17 Unique Cheap Things To Do In Edinburgh Scotland
Are you coming to Scotland soon and looking for cheap things to do in Edinburgh?
A city like no other, Edinburgh has hundreds of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. As the most visited UK city after London, accommodation and entertainment can be pricey at certain times of the year.
We see spikes during the Royal Military Tattoo and Fringe Festival in August and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) in December! But, here’s the inside scoop from living here! There are many cheap things to do in Edinburgh all year round. So come, enjoy and don’t worry about how to keep your travel budget in check!
Maybe you’re coming to explore medieval sights, hike hills or discover where in Edinburgh Harry Potter was born. Perhaps, you want to embrace Scotland’s vibrant art scene! No worries, our carefully curated list of 17 cheap things to do in Edinburgh covers them all.
80% of our suggested activities are FREE with the remaining costing no more than £25 per person. So if you’ve been putting off coming to Edinburgh because you’re worried about things being expensive, check out these ideas. As well as cheap things to do in Edinburgh read our ideas to save on accommodation and transportation costs too.
To guide you, we’ve grouped activities into 3 distinct parts of Edinburgh. Before we jump into our suggestions, also read our Guide to Scotland because if you’re coming all the way to Edinburgh, maybe there’s a few more hidden gems in Scotland to discover!
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and only a 50 minute drive ride from Edinburgh can be less expensive. So if you’re considering which city is best to stay in, read our Glasgow vs Edinburgh Guide.
Tips To Get Around Edinburgh City Cheaply
Edinburgh is built over a number of hills. Being medieval at its core, you will find lots of cobbled streets weaving parts of town together. Also several steep stone stairs connect the old town (where the castle is) with the newer town (think Princes Street). It’s a fairly compact city centre, so if you have good mobility, you can walk between most of the sights and experiences we’ve listed.
Sometimes travelers unfamiliar with the city opt for a taxi when it’s actually quicker to walk, especially from old town into new town. So we suggest you get a good map from one of many travel information booths in town to familiarise yourself with the main streets. Also download Google Maps App to help you navigate on foot.
But if walking isn’t possible or to help make the most of a short period of time here, we suggest these affordable city transport options.
48 Hour Hop On-Hop Off Bus Ticket
You will see these all around town so use this service to help you navigate to the main sights below. If you buy a 48 hour hop on-hop off ticket on-line, for example, it will cost you £26 per adult (£14 kids age 5-15). This removes any hassle of buying tickets for each destination and works out much less expensive than a taxi.
Some deals also include discount to other sights and entrances. Take a look and decide which is best for your time and interests. Note: some sights are closed on certain days. Do read the small print to check whether entrance fees are included in your tour cost!
The Edinburgh Tram Service
The Edinburgh Tram Service is a fantastic service. Hop on down to the coast, stopping in Leith. Then continue to the end of the line and explore the small coastal village of Newhaven.
Also, use the tram to travel to/from the airport in around 30 minutes if you are flying here. A day city tram ticket is £5 but a 3 day city ticket is only £10. Book tickets directly with the Tram Company here.
🎒TPOP Tip
Consider buying a tram ticket that includes travel to/from the airport and around the city. This can save you a few pounds!
Cheap Things To Do In Edinburgh – The Basics
Everything on our list is less than £25 per person, often much less or totally free! Who doesn’t like a deal?? Discounts are typical for kids and those aged 60+. In Scotland, most major museums and galleries do not charge a general entrance fee.
As mentioned earlier, Edinburgh is built on seven hills. It has many large public green areas and as a city stretches down to the coast. As a result, you can embrace both hiking or walking around as you soak in the natural beauty of our city. From ancient volcanoes to bustling marketplaces, picnics in romantic parks or discovering the hidden gem of Dean Village, there’s no shortage of cheap things to do in Edinburgh.
Often if you book on-line ahead of time, prices are even lower for tickets. Where this is the case, we’ve referenced possible discounts. So check out our ideas which we’ve also enjoyed as locals. You won’t get bored! There are enough ideas here to fill at least 3-4 days in Edinburgh, so go ahead and challenge yourself to tick them all off your list!
To help you plan, we have categorized these into the following groups so you can have a day in each of 3 areas of Edinburgh:
- Old Town
- New Town
- Leith and Newhaven
Cheap Things to Do in Edinburgh – Old Town
Walk The Royal Mile
Free. The Royal Mile stretches from Edinburgh Castle at one end down to the Royal Palace of Holyrood, the official residence of the monarch when in Edinburgh. Our suggestion is to ignore the ‘manufactured’ attractions. Instead travel back in time to the 1800s by checking out some of the multiple passageways (called closes) that form arteries off the Royal Mile.
