Is Edinburgh Expensive? An Honest Guide for Families

Yes, Edinburgh is one of the more expensive cities in the UK to visit, but I don’t think it’s as expensive as many families expect.

Accommodation and attractions will usually be your biggest expenses. After that, it’s actually quite easy to keep your daily costs under control.

Public transport is affordable, plenty of Edinburgh’s best attractions are free, and a few simple choices can make a big difference to your budget, especially when you’re travelling with children and every snack, drink and souvenir seems to add up.

I first visited Edinburgh on a cheap Megabus day trip from Inverness after moving to Scotland from Melbourne.

I loved the city so much that I ended up moving there and living in Edinburgh for two years.

During that time I lived in the suburbs, right by the Grassmarket and near the beach in Musselburgh.

I’ve also visited as a tourist several times, worked as a nanny for local Edinburgh families, and now plan trips with my own two young children.

I’ve seen Edinburgh from a lot of different perspectives, which is why this isn’t just a list of prices. It’s the advice I’d give a family planning their own first trip.

If it’s your first visit, I wouldn’t skip Edinburgh Castle or other iconic attractions just because you’re worried about the cost.

They’re famous for a reason and, in my opinion, they’re worth the money.

I’d be much more focused on avoiding the mistakes that quietly blow the budget, like staying in the wrong area, relying on taxis when buses are just as easy, or eating every meal on the Royal Mile.

In this guide, I’ll break down what a family can realistically expect to spend, where I think it’s worth paying a little extra, where I’d happily save money instead, and the simple ways you can enjoy Edinburgh without coming home feeling like you’ve overspent.

Is Edinburgh Expensive?

Yes, Edinburgh is one of the more expensive cities to visit in the UK, but I think it’s important to put that into perspective.

Accommodation and attractions are usually your biggest expenses, particularly if you’re visiting during August or over Christmas.

Hotels in the city centre often book out months in advance during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and that increased demand pushes prices up across the city.

The good news is that not everything in Edinburgh comes with a high price tag.

Public transport is affordable, many of the city’s best attractions are completely free, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a brilliant time here.

Some of my favourite days in Edinburgh have cost very little.

I’d wander through the Old Town, climb Calton Hill for one of the best views in the city, spend a few hours exploring the National Museum of Scotland, then grab a pulled pork roll from Oink instead of paying for an expensive sit-down lunch.

Those are still some of the experiences I recommend to friends visiting Edinburgh for the first time with kids because they show you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds to enjoy the city.

One thing I always tell friends is not to judge Edinburgh by hotel prices alone.

Accommodation is usually the biggest expense, especially for families who need a larger room or apartment, but once you’ve arrived it’s much easier to manage your daily budget than many people expect.

Having lived in Edinburgh, I also found that many visitors spend more than they need to because they stay right on the Royal Mile, rely on taxis and eat every meal in the busiest tourist areas.

Walk five or ten minutes away and you’ll usually find restaurants I’d happily return to myself, often for noticeably less money.

Those savings soon add up when you’re buying lunch, drinks and snacks for the whole family rather than just yourself.

So, is Edinburgh expensive?

I’d say it’s a city where you can spend a lot if you want to, but it’s also surprisingly easy to keep costs under control if you know where your money is best spent.

I’d much rather spend our budget on experiences we’ll still be talking about years later than on an overpriced hotel or a taxi we didn’t really need, and that’s exactly how I’d plan a family trip to Edinburgh today.

How Much Does a Trip to Edinburgh Cost?

The amount you’ll spend in Edinburgh really depends on your travel style, but I don’t think you need an unlimited budget to enjoy the city.

If you’re happy staying a little outside the city centre, mixing free attractions with a few paid ones and being selective about where you eat, Edinburgh can be much more affordable than its reputation suggests.

On the other hand, if you want a hotel on the Royal Mile, multiple paid attractions every day and every meal in tourist restaurants, your costs can add up very quickly.

As a rough guide, here’s what I’d budget for a family of four, excluding flights.

Looking at those numbers can feel a little daunting at first, but remember that’s for your whole family, not per person.

In my experience, accommodation is almost always the biggest expense, while everything else is much easier to adjust depending on your budget.

One thing I always recommend is deciding what experiences matter most before you book anything.

