Yes, you can visit Edinburgh on a budget with kids without spending the whole trip saying no.

The key is to save money on convenience, not on the experiences your family came to Edinburgh to enjoy.

I’d stay a little further outside the city, catch the bus or train, pack a supermarket lunch and still pay for Edinburgh Castle.

Your family is far more likely to remember exploring the castle than the overpriced meal you ate because everyone was hungry on the Royal Mile.

I lived in Edinburgh for two years after moving from Inverness. I lived in the suburbs, near the Grassmarket in the Old Town and later by the beach in Musselburgh.

I also worked as a nanny for local families with children aged from toddlers to pre-teens. Now that I travel with my own children, I combine what I learnt living in Edinburgh with the practical reality of planning family trips.

This guide will show you where I’d save, where I’d spend and how I’d keep children involved without buying another attraction ticket every time they get bored.

You do not need to make Edinburgh feel cheap. You need to spend your budget on the parts of the trip your family will actually remember.

The Biggest Budget Mistake Families Make in Edinburgh

Most families don’t overspend in Edinburgh because the city is expensive. They overspend because they’re spending money on the wrong things.

If someone told me I had to cut £200 from an Edinburgh family holiday, I wouldn’t skip Edinburgh Castle or Camera Obscura.

I’d look at where I was staying, how often I was catching taxis and where I was eating lunch.

One of my favourite budget trips to Edinburgh completely changed how I think about travelling there.

Instead of staying in the city, we based ourselves in Linlithgow for five nights. Accommodation was cheaper, parking was easy and we caught the train into Edinburgh each day.

We also had time to explore Linlithgow itself, including Linlithgow Palace, which was an unexpected highlight as Outlander fans.

At no point did I feel like we were missing out by staying outside the city. If anything, we gained another place to explore while freeing up more of our budget for the experiences we really wanted in Edinburgh.

The same idea carried through the rest of the trip.

We’d often grab a supermarket meal deal for lunch, then spend the money we’d saved on something we’d remember years later.

Walking instead of catching taxis also became part of the experience. Some of my favourite memories weren’t inside paid attractions.

They were wandering down hidden closes, stopping to listen to a piper or turning a corner to find another incredible view of the castle.

Looking back, I couldn’t tell you what we spent on lunch most days.

I can still remember standing on the castle walls, exploring Linlithgow Palace and wandering through the Old Town.

That’s why I think the biggest budgeting mistake families make isn’t spending too much.

It’s spending money on the parts of the trip they’ll forget instead of the parts they’ll remember.

Can You Visit Edinburgh on a Budget with Kids?

Yes. Edinburgh can absolutely be a fantastic family destination on a budget. You just need to spend your money on the right things.

After living in Edinburgh and returning later as a visitor, I’d still rather save money on where I stay or what I eat for lunch than skip somewhere like Edinburgh Castle. Those are the moments you’ll still be talking about long after the trip is over.

The biggest expenses are usually accommodation and eating out, not attractions.

Stay just outside the city centre if it saves you money, walk whenever you can and choose one or two paid attractions instead of trying to do everything.

That’s exactly how I’d plan an affordable family trip to Edinburgh today.

What Does an Edinburgh Family Trip Actually Cost?

When people ask me whether Edinburgh is expensive, my answer is usually, “It depends what you’re spending your money on.”

After living in Edinburgh and visiting again as a tourist, I’ve never thought the attractions were the biggest budget killer.

Accommodation and everyday convenience are where costs quietly snowball if you’re not careful.

Every family travels differently, but these are the realistic daily costs I’d budget for a family of 4 visiting Edinburgh outside the busiest festival periods.

Budget Family: Around £180 to £300 per day if you’re staying outside peak season, using public transport, enjoying Edinburgh’s many free attractions and choosing one or two paid experiences.

Mid-range family: Around £300 to £550 per day if you’re staying in the city centre, eating out for most meals and visiting several paid attractions.

Peak season: If you’re visiting during the Edinburgh Fringe, Hogmanay or other busy periods, expect accommodation to push these figures significantly higher.

Hotels in particular can cost much more during these times, so booking early is one of the biggest ways to keep your budget under control.

Outside August, I generally think Edinburgh offers much better value, especially if you’re flexible about where you stay.

Where Most Families Spend More Than They Expected

In my experience, it’s rarely one big expense that blows the budget. It’s all the little decisions that quietly add up over a few days.

