Edinburgh has a reputation for being expensive, and it can be if you’re buying tickets for every major attraction. But I quickly realised you can see and experience a huge part of the city without spending much at all. Some of my favourite moments there were completely free.
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| Dean Village |
If you’re planning your trip around a budget, or just want to balance out the pricier attractions like Edinburgh Castle, here are the free places I genuinely enjoyed visiting.
10 Free Places to Visit in Edinburgh
1. The Royal Mile
You’ll naturally end up on the Royal Mile because it connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Instead of treating it as just a walkway, I slowed down and explored it properly. There are narrow closes branching off both sides, historic buildings, small independent shops, and street performers.There’s also one small viewpoint along the Royal Mile where you can see the Scott Monument clearly in the distance, which is worth a quick stop for a photo.
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| view of Scott Monument from the Royal Mile |
It does get crowded in the middle of the day, so if you prefer quieter streets, early morning is better.
2. Victoria Street
Victoria Street is one of the most recognisable streets in Edinburgh. The curved layout and colourful façades make it stand out immediately.
It’s often associated with Harry Potter, which adds to its popularity, but even without that connection, it’s visually interesting. I went mid-morning, and it was already busy, so timing matters if you want cleaner photos.
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| Victoria Street |
3. Calton Hill
Calton Hill is one of the easiest viewpoints to access. The walk up is short and manageable, and once you’re at the top, the views open up across the city.
You can see Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and even the coastline on a clear day. I went later in the afternoon and liked the softer light over the rooftops. The monuments at the top add character, so it feels more interesting than just a lookout point.
4. Vennel Viewpoint
The Vennel Viewpoint quickly became one of my favourite castle photo spots. It’s tucked near Grassmarket and involves climbing a short staircase.
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| Edinburgh Castle from Vennel Viewpoint |
At the top, you get a clear and direct view of Edinburgh Castle framed almost perfectly. It’s not a large space, but it’s ideal for photos. Because it’s slightly tucked away, it felt less crowded than other viewpoints.
5. Princes Street Gardens and Scott Monument
Princes Street Gardens sits directly below Edinburgh Castle, so you get that dramatic backdrop without paying for a castle ticket. It’s an easy place to pass through while moving between the Old Town and New Town, but I found myself slowing down and staying a bit longer.
Right in the gardens stands the Scott Monument, which is hard to miss. Its gothic design immediately stands out against the skyline. You do need to buy a ticket if you want to climb to the top, but seeing it from below is impressive enough. It looks especially dramatic against Edinburgh’s grey skies.
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| Scott Monument |
The gardens themselves are a good place to sit and take a break. Between the castle above and the monument nearby, it feels like you’re surrounded by landmarks without spending anything at all.
6. National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is free and much larger than I expected. It covers Scottish history, science, natural history, and more. I didn’t try to see everything. I focused on the sections that interested me most, especially the Scottish history galleries. There’s also a rooftop terrace with a great view over the Old Town. It’s a solid option if the weather turns bad.
7. Dean Village
Dean Village ended up being one of my favourite spots in Edinburgh. It feels like a completely different side of the city, even though it’s only about a 15 to 20 minute walk from Princes Street. The moment you step into the area, it becomes noticeably quieter.
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| Dean Village |
The Water of Leith runs through the village, and the old stone houses lining the river give it a very distinct look. It feels more residential and less touristy compared to the Old Town. I went without a strict plan and just walked along the path by the water.
It’s not somewhere you’ll spend hours unless you continue along the Water of Leith Walkway, but that’s part of its appeal. After spending time in the busier parts of the city, Dean Village felt calmer and more relaxed, which is probably why I liked it so much.
8. St. Giles’ Cathedral
St. Giles’ Cathedral is located along the Royal Mile and is free to enter, though donations are encouraged. I’m glad I stepped inside because the interior is detailed and atmospheric, with stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. It feels calm compared to the busy street outside. You don’t need to spend long inside. Even a short visit is enough to appreciate it.
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| inside St. Giles Cathedral |
9. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden is a peaceful break from the stone-heavy Old Town. The main gardens are free to enter, though some glasshouses require a ticket. It’s spacious and well-maintained, and I found it ideal for a slow walk. It feels more relaxed compared to the busier central areas.
It’s slightly further out, so you’ll need to factor in a bus ride or a longer walk, but it’s worth it if you want greenery.
10. Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is free to enter and located right in the Old Town. It’s historic and noticeably quieter than the surrounding streets, even though it’s only a few minutes away from the Royal Mile.
It’s also known for its links to Harry Potter, including the grave of Thomas Riddell, which many fans associate with the name Tom Riddle. Beyond that, the kirkyard is home to the story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier who reportedly guarded his owner’s grave for years. There’s even a small statue of him just outside the cemetery gates that draws a steady stream of visitors.
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| the statue of Greyfriars Bobby |
Even without the Harry Potter connection or the famous dog story, it’s worth walking through. The old stone headstones and narrow paths give it that distinctly Edinburgh atmosphere.
Other Free Places to Visit in Edinburgh
There were a few other free spots I didn’t manage to visit but are worth mentioning if you have more time.
The Scottish National Gallery on The Mound features both Scottish and international art, while the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in the New Town focuses on notable Scottish figures. The Museum of Edinburgh explores the city’s history inside a historic building near the Canongate, and the Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile looks at toys and childhood through the decades. Tucked away in Lady Stair’s Close, The Writers’ Museum is dedicated to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
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| view from the rooftop of the National Museum of Scotland |
If you’re staying longer in Edinburgh or simply want more indoor options, these are easy additions to your itinerary without affecting your budget.
You can easily fill an entire day, or even several days, in Edinburgh without spending much at all. Between the viewpoints, historic streets, gardens, and museums, there’s more than enough to keep you busy.
Mixing these free places with one or two paid attractions helps balance your budget while still experiencing the best of the city. For me, some of the most memorable moments in Edinburgh came from simply walking, climbing, and taking in the views.
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