At one time, there were around 250 of these alleyways but not all have survived. Still, you’ll find more than enough of these fascinating ‘hidden streets’ to explore. Some charge an entrance but most are FREE.
A Few of Our Favourite Closes in Edinburgh
Lady Stairs Close (Free) is not to be missed! Enter Makers Close and in front of you is Lady Stairs House built in the 1600s. Almost demolished in the late 1800s, this home is an fabulous example of how wealthier people lived in Edinburgh. The interior is beautifully maintained to reflect the period in which it was a home. Although tucked away from busy main streets, it’s still in the heart of the city.
Today, the building is home to a small but fascinating writers’ museum (also free) and a real bonus if you love literature. The exhibits celebrate several Scottish authors including Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott.
Brodie’s Close (Free) is where one of Edinburgh’s most colourful historic characters lived. William (Deacon) Brodie was a cabinet maker by day but a robber at night and infamous in his time.
Hanged for his crimes, it’s said he was the inspiration for Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. Pop your head in for a peak – there’s a coffee shop hidden in here!
Opposite the close entrance, you will see a pub named after him on the Royal Mile. Perhaps a little touristy but this is a nice spot for a day time refreshment. This side of the street catches the sun and is perfect for people watching!
Mary King’s Close – just across from St Giles Cathedral, this close used to be free. But, now it’s been ‘discovered’, you will have to pay £25 for a 1 hour guided tour.
That said, this intriguing centuries old area of the city with its well-told stories of past residents, is hugely popular. So if you’re interested, make sure to book well in advance!
Free Walking Tours – Edinburgh
There are numerous tours to choose from in Edinburgh from Historical Personalities to Harry Potter! Here’s our suggestions:
Book yourself onto a Free Edinburgh City Walking Tour and enjoy the city at a slower pace than by bus or tram.
If you are a fan, don’t miss a Free Harry Potter Walking Tour – just remember to bring your own wand with you. Edinburgh was where JK Rowling was inspired to create many of her characters. On the tour you will discover many of corners of the city from where she wrote to the real life Daigon Alley!
Tour Edinburgh Castle
£19.50 (Adult) Pre-book Directly on Edinburgh Castle’s Site for this discounted price. Lower prices for those aged 65+ or children 7-15 years.
Towering above the city, Edinburgh Castle sits atop an ancient volcano and reflects the enduring and turbulent history here. Over the centuries, it has served as a fortress, a prison and the seat of royalty!
Today, it is open to explore on a self-guided tour (we recommend this one) or a guided tour. We know from our many trips to the castle kids will love this Edinburgh adventure.
There’s a lot to see here. The Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels); learning about Mary Queen of Scots and remembering Queen Margaret. She died in 1093 and subsequently was made a saint.
In fact, the chapel, built in her memory by her son, is the oldest building in the city. If you’re around at 1pm, listen out for the daily firing of the ancient canon called Mons Meg. This massive defense weapon dates back to the mid 1400s!!
There are cafes and restaurants within the castle so perhaps have a coffee here and enjoy the views. If you’re planning a family visit, snag discounted tickets available at the above site.
The courtyard of the castle is the venue for the August Royal Military Tattoo and summertime concerts.
During July and August, it’s harder to enjoy the ramparts due to seating installations, but otherwise the views here over to the Forth of Firth and city are fantastic. You can explore this part of the castle without paying to enter if you wish!
National Museum of Scotland
Free. Location: Chambers Street. Open 10am to 4pm.
Take a small detour off the Royal Mile and head towards our National Museum of Scotland. From the outside, the exterior doesn’t look as majestic as some of Edinburgh’s other grand buildings, but inside it’s actually very beautiful.
If you visit on a sunny clear day, head up to the ‘Hutton’ roof of the museum for free 360 degree views over the city. Cleverly, the plants that edge the roof are all plants that reflect your direction of view. For example, look towards the sea and you’re looking at coastal foliage, towards the hills and its mountain planting.
It’s possible you might have a rainy day while in Edinburgh. But don’t fret! We have more amazing museums and galleries dotted across the city most of which are completely free to visit.
🎒TPOP Tip
Come at opening time, go straight up to the top and work your way back down. This way you will have parts of this ornate building all to yourself. Oh, and don’t miss the 1st floor cafe!
