I had a fantastic time in Edinburgh in August 2010, so I was excited to get this guest post about exploring the city on the cheap. It brought back such special memories. I do wish I had made that hike to Arthur’s Seat though.
Bonnie Edinburgh is a thriving Scottish city that’s just made for sightseeing on a budget. It has quaint, narrow lanes to wander down, a myriad of art galleries and museums to be enthralled in, and plenty of gardens, riverbanks, and landmarks to admire. All of this can be done on a budget, no matter the time of year.
From free walking tours and no-charge entry to quality cultural exhibits, to distinctive architecture, natural formations, and walkways, there is something to suit every taste and age. Read on for some of the best ways to explore Edinburgh when your funds are limited.
1. Royal Botanic Garden
If you want to stretch your legs on a visit to Edinburgh then take a stroll around the Royal Botanic Garden. This green space is spread over more than 70 landscaped acres and is the perfect spot for a picnic. At the Garden you’ll find Victorian palm houses, colorful rows of rhododendrons and azaleas, and an acclaimed rock garden. If you don’t bring snacks, you can always have a bite to eat at the on-site Terrace Cafe that also showcases lovely views to the city center.
The Scottish Parliament Building was officially opened in 2005 and is built on the site of a former brewery.
2. Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is a distinctive part of the Edinburgh skyline and not to be missed. A rocky peak that was carved by ice sheets from the stump of an extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat should be at the top of the list when it comes to hikes. Begin your walk in the Holyrood car park and then work your way up to the summit of the Seat. The fantastic view is well worth the workout, and you’ll be able to see from the Forth Bridges in the west to the conical hill of North Berwick Law in the east. On the horizon you’ll also be able to spot the Ochil Hills and the Highlands at times.
3. Scottish Parliament Building
The Scottish Parliament Building was officially opened in 2005 and is built on the site of a former brewery. Located nearby the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this well-known building has a variety of areas that are open to the public. Wander through the main hall and exhibition, and the debating chamber public gallery, before browsing the on-site shop and having a snack in the cafe. Visitors can also choose to take a free, one-hour guided tour that includes a visit to the floor of the Parliament debating chamber.
What a view of Edinburgh!
4. St Giles’ Cathedral
If you’re keen to visit a striking church then head to St. Giles’ Cathedral. Although it is properly called the High Kirk of Edinburgh, the Cathedral was actually named after the patron saint of beggars and the disabled. The current church was originally built in the 15th century but a large part of it was restored in the 19th century. Don’t miss one of the most interesting spots in the Cathedral, the Thistle Chapel corner, which has elaborately carved Gothic-style stalls that are beautiful to look at.
5. Sandeman’s New Europe Walking Tours
A great zero-cost walking tour to take in Edinburgh is run by a company called Sandeman’s New Europe. The firm runs more than 100 tours daily and has served more than five million guests since 2004. While on the 2.5-hour-long walk, travelers can take in all of the main sights in the Old Town of the city. These include the famous Royal Mile, the National Museum, Scott Monument, Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery (the site of witch burnings and also the original Hogwarts from “Harry Potter”), and the Martyrs’ Memorial, amongst others.
6. Galleries and Museums
Many tourists scour discount sites like Flights.com for flights to Edinburgh in order to visit some of the city’s world-class museums and galleries. Around the Royal Mile you’ll find a number of venues that are free to enter. The Museum of Childhood, for instance, was the first museum in the world to specialize in the history of childhood. Literary lovers should visit the Edinburgh Writer’s Museum, where three of the country’s most famous writers — Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Luis Stevenson — are celebrated. In addition, the Museum of Edinburgh is chock full of iconic objects from the city’s past, spread amongst the museum’s many historic rooms.
You should also consider timing your visit to Edinburgh to coincide with its annual Doors Open Day. This yearly event has been running for more than two decades and is one of the city’s most popular free days out. During this time, visitors can explore some of the most significant buildings in Edinburgh for no cost. Many of the venues involved in the event run behind-the-scenes tours, exhibitions, talks, and a variety of other activities, as well as some additional programs for families and children to enjoy.
