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13 Free things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland
13
items As a Scottish tour guide and Edinburgh resident these are my suggestions of where to go in Edinburgh that are completely free!
Sections
3
Museums
Outdoors
History
Museums
The majority of the art galleries and museums in Edinburgh are free. My personal favourite is the National Museum of Scotland, there is a plethora of things to see inside.
This institution in Edinburgh's Old town is such a gem. The museum is free and open seven days a week. There is permanent exhibitions, including my favourite “ The Kingdom of Scots” which showcases Scottish history from the Viking Era through to the ...
National Museum of Scotland
The free Museum of Childhood is located on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. They recently underwent extensive renovation and inside you can get a hit of nostalgia. They have toys, games and dolls from Victorian era through the decades right through to the ear...
They also have a small gift shop on the ground floor.
They also have a small gift shop on the ground floor.
Museum of Childhood
Located in Edinburgh's New Town (Queen Street ) is the large red sandstone portrait gallery. I love this gallery, the portraits of some well known Scottish figures are hung inside. This free gallery has over 3000 works inside and spread over three fl...
There are paintings from the Stewart Dynasty (1500/1600's) and there is a striking oil portrait of King Charles 1st execution. There is also some from the Jacobite era.
The gallery also has more modern portraits of Scottish scientists, sportsmen and politicians. The highlight for me is the enchanted ceiling in the entrance foyer, the nights sky is painted in gold detailing.
I would allow yourself two hours to fully explore.
On site there are luggage lockers, a gift shop and large cafe too.
There are paintings from the Stewart Dynasty (1500/1600's) and there is a striking oil portrait of King Charles 1st execution. There is also some from the Jacobite era.
The gallery also has more modern portraits of Scottish scientists, sportsmen and politicians. The highlight for me is the enchanted ceiling in the entrance foyer, the nights sky is painted in gold detailing.
I would allow yourself two hours to fully explore.
On site there are luggage lockers, a gift shop and large cafe too.
National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Situated at the bottom of the Royal Mile and next to Holyrood Palace is the home of Scottish politics. The rather modern building has a unique design and is quite controversial in Scotland.
You can take free tours of the parliament building and learn about Scottish democracy. The tour includes a visit to the debating chamber and you'll hear about Scottish political history. First Ministers Questions and debate happens on Thursdays, from 12pm to 12.45pm and you can get free tickets to watch from the viewing balcony. It's the most popular session of Parliament to watch, and demand for tickets is high.Entrance is free but ...
You can take free tours of the parliament building and learn about Scottish democracy. The tour includes a visit to the debating chamber and you'll hear about Scottish political history. First Ministers Questions and debate happens on Thursdays, from 12pm to 12.45pm and you can get free tickets to watch from the viewing balcony. It's the most popular session of Parliament to watch, and demand for tickets is high.Entrance is free but ...
Scottish Parliament Building
Outdoors
Edinburgh's parks and walkways are so well kept and make for a great day out.
Climb up Calton Hill for the best views of Edinburgh (in my opinion). You will see Edinburgh Castle, the New Town and the rolling hills of Arthur's seat. On top of the hill you will see The National Monument, the Observatory and Dugald Stewart monument. In the summer time you will see many people spending time on the b...
Time your trip for sunset and if you are visiting Edinburgh in late May check out the Beltane fire festival which congregates up there.
Time your trip for sunset and if you are visiting Edinburgh in late May check out the Beltane fire festival which congregates up there.
Calton Hill
Located in the West Princes Street gardens is the huge cast iron water fountain. Located in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle, you will have arguably the best view of Castle rock and the Castle. The Ross fountain was created in 1862 and the metal craft...
Ross Fountain, Edinburgh
Through Edinburgh's New Town and down to the coast at Leith there is a well marked pathway and walking route that follows the river. My recommendation is to start the walk in the picturesque neighbourhood of Dean Village and head towards Leith. Along... The route is 12-13 start to finish. You can also take your bicycle too.
The Walkway » The Water of Leith Conservation Trust
Hidden away in the area called Duddingston, is the perfect Dr Neil's Garden. This area overshadowed by the slopes of Arthur’s Seat and next to the Duddingston Loch. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh the gardens are like an oasis. Fi...
The gardens are free to explore.
The gardens are free to explore.
Dr Neil's Garden
Edinburgh's botanical gardens are the perfect place to seek out tranquillity. Spread across 72 acres, the gardens have a range of areas including the Japanese garden, the Victoria Era glasshouse and the arboretum.
There are a number of pathways to follow and keep your eyes peeled for the friendly grey squirrels.
There are a number of pathways to follow and keep your eyes peeled for the friendly grey squirrels.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Vennel Steps leads from Edinburgh's Grassmarket and offers outstanding views of the skyline and of course, Edinburgh Castle. The steps up are manageable and it is worth the climb. The top area of the steps is also part of the Telford Wall which w...
The Vennel Viewpoint
History
This might sound a bit odd but trust me, this graveyard is incredible. Located in the old town near the Grassmarket, Greyfriars is over 400 years old. The tombstones (mostly Victorian era) are highly decorative and beautiful in their own way. Walk al...
If you walk at the back of the church you will see the Flodden Wall, a boundary wall that protected Edinburgh in the 1500's.
If you walk at the back of the church you will see the Flodden Wall, a boundary wall that protected Edinburgh in the 1500's.
Greyfriars Kirkyard (graveyard)
The St Giles Cathedral situated on the Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh. The 900 year old cathedral has survived fires, the Reformation and many a Edinburgh Mob. You can enter the door on Parliament Square side and see the incredible stained glas...
The cathedral will have a daily service at noon and they are accepting donations. This place really is a sanctuary and you can see why it is so important to the people of Edinburgh.
The cathedral will have a daily service at noon and they are accepting donations. This place really is a sanctuary and you can see why it is so important to the people of Edinburgh.
St Giles' Cathedral
This small cast iron memorial is located on Castlehill (it's actually on the side of the Tartan Weaving Mill). The water feature was placed there in 1894. The monument is dedicated to the thousands of wrongly accused women who were accused of Witchcr...
There is a small information board next to it, detailing the symbolism of the wishing well.
There is a small information board next to it, detailing the symbolism of the wishing well.
The Witches' Well in Edinburgh