Edinburgh's Best Budget Ideas

Description:

The National Museum of Scotland is an excellent museum that describes the history of Scotland from the Stone Age to modern times. This museum is a must visit for those interested in the early Celtic and Pictish history of the country.

Our Local Expert Says:

Arthur’s seat is one of the highest of Edinburgh’s seven hills and makes for a good walk for photo opportunities of Edinburgh below. Pathways are easily located from the foot of Arthur’s Seat with a car park area at the base.

Description:

Like Castle Rock, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags were formed by an extinct volcano and carved out by moving glaciers. These hills, lochs (lakes) and cliffs make up Holyrood Park and offer somewhat easy walking trails. Arthur's Seat is the highest point in Edinburgh (251 meters high) and is located at the center of the park while the Crags are located west of it. It is not known if the name is truly related to the mythology of King Arthur.

Description:

Just as it says, this is in the middle of the week (on a Wednesday) and it's mayhem! For a very reasonable amount of cash you will get a young crowd, lots of cheesy and cheerful chart sounds, a bouncy, noisy atmosphere, relatively cheap alcohol and if you're lucky, numerous snogs. As you probably guessed, it is very popular with the local student population. Entrance is free with a student matriculation card before 12:30a.

Our Local Expert Says:

For those who like to spend, Princes Street Gardens is the picturesque gateway to the shopping district beyond. A beautiful park with historic statues and monuments, it’s a peaceful refuge for those who’ve hit the stores all day.

Description:

Step out amongst the vibrancy of Edinburgh city centre and visit Princes Street Gardens. Take in views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town on one side of this splendid park and the bustle of the New Town on the other. Princes Street Gardens is the gateway to the shopping district beyond, it is a great place to wander through with historic monuments and a fountain. Frequented by families, students and performers Princes Street Gardens is alive with people.

Description:

This popular and lively cafe has coffee aplenty and is most uncommon in its many charms. Enjoy the superb views of central Edinburgh from the upstairs floor or sink into an afternoon slumber on one of the comfy sofas downstairs. After a night on the tiles, try the speciality of the house, the "Keith Richards" - a coffee that does what matchsticks do - keeps you awake! There is a wide selection of speciality teas as well as bagels, muffins and more hearty fare, like chilli. In the evenings, there are often acoustic sounds to hear - call to check for the upcoming acts to appear.

Description:

The great Scottish fish supper is a tradition not to be missed but Scots Chippers don't just sell fish, they sell anything and everything that is cooked in batter! Order a haggis, black pudding or sausage in this emporium of filling food. Don't forget, that when in the city, the traditional way to eat your chips is with salt and sauce.

Description:

Popular since it first opened in the mid 1990s, this young and vibrant bar offers a particularly good range of beers. There is also a pleasant garden for the days when you want a little fresh air with your alcohol and the bar sometimes hosts live music nights from mainly local bands. It is small and bustling and has a great atmosphere, situated as it is near the attractive dockland area. Bar Java is a great place to be (or stay - Bed and Breakfast is available) especially during the Edinburgh International Festival and Hogmanay, when there's always an interesting crowd.