With its rich history, wonderful architecture, and great number of free things to see and do, Edinburgh is one of the best cities to visit without spending a single pound. Here is why: This is a big museum that houses many treasures, scientific wonders, places to visit in edinburgh for free, and artistic masterpieces from times long past. The complex houses three galleries hosting a wide range of art-from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary pieces. Climb this hill for panoramic views across the skyscrapers lining the city skyline and all other iconic landmarks. Hike up this extinct volcano for stunning views across Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.
The Royal Mile
This Edinburgh Royal Mile has managed to make a name for itself as one of the best things to do for free, simply because there is no place on earth that can offer this unique blend of history, culture, and atmosphere. Here’s why: The Royal Mile dates as far back as the 12th century. It connects two of the most famous landmarks in Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Mile contains everything from medieval to Georgian architecture. The Royal Mile is a bustling, vibrant street lined with shops, restaurants, pubs, and street performers.
READ MORE: Washington State Top Attractions
Calton Hill
The reasons why Calton Hill is one of the superior free places to pay a visit in Edinburgh are as follows: It also affords spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline, from which the magnificence of Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth can be well viewed. There are several monuments on Calton Hill, comprising the National Monument of Scotland, Nelson’s Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument. Though right in the center of the city, Calton Hill is a remarkably quiet and peaceful place. The best part? It’s completely free to visit. You can hike up the hill if you want to, or you can go more casually. Many times throughout the year, events and festivals are held on Calton Hill, which further adds to its appeal and gives you unique experiences.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is one of the top things to do in Edinburgh for free because it offers an engrossing and varied experience for people of all ages. Here’s why: The collection is vast, from everywhere in the world, and the scope covers Scottish history, science, technology, art, and natural history. There are lots of interactive exhibits in the museum, making it quite fun and an easily understandable learning experience, particularly for children. The Grand Gallery is stunning: with a glass ceiling stretching upwards, a wide range of objects from various cultures and times are displayed.
Scottish National Gallery
One of the top free things to do in Edinburgh should include the Scottish National Gallery. It is home to an outstandingly eclectic collection of art across many centuries and continents. Here’s why: It houses an impressive collection of the works of famous artists like Rembrandt, Titian, Raphael, Vermeer, and Velázquez. Besides this, some of the finest Scottish art, from historic to modern, was also on display, which gave one a good idea of Scotland’s rich artistic heritage. Entry was free, hence making it accessible for one and all, art enthusiast or just a casual visitor, to see the masterpieces without any financial constraint.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is among those best free places to visit in Edinburgh for the following reasons: This garden spreads out over more than 70 acres, providing a large and varied area to be strolled through. Here, you will find so many types of plants from diverse parts of the world, from the rarest species to the more native Scottish flora. The gardens are well looked after, and the views from every path are truly astounding because they really display the skyline of Edinburgh very well. The garden has an important scientific body that carries out research and conservation. It is a garden with rich history, starting from the 17th century, where one can look around and explore the historic building and structure components.
Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is among the best Edinburgh attractions to visit free of charge for several reasons: As the highest point in Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat has great 360-degree views of the city skyline, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding countryside. the Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano and thus a fascinating geological site. It is an extinct volcano and therefore a fascinating geological site. Arthur’s Seat has different hiking trails meant for different levels of fitness.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Some of the reasons why Greyfriars Kirkyard is such an intriguing place to see when one comes to Edinburgh include the fact that: It is one of the most historic graveyards in Scotland, dating from the 16th century. For a long period of time, this faithful Skye Terrier has been one of Edinburgh’s favorite dogs. The kirkyard has an atmosphere that is rather peculiar and even a bit eerie; for this reason, it is highly popular on ghost tours. There is everything from simple gravestones to ornate mausoleums in the kirkyard. Best of all, there is no charge to wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard, making this a very reasonably priced and agreeable way to pass an afternoon in Edinburgh.
Dean Village
Dean Village is one of those hidden gems in Edinburgh that offers a combination rarely seen: history, natural beauty, and tranquility. Here’s why it constitutes one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh for free: Nestled along the Water of Leith, Dean Village boasts charming stone buildings, cobbled streets, and lush greenery. The village has an interesting history back in the 12th century when it was a milling community. The Walkway of Water of Leith passes through Dean Village and therefore provides a beautiful riverside walk. Dean Village is a haven for photographers, with its picturesque streets, quaint bridges, and stunning architecture.
Portobello Beach
Portobello Beach ranks among the great free things to do in Edinburgh for a number of reasons: The main attraction, of course, is the beach itself, with wide expanses of sand and stunning views across the Firth of Forth. places to visit in edinburgh for free, There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Portobello Beach that don’t cost anything: building sandcastles, flying kites, or just playing games on the beach. There is a promenade lining the beach that is very nice for a sea view walk, to go cycling, or simply for people-watching. The center of Portobello town is within walking distance, offering all types of shops, cafes, and restaurants.