Photo walks
Looking out over Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat
Explore Edinburgh

Free things in Edinburgh

No ticket needed. Local guides, honest tips and the best times to go.

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Photo: Fabrizzio Moncada / Unsplash

In short

Many of Edinburgh’s best experiences are free: climbing Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill, the National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Water of Leith walkway and Portobello beach.

Looking out over Edinburgh from Arthur’s SeatFree

Cover story

Free things to do in Edinburgh

The best free things to do in Edinburgh, from Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill to free national museums, the Botanic Garden and Portobello beach.

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Where to go

Places worth the trip

All photo spots
The Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill overlooking the Edinburgh skyline at golden hour01Calton HillEast EndBest: sunriseDean Village and the Water of Leith at sunrise02Dean VillageWest EndBest: early morningHouses and greenery on Circus Lane, Stockbridge03Circus LaneStockbridgeBest: grey daysLooking out over Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat04Arthur's SeatHolyrood ParkBest: golden hourA carved dog on a gravestone in Greyfriars Kirkyard05Greyfriars KirkyardOld TownBest: misty daysPortobello Beach and the promenade at night06Portobello BeachPortobelloBest: sunrise

Good to know

Free things questions

Is the National Museum of Scotland free?

Yes, general entry is free. Some special exhibitions charge.

Is it free to climb Arthur’s Seat?

Yes. Holyrood Park is open to everyone, and there’s no charge to walk to the summit.

Is the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh free?

Entry to the garden is free. The Palm Houses, which reopened in October 2026 after restoration, are ticketed.

More guides

All guides
Edinburgh Castle above Old Town buildings and a stone staircaseEssentials
The best things to do in Edinburgh: 30 picks from a localThe best things to do in Edinburgh, from the Castle and Arthur's Seat to Dean Village, Leith and Portobello, with a local's tips on when to go and what to skip.6 min readUpdated 4 November 2026
The Balmoral clock tower and Scott Monument at golden hourPlanning
The best time to visit Edinburgh: a month-by-month guideWhen to visit Edinburgh, month by month, with the weather, daylight, crowds and the festivals and events worth planning around, from a local.3 min readUpdated 4 November 2026
The red Forth Bridge under a clear blue skyDay trips
The best day trips from EdinburghEasy day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus, including the Forth Bridges, North Berwick, Stirling, Linlithgow and Glasgow.3 min readUpdated 4 November 2026

Explore

More of the city

Edinburgh Castle above Old Town buildings and a stone staircaseThings to doThe essentials and the hidden onesThe Greyfriars Bobby pub in the Old Town, with outdoor seatingFood & drinkBrunch to whiskyA piper in Highland dress playing the bagpipes below Edinburgh CastleWhat’s onFestivals, markets and eventsThe Balmoral clock tower and Scott Monument at golden hourPlan a tripItineraries and practical tipsThe red Forth Bridge under a clear blue skyDay tripsBy train and busVisitors inside a museum gallery in EdinburghRainy daysWhich you’ll get
A walker on Circus Lane in Stockbridge

Only Edinburgh Photo Walks

Get photographed in Edinburgh

Small, relaxed photo walks with a local photographer, at the spots in this guide. Holiday portraits, couples and proposals, or learn to shoot the city yourself.

See photo walks