Exploring the rich and vibrant history of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, does not have to leave a dent in your wallet. As a matter of fact, there are numerous historical sites, landmarks, and activities that you can explore without breaking the bank. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the affordable, yet enriching, ways to delve deep into the history of Edinburgh.
1. Walking Tours
One of the best ways to experience Edinburgh’s history first-hand is by taking advantage of the numerous free walking tours offered throughout the city.
Walking tours are a fantastic way to explore a city. They are immersive, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere, scenery, and architecture. In Edinburgh, you will find a variety of walking tours, some focused on general history while others hone in on specific elements such as the city’s famous literary history, its darker past involving witches and grave robbers, or its iconic Royal Mile.
Leading you through winding, ancient streets, these walking tours often include stops at famous historical sites like Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and Holyrood Palace. The guides, enthusiastic locals with a passion for their city’s history, provide anecdotes, facts, and tales that you won’t find in guidebooks. As these tours operate on a ‘pay-what-you-feel’ basis, they are perfect for those of you exploring on a budget.
2. Museums
Edinburgh boasts a wealth of museums, many of which are free to enter, offering a chance to dive deeper into the city’s history.
Providing a more static yet equally enlightening experience, museums collect, preserve, and display items of historical, cultural, or scientific importance. In Edinburgh, you have a plethora of museums to choose from such as the National Museum of Scotland, The Museum of Edinburgh, and The People’s Story.
The National Museum of Scotland, one of the most notable, provides a detailed overview of Scotland’s history from its geological formation to present day. The Museum of Edinburgh, housed in a 16th-century building, offers a look at Edinburgh’s local history. While The People’s Story presents a unique perspective on the lives of Edinburgh’s ordinary people throughout the ages.
With the freedom to explore at your own pace, museums are a great budget option as they often only request donations.
3. Historical Landmarks
Edinburgh is a city teeming with historical landmarks, many of which can be enjoyed without any admission fees.
Edinburgh’s landscape is dotted with historical landmarks, each with its own tale to tell. From the iconic Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano and site of a 2000-year-old fort, to Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic graveyard known for its famous canine inhabitant, there are many sights to see.
Taking a stroll around these landmarks allows you to appreciate the city’s ancient architecture whilst uncovering tales of the past. While some landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle, do require an entry fee, there are numerous others that are completely free to the public.
4. Public Lectures and Events
Keep an eye out for public lectures and events that often take place in Edinburgh, providing an engaging and informative way to learn about Scotland’s history.
Edinburgh, being a city rich in history and culture, often hosts public lectures, workshops, and events focused on various historical topics. These events provide an excellent opportunity to learn from experts in the field, ask questions, and engage in discussions.
Universities, museums, and libraries often provide these events free of charge or for a small donation, making them an inexpensive way to deepen your understanding of Edinburgh’s past. Checking local listings, social media, and notice boards can help you find these events during your visit.
5. Libraries
Last but not least, libraries are often overlooked as a resource for historical exploration.
Edinburgh’s libraries hold vast collections of books, maps, photographs, and newspapers that can provide a wealth of information about the city’s past. The National Library of Scotland, for example, offers free access to its digital collections, which include historical maps and photographs of Edinburgh.
Spend an afternoon delving into these resources, and you’ll come away with a rich understanding of Edinburgh’s history, without spending a penny. Remember, the librarians are there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance in finding materials relevant to your historical quest.
Remember, exploring a city’s history isn’t about how much you spend, but how much you discover. So, start planning your budget-friendly historical exploration of Edinburgh today.
6. Architecture and Historical Buildings
Edinburgh’s architecture and historical buildings are an open book to the city’s past; one you can read without spending a dime.
Edinburgh’s architecture is a testament to its rich history, with buildings that span centuries and architectural styles. From the medieval tenements and narrow alleys of the Old Town to the Georgian elegance of the New Town, each structure hints something about the time it was built.
One way to appreciate this architectural splendour is by taking a self-guided architectural walk. Start from the Royal Mile, the city’s historic heart, and explore the surrounding cobbled streets lined with 16th-century buildings. Then, make your way to the New Town, where you’ll find some of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the world.
You can also visit the Royal Mile’s many closes – narrow alleyways that were once the main thoroughfares of the city. Today, these closes offer fascinating glimpses into Edinburgh’s past, with many of them housing free exhibitions and displays.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to the historic Royal Botanic Garden, home to several Victorian-era glasshouses and a wide range of plants from around the world. Entry to the garden is free, although there is a charge for the glasshouses.
7. Free Festivals
Join in the celebrations at one of the numerous free festivals that take place in Edinburgh throughout the year.
Edinburgh is often referred to as the world’s festival capital, and with good reason. There’s seemingly always a festival going on, covering every imaginable interest. While some festivals like the famous Fringe Festival might require a ticket for certain performances, many others offer free events.
For instance, the Edinburgh International Festival, held every August, often features free performances and events. So does the Edinburgh Festival of Politics and the Edinburgh International Science Festival, both of which offer free talks and debates.
The Edinburgh Art Festival, the UK’s largest annual celebration of visual art, also offers a range of free exhibitions and events. Similarly, the Edinburgh International Book Festival offers free readings and discussions with authors.
Checking the festival calendar before your visit can help you plan your time and catch some of these cost-free events that also offer an enriching glimpse into the city’s culture and history.
As you can see, there is no shortage of ways to explore the history of Edinburgh on a budget. From soaking in the city’s atmosphere and architecture on free walking tours and exploring its many museums to attending public lectures and events, roaming through historical landmarks, and delving into libraries and free festivals – your historical quest can be as budget-friendly as you desire. So, put on your explorer’s hat, lace up your comfortable shoes, and set out to discover the rich tapestry of Scotland’s capital without emptying your wallet. Remember, the real value lies not in what you spend, but in the memories you create and the knowledge you gain. Begin your budget-friendly exploration of Edinburgh’s history today!