Edinburgh on a Budget: 3-Day Adventure Itinerary for Food, Drinks & Thrills
- Lindsay & Justin
- May 8, 2020
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 3
ALL GUIDES / EUROPE / SCOTLAND
Hey there, adventure seekers! If you're dreaming of exploring Edinburgh but worried about the planning time or budget, we've got you covered. Think of us as your outdoor adventure friends who have already explored this incredible city and are excited to share all our learnings to save you hours of research.
Edinburgh is a bucket-list destination that combines dramatic volcanic peaks right in the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with medieval closes hiding underground secrets, and over 400 whisky bars serving Scotland's national drink. Did you know Arthur's Seat is one of the most accessible extinct volcanoes in the world, or that Edinburgh has more restaurants per capita than any other UK city?
Whether you're craving outdoor hikes with panoramic views, historic castle explorations, or sampling haggis and craft ales in cozy pubs, this city delivers authentic experiences without breaking the bank. In this Edinburgh 3 day budget itinerary guide, you'll get our day-by-day breakdown of the best free and affordable adventures, insider tips on where to eat and drink like locals, sustainable travel recommendations, and a realistic budget breakdown so you can plan your perfect Scottish escape with confidence.
Table of Contents: Edinburgh 3-Day Budget Itinerary
Day 1: Historic Hikes & Local Flavors
Morning: Arthur's Seat Sunrise Hike 🌅
We kicked off our adventure with a sunrise hike up Arthur's Seat, and wow, what a way to start the trip! This extinct volcano sits right in the heart of the city and offers 360-degree views that rival any destination we've explored. To get there from the city center, we walked about 20 minutes to Holyrood Park, though you can also catch a bus to save your legs for the climb. Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, and bring layers since it gets windy at the top, plus water and your camera because the panoramas over Edinburgh are absolutely unreal.
Afternoon: Free Walking Tour & Harry Potter Sites 🏰
After fueling up with breakfast, we joined the free Sandeman's walking tour on the Royal Mile, and honestly, it's one of the best ways to orient yourself in a new place. These tours give us context about the highlights and help us decide where to explore more deeply later. The experience is free with a suggested tip based on satisfaction, and our guide took us through St Giles Cathedral, Victoria Street (the inspiration for Diagon Alley!), Grassmarket Square, and some seriously cool hidden closes. If you're a Harry Potter fan like us, make sure to swing by Greyfriars Kirkyard and The Elephant House.
Lunch & Dinner: Budget-Friendly Local Eats 🍽️
For affordable food near the Royal Mile, we hit up Oink on Victoria Street for their famous pulled pork rolls (fair warning: the haggis version is an acquired taste, but worth trying if you're adventurous). Other solid options include Makars Mash Bar for traditional Scottish comfort food, The Last Drop for a cozy pub meal, or BrewDog Edinburgh Cowgate if you're craving craft brews with your dinner.
Evening: Budget Whisky Tasting & Craft Beer 🥃
We wrapped up day one with some whisky tasting because you can't visit Scotland without trying the good stuff! Our favorite spot was Panda & Sons, a cool underground speakeasy with an incredible atmosphere. Other great affordable options include The Black Cat, The Bow Bar, and The World's End. If beer is more your vibe like it usually is for Justin and I, head to The Hanging Bat or BrewDog Edinburgh for some top-notch local brews without overspending.
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Day 2: Castle Views, Gardens & Sunset Vibes
Morning: Edinburgh Castle 🏰
Day two kicked off with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Purchasing tickets online (£21.50 vs £24.00 at the door in 2026) saved us both money and time in line. We arrived right when it opened to avoid crowds, which was smart because this place fills up quickly. The castle grounds used to be the entire city before it outgrew those walls and kept expanding. Each historic building inside is now a museum, and our highlights were the 1 o'clock cannon firing (originally used to alert ships in the harbor to set their watches), the royal jewels, the royal apartments, and the prisoners of war exhibit. We spent about 3 hours exploring everything, and it was totally worth it.
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Afternoon: Princes Street Gardens & National Galleries 🌳
After working up an appetite at the castle, we made our way to Princes Street Gardens, which used to be Nor Loch before it was drained in the late 18th century. The vegetation here is absolutely stunning, nourished by those old loch waters, and it's ideal for strolling through while enjoying nature and taking in magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle from below.
Once we finished wandering the gardens, we explored some great shops and restaurants along Princes Street. We also popped into the National Galleries of Scotland, which offers complimentary admission and houses some seriously impressive art. For lunch, we tried Edinburgh Street Food, though The Painted Rooster and Social Bite are also solid economical choices nearby.
