How to explore Edinburgh on a shoestring budget

Edinburgh is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, but making the most of it can leave your purse feeling a touch on the lighter side, unless you get some insider information that is.

Like every capital city, there are countless ways to spend your money in Edinburgh.

From tourist souvenirs that celebrate Scotland but are 'Made in China', to over-priced attractions that charge the earth for entry and then take every opportunity to pick your pocket further, it is easy to spend a fortune without even realising it.

Don't fret, for help is at hand! Just follow our guide to the top ten free things to see and do when staying at hostels in Edinburgh.

Go on a guided tour of the Scottish Parliament…

When the final stone was laid at the Scottish Parliament Building at Holyrood in 2004 after five years of construction work, the building was celebrated not only for its stunning design but for the new era of politics it ushered in to Scotland.

Visitors to Holyrood can enjoy free guided tours of the building, with guests shown around its Debating Chamber and Committee Room, as well as the Garden Lobby.

Expert tour guides will tell you all about the work that goes on in the building and how the Scottish political system operates, while also touching on its design and architecture.

Tours last approximately one hour and take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays until July, when they then operate every day except Sundays.

Make sure to book in advance from the Scottish Parliament website.

Explore Calton Hill…

Overlooking Edinburgh is the unmistakable Calton Hill, with its unfinished Athenian acropolis a beautiful note on the city's skyline.

Running alongside Regent Road and just a couple of minutes away from Holyrood, it is very central so easy to get to. Walking to the top takes about five minutes and with epic panoramic views over Edinburgh and beyond, Calton Hill is one of the best places in the city to eat a picnic.

A footpath will guide you around the edge of the hill, while there are is stunning architecture to take in, including the Old Observatory House and City Observatory.

Nelson's Monument is also found on Calton Hill and, at £3 to enter, the 1805 monument to Admiral Nelson is a bargain with exhibitions to take in and a tower to climb.

Embrace youth at the Museum of Childhood…

There are many museums and galleries in Edinburgh where admission is free (though they'd never turn down a donation), but the Museum of Childhood is definitely up at the top of the list of ones to visit.

Dedicated to the history of childhood, there is so much to see and do that celebrates young people and one of the museum's permanent displays will take you back in time to the Victorian era by way of dressing up boxes and toys, while collections of historical teddy bears, dolls and trains from bygone years are also exhibited.

The museum is at 42 High Street on the Royal Mile and is open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Saturday. On Sundays it is open from 12pm until 5pm.

Browse Portobello Makers Market…

Held in the seaside village of Portobello's Town Hall, the Makers Market requires a bus ride out of the city centre, but is well worth the trip.

Possibly the best market of its kind in Scotland's capital, the Makers Market on Portobello High Street is packed full of unique arts and crafts, handmade by some of the country’s most talented crafters.

Portobello Makers Market runs on Saturdays throughout the year but is irregular, so make sure to check its website before setting out. The serene seaside town is well worth wandering around too.

Check out the exhibitions at the City Art Centre...

One of the best art galleries in Edinburgh, the City Art Centre boasts an amazing collection of art from Scotland and the rest of the world.

Housed in a huge nine-storey former warehouse just behind Waverley train station on Market Street, the City Art Centre regularly showcases new exhibitions of classic and contemporary art and photography and also has a rolling programme of events to get involved in.

Its gift shop is excellent if you're looking to pick a unique present to take home and entrance is totally free, though one-off exhibitions are occasionally ticketed. Opening times are 10am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.

Walk around Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat…

The vast Holyrood Park is a Royal Park that looks over Edinburgh and is popular with walkers, joggers and tourists alike.

Home to lochs, hills, crags and parkland, it is found at the end of the city's iconic Royal Mile and is well worth exploring if you're staying at a hostel in Edinburgh.

Open throughout the year, there is a 6km walk to be had around the outskirts of the park that takes in all of its best sites and is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.

This includes the imposing Salisbury Crags and the magnificent views from the top of the 251m-high Arthur's Seat, the biggest peak in the park.

Have a cuppa in the Elephant House…

Ok, it may not be entirely free, but everyone has to stop for a cup of tea at some point and there is no better place than the Elephant House. Especially if you're a fan of the Harry Potter series.

Nestled on George IV Bridge in between the Grassmarket and Cowgate, it was in the cosy confines of the 17-year-old cafe that J K Rowling famously penned the novels about the world's most famous wizard.

Other famous authors including Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith have also sipped a brew inside the Elephant House.

Visit Greyfriars Bobby…

Sitting on the corner of Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge is Greyfriars Bobby, a statue of the world's most loyal dog.

According to legend, Bobby was the dog of Edinburgh policeman John Gray in the 1850s and the two were inseparable until Gray's death in 1858. The story goes that following his death, Bobby spent the next 14 years obediently sitting on his master's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Whether it is true or a tale made up by Victorian businessmen to drum up tourism is a debate that will never go away, which makes the statue all the more worthy of a visit.

Have a gander at the Grassmarket…

In the shadows of Edinburgh Castle is the city's Grassmarket that has been around since the 16th century and is as popular today as it was then.

With many shops, cafes and pubs to explore, there is plenty to see and do, but its historical significance and stunning architecture mean a trip to the Grassmarket is well worth it, even if you don’t spend a penny.

Lying well within the boundary of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's impossible not to imagine the gruesome scenes the Grassmarket has witnessed, particularly with the former gallows standing in the centre as a stark reminder.

Learn about the city's history at the Museum of Edinburgh...

If you're staying in an Edinburgh hostel and exploring the city's Royal Mile, why not stop by the Museum of Edinburgh to learn all about the city's history?

Bringing Edinburgh's history to vivid life, the museum has exhibitions of silverware made by the city's metalworkers, whose guild used to own the building that houses the museum, while displays of stunning glassware and pottery offer an insight into the industries that helped make the Scottish capital what it is today.

Greyfriars Bobby's bowl and collar are also on display, while there are many interactive exhibitions to get involved in, with historical dressing-up the order of the day!

Open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm until 5pm on Sundays, the museum is located in Huntly House, 142 Cannongate, Royal Mile.

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