Things like:

• Staying in the Old Town during August because it’s convenient.
• Buying coffee, drinks and snacks every time someone gets hungry.
• Catching taxis instead of walking or using the bus.
• Eating every meal in tourist areas.
• Paying for attractions that aren’t the right fit for your family.

That’s why I’d always choose my accommodation first.

Saving £100 a night on where you stay gives you far more flexibility than trying to save £5 here and £10 there once you’re already in the city.

I’d much rather book one attraction I know my family will love than buy an attraction pass and spend the day racing between places just to get our money’s worth.

Some of my favourite travel memories have come from slowing down rather than squeezing in one more attraction. That’s always how I’d choose to experience Edinburgh.

How I Save Money in Edinburgh Without Feeling Like I’m Missing Out

I don’t try to make my trips to Edinburgh as cheap as possible. I try to make sure every pound I spend makes the trip better.

These are the money-saving choices I’d make every time.

Stay Just Outside the City Centre

If staying in the Grassmarket or the Old Town fits your budget, I think it’s worth it. I loved living in that part of Edinburgh because I could walk almost everywhere.

If it doesn’t, don’t feel like you’ve failed.

I’ve lived in Musselburgh and also based myself in Linlithgow on a later trip, and both proved you don’t have to stay in the heart of the city to have an amazing Edinburgh holiday.

Public transport is easy, parking is much simpler and the money you save on accommodation can go towards experiences instead.

Walk Whenever You Can

Edinburgh is much smaller than many first-time visitors expect.

When I lived there, I walked almost everywhere because it was often quicker than waiting for a bus.

Walking also became part of the experience. Some of my favourite memories weren’t inside paid attractions.

They were the unexpected moments in between. Wandering down hidden closes, stopping to listen to a bagpiper or turning a corner to find another incredible view of the castle reminded me that slowing down often made the day better, not just cheaper.

Eat One Cheap Meal Each Day

One of the easiest ways to keep your budget under control is to choose just one inexpensive meal each day.

I’d usually make that lunch.

Supermarket meal deals are excellent value, and Oink is one of my favourite budget lunches if we’re out exploring.

We never felt like we were missing out because we’d usually choose somewhere special for dinner instead.

I’d much rather save money on lunch and enjoy a memorable meal later than spend more on every meal.

Choose One or Two Paid Attractions

You don’t need to buy tickets for everything.

I’d happily pay for Edinburgh Castle because I think it’s one of the city’s must-do experiences, especially on your first visit.

After that, I’d choose one or two more attractions that genuinely suit your family rather than trying to fit everything into one trip.

I think families sometimes feel pressure to tick off everything because it might be their only visit to Edinburgh.

I’d rather leave with amazing memories of a few places than rush through twice as many and barely remember them.

Edinburgh has so many fantastic free experiences that it’s easy to build a full day around just one paid attraction.

Don’t Automatically Buy an Attraction Pass

Attraction passes sound like good value, but I always work out the maths first.

If you’re only planning to visit one or two paid attractions, buying tickets individually is often cheaper.

I’d rather have a slower day and enjoy each place than rush between attractions just because I’ve already paid for the pass.

The Best Free Things to Do in Edinburgh With Kids

One of the reasons I think Edinburgh is such a good family destination is that some of its best experiences don’t cost anything. You don’t need to fill every day with paid attractions to have a brilliant trip.

For a Rainy Day – National Museum of Scotland

If I could only recommend one free attraction for families, it would be the National Museum of Scotland.

I’ve visited several times over the years and it’s one of those places that works whatever the weather.

It’s also one of the few attractions where I’ve never felt the need to rush because there’s always another gallery or hands-on exhibit to discover.

There are enough interactive displays to keep children interested, plenty for adults to enjoy and it’s easy to spend a few hours here without anyone getting bored.

If you’re trying to balance your budget, I’d happily swap another paid attraction for a morning here.

When Everyone Needs a Break – Princes Street Gardens

Sightseeing with kids is exhausting if you never slow down.

Princes Street Gardens is one of my favourite places to press pause for an hour. Grab a picnic or a snack, let the kids have a run around the playground and enjoy the castle views while everyone recharges.

When I lived near the Grassmarket, this was one of my favourite places to slow down after a busy day exploring the Old Town. Sometimes that break is exactly what you need before heading off to your next attraction.