Evening: Calton Hill Sunset 🌅
We capped off day two with a sunset hike up Calton Hill, and let me tell you, this spot rivals some of the finest golden hour experiences we've witnessed on our travels. We packed a little picnic to enjoy at the summit, which made for a romantic and economical evening. The 360-degree vistas are unreal, and you can see Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth all at once. Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot and soak in the magic.
Day 3: Hidden Gems & Underground History
Morning: Dean Village & Water of Leith Walk 🏘️
On our final day, we started with a peaceful walk through Dean Village, a former milling community that feels worlds away from the busy city center despite being just a 10-minute walk from Princes Street. The colorful historic buildings and the tranquil Water of Leith flowing through make this spot incredibly picturesque and totally free to visit. We followed the Water of Leith Walkway for about an hour, which winds through lush greenery and under stone bridges, giving us that nature fix without leaving the urban area. It reminded us of scenic coastal walks we've done, just with a Scottish twist instead of ocean views.
Afternoon: Royal Botanic Garden & Circus Lane 🌸
After our morning stroll, we headed to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which offers complimentary admission to the outdoor gardens and is an absolute must-see if you're into plants and peaceful green spaces. We spent about 90 minutes wandering through different sections, from the rock garden to the Chinese hillside, and it's seriously one of the finest no-cost attractions in the city.
Next, we made our way to Circus Lane, one of Edinburgh's most photogenic cobblestone streets lined with colorful mews houses and flower boxes that look straight out of a storybook. We wrapped up the afternoon at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, another complimentary museum that's perfect for art lovers and a great way to escape if the weather turns rainy, which can happen when visiting Scotland.
Evening: The Real Mary King's Close 👻
We ended our Edinburgh adventure with a tour of The Real Mary King's Close, an underground network of streets and spaces that were sealed off in the 17th century and preserved beneath the Royal Mile. The guided experience (purchase tickets online to save about £2-3) takes you through these eerie, dimly lit closes while sharing stories of the people who lived and died there during the plague years.
It's atmospheric, educational, and genuinely one of the coolest historical experiences we've had in any city, rivaling some of the unique stops we've made in Italy. The experience lasts about an hour, and afterwards we grabbed dinner at one of the pubs on the Royal Mile to toast to an incredible Edinburgh adventure.
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Budget Breakdown
When we were planning our Edinburgh trip, figuring out how many days in Edinburgh we needed and what our budget would look like was super important. We found that three days gave us the perfect amount of time to hit all the highlights without feeling rushed, and we managed to keep costs surprisingly low for such an incredible city. Here's how we broke down our budget-friendly Edinburgh 3-day itinerary:
Accommodation 🛏️
We stayed at budget-friendly hostels that cost us around £130-160 per night for a private double room. Our favorite options were Kick Ass Grassmarket (we stayed in a dorm but they have private rooms available) and Princes Street Hostel (Private Double with Shared Bath). Both locations are perfectly situated for exploring the city center.
If you're planning further ahead, Airbnb apartments in Leith or New Town (we stayed here and loved it!) can also hit this price range and give you access to a kitchen, which helps save even more on meals. Pro tip: book accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance for the best budget friendly deals, especially if you're visiting during festival season in August.
Daily Food & Drink 🍻
We budgeted about £30-40 per person per day for food and drinks, and we feel like we ate and drank really well within that range. Breakfast was usually around £5-8 at local cafes or we grabbed pastries and coffee from Greggs (a Scottish institution that's absolutely everywhere and super cheap).
Lunch typically ran us £8-12 per person at places like Oink, street food markets, or casual pubs. Dinner was our splurge meal at around £15-20 per person, and we still had room in the budget for a couple of pints or a whisky tasting each day. If you shop at Tesco or Sainsbury's for snacks and picnic supplies like we did for Calton Hill, you can stretch your budget even further.
Attractions & Activities 🎫
One of the best things about Edinburgh is how many incredible free attractions there are! Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill, the Royal Botanic Garden, Princes Street Gardens, the National Galleries, and just wandering the Royal Mile cost us absolutely nothing. Our paid activities included Edinburgh Castle (£21.50 with online booking in 2026), The Real Mary King's Close (£25 online in 2026), and optional whisky tastings (£8-15 depending on the venue). The free Sandeman's walking tour was tip-based, and we gave our guide £10 each since the experience was so good. All in, we spent around £60-70 per person on paid attractions over three days (2026), which felt totally reasonable for the value we got.
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Transportation 💸
Edinburgh's city center is incredibly walkable, so we barely spent anything on transportation. We walked everywhere within the Old Town and New Town, which not only saved money but also let us discover hidden gems along the way. If you need to get somewhere further (like Portobello Beach or out to Leith), we'd recommend using Lothian Buses and buying a day ticket for £5.50 per person, which gives you unlimited rides until 4:30 AM the next day.
