Free things you need to do when visiting Edinburgh
In Edinburgh on a budget? Try out some of these free things that will give you a real feel for this fascinating city.
The Holiday Extras crew went up to Edinburgh recently and found out that actually there's loads of stuff you can get up to that doesn't cost anything!
Harry Potter and Greyfriars Kirkyard
There's a lot of Harry Potter heritage in Edinburgh so if you're a fan of the Wizarding World there are a few places you can go to get a feel for the magic that inspired the books in the first place.
Take a walk through Greyfriars Kirkyard, a 16th-century church and graveyard right in the centre of the city. The old graves and tombs make for a really atmospheric stroll, but if you take the time to read some of the names you might find some intriguing links to the Harry Potter series.
Firstly is the final resting place of one William McGonagall, famous for being one of if not the worst poet in British history. Does his name sound familiar? From his grave you can also see the outside of the George Heriot School. It's private property but you should be able to make out the four separate towers that are home to the school's houses. Wondering what colours represent each house? They're green, blue, red and… white. Sorry Hufflepuff.
In the opposite corner of the kirkyard is another familiar name – that of Thomas Riddell. Spelling's a bit different but it's thought this is where the name of Voldemort's alter ego came from.
If you head to the Royal Mile and pay a visit to the City Chambers, you'll find the handprints of the Edinburgh Award winners – including one very familiar name for Harry Potter fans.
Directly across from here in Parliament Square you'll also find the Mercat Cross – a monument that bears a striking resemblance to the entrance of the Chamber of Secrets…
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Find out moreClimb Arthur's Seat
Don't make the mistake of underestimating the climb to the top of this mountain masquerading as a hill – you'll want to dedicate at least half a day to scaling and exploring it. There are various routes to the top and they all differ in challenge – whichever one you take make sure you wear proper shoes and take enough water. Though it's right in the heart of the city, it doesn't feel like it when you're climbing. The crumbling ruins, sheer cliff faces and small lochs make it feel like the Highlands in miniature.
Time your visit right and you might even manage to get to the top for sunrise or sunset, making for some quite spectacular views. And don't worry if you can't make it all the way to the top, as there are plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery en route.
Grassmarket and Victoria Street
Between them, the thoroughfare of Victoria Street into Grassmarket makes up one of the most iconic places in the city, especially when you catch a glimpse of the castle looming in the background.
Victoria Street curves downhill from the Royal Mile and it boasts some of Edinburgh's quirkiest shops – so if you want to treat yourself to a new wand or sword then this is where you need to head. Or perhaps you're in the market for some tweed or antiques? Safe to say if you're after something specific you probably won't find it here, but go in with absolutely zero expectations and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Grassmarket features some of the city's most tempting pubs and cafes as well as the famous Mary's Milk Bar. This old-fashioned ice cream shop has different flavours every day and is so popular that it only allows eight people in at a time and the queues often snake down the street.
Catch some street performances
Fringe isn't the only time you can catch performances popping up in Edinburgh's streets. Most of the year you can find artists vying for your attention at different locations in the city centre. Just go for a stroll and you're sure to come across a few. In three days we managed to see a few different bands, two bagpipers, a magician, a comedian and a traditional Scottish seamstress who sang as she weaved.
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