12 Free Things to Do in Edinburgh for Backpackers (Save Money on Your Trip in 2026)

At first glance, Edinburgh might seem like an expensive destination for backpackers on a budget. As a historic and scenic city that sees millions of visitors come and go each year, filled with iconic landmarks, world-renowned arts festivals and more, you might be worried your trip to the Scottish capital will break the bank.

You might be surprised, and pleased, to learn that the city has a thriving backpacker scene, with the oldest backpackers hostel in the city dating back to 1986. After years of experience chatting with backpackers about their days and nights spent in the city, we've put together this guide to 15 fun things to do for no cost while you're visiting the city.

These are all recommendations for active, engaging, historic and entertaining things to do - you may have read articles that tell you that walking down a pretty street is a 'free thing to do' - but here we've put together a list of actual activities and places you can experience for free in 2026.

Why Edinburgh is Great for Budget Backpackers

Nestled in the remains of an extinct volcano, with standing buildings in the city dating as far back as the 1400s, castles, palaces, and dramatic views all packed into the compact Old and New Towns, it's no wonder Edinburgh is a city that draws in so many visitors year-round.

But do not fear digging deep into your pockets - Edinburgh is a city that's accessible on all budgets. With a huge student population living around the Old Town and a wealth of attractions you can visit for free thanks to cultural funding and policy over the years, it's easy to put together a fun-filled backpacker itinerary for next to no cost.

Plus, backpackers who stay at Scotland's Top Hostels locations in Edinburgh also get access to a great range of discounts during their stay, including 20% off food and drink in local pubs, affordable nights out at bars, whisky tastings, walking tours and more.

If you use the code TRAVEL15 when making a reservation, you can get 15% off your stay midweek this April at our Edinburgh Hostels, exclusive to the Scotland's Top Hostels Travel Guide:

How Much Can I Save by Visiting Free Attractions Instead?

Many of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions charge entry fees, which can quickly add up for budget travellers. By visiting the city’s free museums, viewpoints, and historic sites instead, you're likely to find that you can save a significant amount each day:

Example savings: A backpacker who skips just three paid attractions could easily save £50–£70 in a single day by exploring free places instead. Check out our guide below to find out how you can plan your trip to save money, without skimping on experiencing Edinburgh.

What Free Historic Attractions Can Backpackers Visit in Edinburgh?

1. St. Giles Cathedral

Slap-bang in the middle of the Old Town and unmissable thanks to its distinctive crown steeple that dominates the architecture of the famous Royal Mile, you can step inside St. Giles Cathedral to admire historic stained glass windows, large vaulted ceilings, and the remarkable Thistle Chapel within, home to Scotland's highest order of chivalrous knights.

The Cathedral is well-known for its associations with the Scottish Reformation, where in 1559 the Reformist preacher John Knox delivered a rousing speech that would begin a spiral of events leading to the outlawing of the Latin Mass and dismantling of the Pope's power in Scotland.

Donations are accepted and at various points in the week you'll find different events (some paid and others free) happening inside the cathedral. If visiting on a Sunday evening, reserve a free ticket for the St. Giles at Six choral music sessions for a truly unique experience.

The Cathedral is otherwise open from 10am - 6pm on weekdays, 9am - 5pm on Saturdays, and 1pm - 5pm on Sundays

2. Greyfriars Kirkyard

Probably one of the most famous and historic graveyards in the world is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Dating back to the 16th century, it's widely believed to house gravestones that inspired the names of characters in a famous fictional Wizarding World.

Alongside this, you can see evidence of Edinburgh's more gruesome past, with large metal grates covering the graves of the Kirkyard's wealthier residents known as 'mort-safes', to protect their remains from prolific 19th century graverobbers. Just outside you'll find the renowned statue of Greyfriars' Bobby, the loyal Highland Terrier said to have guarded his owner's grave for 14 years.

3. Canongate Kirkyard

A short walk down the Royal Mile from both of the centrally-located High Street Hostel and Royal Mile Backpackers, you'll find a lesser-visited but equally as interesting graveyard in the shadow of Canongate Kirk ('Kirk' means 'Church' in Scots). The gravestones and monument represent the interesting history of the lower portion of the Royal Mile, dating back to the 17th century, and times gone by when the Canongate was a seperate 'burgh' or town from the City of Edinburgh.

