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Edinburgh on a Budget – How to Eat, Stay, & Do It Cheaply
👉 Jump to: Where to Stay | Things to Do | Cheap Eats | Tips | FAQ
Edinburgh can appear to be a pricey destination, but that doesn’t have to be the case if you know when and where to go, like the locals do.
As someone who has lived in Edinburgh and visits frequently, I know how to see the best of the city while on a tight budget. I’ve created this guide with helpful advice and suggestions to show you how to have a more affordable trip.
I’ll share reasonably priced places to stay, the best things to do in Edinburgh for free, places to go for cheaper meals, and tips for when to visit and how much to budget. Let’s get started!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh on a Budget
You may struggle to find affordable places to stay in Edinburgh if you opt to book a hotel in the Old or New Towns, but there are plenty of high-quality, affordable places within walking distance of the main attractions elsewhere.
Edinburgh is a small city, and venturing slightly outside the peak tourist areas can result in significantly cheaper stays and more tranquil visits. Check out my full guide on where to stay in Edinburgh for more details. For now, here are a few of my top picks for affordable places to stay:
Leith
👉 Best Area For Foodies | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: Edinburgh Central Accommodation
To the north east of Edinburgh is the former port town of Leith, which was made internationally famous by the book Trainspotting.
Leith has been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, yet it still manages to be an affordable place to stay. Edinburgh Central Accommodation is a great option for the area because of its clean rooms, low price, and convenient location. Stay here to be within easy travelling distance of Edinburgh’s main attractions through frequent buses and trams.
This is a great area to stay if you love to dine out, with plenty of incredible restaurants lining Leith Walk.
West End
👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: The Haymarket Hotel
The West End is a more residential area of Edinburgh, making it quite an affordable place to stay.
There are charming restaurants and bars along Dalry Road, and the shopping strip of Princes Street is only a short walk away. For traditional Scottish ceilidh dancing, visit the Ghillie Dhu or listen to some classic jazz at The Rat Pack. The Haymarket Hotel is a good place to stay for easy access to all of these spots.
A short bus journey west is Edinburgh Zoo, which will be a hit with children. Check your eligibility for a concession ticket to try to save some cash.
Newington
👉 Best Area For Nature | ✨ Best Budget Hotel: The Salisbury Hotel
Newington is in the south of Edinburgh and is a popular area for students as the University of Edinburgh is nearby.
On one side of Newington is Holyrood Park, home to the iconic ancient volcano of Arthur’s Seat. The views from the summit are unparalleled. For less steep greenery, head to the Meadows, where locals flock on sunny days. My budget hotel pick for this area, The Salisbury Hotel, is located right between both of these.
One of the most unique things to do in Newington is visit the Surgeons’ Hall Museum, which contains the largest collection of surgical pathology in the world.
10 Free Things to Do in Edinburgh
National Gallery of Scotland
Admire hundreds of artworks at this central — and free — gallery.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 624 6200 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
There are over 400 works of art in the National Gallery of Scotland, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Titian, and Rembrandt. The collection has paintings spanning from 1300 to 1945, and the main gallery is completely free to visit. Temporary exhibitions are often ticketed.
St Giles’ Cathedral
See centuries of history at this landmark cathedral.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 226 0677 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday, 1 pm – 5 pm Sunday | Entrance: Free, (Recommended Donation: £6)
St Giles’ Cathedral is one of the highlights of the famous Royal Mile street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The church is over 900 years old and was founded by King David I of Scotland. It’s free to visit the cathedral, but it is a working church, so be mindful of prayer services.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Learn about the story of a very loyal dog in this scenic graveyard.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: + 44 131 664 4314 | Website | Entrance: Free
Greyfriars Kirkyard is in Edinburgh’s Old Town, and this churchyard is best known for the legend of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years.
Today, there’s a statue of Greyfriars Bobby at the entrance to the kirkyard where visitors rub his nose. Inside the kirkyard are the graves of some notable Scots and incredible views across to Edinburgh Castle.
National Museum of Scotland
This expansive museum has a diverse collection of natural and scientific exhibitions.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 300 123 6789 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
The National Museum of Scotland has an amazing array of exhibits. Notable ones include Dolly the Sheep – the first cloned mammal from an animal cell – and a Picasso artist’s proof. This is an incredible museum for children to explore, and it has a panoramic roof terrace on the seventh floor.
