Where to Stay Cheap

  • Castle Rock Hostel (Johnston Terrace) — literally next to the castle. Dorms from £18/night. The common room has castle views. One of the best-located hostels in Europe
  • Kick Ass Hostels (Grassmarket or Cowgate) — social atmosphere, bar downstairs, dorms from £16. The Grassmarket location puts you in Edinburgh's liveliest square
  • Budget B&Bs: Gifford House (Dalkeith Road) — doubles from £55/night, 20 minutes' walk from the Royal Mile. Proper Scottish breakfast included

Free Edinburgh

Edinburgh has more free attractions than almost any city in the UK:

  • National Museum of Scotland (Chambers Street) — Scotland's flagship museum. Dolly the Sheep, the Lewis Chessmen, Scottish history galleries. The rooftop terrace has 360° views. All free
  • Scottish National Gallery (The Mound) — Raeburn, Monet, Botticelli, Van Gogh. Free
  • Arthur's Seat: A proper hill climb (251m) in the middle of the city. Sunrise is magical. Free
  • Calton Hill: The easier viewpoint — 10 minutes up from Princes Street. The neoclassical monuments against the skyline are iconic Edinburgh. Free
  • The Royal Mile: Free to walk, free to gawk at street performers, free to duck into the ancient closes
  • Greyfriars Kirkyard: Free. See Bobby's grave, the Harry Potter-inspiring headstones (Tom Riddle, McGonagall), and gorgeous views of the castle
  • Water of Leith Walkway: A peaceful riverside path through Dean Village, Stockbridge and beyond. Free and beautiful

Eating for £10/Day

  • Mosque Kitchen (Nicolson Square) — massive portions of curry and rice for £5-7. Every Edinburgh student knows this place. Vegetable curry £5, chicken biryani £6.50. Self-service, canteen-style, incredible value
  • Oink (Victoria Street or Canongate) — a whole roast hog in the window. They carve your roll to order with stuffing and apple sauce. £4.50 for the best lunch on the Royal Mile
  • Mums (Forrest Road) — comfort food. Bangers and mash £9, haggis neeps and tatties £8.50. Homely and filling
  • Civerinos (Hunter Square) — massive pizza slices from £3.50. Sourdough base, proper toppings. Students' go-to
  • Supermarket picnic: M&S or Sainsbury's meal deal (£3.50 for sandwich, drink, snack). Eat in Princes Street Gardens with castle views — the cheapest lunch in Edinburgh with the best setting

Budget Whisky

You don't need to spend £50 on a whisky experience:

  • Cadenhead's (Canongate) — free tastings most afternoons. Scotland's oldest independent bottler, passionate and unpretentious staff
  • The Bow Bar (Victoria Street) — 300+ whiskies. A single malt starts from £4.50. The staff will help you find something you love without being snobby about budget
  • Royal Mile Whiskies (High Street) — tasting events from £15 for 4 drams with expert guidance

Budget Breakdown (Weekend)

  • Getting there: £30-60 train or £20-40 flights (search on Kiwi)
  • Accommodation: £36-80 for 2 nights
  • Food: £20-30 (Mosque Kitchen + Oink + one pub dinner)
  • Attractions: £0-20 (almost everything is free!)
  • Whisky: £5-15 (pub dram + free tasting)
  • Total: £90-200 per person

Edinburgh might be the only capital city where you can have a brilliant weekend for under £100 if you're disciplined.