Edinburgh , Scotland • October 16th 2023

Top 5 Free Outdoor Activities in Edinburgh 

Edinburgh offers plenty of free activities and attractions for low-budget travellers and students.

Here are the best outdoor free things to do in Edinburgh this year if you get a sunny or dry day!

Royal mile 

The royal mile runs, for ironically one mile, from Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Palace of Holyrood house, making it a central thoroughfare of the old town. It's filled with a variety of activities including museums, street performers and free walking tours which can be found at the Edinburgh Tourist Information office. 

It's one of the best places in Edinburgh to immerse yourself in the city's culture, history and atmosphere. 

Avoid any cafes on the mile, they tend to be tourist traps and so pretty expensive! Cut down your closest side street and you'll be sure to find an alternative (much cheaper) spot to eat or drink. 

Location:

The distance between Royal Mile and Princes Street is only 0.5km. It's a short and easy walk, making it easy to explore both areas on foot. 

Botanic gardens 

Spend time at the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens, while there may be an entrance fee for some areas, much of the garden is free to explore and is a great place for an autumn picnic. 

The gardens are over 70 acres of beautiful landscape and are just a mile north of the city centre, it offers panoramic views of the city skyline featuring Edinburgh Castle.

The gardens have a range of glasshouses that house plants from different climates. 

The gardens often offer events, exhibitions and educational programs, so it's a good idea to check their website for any upcoming events during your visit.

Opening hours:

In October the gardens are open 10am-5pm (last entry 4:15pm) 

Opening times change from season to season so double-check here before you visit: 

https://www.rbge.org.uk/visit/royal-botanic-garden-edinburgh/

Location:

The distance between Princes Street and the gardens is approximately 2.5km. You can easily walk, taking around 25 minutes or take a short bus ride. 

Dean Village 

The village is a preserved relic of the city's past, its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, cobbled streets and the lingering sense of a bygone era.

Dean Village is situated on the banks of the River Leith and is a perfect starting point for exploring the water of Leith Walkway. 

Location:

The distance between Dean Village and Princes Street is around 1km, you can reach Dean Village in a leisurely 15-minute walk.

The water of Leith Walkway 

The trail follows the river through lush woods, parks and historic sights, making it perfect for an autumn walk. The walkway eventually leads up to St Bernard's Well and Stockbridge. 

 

Visiting nearby attractions:

Dean Village is conveniently located near other popular attractions. After exploring the village and the Leith Walkway, take a short walk to Stockbridge which is a lively neighbourhood with a Sunday market.

The walkway eventually leads to the National Gallery of Modern Art which is free entry, where you can explore contemporary art in a beautiful setting. 

Calton hill

Calton Hill is a prominent and iconic hill in the city of Edinburgh. 

The primary attraction of Calton Hill is undoubtedly the most stunning views Edinburgh has to offer. From the top of the hill, you can see the castle, Arthurs's seat, the palace of Holyroodhouse and the Firth of Forth. 

The national monument of Scotland is an unfinished replica of the Parthenon in Athens. It was intended to commemorate Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic wars but was never completed. It is now an iconic landmark.

Location:

The distance from Princes Street to Calton Hill is around 1km. It's easily accessible by foot and provides an opportunity to walk through the historic city centre.