Hayley Scott

I grew up in Edinburgh and I still can’t get enough. Years spent living elsewhere have made me increasingly appreciative of the city, but it’s hard to pin point exactly where its charm lies. There’s its small size, making it extremely walkable (provided you aren’t afraid of some rain and the occasional hill), and there’s its rich and well-preserved history, meaning parts of the city feel otherworldly, even to someone who calls it home. Growing up I would wander the botanic gardens feeding bread to the squirrels, and now I stroll the cobbled streets via wine bars, restaurants and – depending on the time of night – chippies. Ready to walk, drink, dance and all the rest of it? Get your waterproof on and explore. –Hayley Scott What free things are there to do in Edinburgh? Plenty. A number of our top museums have free entry year-round, including the National Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery, the Portrait Gallery and the Modern. But it’s not just galleries – some of Edinburgh’s most photogenic sites can be seen free of charge: stroll through the historic Dean Village along the Water of Leith walkway, totter down the cobbles of picture-perfect Victoria Street and take in the view of the city after clambering to the top of Arthur’s Seat. And there’s more: check out our guide to the best free things to do in Edinburgh.  RECOMMENDED:🥞 The best brunches in Edinburgh🍸 The best cocktail bars in Edinburgh🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Where to stay in Edinburgh🏨 The best hotels in Edinburgh ⭐