If Arthur’s Seat Feels Too Much – Holyrood Park

I often hear families say they want to climb Arthur’s Seat but aren’t sure the kids will manage it.

My advice is simple. Don’t feel like it’s all or nothing.

Walking around the lochs at the bottom of Holyrood Park is beautiful and much easier with younger children.

You still get the scenery without turning the day into a challenging hike.

I actually think it’s the better option for many families because everyone finishes the walk smiling instead of exhausted.

What I’d Happily Spend Money On (And What I’d Happily Save On)

One of the biggest mistakes I see families make is assuming they need to choose between saving money and having a great trip.

I don’t think that’s true at all.

I’d happily spend money on experiences we’ll remember years later. I’d just save money on the things that make the trip easier rather than better.

If I Could Only Choose One Paid Attraction

If someone told me I could only pay for one attraction in Edinburgh, I’d choose Edinburgh Castle every time.

I’ve visited more than once and noticed something different on every visit. It’s one of those places that really does live up to the hype, and it’s an experience I’d happily prioritise over several smaller attractions.

I’d Rather Have One Memorable Meal Than Three Average Ones

I don’t think every meal needs to be a restaurant.

I’d happily grab a supermarket lunch or an Oink roll during the day if it meant we could enjoy one meal we’d still be talking about after the trip.

For me, that’s somewhere like The Witchery for a special occasion or a cosy Edinburgh pub after a day of sightseeing.

Nobody has ever come home from Edinburgh talking about the sandwich they ate for lunch. They do remember the meal they celebrated with at the end of the day.

I Don’t Automatically Buy Attraction Passes

People often assume attraction passes save money.

Sometimes they do.

But I always work out the maths before buying one.

If you’re only planning to visit Edinburgh Castle and one other paid attraction, buying individual tickets is often cheaper.

More importantly, I don’t like feeling pressured to squeeze in extra attractions just because I’ve already paid for the pass. I’d rather enjoy fewer places properly.

I’d Save Money on Convenience Before I’d Save Money on Experiences

If I had to choose between catching taxis all day or visiting Edinburgh Castle, I’d walk.

If I had to choose between eating lunch on the Royal Mile or booking a Fringe show, I’d pack a picnic.

Those trade-offs are exactly how I’ve approached Edinburgh over the years, and I’ve never felt like I was missing out.

Those are the decisions that have given me my favourite memories of Edinburgh, and they’re exactly the choices I’d make again if I were planning another family trip tomorrow.

Where I’d Eat in Edinburgh on a Budget With Kids

One of the easiest ways to overspend in Edinburgh is by eating every meal out. I’d much rather save money on breakfast and lunch, then enjoy one memorable meal at the end of the day.

That’s exactly how I’d plan an Edinburgh family trip.

I’d Save Money on Breakfast and Lunch

If breakfast isn’t included with your accommodation, I’d keep it simple.

Picking up cereal, yoghurt, fruit or pastries from Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Marks & Spencer is much cheaper than eating out every morning. It also gets you out exploring earlier instead of waiting for cafés to open.

Marks & Spencer is usually a little more expensive than Tesco or Sainsbury’s, but it’s still much cheaper than eating out.

I also think the quality is noticeably better, especially if you’re picking up dinner after a long day of sightseeing.

Their prepared meals are excellent, and if your accommodation has a microwave or oven they’re a great way to enjoy a really nice meal without paying restaurant prices every night.

For lunch, I’d often grab a supermarket meal deal and head to Princes Street Gardens.

Sitting on the grass with a view of Edinburgh Castle feels much more memorable than eating inside a busy café, and it leaves more room in the budget for the experiences I’d rather spend money on.

I’d Choose One Family Meal That’s Good Value

If we’re eating out as a family without spending a fortune, I’d happily choose Bella Italia.

The food is consistently good, there’s plenty of choice for both adults and kids and it’s one of the first places I check for deals before we travel.

I’ve found some great discounts through Groupon and other voucher sites over the years, so it’s always worth spending a couple of minutes looking before you book.

And I have to mention the cookie dough dessert. I still think about it years later.

I’d Save the Splurge for Something Memorable

If you’re celebrating something special, I’d book The Witchery.

It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s one of those experiences you’ll still remember long after the trip is over.

If you’re visiting during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, try to book a later dinner.

One of my favourite parts of the evening is standing in the doorway afterwards and watching the performers leave Edinburgh Castle. It’s one of those moments that isn’t on any itinerary, but it feels unmistakably Edinburgh.