The Writers’ Museum
Three of Scotland’s most beloved writers have a dedicated museum sharing facts about their lives.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 529 4901 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free (Recommended Donation: £5)
This free museum showcases the lives and work of three landmark Scottish writers: Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The museum is housed in a beautiful building in a square connected to the Royal Mile via a traditional close. Some of the highlights of the exhibits are manuscripts and first-edition books. Though there are more unusual sights, including a plaster cast of Burns’ skull.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Take a breather in this haven garden in Edinburgh’s north.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +44 131 248 2909 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily 1 February – 31 October, 10 am – 4 pm 1 November – 31 January | Entrance: Free
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is in the north of the city. It showcases plants from around the world within its 70 acres, and it’s completely free to visit. Make sure to explore the rock garden and Chinese hillside, and you can also check out art on display in the exhibition space at Inverleith House.
Dean Village
Imagine what life was like in this historic mill town, right in the heart of the city.
Tourists flock to the former mill village of Dean Village due to its stunning surroundings along the Water of Leith. The most dramatic view is at Deans Brae Bridge, and the walk along the water is tranquil and beautiful. This is a great spot to wander around for an afternoon, so be sure to add it to your Edinburgh itinerary!
Cheap Eats in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has restaurants offering cuisine from around the world and covering all price points. As a city with a large student population, there are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants to be found if you know where to go.
Mum’s Great Comfort Food
Scottish
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ££
Mum’s Great Comfort Food is great for the soul – a classic diner serving up heartwarming British food. The sausage and mash is to die for, and a Mum’s pie is ideal on a cold, rainy day. The restaurant doesn’t take bookings, so this is great for a casual visit.
The Original Mosque Kitchen
Indian
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: £
The Original Mosque Kitchen has some lore to it. There are two rival restaurants, which both claim to be the Mosque Kitchen – the one you want to visit is connected to the Edinburgh Central Mosque on Potterrow.
The curries here are delicious, and one of the cheapest meals you’ll find in Edinburgh. Non-muslims are more than welcome, and the restaurant is popular with students.
Ting Thai Caravan
Thai
📍 Google Maps | Website | Price Range: ££
Ting Thai Caravan has two locations in Edinburgh and two in Glasgow, but the restaurant on Teviot Place is the original. It’s a lively spot with communal seating. The food is always fresh and delicious, as well as being very affordable.
5 Tips to Do Edinburgh on a Budget
Avoid August Crowds
August is by far the busiest month for tourists in Edinburgh as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival arrives. Because of this, accommodation prices skyrocket. If you’re not attending the Fringe and you are flexible on when you can travel, book a stay during another time of the year, and your hotel prices will be far lower.
Don’t Bother With A Car
Having a car is not necessary in Edinburgh, and it can be an expensive hindrance. The city is difficult to drive in and free parking is very limited, so stick to public transport or walking instead.
Use Public Transport Before Taxis
Edinburgh has a well-connected and affordable public transport system of buses and trams, which you can use to get around. This will minimise the amount of walking and it’s cheaper than taking local taxis. You can tap your contactless payment card on the bus and tram, and your fare will be automatically capped at the lowest daily or weekly fare.
Book Accommodation in Advance
Edinburgh can be an expensive place to visit, particularly if you book hotels last minute. I recommend booking accommodation as early as possible so you can get the best deals available.
Check Concession Availability
Many attractions in Edinburgh will offer concession ticket prices for students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Check your eligibility before booking tickets, and you may be able to save some money.
Common Questions About Visiting Edinburgh on a Budget
How much is a reasonable budget for visiting Edinburgh?
How much you spend on a trip to Edinburgh can differ dramatically depending on where you stay, how often you dine out, and which attractions you see. For someone planning on seeing one attraction per day and eating lunch and dinner in restaurants, £150-180 a day is a good figure to start from.
How expensive is accommodation in Edinburgh?
Accommodation costs vary significantly throughout the year in Edinburgh, but generally, visitors should be able to find a hotel room for just over £100 a night, excluding August.
What is the cheapest time of year to visit Edinburgh?
Accommodation costs soar in August and around Christmas and remain high during the summer months from June to September. In spring, autumn, and winter, prices are lower.
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I hope I’ve shown you that it’s possible to see Edinburgh on a budget, particularly with these more affordable options. For more help planning your trip, check out my guide to places to stay in Scotland.
