I loved these 19 free attractions in Edinburgh

Whenever I travel to a new city, I’m fully prepared to spend some cash getting to know the place. In Edinburgh, I was surprised (and delighted) to find that I could do many of the best activities without touching my bank account. A budget traveler’s dream. 

The vast majority of the famous sites were free to enjoy in this gorgeous Scottish city and there were plenty of them. By the end of my trip, practically my entire budget went to food because I didn’t need to spend a penny on activities. 

These were a few of my favorite free things I did in Edinburgh.

Calton Hill

I adore viewpoints because you can see the entire layout of a city, they’re great for photos, and totally free to visit. In Edinburgh, the ultimate outlook spot is Calton Hill. 

It took a bit of trekking to get up to the top of this vista, but it was completely worth it for the perspective of the area. I could see every bit of the city I’d spent days wandering through. 

Since it was winter when I visited, I opted to check out Calton Hill during the day in an attempt to preserve the minimal warmth available. If I returned during the summer, I’d head up right before sunset, though. 

Victoria Street

The spectrum of colored buildings lining Victoria Street are one of the most recognizable parts of Edinburgh. It’s even said that this vibrant street inspired Diagon Alley in the beloved Harry Potter series [Source]. 

I can totally believe that after walking through it because there is absolutely a magical quality in the air. Besides just being a beautiful stretch for a stroll, there are many enticing shops along Victoria Street. 

I browsed the Red Door Gallery that sells a variety of pieces by local artists for ages and ended up getting a new mug. Then, the Museum Context next door was filled to the brim with official Harry Potter merchandise. 

The Writer’s Museum

As a writer myself, a free gallery called “The Writer’s Museum” certainly piqued my interest. This quaint museum was right around the corner from my accommodation in Edinburgh, so it was a must-visit for me. 

It focuses on three of Scotland’s most influential writers. Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. While I hadn’t read their work before my visit, I was still excited to peruse the collection.

There were personal things such as Scott’s chess set and the rocking horse he used in childhood. Along with literary artifacts, like the desk where Burns’ wrote his poetry and the first editions of their works. 

Vennel Viewpoint

This narrow walkway is much more than just a gorgeous viewpoint of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. It’s also the exact place where the final scene of the 2024 series One Day was shot. While I hadn’t seen the recent Netflix show, I was still privy to the fame of Vennel Viewpoint.

There were tons of people trying to get a similar shot to commemorate their time in the city here. While I usually despise big crowds and looking like a tourist, it wasn’t as overwhelming as I expected. There was plenty of room for people to disperse and opportunities to get a solo shot with the view. 

Scott Monument

The towering 200-foot Scott Monument is another emblematic piece of Edinburgh architecture. 

It was particularly striking for me to witness in December when it was gleaming with Christmas festivities. The Gothic structure left me staring up at its pinnacles as I watched the colors dancing along its intricate carvings. 

It’s right next to the swing ride as well, so I could catch a glimpse of brave visitors flying above the city at the same time. Since it’s such a well-known site, the Scott Monument is a great place to grab a photo of yourself to memorialize your trip. 

Edinburgh Christmas Market

I was lucky enough to visit Edinburgh in early December as the holiday happenings were already in full swing. This meant I had the privilege of wandering around the city’s charming Christmas Market in the evening. It was definitely a highlight of my trip. 

Entering the market and browsing its many vendors was completely free, but I did indulge in a few snacks along the way. 

Half of the market was selling gifts like handmade ornaments, toys, homeware, and jewelry. The other portion was all about the food. I tried a decadent hot chocolate, traditional mulled wine, and a huge portion of mac and cheese with crispy onions. 

The Museum of Childhood

Edinburgh is a haven for intriguing, free-to-visit museums. One of the most interesting ones in my opinion was the Museum of Childhood. This was actually the very first museum in the world to focus on the history of childhood itself [Source]. 

It explores the experience of youth through games, clothes, rare toys, books, and dolls from the past two centuries. Many of these items date all the way back to the 1800s. While it’s family-friendly, it can be a very nostalgic experience for older travelers as well. 

There’s a high chance of stumbling upon a toy from your childhood you forgot existed. I was totally brought back when I came across an original Peter Rabbit stuffed animal. I hadn’t thought about that character since reading the book as a kid. 

Princes Street Gardens

I’m the type of traveler who craves accessible, free green spaces in a city. The Princes Street Gardens delivered in this regard. 

Located in the middle of Edinburgh, this picturesque public park is right near many landmarks. The Scott Monument and the Ross Fountain are both a short walk away. 

In the winter when I visited, the Princes Street Gardens were extra magical because they were aglow with warm Christmas lights. The Christmas Market sets up shop in this park during December, too. 

There are plenty of other events held here during the rest of the year, such as summer music festivals and the Hogmanay Celebrations. 

Greyfriars Bobby

I was walking around the streets of Edinburgh soaking in the atmosphere when I came across a gaggle of people all huddled around a street corner. I made my way through the crowd to see that they were all eagerly congregating around a dog statue, waiting their turn to touch its nose. 

Obviously, I had to get the story here and it was even more heart-warming than I anticipated. The legend goes that the dog, Greyfriars Bobby, was a local pup who guarded the grave of his owner for 14 whole years after he died in the 19th century. 

Today, the statue of Greyfriars Bobby remains as a symbol of his loyalty and it’s said that rubbing his nose will bring good fortune. Before you ask, yes, of course, I waited my turn to touch Greyfriar Bobby’s nose and claim some good luck. 

