Edinburgh is surprisingly affordable if you know where to look. The best museums are free, incredible food can be found for under £10, and the most memorable experiences - hiking Arthur's Seat, wandering the Old Town, watching sunset from Calton Hill - don't cost a penny.
Daily Budget Guide
Backpacker
Hostel, street food, free attractions, walking
Budget
Budget hotel, mix of cheap eats and cafes, one paid attraction
Mid-range
3-star hotel, restaurant meals, 2-3 paid attractions
Free Attractions
National Museum of Scotland
FREEWorld-class museum with collections spanning science, art, design, and Scottish history. Rooftop terrace has castle views.
Tip: Go early to avoid school groups
Scottish National Gallery
FREEMasterpieces from Botticelli to Van Gogh. Completely free including special exhibitions.
Tip: Free guided tours available
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
FREEFaces of Scottish history in a stunning Gothic building. The Great Hall is worth seeing alone.
Tip: Cafe has reasonably priced lunch
Royal Botanic Garden
FREE70 acres of beautiful gardens. Only the glasshouses charge admission.
Tip: Pack a picnic and spend hours
Arthur's Seat
FREEClimb Edinburgh's ancient volcano for 360-degree views. One of the best free experiences in the city.
Tip: Bring water and wear proper shoes
Calton Hill
FREEEdinburgh's most accessible viewpoint. Five-minute climb for stunning panoramas.
Tip: Free and perfect for sunset
The Royal Mile
FREEWalk from castle to palace. Free to explore the closes, courtyards, and atmosphere.
Tip: Skip the tourist shops, enjoy the architecture
Greyfriars Kirkyard
FREEHistoric cemetery with incredible views and stories. See Greyfriars Bobby's grave.
Tip: Free self-guided tour available online
Cheap Eats
Mosque Kitchen
Pakistani curry
Legendary curry canteen. Massive portions, incredible flavour, student prices.
Oink
Hog roast rolls
Slow-roasted pork in a roll. Multiple locations, consistently delicious.
Bross Bagels
NY-style bagels
New York quality bagels at Edinburgh prices. Generous fillings.
Piemaker
Scottish pies
Traditional Scotch pies done properly. Grab and go.
Greggs
Bakery chain
Not glamorous but filling. Sausage rolls and pasties everywhere.
Lidl/Aldi
Supermarket meals
Both have meal deals. Stock up for picnics in the parks.
Ting Thai Caravan
Thai street food
Authentic Thai at reasonable prices. Great value for the quality.
Mums Great Comfort Food
Scottish comfort
Hearty portions of bangers and mash. Worth the slight splurge.
Free Walks
Royal Mile to Holyrood
1 hourWalk from the castle esplanade to Holyrood Palace. Free to walk, paid attractions at each end.
Dean Village & Water of Leith
1-2 hoursRiverside walk through Edinburgh's prettiest scenery. Completely free.
Portobello Beach
2+ hoursTake the bus to Edinburgh's beach. Walk the promenade, paddle in the sea.
New Town Architecture
1-2 hoursWander the Georgian streets and crescents. Free outdoor museum.
Leith to Ocean Terminal
1-2 hoursExplore Edinburgh's waterfront neighbourhood. Great for people watching.
Free Walking Tours
SANDEMANs New Edinburgh Tours
Tip-based walking tour
Free Old Town tour covering main sights. Pay what you feel at the end.
Edinburgh Free Tour
Tip-based walking tour
Alternative free tour with local guides. Book online.
Self-Guided Audio Tours
Free apps
Download free audio guides from various apps and walk at your own pace.
Money-Saving Tips
Transport
- ✓Walk everywhere in the centre - Edinburgh is compact
- ✓Day tickets (£4.80) are cheaper than single fares if using 3+ buses
- ✓Skip hop-on hop-off buses - walk the Royal Mile for free
- ✓Don't rent a car - parking is expensive and unnecessary
Attractions
- ✓The best museums are free - National Museum, galleries, etc.
- ✓Castle esplanade is free - you get views without the ticket
- ✓Ghost tours start from £10 - book online for best prices
- ✓Historic Scotland Explorer Pass saves money if visiting multiple sites
Food & Drink
- ✓Lunch is cheaper than dinner at most restaurants
- ✓Supermarket meal deals for picnics save a fortune
- ✓Pre-theatre menus at nice restaurants are good value
- ✓Tap water is free and delicious in Scotland
Accommodation
- ✓Stay outside the centre - Leith and Stockbridge are cheaper
- ✓Book well in advance, especially August
- ✓Consider hostels - Edinburgh has excellent ones
- ✓Airbnb can be cheaper for longer stays
Avoid These Tourist Traps
- ✕Royal Mile restaurants with 'Haggis!' signs outside
- ✕Tartan tat shops selling low-quality souvenirs
- ✕Whisky shops without proper tasting options
- ✕Hop-on hop-off bus tours (walk instead)
- ✕Camera Obscura (good but overpriced)
- ✕Chain restaurants near major attractions