A day exploring Edinburgh’s free attractions
- 48 hours in Edinburgh
- 72 Hours in Edinburgh
- A day exploring Edinburgh’s free attractions
- A day exploring historic houses in Edinburgh and the Lothians
- A day exploring museums and galleries in Edinburgh
- A day exploring the castles of Edinburgh and the Lothians
- A day in the Lothians
- A day shopping in Edinburgh and the Lothians
- A great family day out in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh’s Royal attractions in one day
- Mary Queen of Scots Trail - Edinburgh and the Lothians
- Two days of local crafts - Edinburgh and the Lothians
Spend a day exploring Edinburgh with this helpful introduction to the city’s many free attractions.
Trail Map
Skip over Google mapNo visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to at least one of its fantastic museums. Spend the morning exploring the vast collections of the National Museum of Scotland or learn about the history of the capital at the Museum of Edinburgh. Whether you’re curious about the Royal Mile or fascinated by Scotland’s literary greats, you’re bound to find a museum that sparks your interest.
There are plenty of galleries throughout Edinburgh where you can admire beautiful artworks without paying admission. View masterpieces by the Impressionists and Dutch Masters in the Scottish National Gallery, or see portraits of the country’s most iconic figures in National Portrait Gallery.
Afterwards, take a break from broadening your cultural horizons and explore the city’s many parks, gardens and riverside walks. You can spend a pleasant afternoon eating lunch in Princes Street Gardens or, if you’re feeling up to the challenge, climb to the craggy top of Arthur’s Seat for dramatic views of the city below.
Take the opportunity to next see inside the Scottish Parliament on a free tour. Admire the unique design features of this impressive example of Scottish architecture and watch as the country’s politicians debate the issues of the day in Parliament.
Further architectural splendour can be found in Edinburgh’s many historic churches and cathedrals. See where pivotal moments in Scotland’s religious history have taken place and visit the grave where the legendary Greyfriar’s Bobby sat.
Why not venture outside the confines of the city and experience the beauty of East Lothian’s unspoilt coastline with a walk along the John Muir Way? Spend the rest of the day kicking a ball about in the sand and watch as the sun sets over pristine stretches of beach.
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Edinburgh and the Lothians sits on the eastern side of Scotland's central belt, in the heart of the country.