The Royal Mile

I stayed in a suite on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and it gave me the opportunity to get quite familiar with the area. This Gothic street stretches a little over a mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Holyroodhouse Palace. 

Along the way, there are tons of iconic attractions to explore like St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Real Mary King’s Close. Since it’s a popular part of the city for tourists to visit, there are many places to shop for souvenirs around the Royal Mile, too. 

Personally, my favorite part about staying around the Royal Mile was all the delightful restaurants. Makars Mash Bar is a must for anyone who wants a taste of traditional Scottish comfort food (the lamb shank will change your life). 

The New Steps

I accidentally came across the New Steps in Edinburgh on my way to check out the Princes Street Gardens. Not only does this stairway provide easy access to the center of the city, but it’s also an attraction in itself these days. 

Somewhere along the line, visitors started attaching padlocks to this walkway as a symbol of their love and connection to each other. There are hundreds of them currently and it’s a fun little activity to peruse the various emblems of love. 

I got myself a padlock at one of the souvenir stores along the Royal Mile and attached it to the New Steps to commemorate my own trip to Edinburgh. If you look hard enough, you may even be able to find it tucked away there. 

Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

The dead of winter probably wasn’t the prime time of year to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. However, it was still a solid afternoon activity that didn’t cost me a penny. 

This 70-acre garden has been maintained for more than 350 years and there are 13,500 species growing here [Source, Source]. 

I loved the immaculate landscaping design throughout the area, especially the Chinese Garden. Unfortunately, the glasshouses for flora research were closed during my trip, but I’d run straight for this section on my next visit. 

The National Museum of Scotland

I didn’t have to pay any money to dive into Scotland’s rich history. All I had to do was spend a couple of hours wandering around the National Museum of Scotland. Entry into the museum and an informative audio guide were both totally free. 

Inside, I was taken through Scotland’s past from the prehistoric era to the present day via its more than 10,000 items. There was everything from cutting-edge scientific inventions and artwork to taxidermy and ancient artifacts. 

The museum also features a bunch of interactive exhibits that are a great fit for family trips with children. 

The Gently Mad Bookstore

If there’s an adorable independent bookstore in a city, you’ll likely find me there. In Edinburgh, that place was the Gently Mad Bookstore. This tiny shop is filled with walls of old-school and vintage books in excellent condition. 

Not only was it an amazing place to find a one-of-a-kind book, but it was also very aesthetic. As a travel photographer, I got some gorgeous shots of the intimate space. 

It’s free to wander your way through all the titles and if you do fall in love with a book, they’re all very reasonably priced. I got a classic version of Peter Pan, my favorite book from childhood, for just four dollars. 

Circus Lane

Edinburgh is brimming with eye-catching selfie locations, but I thought Circus Lane was one of the best for shy travelers. This idyllic street is tucked away from the city center in the Stockbridge neighborhood. 

Unlike many of the city’s top destinations, Circus Lane wasn’t unbearably overflowing with tourists trying to get a shot of themselves. It was rather quiet on the morning I visited and there were only a few other visitors taking photos along the adorable cobblestone alley. 

St. Giles Cathedral

One of my favorite free things to do in Manhattan is admiring the city’s gorgeous cathedrals. I was pleased to learn that Edinburgh had its own called St Giles’ Cathedral that also offers free admission. 

This 900-year-old Gothic Cathedral is known for its detailed stonework and its steeple that pops out of the Edinburgh Skyline. The part that really caught my eye were the enormous, colorful stained glass windows inside depicting various religious stories. 

National Monument of Scotland

As soon as I finished the trek up to the top of Calton Hill, something besides the view immediately caught my attention. The National Monument of Scotland. It felt like the Parthenon had been plucked from Greece and placed on this Scottish hillside. 

This massive structure was designed in the 19th century to honor fallen Scottish soldiers in the Napoleonic War [Source]. It was actually left unfinished, but I never would’ve guessed that from looking at it. 

I thought this was the perfect spot for a bit of people-watching and taking photos. It was also a lovely place to grab a seat, eat some lunch, and appreciate the views over Edinburgh. 

Dean Village

Out of all the scenic corners around Edinburgh, I found Dean Village to be the prettiest. This tiny neighborhood is a short walk from the Old Town and situated right next to the Water of Leith River. 

The traditional cottage architecture was really delightful. It was the ultimate area for a peaceful stroll in the morning with a strong coffee in hand. 

With that being said, it does get busy with visitors as the day rolls on. I got lucky when I went to Dean Village because there weren’t too many other people around, so I managed to get a few great solo shots there. 

Grassmarket

Now that I’ve explored the city, I think that Grassmarket is one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh and 100% a must-visit. This little area is part of the Old Town and sits right underneath the towering Edinburgh Castle. 

Grassmarket has lived numerous lives over the centuries. It was an ancient marketplace and even the site of public executions up until the 18th century [Source]. Today, it’s home to stunning architecture, friendly pubs, inviting coffee shops, and local musicians putting on complementary street performances. 

I made it a morning ritual to head over to Grassmarket for my AM caffeine. Every cafe I tried was lovely, but I’d wholeheartedly recommend Kilted Donut. Their espresso was super rich and their French toast donut was an unbeatable start to my day. 

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I couldn’t believe it, but I managed to fill up most of my Edinburgh itinerary with experiences that didn’t cost any money. It’s rare to find a place that provides such a bounty of amazing, free attractions. That’s just one of the reasons I fell in love with Edinburgh.  

While most Americans are only familiar with Glasgow and Edinburgh, there are way more places to see in Scotland. If you’re planning on venturing to other parts of the country, don’t forget to read Louise’s guide to where to stay in Scotland.