Greyfriars Bobby and Graveyard Tour
Graveyard Visit Free. Tour Daily at 2pm -£16 per Adult.
After you exit the museum, take a left and across the road you will see a small bronze terrier dog statue.
This is Greyfriars Bobby and, if you enter into the church behind, you can visit the grave. It’s actually a heart warming story of the loyalty this dog had for his owner, during its life from 1855 to 1872!
One of our favourite free walking tours which you can book here takes you through this graveyard. Honestly, it’s an awesome adventure in the city’s history from 17th century characters to, well, 21st century Harry Potter! Stories abound from these graves! The Greyfriars Church and Cemetery Site Edinburgh has full details of tours and timings.
Listen to tales of body snatcher protection devices and peek into gated areas where convicted citizens were held before being shipped off to Australia or somewhere far away from Scotland!
Be Entertained in St Giles Cathedral
Royal Mile. Free to Visit. Pre Bookable Free Tour. Evening Concerts (Small Donation)
Regardless of your beliefs, Scotland’s main cathedral holds countless unseen twists and turns from history. So, spending an hour on a tour with a guide is absolutely enthralling and even living here and being Scottish, I have learned so much from these experts.
As you walk around, you will hear historical recounts from the 900 years of this site. Its name is in memory of Saint Giles, who was said to have been dedicated to the sick and those outcast from society, although little of the building is left from this time (1124).
You will see the small almost hidden Thistle Chapel on our tour where the Order of the Thistle meet after being appointed by the reigning king or queen. This is also where the late Queen Elizabeth II was laid in state for a period after her death at Balmoral.
🎒TPOP Tip
Although this tour is free, pre-book on their site as it is so popular. If you turn up and it is sold out, pay £5.50, download the audio tour and tour with your phone.
Climb Arthur’s Seat
Wow! Another unique experience and one of the best cheap things to do in Edinburgh – actually totally FREE!! Burn off a few calories as you climb to the highest city peak. Located within Holyrood Park, this is a more challenging hike than Calton HIll especially if you take the steeper approach.
Here’s a useful Arthurs Seat Walking Route Map but honestly you can’t miss this hill from anywhere in the city!
Standing on the 251 metre high summit you might not believe you’re atop another extinct volcano! Soak in panoramic vistas of Edinburgh and surrounding hills, coastlines and small islands! Also you can see views of the village of Duddingston. Head here later for a refreshment at the one and only Sheep Heid Inn which dates back to 1360 and is the oldest pub in Scotland.
It can be a wee bit windy walking here and slippery after rain so we recommend some sturdy walking shoes. Also think about doing this hike earlier (before 10am) or in the evening before dark if you’d like a quieter experience as it gets pretty busy. Bring water!
🎒TPOP Tip
You can also get to the main starting point of this hike by bus which drops you at Holyrood Palace. The main route is well signposted (red path) and older kids will be fine, although very little ones might find it a little tough.
Dance To A Ceilidh Band & Listen to Folk Music
Traditional music is a huge part of our Scottish culture and it’s on offer in many different venues across Edinburgh. Open to all over age 14, the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club offers a wide range of dances. It’s incredibly good value at £10 per ticket. Check out events on the Edinburgh Ceilidh Club website.
If dancing isn’t your thing, head to Sandy Bells in Forest Road and/or The Royal Oak nearby in Infirmary Street. Both offer a great atmosphere and are an easy walk from the city center.
There’s an ever changing mix of local folk music and many choices for your wee dram (other drinks too! In our opinion, this is a great value way to try a couple of different whisky brands, meet locals and be entertained by some great melodies!
Cheap Things To Do in Edinburgh – New Town
If you arrive in Edinburgh by train or tram, you will step off into the heart of town. Get your initial bearings from the tower clock on top of the gorgeous Balmoral Hotel (5 star!). Historically, this city clock was deliberately set to run a couple of minutes fast, so passengers had a little more time than they thought and wouldn’t miss their departures- what a concept!
Princes Street and the parallel Rose and George Streets are where you will find most retail stores and familiar restaurant brands along with independent bars, coffee shops etc.
Here’s a few affordable things to do around this part of town that doesn’t involve shopping!
Stroll up Calton Hill
If you want breathtaking views over Edinburgh, but Arthur’s Seat steeper climb isn’t for you, we encourage you to head to Calton Hill. It’s located just off Bridge street, and easy to get to from the train station end of Princes Street.
There is a decent wheelchair accessible pathway to the top (although a bit steep in places). Also anyone who has a ‘blue badge’ in their car can drive to the top and park up.
