city centre where you’ll be able to explore on foot before being driven back at the end. To book this tour, click here.

Edinburgh Night Tour

This 2-hour walking tour provides visitors with an insight into Edinburgh’s nightlife scene. You’ll explore some of the city’s best bars and clubs while learning about its unique history from your knowledgeable guide. You’ll also get an overview of some of Edinburgh’s best pubs such as The Last Drop or The Three Sisters while learning about its whisky-making tradition. At the end of the tour you’ll have time to explore some more pubs or go out dancing before being driven back at the end. To book this tour, click here.

Edinburgh Castle Tour

This 3-hour tour provides visitors with a comprehensive insight into Edinburgh Castle’s history and culture. You’ll get an overview of some of its iconic sites including St Margaret’s Chapel as well as some lesser-known areas such as Mons Meg or National War Museum. You’ll also have time to explore its many secret chambers while learning about its past from your knowledgeable guide. The tour includes transport from your hotel or accommodation to Edinburgh Castle where you’ll be able to explore on foot before being driven back at the end. To book this tour, click here.

Edinburgh Ghost Tour

This 2-hour walking tour provides an unforgettable insight into Edinburgh’s spooky side. You’ll explore some of its most haunted locations with your knowledgeable guide while learning about its dark past including stories about body snatchers, murders, executions, witches, and more! You’ll also get an overview of some of its most ghostly attractions such as Greyfriars Kirkyard or Mary Kings Close before being driven back at the end. To book this tour, click here.

Conclusion

There are plenty of incredible places to visit in Edinburgh without spending any money! From visiting iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle or exploring vibrant areas like the Royal Mile, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. Visitors can also take advantage of some great tours related to Edinburgh that are available at affordable prices or even free! So whether you’re looking for something fun or educational, there are plenty of free things to do in Edinburgh that will help make your trip even more enjoyable!