Places To Visit in Edinburgh For Free

Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most important cities, playing a significant role in the nation’s history, culture, and economy. The city offers a unique experience for visitors, with its cobblestone streets, iconic monuments and fascinating history. Edinburgh is a city steeped in history and culture, and it is also one of the most visited cities in the UK. From its iconic architecture to its vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder why so many tourists flock to Edinburgh year-round.

Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh for a short break or a longer stay, you’ll find plenty of things to do here for free. From world-famous sights and top attractions, to hidden gems and cosy pubs, there are plenty of ways to explore Edinburgh without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to visit in Edinburgh for free.

Edinburgh Castle

No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Located on the top of an extinct volcano, the castle has dominated the city skyline for centuries. It was once home to the Scottish Kings and Queens, and still plays an important role in the country’s history.

The castle is now open to the public and it’s free to explore the grounds and take in the stunning views of the city. You can book a tour of the castle for a small fee but it’s equally as enjoyable to explore on your own. There are lots of interesting stories to uncover while you walk around the castle grounds, including tales of sieges, battles and royal intrigue.

The castle also houses a number of fascinating attractions, such as St Margaret’s Chapel and the National War Museum of Scotland. The National War Museum houses hundreds of artefacts related to Scotland’s military history, from Stone Age weapons to modern-day uniforms and equipment. There is also a cafe located in the castle grounds where you can grab a hot drink and watch the world go by.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare that runs between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. It’s one of the most historic streets in the city and is lined with shops, cafes, pubs and galleries. The street is bustling with people day and night, as locals and tourists alike enjoy its unique atmosphere.

The Royal Mile is also home to some of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings, including St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament Building and John Knox House. You can explore these buildings for free and take in the incredible architecture while soaking up some of the city’s rich culture.

The street is also home to countless independent boutiques, art galleries and cafes. You can pick up souvenirs from local artisans or simply sit back and watch the world go by in one of the street’s many cafes. The Royal Mile is also home to Edinburgh’s iconic Christmas Market, which takes place every December and is free to visit.

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is Edinburgh’s largest public park and a great place to spend some time outdoors. The park covers more than 650 acres of land and includes hills, lochs, forests and grasslands. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of beautiful walking routes around the park.

Holyrood Park is also home to some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, including Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano which stands at 251 metres tall and offers spectacular views over the city. It’s also known for its ancient ruins and hidden caves, which can only be accessed by taking a guided tour or by hiking up the steep slopes.

Calton Hill is another popular spot in Holyrood Park and offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s skyline. It’s also home to some impressive monuments, including Nelson Monument and the National Monument of Scotland, which commemorate some of Scotland’s most important historical figures.

Museums & Galleries

Edinburgh is home to some of Scotland’s most important museums and galleries, many of which are free to visit. The National Museum of Scotland houses thousands of artefacts from across Scotland’s history and includes interactive displays about Scotland’s culture and heritage. The National Gallery of Scotland is another must-see attraction and houses a world-class collection of European art from medieval times to the present day.

The People’s Story Museum explores everyday life in Edinburgh from 1780 to the present day, while the Museum of Childhood offers an insight into how children lived in bygone eras. The Writers’ Museum celebrates Edinburgh’s literary heritage with exhibits about Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art houses more than 8,000 works from the 19th century onwards, while the Scottish National Portrait Gallery features portraits of famous Scots throughout history. For something a bit different, head to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions where you can explore the weird and wonderful world of illusions with interactive exhibits and games.

Popular Tours

If you’re looking for an immersive experience in Edinburgh, why not book onto one of the city’s many popular tours? From bus tours to ghost walks, there are plenty of ways to explore Edinburgh with an expert guide who can share stories about the city’s history and culture.

A great way to see Edinburgh is on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. These tours let you explore all the main sights with ease while learning all about the city from your guide. Book an Edinburgh bus tour here for an informative journey around the city with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

If you’re feeling brave, you could also join a ghost walk around Edinburgh’s Old Town. These spooky tours take you through some of the city’s most haunted locations while uncovering stories about its haunted past. Book an Edinburgh ghost tour here for an entertaining evening where you’ll hear tales about ghosts, ghouls, witches and more!

Finally, for something a bit more unconventional, why not book onto an Escape Room experience? These immersive adventures let you explore some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks while solving puzzles with your team. Book an Edinburgh escape room here for an unforgettable experience that will test your wits as well as your courage!

Conclusion

Edinburgh offers plenty of things to do for free, whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an immersive experience. From iconic sights such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park to museums, galleries, pubs and cafes, there are plenty of ways to explore this beautiful city on a budget. You can also book onto one of Edinburgh’s many guided tours or escape rooms for an unforgettable experience that will take you off the beaten path!