Come for sunrise with a coffee, a camera and bask in the morning glow over the city. This is a fantastic spot to spend time if you love photography as the city views are outstanding from here and on the other side, views sweep over Leith and out to the islands just off Edinburgh.
If you’re not an early riser, no worries! This is an appealing spot in the city any time of day and year round with constantly changing light and seasons.
At the top, there is what we’d call an eclectic mix of buildings and a restaurant (pricey) so just find yourself a spot to hang out with your own snacks and enjoy!
Visit The National Galleries
Princes Street. Free General Entrance.
Back on Princes Street you will find a complex of galleries including the Scottish National Gallery building, recently refurbished. We love this place both for its external architectural beauty but for the rich collection of Scottish art it contains. Don’t miss the collection of old photographs of Edinburgh which are fascinating as parts of the city really haven’t changed that much!
After you’re done with absorbing the art, head to the coffee shop/ restaurant which is reasonably priced. If you can, sit outside, under shady parasols, looking out to the grassy ‘fields’ that are Princes Street Gardens. Admire the stunning buildings that snake up around the mound up to the castle.
Climb Scott Monument
Princes Street. Opens at 10am. Guided tours every 30 minutes, last tour 3:30pm. £8 adults/£6 kids. Closed for lunch daily 12:30pm – 1.45pm.
You can see the almost black 61 feet (200m) tall gothic structure that is Edinburgh’s Scott Monument from around town and right in front of you as you sit at the National Gallery cafe. Designed through a competition back in 1836, it is named after the literary great – Sir Walter Scott (author of Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and many other classics).
Climb the 287 steps to the top of the monument pausing as you go at each of the 4 levels. If hiking the hills around Edinburgh isn’t for you, this is a great alternative. The exhibits as you go up are also informative – great value in our opinion.
🎒TPOP Tip
At Christmas, this area of Princes Street Gardens is turned into a Winter Wonderland of Christmas Market stalls selling all types of food and of course irresistible gifts for everyone on your list..
Relax At The Royal Botanical Gardens
20 Inverleith Row, Edinburgh. Free Garden Entry. Hours 10am-6pm Daily.
If you’re looking for a little oasis in the city, come discover the 70 acres of world class plants which is the Royal Botanical Gardens. Founded by two doctors in 1670, with an emphasis on local and global botany, wander around the grounds at your leisure.
Peak through trees for views back over the city chimney tops or head to the Scottish Native Plants in the Heath Garden. Note: The glasshouses are currently closed due to some major upgrades but there’s still plenty to enjoy.
If you have green fingers and want to learn more about botany, here you can book a guided tour.
Waters of Leith Path – Stockbridge to Dean Village
From the botanical gardens, it is a short walk to lovely Stockbridge in the New Town. Distinctly different in its architecture from the Old Town, you might check out the much photographed Circus Lane (street) or just wander through the neighbourhood at leisure.
Stockbridge has lots of small independent coffee shops, book stores and restaurants and is typically less busy with visitors than Princes Street and the Old Town. When the Sunday market is on, it’s a little busier but we enjoy the buzz and the delicious foods on offer!
After a break at a local coffee shop like Artisan Roasters on Raeburn Place, why not have a stroll along the Waters of Leith. This is one of the best walks through the city along the gently flowing clear water.
You will pass some interesting landmarks on the way including St Bernard’s Well and old Mill (check out the old mill stones to your right).
Keep going and you will come to Dean Village which is almost a surprise to the eye. Artists are often seated here sketching this glorious city view.
Continue your walk back into the city towards George Street and Princes Street from here. It is about a 20 minute walk up a gentle hill. Maybe end in Rose Street with its huge array of places to eat, drink and shop!
Cheap Things To Do In Edinburgh – Leith and Newhaven
The expansion of Edinburgh trams to Leith and Newhaven has meant an explosion in popularity of both destinations.
Leith is the new ‘cool’ hangout outside the capital and it’s changing at a great pace without losing touch with its origins. In fact, Time Out ranked Leith as 16th in the world’s list of coolest neighborhoods!!
Newhaven is at the end of the tram line and a great place to experience small east coast Scotland village life.
Spend An Afternoon in Leith
Leith was the primary trading port in Scotland during the 18th century, and in its prime, imported and exported products as diverse as wine and wool. It received a bump in notoriety with the filming of Trainspotting (Ewan McGregor)
You can walk down to Leith from Edinburgh (it’s around 1 mile). It’s a pleasant stroll through recently upgraded streets running parallel to the tramline down to the statue of Queen Victoria.