Where I’d Slow Down in the Afternoon

Not every food stop has to be about eating a full meal.

If I need a break from sightseeing, I’m usually choosing one of these.

The Mitre is my pick if I’m ready to sit down properly. After a busy day exploring the Old Town, it’s the sort of cosy pub where I’d happily slow down over a hearty meal before wandering back through the city in the evening.

If I’m after something lighter, I love Hula Juice Bar. My usual order is the peanut butter, oat and banana smoothie, and it’s the perfect pick-me-up when you’ve still got a few hours of sightseeing left.

If we’ve earned a treat, Mimi’s Bakehouse is still one of my favourite places for a cupcake. I used to stop there on my way home from work, and every time I go back it reminds me of living in Edinburgh.

My Favourite Hidden Gem

This is the recommendation I give almost everyone.

Head upstairs to the café inside Waterstones on Princes Street.

This is the sort of place I almost hesitate to recommend because it still feels like a local secret.

Most people walk into Waterstones to browse the books, but I head straight upstairs. Sitting with a coffee while looking across to Edinburgh Castle is one of my favourite inexpensive breaks in the city.

If you’ve been walking all morning, it’s the perfect place to slow down before heading back out again. It’s those quieter moments that I often remember just as much as the big attractions.

How to Keep Kids Entertained Without Spending Money All Day

One of the biggest budgeting mistakes I see families make is feeling like they need to buy another attraction ticket every time the kids get bored.

In my experience, that’s rarely the answer.

Children don’t usually remember how much you spent on a day out. They remember whether they were involved, whether they had fun and whether they felt like part of the adventure.

When I worked as a nanny in Edinburgh, I learnt pretty quickly that a good family day wasn’t about squeezing in as many attractions as possible. It was about getting the pace right. We’d stop for snacks, find a playground, let the kids burn off some energy and make sure there was always something for them to look forward to next.

That’s something I still think about now when I travel with my own children.

Give Kids a Job

One of the easiest ways to make sightseeing more fun is to give children something to do instead of expecting them to quietly follow along.

Ask them to:

• Spot animals carved into buildings.
• Count the closes along the Royal Mile.
• Find the best view of Edinburgh Castle.
• Look for unicorns, cannons or funny statues.
• Take photos of things that match a colour or theme.

It’s amazing how much longer children stay engaged when they’re part of the experience instead of just following the adults.

Slow the Pace

I think families often try to do too much because they’re worried they won’t come back to Edinburgh.

I’d rather visit one attraction properly, have time for a playground or an ice cream, then wander through the Grassmarket without looking at my watch.

Those slower days are usually the ones we remember best.

Turn Sightseeing Into an Adventure

That’s one of the reasons I created the Edinburgh Family Adventure GPT.

I didn’t create it because families need another itinerary.

I created it because I wanted to help parents get more value from the places they were already planning to visit.

Instead of simply walking around Edinburgh Castle or the National Museum of Scotland, it can create scavenger hunts, spy missions, photo challenges and explorer activities based on your children’s ages and interests.

It also works brilliantly with free places like the Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Park, so you don’t have to keep spending money every time you want to keep the kids entertained.

For me, that’s what family travel is all about. Seeing the places you’ve travelled to experience while making sure your children enjoy the journey as much as you do.

What I’d Do With £50 in Edinburgh With Kids

If I only had £50 to spend in Edinburgh for the day (excluding accommodation), I wouldn’t try to fit in as many paid attractions as possible.

I’d choose one memorable experience, mix it with Edinburgh’s fantastic free attractions and leave plenty of time to simply enjoy the city.

Here’s what my day would look like.

Morning

Start with breakfast from your accommodation or pick something up from Tesco or Sainsbury’s before heading into the city.

Walk through the Grassmarket and along the Royal Mile while the streets are still relatively quiet, then spend your money on Edinburgh Castle. If it’s your first visit, this is the one attraction I’d prioritise.

Lunch

Grab a supermarket meal deal and head to Princes Street Gardens for a picnic.

The kids can stretch their legs in the playground while you enjoy one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle without spending another penny.

Afternoon

Spend a few hours at the National Museum of Scotland before wandering back through the Old Town.

If everyone needs a break, stop at the café inside Waterstones on Princes Street. It’s one of my favourite places to sit with a coffee and enjoy the castle view before heading back out.

