If you haven't already seen the boring parts about staying in Edinburgh (travel, lodging and such) check that out here. The word budget isn't exactly a romantic, fairy tale type of world. Prior to coming here I hated using it to describe things such as meals, or travel, or clothes. I would equate it to the word "cheap" and think what I was getting was subpar to just a normal meal, trip, or wardrobe. But I've come to look at the term now as "the way to get the best experiences with what you've got".
So now you've arrived in Edinburgh and are searching for those free things to do. This city holds more than enough things to do without having to pull out the wallet. Most all the things to do are outdoors - we lucked out on the weather - so if you're traveling in the winter remember to bundle up (and hit all the free museums).
Water of Leith Walkway
This public footpath runs along the small river of Leith for about 12 miles until it hits the sea. One of the most picturesque places along the waterway is Dean Village, but a stroll along this walkway on a sunny day is pleasant. There are always dogs along the pathway making it a fun little walk. If you're feeling motivated you can walk all the way out to Leith (the seaside town) and the beach and get a bite to eat. You can take the bus back to central town for £1.50.
Time Needed: 1-2 hours (depending on how long you want to walk)
Time Needed: 1-2 hours (depending on how long you want to walk)
Calton Hill
Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, this hill has Romanesque structures that provide the perfect pictures of the city. The columns are much bigger than you think and involve a bit of a shimmy to get up, but they are one hundred percent worth it. There are a few attractions on the hill that cost money to enter, but a wander around the hill will provide you with more than enough view. The place is always busy, though, so getting a tourist-free shot is a bit hard.
Time Needed: 30 minutes (or a bit longer if you're a picture fiend)
Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, this hill has Romanesque structures that provide the perfect pictures of the city. The columns are much bigger than you think and involve a bit of a shimmy to get up, but they are one hundred percent worth it. There are a few attractions on the hill that cost money to enter, but a wander around the hill will provide you with more than enough view. The place is always busy, though, so getting a tourist-free shot is a bit hard.
Time Needed: 30 minutes (or a bit longer if you're a picture fiend)
Arthur's Seat
By far my favorite part of Edinburgh. Arthur's seat is about a mile long walk up a hill overlooking the city. The walk begins by Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (both of which are picturesque on the outside alone). It takes about half an hour to scale the "hill" - wear comfortable shoes and bring water because it's steep. A quarter of the way up there's a ruined Abbey, and at the top you get some more stunning views of Scotland. On a sunny day the place is packed, but I imagine you could get some fantastics views during a dawn or dusk hike as well.
Time Needed: 1.5 hours (from the bottom of the hill)
Time Needed: 1.5 hours (from the bottom of the hill)
Royal Mile
Right underneath the castle, the Royal Mile is a mile long stretch of cobblestoned streets filled with the sound of bagpipes and lots of little tourist-y shops. If you want a cashmere scarf, or a kilt, this is the place to go. It's fun to wander down the street and learn all about the clans and clan colors from each shop.
Time Needed: 30 minutes (unless you like shopping)
Time Needed: 30 minutes (unless you like shopping)
Scottish National Museum
There are three museums in Edinburgh that are free: this museum, and the two portrait galleries. If the weather isn't cooperating, and you're more into culture and history, I suggest you hit up the museums. We only got to spend about an hour in the museum before it closed and we loved it. Half of the entire museum is devoted to Scottish history from ancient times to present-day, and it is fascinating.
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Blackfriar's Cemetery
This is the cemetery behind Elephant House where J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for some of her most famous characters. The cemetery is quite big, so a hunt through it to find the names takes a bit of time. If you do a free walking tour they'll take you through the cemetery and point out all the names, otherwise give yourself a bit of time after tea to find all the names.
Time Needed: 15-30 minutes
Time Needed: 15-30 minutes
Edinburgh Castle / Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline in central Edinburgh. It perches precariously atop a hill and looks as you pictured rugged Scotland would look. Entering the castle costs £16.50 so we just got our photos outside the castle before wandering down the hill to Princes Street Gardens where we picnicked in the sun. The Royal Botanic Gardens are also nice to wander through in warmer weather.
Time Needed: 1 hour
Edinburgh is accessible by walking alone if you're willing to put a few miles on your feet each day. Otherwise, the bus system is reasonably priced and well run. Other places we didn't visit, but I would suggest are the University of Edinburgh (the old school), the Royal Botanic Gardens and the National Portrait Gallery.
Enjoy your adventuring!
Time Needed: 1 hour
Edinburgh is accessible by walking alone if you're willing to put a few miles on your feet each day. Otherwise, the bus system is reasonably priced and well run. Other places we didn't visit, but I would suggest are the University of Edinburgh (the old school), the Royal Botanic Gardens and the National Portrait Gallery.
Enjoy your adventuring!
