Free Things to Do in Edinburgh

All of Scotland's national collections in Edinburgh are free to enter. The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street covers everything from Roman silver to Concorde and Dolly the Sheep — allow at least three hours. The Scottish National Gallery on the Mound holds Titian, Raeburn and Monet, and the two Modern galleries in Belford are twenty minutes' walk from the centre through the Water of Leith path.

The National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street is often overlooked and one of the best. Late-openings, curator talks and family activities are all free — check what's on before you go.

Arthur's Seat is Edinburgh's most famous free experience — a 45-minute climb from Holyrood delivers a 360-degree view of the city, Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills. Calton Hill is easier (15 minutes from Waterloo Place) and arguably more photogenic. For a longer wander, follow the Water of Leith walkway from Stockbridge to Dean Village and on to Leith itself.

Even during ticketed festival months, Edinburgh runs a huge free programme. The Fringe's Free Fringe strand puts on around 800 shows a year at zero cost (pay-what-you-can at the end). The Edinburgh Diwali lantern parade, Beltane on Calton Hill (viewable free from the outside), and Doors Open Day in September all cost nothing.

The Royal Botanic Garden is free entry (only the glasshouses are ticketed). The Scottish Parliament runs free guided tours on non-sitting days. The Writers' Museum on the Lawnmarket, the People's Story on the Canongate and the Museum of Edinburgh are all free and quiet even in August.