Want to visit Edinburgh on the cheap?
Then follow this Top 15 free tours, museums and activities to do in Edinburgh that we’ve created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Table des matières
Visit the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
The National Museum’s diverse collection encompasses both the history of Scotland as well as internationally renowned exhibits.
You can learn all about Scotland’s past, from the age of chivalry to the Industrial Revolution and beyond.
You’ll also find diverse exhibits on everything from the pharaohs of ancient Egypt to the samurai of Japan.
The natural world, science and technology, great discoveries, art and design, and world cultures are all featured in this exciting museum.
You’ll find interactive modules and activities for all ages, including science experiments, musical instrument demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to take unusual photos.
The facility also has some permanent exhibits, and there are many cafes and restaurants in the area. It’s a fantastic place to be, and one that the whole family will enjoy!
More info: https: //www.nationalgalleries.org/
The Royal Botanic Gardens
Any plant, flower, rare or common, can be admired and enjoyed at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.
It was originally created as a learning conservatory for students, but has grown over the years to become a world reference.
The rock garden,arboretum, and its more than 70 acres of shrubs, flowering plants and other trees are great fun to explore.
You will also discover a Chinese Zen garden, as well as a large duck pond. Some plants even date back to the time of the dinosaurs!
You can also enjoy exhibits and interactive activities for children in the main building, which also houses a store, a restaurant and a few cafes.
On a sunny day, you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet beauty of this large park, which also has some great views of the city.
More information here: https: //www.rbge.org.uk/
The Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery, one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions, is located in the heart of Edinburgh.
This vast gallery offers visitors a wide range of sculptures, paintings and furniture, from the Italian Renaissance to French Impressionism.
Among the artists on display are Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Renoir, Gauguin, Cézanne, Rembrandt and Rubens.
It is an impressive collection, not to be missed if you are an art lover.
Admission is generally free, although some temporary exhibitions may be subject to a small admission fee.
The gallery stands on The Mound, in the middle of Princes Street Gardens, which also houses a restaurant, café, and store.
Arthur’s Seat
If you have an adventurous soul, then why not try climbing the steep rocks on the outskirts of the city to get a better look at Arthur’s Seat?
This is actually a dormant volcano that rose from the earth over 300 million years ago.
Although the hill is interesting in itself, the views from the top are some of the most spectacular in the city.
You’ll have a great view of all that Edinburgh has to offer its visitors – don’t forget to take your camera!
It’s a vast park, ideal for walkers, yet entertaining for the young ones, especially with its lake full of well-fed ducks and swans.
The name of the hill is, according to legend, a reference to the mythical King Arthur.
The Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament officially opened its doors at Holyrood in 2004. This is where Members of Parliament (MSPs) meet to debate local issues.
It is open to the public and offers free guided tours, usually on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. There are also exhibitions, a store and a café.
This magnificent monument is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, and was designed by the Catalan architect Enric Miralles.
At the time it caused controversy in Scotland, as the final budget was much higher than expected, and the appearance of the building continues to be the subject of fierce debate. You can make up your own mind after your visit!
St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh
A religious building has always stood on the site now occupied by the cathedral since the 9th century.
The present monument was built in 1120, and played an important role in the religious life of Scotland, as the mother church of Presbyterianism.
Indeed, John Knox led the Scottish Reformation from St. Giles, and it is still used today. The pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows are incredible.
Also worth a visit is the Thistle Chapel, Scotland’s most valiant order of chivalry, established in 1687.
At the end of your visit, you can also go down into the crypt, in the heart of which a small, unpretentious café has been established.
The cathedral is easy to find, with its famous crowned spire overlooking the Royal Mile, and admission is completely free.
The Water of Leith Walkway
The Water of Leith Walkway is an idyllic and tranquil walk and cycleway that winds through the heart of Edinburgh.
Along the way you will pass many beautiful and interesting sites such as Saughton Winter Gardens, Colinton Dale and Village, the Union Canal, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art,
Dean Village and Stockbridge, and the Botanical Gardens. While walking or biking, be sure to stop by the Water of Leith Visitor Centre.
This free attraction features video and interactive displays, a cozy café and gift store.
Many events are held here throughout the year, including guided walks, family entertainment, and an annual plant sale, which is very popular with locals.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Some of the graves date back to the 16th century and include a number of Scotland’s most famous figures, such as William McGonagall, James Craig and George Buchanan.
The National Covenant, which sparked the Covenanters’ movement against King Charles II following the Reformation, was signed here in 1638, and after their defeat, many of them were imprisoned nearby.
The cemetery is best known for the story of Bobby, Greyfriar’s faithful dog, who guarded his master’s grave for 13 years.
You will find a beautiful statue of the skye terrier not far from the George IV bridge.
Legend has it that the cemetery is haunted, and many ghost hunts are organized there, but in reality, the place is far from being scary.
There are a number of notable monuments and headstones.
The National Gallery of Modern Art
You’ll find the National Gallery of Modern Art in a beautiful neoclassical building on the west side of the new town. It was originally a school, built in the 19th century.
The vast park is a perfect place to house an unusual collection of sculpture, and the huge landscaped lawn, or “landform,” is sure to catch your eye.
Inside the gallery, you will find an impressive array of works by artists such as Picasso, Braque, Mondrian, Ben Nicholson, Matisse, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
The institution also regularly hosts international exhibitions. While admission to the permanent collection is free, some temporary exhibitions may be subject to an admission fee.
Calton Hill
This hill, located at the eastern end of Princes Street, provides an ideal vantage point for viewing Edinburgh’s best sights, including the castle, the new town, Holyrood and Arthur’s Seat.
At only 30 meters high, at the crest, you’ll be amazed at how imposing the view is – it’s a great place for a picnic.
At the top, you’ll find the Nelson Monument, to which an elevator will take you, further enhancing the spectacular view of the city that Calton Hill offers.
There are many other notable monuments, including the National Monument, often referred to as the Scottish Disgrace, which was originally intended to be impressive and majestic, but was reduced to a dozen simple columns due to lack of funding.
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