Exploring Edinburgh on a Budget

Day 1: Castle Exploration

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Edinburgh Castle

Begin your day exploring the historic Edinburgh Castle, offering stunning views of the city and rich history.
Walk from your accommodation or take a short bus ride to the castle entrance. It takes about 15 minutes.
£18.50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Oink

For a budget-friendly meal, head to Oink for their famous hog roast rolls.
Walk down the Royal Mile for about 10 minutes to reach Oink.
£5-£7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Grassmarket

Explore the vibrant Grassmarket area, known for its unique shops, cafes, and street performers.
Walk from Oink to Grassmarket, approximately 5 minutes away.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Last Drop

End your day with a budget-friendly dinner at The Last Drop, a cozy pub with a historic atmosphere.
Walk from Grassmarket to The Last Drop, around 10 minutes.
£10-£15, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Royal Residences

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Holyrood Palace

Visit the beautiful Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
Take a leisurely walk from your accommodation to Holyrood Palace, approximately 20 minutes.
£15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mimi's Bakehouse

Enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly lunch at Mimi's Bakehouse, known for its cakes and pastries.
Walk to Mimi's Bakehouse from Holyrood Palace, around 15 minutes.
£5-£10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Scottish Parliament Building

Take a stroll to admire the modern architecture of the Scottish Parliament Building nearby.
Walk from Mimi's Bakehouse to the Scottish Parliament Building, about 5 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Enjoy a flavorful and inexpensive dinner at Mosque Kitchen, known for its authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
Walk from the Scottish Parliament Building to Mosque Kitchen, approximately 10 minutes.
£7-£12, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Royal Mile Exploration

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

St. Giles' Cathedral

Start your day at St. Giles' Cathedral, a stunning Gothic landmark on the Royal Mile.
Walk from your accommodation to St. Giles' Cathedral, approximately 15 minutes.
Donation-based entry, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Devil's Advocate

Indulge in a hearty yet affordable lunch at Devil's Advocate, a cozy pub with a great selection of dishes.
Walk to Devil's Advocate from St. Giles' Cathedral, around 5 minutes.
£10-£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Museum of Edinburgh

Explore the Museum of Edinburgh to learn more about the city's history and culture, free of charge.
Walk from Devil's Advocate to the Museum of Edinburgh, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Piemaker

Try some traditional Scottish pies at The Piemaker for a budget-friendly and tasty dinner.
Walk from the Museum of Edinburgh to The Piemaker, approximately 5 minutes.
£5-£8, 1 hour
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Day 4: Gardens Delight

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Princes Street Gardens

Spend the morning relaxing in Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful green space in the heart of the city.
Walk from your accommodation to Princes Street Gardens, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hula Juice Bar

Enjoy a healthy and affordable lunch at Hula Juice Bar, known for its fresh smoothies and salads.
Walk to Hula Juice Bar from Princes Street Gardens, around 5 minutes.
£5-£10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Scott Monument

Climb the Scott Monument for panoramic views of the city on a budget-friendly visit.
Walk from Hula Juice Bar to the Scott Monument, approximately 10 minutes.
£8, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Wings

Treat yourself to a variety of affordable chicken wings at Wings, a popular spot for casual dining.
Walk from the Scott Monument to Wings, around 5 minutes.
£10-£15, 1-2 hours
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Day 5: Nature's Beauty

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Arthur's Seat

Embark on a hike up Arthur's Seat for breathtaking views of Edinburgh and its surroundings.
Walk from your accommodation to the base of Arthur's Seat, approximately 25 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Duddingston Loch

Enjoy a budget-friendly picnic by the picturesque Duddingston Loch near Arthur's Seat.
Walk from Arthur's Seat to Duddingston Loch, about 15 minutes.
£5-£10, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Duddingston Village

Explore the charming Duddingston Village, known for its historic buildings and tranquil atmosphere.
Walk from Duddingston Loch to Duddingston Village, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Sheep Heid Inn

Dine at The Sheep Heid Inn, one of Scotland's oldest pubs, offering affordable and delicious meals.
Walk from Duddingston Village to The Sheep Heid Inn, around 5 minutes.
£12-£20, 2 hours
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Day 6: Seaside Charm

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Royal Yacht Britannia

Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, a former royal yacht that offers a glimpse into royal life on a budget-friendly tour.
Take a short bus ride from your accommodation to the Ocean Terminal, where the yacht is located. It takes about 20 minutes.
£17, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Teuchters Landing

Enjoy a delicious and affordable lunch at Teuchters Landing, a cozy pub with views of the waterfront.
Walk from the Royal Yacht Britannia to Teuchters Landing, approximately 5 minutes.
£10-£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Leith Walk

Stroll along Leith Walk, a vibrant street filled with shops, cafes, and street art on the way to Leith Waterfront.
Walk from Teuchters Landing to Leith Waterfront via Leith Walk, around 20 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Kitchin

Indulge in a special but budget-friendly dinner at The Kitchin, known for its Scottish cuisine and relaxed atmosphere.
Walk from Leith Waterfront to The Kitchin, approximately 10 minutes.
£20-£30, 2 hours
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Day 7: City Panorama

Edinburgh, Scotland

9:00AM

Calton Hill

Climb Calton Hill for panoramic views of Edinburgh, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat.
Take a leisurely walk from your accommodation to Calton Hill, approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Urban Angel

Enjoy a wholesome and budget-friendly lunch at Urban Angel, a cozy cafe known for its fresh and local ingredients.
Walk from Calton Hill to Urban Angel, around 15 minutes.
£10-£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Scottish National Gallery

Explore the Scottish National Gallery, home to a rich collection of art and exhibitions, free to visit.
Walk from Urban Angel to the Scottish National Gallery, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ting Thai Caravan

End your budget-friendly journey with a delicious dinner at Ting Thai Caravan, offering authentic Thai street food.
Walk from the Scottish National Gallery to Ting Thai Caravan, around 5 minutes.
£8-£12, 1-2 hours
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