Free activities in Edinburgh

16 November 2022|Read time 3 mins

Edinburgh offers several activities that won't break the bank.

If you've decided to visit Edinburgh and you're working from a shoestring budget it's worth knowing that our capital, with its sprawling topography and rolling landscapes, has many sight-seeing attractions that are free to the public.

Free attractions and activities in Edinburgh

As we know the city is a renowned tourist hotspot and it's not hard to understand why.

Edinburgh's world heritage site alone spans over 1.76 square miles and boasts some of the finest architectural landmarks in the UK.

With over a hundred parks to ramble through, plus 70km of traffic-free, cycle zones, there's a huge choice of things to do in the city of Edinburgh for free.

Here are some of our favourites, including great choices for all the family.

Edinburgh Museums

Edinburgh city centre is home to an eclectic and diverse number of art museums that house works from modern-day enthusiasts to classics from earlier centuries.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

A visit to The Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art should be on any list of things to do in Edinburgh for free.

This impressive gallery is situated in a picturesque parkland and is divided into two buildings; Modern One and Modern Two.

Modern One's collection spans the twentieth century and displays several masterpieces by well-known artists like Matisse and Picasso.

There are also paid temporary exhibitions on display in this building.

Modern Two proudly boasts a recreation of Eduard Paolozzi’s studio. The artist, born in Leith in 1924 to Italian parents, kindly donated some of his pieces to the gallery for exhibition.

Edinburgh Writers' Museum

The Royal Mile is also home to a selection of off-beat museums that don't charge an admission fee.

Chief among them is the Edinburgh Writers' Museum which pays homage to the lives of literary giants like Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott.

This museum is set in one of the many beautiful closes off the Royal Mile, Lady Stair's Close. 

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is by far the most interesting though.

With a rooftop terrace offering fantastic views of the city, it charts the history of the city and also hosts a fine display of nature’s finest specimens, as well as delving into diverse world cultures.

You can even see Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal, at this museum!

The People's Story Museum

The People’s Story Museum is located in the Canongate Tollbooth next to Canongate Kirk.

First built in 1591, this building has served many purposes for the people of Edinburgh, including a headquarters for conducting burgh affairs, collecting taxes and even a jail!

Nowadays visitors can discover the personal stories of the working class people of Edinburgh from the 18th century to the late 20th century through recreated scenes such as a wartime kitchen, a tearoom and a jail cell.

Hear the personal stories of these people, their trades and their crafts in their own words and learn about the diversity of Edinburgh’s communities.

Museum on the Mound

The Museum on the Mound is located in another interesting building, the purpose-built head office of the Bank of Scotland.

Nowadays the building is home to the Scottish Headquarters for the Lloyds Banking Group as well as this brilliant museum.

Here you can learn all about the Bank of Scotland, how it changed and developed over the past 300 years and how technology, crime and security have all played a part in its story.

As you pass through the museum keep an eye out for Scotland’s oldest banknote, the original founding Act of the bank from 1695 and the 18th-century money “kist”.

Climb Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh

Other things to do in Edinburgh for free include a climb up to Arthur's Seat; the remains of many ancient hills which are said to have formed as a result of the now-extinct and dormant volcano just east of the main city.

It’s easily accessible via the Royal Mile route and the climb does demand some fitness levels but the view from the top is worth the effort.

The origin of Arthur's Seat name has been a subject of much debate but one legend/myth/tale is that the name comes from a connection to King Arthur himself.

Free Edinburgh Walking Tours

The best way to see Edinburgh in all its glory is to walk around it.

With all the incredible sights to be seen, we think it's definitely worth the ramble.

However, if you don't fancy wandering about alone, you might prefer a guided tour instead.

There are several walking tours available in the city centre, all of which are free of charge.

Book a self-catering apartment in Edinburgh

We have a wide variety of self-catering apartments in Edinburgh to suit all budgets.

Book with Reserve Apartments today and enjoy exploring our city.