Enjoying Edinburgh on a Budget: How to Have Fun Without Spending a Fortune

Living in any city can be super expensive – and living in Edinburgh is no different. From restaurants, to attractions, and even to shopping, the cost-of-living crisis means that everything has become slightly more expensive. And, if you’re a student on a budget, it can be so difficult to find fun ways to spend your time without spending a fortune. However, enjoying Edinburgh doesn’t have to be expensive! In this guide, I will show you how to explore Edinburgh on a budget, including my best recommendations for things to see and do around the city that are completely free.

Transport

Firstly, it would be remiss of me not to mention one of my favourite things about Edinburgh: the fact that the buses are free! All young people aged 5-21 years old living in Scotland get free bus travel, which is such an amazing scheme that all students should take advantage of – and it shocks me how many of my friends haven’t applied for a Young Scot card. Buses run frequently across the entire city of Edinburgh, and they are generally reliable and convenient. So, if there has been somewhere you have always wanted to visit, but it isn’t in walking distance, and an uber is too expensive, definitely look at the bus routes. And there is an app, simply called Bus & Tram, that has live bus times and a route planner, which makes travelling by bus even more accessible.

Outdoor spaces

We are so lucky that, in Edinburgh, there are endless outdoor spaces that can be accessed for free!

One of my favourite places to go in Edinburgh, especially now that it is getting warmer outside, is Portobello Beach. My friends and I take the bus to the beach about once a week and walk the length of beach. There are beautiful views, (which are especially pretty at sunset), and the sea air is so refreshing – you almost wouldn’t know that you are still in Edinburgh. The pier has a number of cafes, restaurants, and shops, but if you’re looking to stay on a budget, you can still have an amazing time without spending any money at the pier.

Edinburgh also has so many amazing green spaces. For breath-taking panoramic views of the entire city, you can hike up Arthur’s Seat, or for a shorter but equally scenic walk, you could go up Calton Hill, which boasts iconic monuments and an amazing view of Edinburgh’s skyline. If you prefer something more relaxed, the Meadows is a beautiful open park ideal for picnics, jogging, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. Plus, the Meadows are located right next to George Square, so, if you go to Uni of Edinburgh, a walk here can easily be incorporated into your day at uni. Similarly, Holyrood Park offers another space of natural beauty, and winding paths that make it perfect for a leisurely walk. And the best part is - these stunning green spaces are all completely free to explore.

Indoor activities

Edinburgh is a city that is rich in culture and history, and in line with this, there are lots of fascinating museums to explore. The most well-known of these is the National Museum of Scotland, a museum with free entry for all and which takes you on a journey through the history of Scotland, including through its art, science, nature, and technology – and so much more.

Similarly, the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound and The Portrait Gallery on Queen Street have free entry for all. The first boasts artwork both international and Scottish spanning the years 1300 to 1945, and, having been multiple times, I can say that it is definitely a must-visit in Edinburgh. The second is described as a “love letter to Scotland”, with art that tells the story of Scotland and its people. Also, it is located in neo-Gothic building that is architecturally beautiful, both inside and out, which is itself worth seeing.

There are also indoor spaces that cater to more specific interests. The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood is definitely an interesting place to visit, especially if you’re interested in politics. Not only does the building itself boast unique and modern architecture, but it also serves as the heart of Scotland’s ever-more important political life. You can explore the Parliament through both guided and self-guided tours, making it a great choice for different preferences. If you’re more interested in literature, the Writers’ Museum, located on the Royal Mile, celebrates Scotland’s literary geniuses, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson – and again, the entry is free.

Places to eat

If you go to Uni of Edinburgh, and you’re looking for cheap places to eat on the main campus, check out Potterrow on Bristo Square. The food is not only delicious, but it arrives quickly and is really low-priced, making it the perfect little lunch spot.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for more of a restaurant experience, Chez Jules offers an amazing lunch and dinner menu. From 12pm-4pm, they offer a lunch menu with 3 courses for only £12.90, 2 courses for £10.90 or 1 course for £8.90. The dinner menu is equally well-priced, with, for example, steak-frites for only £13.90.

Cheap cafés can be hard to find in Edinburgh, though prices tend to drop the further out of the city centre you go. For example, Mo Beans on Easter Road has cheap coffee, with a latte costing only £2.60 and cheap food, with, for example, a bacon sandwich costing only £2.90.

Although it can take quite a while to find these less pricey places to eat, they are worth hunting for. Edinburgh has plenty of hidden gems where you can enjoy delicious meals without spending a fortune!

---

How to Have Fun Without Spending a Fortune

Edinburgh perfectly encapsulates the essence of Scotland, blending history, culture, and natural beauty into one incredible city - and the best part is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience it. Whether you're wandering through the Meadows, admiring some of the best art that the world has to offer, or enjoying a hearty meal at a local favourite, Edinburgh proves that some of the best experiences come at little to no cost. So, take the time to discover these affordable spots - you might just find a new favourite along the way!