Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Tickets
From£24
— No ticket required
Free things to do in Edinburgh
You don't need a big budget to enjoy Edinburgh. These experiences are completely free to attend — though many still require you to reserve a spot in advance because capacity is limited.
See all Edinburgh
Zero cost, still worth booking.
Matches
32
City
Edinburgh
Total in city
30
Min rating
any
About this list
Why this shortlist
Free walking tours are the single most popular free activity in Edinburgh, and we list every reputable one in town. Many are tip-based, which means you pay what you think the tour was worth at the end.
Aside from walking tours, look for free museum entry days, open-air concerts, and self-guided routes with downloadable maps.
Shortlist
Free things to do in Edinburgh
The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Tickets
From£11
Edinburgh: After-Dark Ghostly Night Walking Tour
From£31
City Sightseeing: Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
From£20
3-Route Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
From£26
From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip
From£65
From Edinburgh: Loch Ness and The Highlands Day Trip with Lunch & Optional Cruise
From£109
From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Glencoe & Fort William Day Trip
From£61.2
From Edinburgh: ‘Hogwarts’ Alnwick Castle & Northumbria Day Trip
From£135
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
From£39
From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Small-Group Day Trip
From£59.2
Edinburgh Zoo Entrance Tickets
From£27.25
Edinburgh Underground Ghost Tour
From£19
Edinburgh Airport Turkish Airlines Plaza Premium Lounge Departure Hall Access
From£36.04
Harry Potter Walking Tour with Entry to Edinburgh Castle
From£58
Walking Tour of The Edinburgh Dungeon
From£15
Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour
From£49
Highland Wildlife Park Entrance Tickets
From£31
From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye, the Highlands & Loch Ness 3-Day Guided Tour with Optional Stay Reservation
From£275
50-Min Scenic Loch Ness Cruise
From£23
Day Tour Whisky & Waterfalls with Transfers from Edinburgh & Distillery Entry
From£94
Edinburgh: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
From£15
Edinburgh Dungeon Anytime Entry Tickets
From£25
Day Tour From Edinburgh to St Andrews & Fishing Villages of Fife
From£57.6
Before you book
FAQ
- Are tip-based tours really free?
- Yes — there's no obligation to tip. Most guides survive on tips, though, so €5–€10 per person is the norm if you enjoyed it.