Keep going until you hit the old docks area which again is lined with cafes, bars, restaurants and several Michelin star ones! You can walk to the end next to the war memorial, and then cross the green bridge, walking parallel to the working harbour.
This is where the Royal Britannia Yacht Britannia is moored and it is another very popular tourist attraction on Trip advisor although personally we think its a little over-rated. An adult ticket is £19.50 and for kids (5-17) it’s £9.25 which you can buy on-line in advance of your visit. If you love all things royal, we imagine you will love taking the tour!
Head To The Sky – Whisky Tasting At Leith Distillery
While you are in Leith, visit the tallest whisky distillery in the world. You can book a short tour at a reduced price of £20 on a Saturday. This is a new distillery and as such their whisky products will take a few years to mature.
But don’t let that put you off! Go learn about the latest distilling techniques and taste their innovative sherry, port and guest whiskies in a remarkable spot overlooking the water. As with elsewhere in Edinburgh, pre-booking is necessary in peak summer months.
Finally, have a refreshment at Teuchters Landing, an institution in Leith and the point of departure of the old ferry route between here and Aberdeen in North East Scotland.
🎒 TPOP Tip
Leith is a great destination for live music these days. If you happen to be here in June, check out the Jazz & Blues Festival. The Shore Restaurant also has live music every Sunday lunch too!
To Newhaven – End of the Edinburgh Tram Line
Tickets: £3.80 Adult 16 years+ city area day return or an All Day Tram Ticket Adult is £5.00. Buy tram tickets on-line here.
Walk 10 mins from the tram stop to the harbour. Here you will find a modern wide boardwalk with several affordable cafes and restaurants. There is also an old lighthouse and small boats moored behind stone wall reinforcements.
Walk on further down from here and you will pass by a few pubs and shops. Several have spectacular views over the Firth and you might see ferries and other vessels coming and going.
There is a great fish and chip restaurant here which offers seating outdoors overlooking the water. If you’re self catering, the fishmongers next door has a huge range of seafood. Save a few £s and cook your own dinner!
FAQs
Where Can I Find Cheap Accommodation in Edinburgh?
Unsurprisingly, accommodation outside the city center is much better value if you’re on a budget. For example why not stay on the coast in the small seaside town of Portobello? It’s loved by us locals for its 2 mile beach. This is also a great option if you are bringing your dog to Edinburgh with some lovely walks.
Travel by Lothian bus services (there are several on this route) into Princes Street. The journey takes less than 30 minutes. Book a fare on-line via the Lothian Bus App.
Is Edinburgh A Safe Place to Visit?
Overall, Edinburgh is a safe place to visit with low reported crime rates. There are areas of town with homelessness sadly, but you are unlikely to feel threatened.
After night clubs close, areas around town can be a little boisterous especially when students are back (September to May). Pay attention to your surroundings if you’re walking around in hours of darkness.
What to Budget For a Trip To Edinburgh?
It depends on whether you’re a solo traveler, a family group, couple and your own preferences. If you are visiting on a tight budget, consider staying at student halls over the summer months. These are excellent value. There are 2000+ rooms available across the student campus areas. This Edinburgh Student Accommodation Rentals site provides details of availability and prices.
If you use the ideas in the post you can get by on a budget of £60 per day. But this will mean largely sticking to free stuff and simple food options. Stretch to £100 per day for affordable accommodation and a decent main meal and activity daily.
Wrap Up – Cheap Things To Do in Edinburgh
We hope these ideas help you plan an amazing affordable trip to Scotland’s capital. Now you know the secrets to having fun in Edinburgh without spending a fortune. With so many unique, fun and bucket list cheap things to do here, we’re sure you’ll want to visit soon!!
Mainland Scotland is full of more great experiences and also don’t overlook our islands. Ferries to islands like Mull and Iona leave from Oban and it’s possible to do a day trip. In Oban, you can stay in a Bed and Breakfast, then catch an early ferry. It’s a wonderful day out. For more on visiting Scottish islands read our posts:
- Getaway Itinerary to Mull and Iona islands of Scotland.
- Explore the Isles of Colonsay and Islay – low key and just gorgeous.
So whether you’re organising a first trip or bringing the whole family on a Harry Potter odyssey, we hope our cheap things to do in Edinburgh guide adds to your experiences in Edinburgh. We are sure you’re going to make long lasting memories in one of the world’s most authentic and livable cities.