The airport bus (Airlink 100) cost us £8.50 for a single ticket and £15.00 for an open return for adults (2026). You can purchase these right from the bus driver. Overall, we spent less than £20 per person total on transportation for our entire Edinburgh 3 day itinerary.
Sustainable Travel Tips for Edinburgh
Justin and I always try to travel as sustainably as possible, and Edinburgh made it super easy to minimize our environmental impact while still having an amazing adventure. Here's how we kept our Edinburgh trip planning eco-friendly:
Walking & Public Transport 🚶
We walked most of the time in Edinburgh, which reduced our carbon footprint and helped us discover hidden gems. For longer distances, Lothian Buses day tickets (£5.50) are affordable and eco-friendly. The city also has bike hire options, though we found walking perfect for this compact city.
Supporting Local 🥘
We prioritized independent restaurants, traditional pubs, and local markets like Edinburgh Farmers' Market (Saturdays at Castle Terrace, pinned in our Google Map) over chains. Choosing Scottish produce, local craft beers from breweries like Pilot and Bellfield, and Scottish whisky supported the community and reduced our carbon footprint.
Eco-Friendly Accommodation 🏡
We chose accommodations with sustainability initiatives like solar panels, recycling programs, and locally sourced breakfasts. Princes Edinburgh and Kick Ass Grassmarket Hostels both impressed us. Staying within walking distance of attractions also helped us avoid transportation needs.
Reducing Waste 🌱
We brought reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags to avoid single-use plastics. Edinburgh's excellent tap water and public fountains made refilling easy. We packed picnics in reusable containers and used the city's recycling bins. Many restaurants now offer compostable takeaway containers, making sustainable choices easy.
👉 Here is everything we pack for our Europe trips, don't forget some of these smart travel gadgets!
FAQ: Edinburgh 3-Day Budget Itinerary
How much does a 3-day trip to Edinburgh cost on a budget?
Couples can experience Edinburgh for approximately £400-450 per person (excluding flights), including budget accommodation, local food, drinks, and mostly free outdoor adventures.
What are the best free outdoor activities in Edinburgh?
Arthur's Seat hike, Calton Hill sunset viewing, Water of Leith walkway, Portobello Beach, and exploring the Royal Mile all offer authentic adventures without cost.
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Where can I find affordable authentic Scottish food in Edinburgh?
Local markets, street food vendors on the Royal Mile, traditional pubs in Leith, and budget-friendly restaurants in Grassmarket offer genuine Scottish cuisine under £15 per meal.
Is Edinburgh good for adventurous couples on a budget?
Absolutely! Edinburgh combines outdoor hiking, coastal walks, historic exploration, craft beverages, and authentic food experiences—most accessible affordably or free, making it ideal for adventure-seeking couples.
What's the best way to get around Edinburgh sustainably and cheaply?
Walking is best for the compact city center. Use Lothian Buses day tickets (around £5.50) for longer distances. The city is highly walkable, reducing both costs and environmental impact.
Can you visit Edinburgh Castle on a budget?
While admission is around £21, visit late afternoon for shorter queues, or explore free alternatives like Castle Rock viewpoint outside the castle gates and the surrounding gardens for similar historical atmosphere.
Final Thoughts: Your Budget-Friendly Edinburgh Adventure Awaits
There you have it—our complete Edinburgh 3 day budget itinerary that proves you don't need to break the bank to have an incredible Scottish adventure! From hiking Arthur's Seat and catching sunset at Calton Hill to exploring underground closes and indulging in authentic Scottish food and whisky, Edinburgh delivered unforgettable experiences that rival destinations we've explored worldwide.
The best part? Most of the city's highlights—stunning hikes, historic streets, world-class museums, and breathtaking viewpoints—are completely free, making it one of the most budget-friendly cities we've visited.
Whether you're adventure seekers like us who love combining outdoor thrills with cultural immersion, or you're simply looking to maximize your travel budget without sacrificing authentic experiences, Edinburgh offers the perfect three-day escape. The city's compact size means you can walk everywhere, the local food scene is both delicious and affordable, and the mix of nature, history, and vibrant pub culture creates memories that'll last long after you've returned home.
Ready to plan your own Edinburgh adventure? Download our free 35-page planning guidebook packed with insider tips, budget hacks, and planning resources to make your trip planning a breeze. Don't forget to save our custom Google Map with all our favorite spots pinned for easy navigation. And if you want more travel inspiration, adventure guides, and behind-the-scenes stories from our journeys around the world, follow us on Instagram @noms.brews.views—we'd love to connect with you and help plan your next adventure! 🌍✈️
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ALL GUIDES / EUROPE / SCOTLAND
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