I love Edinburgh. It’s such a great destination for women, especially if you’re there solo. There are sociable hostels, plenty of bars to mingle in and lots of different tours you can do whether you’re into history, nature or literature, especially if you join a free walking tour Edinburgh.
Plus the city is ideal for budget travellers too! As well as free waking tours, here’s everything else you can do on a budget in this exciting Scottish capital.
Exploring Edinburgh On A Budget
1. Join a Free Walking Tour
One of the best ways to explore the city on a budget is to opt for free walking tours that are guided by a local. There are several platforms available where you can book a free tour and one that I recommend is GuruWalk. It’s a reliable platform where you can book a free tour with a local guide to explore the history and culture of the city.
Even though it’s free, you do need to give a donation. At the end of the tour, you pay your guide according to how good you feel they were at guiding you on your tour. It is a budget-friendly way to explore Edinburgh whilst learning about the stories and legends of the city in the fun atmosphere of a group.
2. Take A Stroll Down The Royal Mile
Strolling down the Royal Mile is a fantastic free experience in Edinburgh. This historic street winds its way from the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the stunning Palace of Holyroodhouse. As you wander along, you’ll pass historical landmarks at every turn and may even see a street performances on the way that you can enjoy for free.
On top of this, you will go through some local markets while walking down the Royal Mile. Plus, there’s a chance to browse local markets along the way, giving you a true taste of Edinburgh’s vibrant culture without spending a penny. It’s a brilliant way to soak up the city’s atmosphere!
3. Relax In Princes Street Gardens
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Princess Street Gardens. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, where you can unwind and connect with nature without leaving the heart of Edinburgh.
You can take your time wandering through the beautiful greenery, find a quiet bench to sit with a book or journal, or simply soak up the views of Edinburgh Castle. It’s a great place to relax, reflect, and enjoy a moment of calm amidst the city’s lively atmosphere.
4. Hike To Arthur’s Seat And Calton Hill
If you’re after breathtaking panoramic views in Edinburgh, then Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat are definitely worth walking to. Both are easy to reach from the city and they really offer something different from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Arthur’s Seat is a famous landmark in Edinburgh, and it’s essentially an ancient, dormant volcano that forms the main peak of a group of hills in Holyrood Park. Standing at about 251 metres (823 feet), it offers one of the best views of the city and surrounding landscape.
It’s a popular spot for hikers as the climb is relatively easy, with various routes leading to the top. An early start is a must if you want to beat the crowds. The hike itself is split into two parts and once you reach the summit, you’re treated to sweeping views of Edinburgh’s skyline, the coast, and rolling hills.
The name Arthur’s Seat is often linked to the legends of King Arthur, although there’s no solid evidence to connect it to the historical figure—it adds a bit of mythical charm, though!
Calton Hill, on the other hand, is perfect if you’re after a shorter, easier walk, but no less spectacular. It’s one of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the views, especially at sunrise or sunset, are just magical. The short hike up offers a perfect vantage point to soak in the Edinburgh skyline. If you time your visit right, you’ll catch the sky changing colours.
5. Explore Free-Entry Museums
Another great thing about this city is that Edinburgh has free museums that are perfect for exploring the city’s rich culture and history. One of the most popular is the National Museum of Scotland, where you can discover everything from ancient artefacts to scientific marvels. It’s home to a variety of exhibits, including Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal.
The Museum of Edinburgh is another gem, offering a deep dive into the city’s history, from its earliest days to tales like Greyfriars Bobby. For a more personal touch, visit The People’s Story Museum, which shares the experiences of Edinburgh’s working-class residents through the ages.
Or if you prefer literature, you’ll love the Writers’ Museum, that is dedicated to Scottish literary icons like Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. There’s many museums to wile away the hours.
6. Get Arty
For art lovers, the Scottish National Gallery is a must. It’s packed with masterpieces from renowned artists like Botticelli, Turner, and Van Gogh. If portraits are more your thing, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery offers an impressive collection of significant Scots, including Mary Queen of Scots and modern cultural figures.
7. Feel The Magic of Harry Potter
Edinburgh is also the city to visit if you are a Harry Potter fan! You can visit The Elephant House, where J.K. Rowling famously wrote parts of the series, or explore Victoria Street, believed to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is home to graves with familiar names like “Tom Riddle,” or wander along George Heriot’s School, which inspired Hogwarts with its turreted buildings and four-house system. Pop into Spoon Café, another spot where Rowling penned the books, and see the Balmoral Hotel is where Rowling finished the final book. If you love this famous wizard, you’ll love Edinburgh.
Are You Ready To Travel to Edinburgh?
I hope this has given you some ideas on what to do in Edinburgh on a budget. If you’re there during the month of August you can experience some comedy on a budget too! Just remember to pre-book your accommodation if your trip will coincide with the Edinburgh Fringe as accommodation does get booked up. Find out how to Solo Travel in Edinburgh with my guide!
