Free things to do in Edinburgh: 10 fun activities to do in Edinburgh that won't cost you a single penny

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, you might be tightening the purse strings and cutting back on going out. But worry not, as there's plenty of free things to do in Edinburgh.

By Gary Flockhart

Published 16th Mar 2024, 04:55 GMT

While some of Edinburgh’s best-known visitor attractions require your hard-earned cash, there’s plenty of free activities to enjoy in the city.

We asked Evening News readers to share their favourite things to do in the Capital that won’t cost you a penny – and they came up with some fabulous suggestions.

Take a look through our photo gallery to see 10 of the best free activities to do in Scotland's capital city, according to our readers.

Take a look through our photo gallery to see 10 of the best free activities to do in Edinburgh according to our readers.

1. Free things to do in Edinburgh

Take a look through our photo gallery to see 10 of the best free activities to do in Edinburgh according to our readers. Photo: Third Party

When the weather is nice, Portobello Beach is a lovely place to spend the day. You can walk down the promenade, build sandcastles and paddle in the water - and it costs nothing!

2. Paddle on Portobello beach

When the weather is nice, Portobello Beach is a lovely place to spend the day. You can walk down the promenade, build sandcastles and paddle in the water - and it costs nothing! Photo: Julie Bull

It's easy to spend a whole day at the National Museum of Scotland without even spending a penny. There's something for everyone, as the Edinburgh museum, which has free entry, has fascinating exhibits about the natural world, science and technology, history and archaeology and more.

3. Explore the National Museum Of Scotland

It's easy to spend a whole day at the National Museum of Scotland without even spending a penny. There's something for everyone, as the Edinburgh museum, which has free entry, has fascinating exhibits about the natural world, science and technology, history and archaeology and more. Photo: Photographer: Scott Louden

While visitors have to pay to enter this 16th century house, there is plenty to explore in the Lauriston Castle grounds - which are free to enter. There are 33 acres of land, with ponds, woodlands, and a calm and tranquil Japanese garden.

4. Explore the grounds of Lauriston Castle

While visitors have to pay to enter this 16th century house, there is plenty to explore in the Lauriston Castle grounds - which are free to enter. There are 33 acres of land, with ponds, woodlands, and a calm and tranquil Japanese garden. Photo: Greg Macvean

Edinburgh Scotland

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