Resting here you'll find many important historical Scottish figures including the economic philosopher Adam Smith and the poet Robert Fergusson. Don't miss nearby hog roast lunch spot Oink, where Scotland's Top Hostels Guests get a tasty discount too.

Which Museums and Art Galleries in Edinburgh Are Free to Enter?

4. National Museum of Scotland

One of the city's largest and most popular museums also offers free entry. Containing extensive collections covering Scottish history, world culture, science, technology, and natural history, there's a little bit of something for everyone in this expansive and architecturally stunning building. Among the exhibits you'll find Dolly the Sheep, the first animal to be cloned, who was born just outside of the city.

Be sure to take some time to wander up to the vast rooftop terrace, that offers unparalleled beautiful views of the city skyline too. You'll want to leave at least a few hours to get around and see everything on offer!

5. National Galleries of Scotland - National, Modern and Portrait

How about a 3-in-1 offering for any art buff, or even just for any backpacker who admires some incredible architecture, as all of the buildings that make up the three National Galleries of Scotland are absolute stunners, and better than that, still totally free to visit. They are divided into National, Modern and Portrait, each in different parts of the city.

Nestled in between, and in easy walking distance from, the Old and New Towns overlooking Princes Street Gardens, National houses works from big name artists including Van Gogh, Monet, and J. M. W. Turner alongside paintings from prominent Scottish artists, with paintings dating form the Renaissance through to the early 20th century. The National is also just a short walk downhill from Castle Rock Hostel, making it a great start to your day of sightseeing in Edinburgh.

A short walk away, Portrait is dedicated to depictions of people who have shaped Scotland's history and culture, including paintings, photographs and sculptures of notable figures from politics, science, literature, and the arts. The building is a striking Gothic sandstone structure, featuring a prominent mural showing key figures from Scotland's past in the main hall.

If you fancy something a little different, you can take the walk across town via the Water of Leith (see our walks and hikes section below!), to visit Modern, a contemporary art museum divided between two buildings and set within extensive sculpture gardens which are wonderful to explore on a clear day. Featuring works by international and Scottish artists in painting, photography, sculpture and installation, you can easily combine this with a visit to nearby Dean Village for a relaxed afternoon.

6. The Writers' Museum

En route to the National Gallery, take a diversion through Makar's Court - a square down a narrow close off the Royal Mile that has become an evolving monument to Scotland's literary past and present. The square is also home to the Writers' Museum, celebrating the lives and works of three of Scotland's most famous writers - Rober Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Inside, you can find manuscripts, portraits and personal items connected to each of the writers. The museum is located close to a building where Robert Burns stayed during his first stint in Edinburgh, and makes a great companion to a visit to the nearby and prominent Scott Monument, the second largest monument to a writer anywhere in the world.

What Free Walks and Hikes Can You Do Near Edinburgh’s City Centre?

7. Arthur's Seat

You're likely to hear about this hike pretty quickly when you arrive in Edinburgh - both from locals (who often haven't found the time to do it) and from fellow backpackers. Just outside of the city, the ancient crest of the dormant volcano that the city is built upon rises to 251 metres above sea level, now a part of the expansive Holyrood Park that traces the edges of the eastern Old Town.

The walk to the summit typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on the route, and will reward you with an unbeatable view across Edinburgh, out to the Firth of Forth (the mouth of the River Forth located next to Edinburgh that opens into the North Sea), and the surrounding countryside. It's often said to be one of the best viewpoints in the city, and it's easy to see why. You won't need anything like serious hiking gear to head up, but do be prepared for some mud and some elevation.

8. Calton Hill

If you're not quite ready to summit Arthur's Seat (or, more likely, the weather seems to be stopping you doing so), just outside of the New Town and only a 10-15 minute walk from the Royal Mile you'll find Calton Hill. Take a wander up the steps just off of Hume Walk, named for the philosopher who advocated for the hill to become Edinburgh's first public park.