Dinner

If you’re sticking closely to your budget, pick up one of the excellent prepared meals from Marks & Spencer if your accommodation has cooking facilities.

If you’ve got a little extra room in the budget, I’d book Bella Italia. Before you go, check Groupon or other voucher websites because I’ve found some great deals there over the years. And if you order the cookie dough for dessert, I don’t think you’ll regret it. I still think about it years later!

Where I’d Spend My £50

That’s the sort of day I’d happily spend money on because it combines one unforgettable paid attraction with some of the very best free experiences in Edinburgh.

If the kids started getting restless, I wouldn’t immediately look for another attraction to pay for. I’d turn the places we were already visiting into part of the adventure.

That’s exactly why I created the Edinburgh Family Adventure GPT. It turns places like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the National Museum of Scotland into scavenger hunts, missions and photo challenges, so you get even more value from the attractions and free experiences you’re already planning to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Edinburgh on a Budget With Kids

Your Edinburgh Budget Action Plan

When I think back to my years living in Edinburgh, I don’t remember every café I visited, every sandwich I ate or every pound I spent.

I remember wandering through the Grassmarket on summer evenings, stopping to listen to a bagpiper on the Royal Mile and standing on the castle walls looking out across the city.

I remember the slower moments just as much as the famous attractions, and those are the memories I still think about years later.

That’s exactly why I don’t think visiting Edinburgh on a budget is about spending as little as possible.

It’s about spending your money on the experiences your family will still be talking about long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

If you’re planning your first trip, here’s where I’d start.

If This Is Your First Time in Edinburgh

Book Edinburgh Castle, choose accommodation that suits your budget and don’t feel like you have to see everything.

One or two memorable attractions mixed with Edinburgh’s fantastic free experiences will almost always beat a packed itinerary.

If You’re Travelling on a Tight Budget

Stay a little further from the city centre if it saves you money, walk as much as you can and make the most of free places like the National Museum of Scotland, Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Park.

Saving money on convenience means you don’t have to miss out on the experiences that make Edinburgh so special.

If You’re Travelling With Younger Children

Give yourself permission to slow down.

Build in playground stops, enjoy a picnic, leave time to wander and don’t feel like you need another attraction every time the kids get bored.

In my experience, those slower moments are often the ones everyone remembers most.

Make Your Edinburgh Trip Even More Fun

One of the biggest budgeting mistakes I see families make is paying for more attractions because they’re worried the kids will lose interest.

That’s exactly why I ended up creating the Edinburgh Family Adventure GPT.

Instead of adding more attractions to your itinerary, it helps you get more from the places you’re already planning to visit.

Whether you’re exploring Edinburgh Castle, wandering along the Royal Mile or spending an afternoon at the National Museum of Scotland, it creates scavenger hunts, missions and photo challenges tailored to your children’s ages and interests.

Because it also works with free places like Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Park, you don’t need to keep buying attraction tickets every time the kids need something new to do.

It’s designed to help you spend less on keeping the kids entertained and more on creating the kind of family memories you’ll still be talking about long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

Turn the Places You’re Already Visiting Into an Adventure

Edinburgh Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Edinburgh travel insurance?

100% YES! — Edinburgh has the NHS in terms of healthcare, but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧Can you drink the water in Edinburgh?

Yes, Edinburgh is a major city, and you can drink tap water. However, I would not drink from the toilets on public transport. (Read more)

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Edinburgh?

Yes, Renting a car is safe in Edinburgh! If you want to go on road trips or explore more off-the-beaten-path adventures outside of the city, you might want to consider renting a car.

📲 Will my phone work in Edinburgh?

Depends — Some American companies will work in Edinburgh, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Edinburgh, I recommend getting a Giff Gaff sim card so you can still access Google Maps, phone calls, texts, etc. However, you will find many places around Edinburgh that have free WiFi, so you can check your Google Maps as you go.

🏩 What’s the best way to book my accommodation in Edinburgh?

In my opinion, Booking.com is the best option for hotels. For hostels, I recommend Hostel World. If you want an apartment, check out VRBO (which is cheaper than Airbnb). If you are planning on staying in

✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Edinburgh?

To find cheap flights to Edinburgh, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Edinburgh?

Probably not—US, Canadian, Australian, and EU passport holders don’t need a visa for stays under 6 months. However, some other countries do (check here!). If you plan to stay more than 6 months, you must look into visas.