The views from the top are striking, including panoramic vistas of Arthur's Seat itself. As you walk around the edge of the hill, you'll encounter a number of monuments, including the ill-fated National Monument, built to honour the war dead of the Napoleonic Wars but remains half-finished to this day due to a lack of funding. Calton Hill is one of the most accessible viewpoints in the city, due to its central location and short climb to the top.

9. Water of Leith Walkway & Dean Village

Connecting Edinburgh to the suburb of Leith (formerly a separate Burgh in itself, and with its own distinct identity) is the Water of Leith, and a scenic walk along it called the Walkway, which is clearly signposted and easy to access, a short walk from both Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, most easy to spot if you arrive in the neighbourhood of Stockbridge.

From Stockbridge, you can either head left or right along the Walkway and be greeted with plenty to see. Heading left, you'll soon find yourself at Dean Village, a historic milling area that is known for its old stone buildings, small bridges, and quaint leafy park that hugs the river. Heading right, you'll head towards Leith proper through some quiet and peaceful parts of the city.

A real bonus is to pair this walk with a visit to Stockbridge Food Market, which runs on Sundays only just steps away from the river at Jubilee Gardens.

What Free Things Can You Do in Edinburgh in the Evening?

10. Honky-Tonk Tuesday

Head down to local Irish bar Dropkick Murphys every Tuesday night to take advantage of a free line dancing lesson with foot-stomping tunes from 9:30pm onwards. Cowboy hats are distributed a-plenty around the room, and country music fills the dancefloor. Often well attended by local students and backpackers alike, you'll not want to miss this opportunity, bookended by some country karaoke.

Guests at Scotland's Top Hostels locations in Edinburgh can also take advantage of a discount at the bar while they visit (because nothing makes country dancing easier than a bit of Dutch courage).

11. Stramash Ceilidh (Wednesday)

Ceilidh is a Scottish Gaelige Word (don't worry if you can't pronounce it yet!) meaning 'social gathering', and Ceilidh Dancing has been a traditional part of Scottish culture dating back to the 1800s. A form of pageantry dancing, it sees you swapping partners, learning moves in big groups, and grooving along to upbeat folk tunes.

The best part - our friends at Stramash offer a free Ceilidh every Wednesday night from 10pm to Midnight where the band will teach you all the steps and try their best to keep you on beat. No experience or dance skills needed, just the willingness to jump up and get involved.

If you're staying at Castle Rock Hostel, High Street Hostel or Royal Mile Backpackers, the Ceilidh is also a big social event - with Castle Rock taking everyone out to a nearby bar for pre-drinks beforehand, and High Street giving you a wee lesson before you hit the dancefloor.

12. Scotland's Top Hostels Free Bar Crawl (Thursday)

If you're wanting to maximise your social time and meet fellow backpackers, you'll want to try and stay over in Edinburgh on a Thursday night. Offering one of the only free hostel bar crawls in Northern Europe, three of the most social hostels in Edinburgh join together to drink, dance and socialise in six of the best bars in town.

There's live music, karaoke, games, challenges, free shots, and also discounted drinks at every bar on offer. With a different theme and dress code every week, you'll find yourself right in the midst of it all with the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and spend the night on the legendary Edinburgh party street, Cowgate.

What Does a Free Day Out in Edinburgh Look Like?

1. Seek out the city's best views and explore its long history by combining a visit to St. Giles Cathedral with a wander around Greyfriars Kirkyard before lunch. In the afternoon, head up Arthur's Seat for a short hike, before resting up in the evening and joining the Wednesday Ceilidh at Stramash.
   

2. Combine a Museum Crawl with a Pub Crawl - head down to the Writers' Museum and the National Galleries of Scotland - National & Portrait before lunch, then take a short walk back to the Old Town to visit the National Museum of Scotland in the afternoon. After a rest and some carb-heavy dinner, join the Thursday Bar Crawl and meet people from all over the world.
   

3. Take a wander down to Stockbridge in the morning to grab a nice coffee and brunch, before heading along the Water of Leith Walkway to the National Galleries of Scotland - Modern to explore some contemporary art. As you head back towards the evening, head down to Dropkick Murphys for a free line dancing lesson on Honky Tonk Tuesdays, and even if it's not a Tuesday - you'll be surrounded by the city's best bars and nightlife to enjoy, and live music at the venue itself throughout the week.