I’d happily spend money on Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura or a special meal at The Witchery (especially if you are travelling with older children), but I’d save money by catching the bus instead of a taxi, picking up a supermarket meal deal for lunch or staying just outside the city.

We did exactly that on one of our more recent trips.

Instead of staying in Edinburgh, we booked a beautiful Airbnb in Linlithgow.

It was much cheaper than staying in the city centre, included free parking for our hire car and was only a straightforward train ride into Edinburgh each day.

We avoided paying for city parking altogether, while also getting to explore Linlithgow Palace and visit some of the nearby Outlander filming locations.

It ended up feeling like we had two destinations in one holiday rather than missing out by staying outside the city.

For me, that’s the sweet spot. I’d much rather spend our budget on experiences we’ll still be talking about years later than on an overpriced hotel or a taxi we didn’t really need.

A little planning before you book can make a huge difference to both your budget and your overall experience.

Accommodation Is Usually Your Biggest Expense

If you’re wondering why Edinburgh has a reputation for being expensive, accommodation is usually the answer.

Hotels and apartments in the city centre can be surprisingly expensive, especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, the Christmas and New Year celebrations, and school holidays.

If you’re travelling as a family, you’ll also find that larger rooms and apartments often cost significantly more than a standard hotel room for two people.

One thing I learned while living in Edinburgh is that you don’t have to stay right in the middle of the Old Town to have a fantastic trip.

In fact, I’d often recommend looking just outside the city centre if it means getting more space, a better night’s sleep and a little extra money in your budget for the experiences that really matter.

If you want to be within walking distance of many of Edinburgh’s biggest attractions, I think the Grassmarket is one of the best areas to stay.

I’m probably a little biased because I lived there, but I loved being close to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street without feeling like I was right in the busiest part of the city.

If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter, I’d also consider Leith or Stockbridge.

They have a much more local feel, plenty of great cafés and restaurants, and it’s easy to catch a bus back after a day of sightseeing.

I think they’re particularly good options if you’ve visited Edinburgh before and want to experience a different side of the city.

For families trying to stretch their budget, don’t rule out staying just outside Edinburgh altogether.

I’d also happily recommend Musselburgh, having lived there myself. It’s well connected by train and bus, has a lovely beach, and accommodation is often better value than staying in the city centre.

If your itinerary includes exploring more of Scotland, staying somewhere like Musselburgh or Linlithgow can be a smart way to save money without making your trip any less enjoyable.

For me, accommodation is where I’d look to save money first.

A slightly longer train or bus ride each morning is a small trade-off if it means having a bigger budget for the experiences that make your trip to Edinburgh memorable.

Is Edinburgh Expensive for Food?

Food is one of the easiest ways to save money in Edinburgh without feeling like you’re missing out.

Yes, you can spend a lot if you want to. There are Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury tasting menus and some incredible places to celebrate a special occasion.

At the same time, it’s just as easy to eat well without blowing your budget.

If you’re buying lunch from a café, expect to pay around £8 to £15 per person, while a casual pub meal is usually between £15 and £25.

A family meal at a sit-down restaurant can become expensive once you add drinks, desserts and children’s meals, so I always think it’s worth deciding before your trip which meals you want to splurge on.

My favourite budget lunch

Whenever I’m in Edinburgh, one of my favourite quick lunches is Oink. Their pulled pork rolls are delicious, filling and much cheaper than many of the restaurants around the Royal Mile.

It’s one of those places I still recommend whenever friends ask me where to eat in Edinburgh.

If you’re travelling as a family, I’d also mix restaurant meals with supermarket meal deals. Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer all do excellent lunch deals that are perfect for a picnic in Princes Street Gardens or something quick before your next attraction.

We often travel this way ourselves, choosing one memorable meal each day and keeping lunch simple.

It saves a surprising amount of money over a few days, especially when you’re buying food for the whole family.

My favourite places for a break

One of my favourite hidden gems is the café inside Waterstones on Princes Street. It’s become one of my favourite places to escape the crowds for half an hour. You still get fantastic views towards Edinburgh Castle, but without paying the premium you’ll often find in nearby cafés.

If you’re looking for something sweet, Mimi’s Bakehouse is well worth a visit, while Hula Juice Bar is a great stop if you’re after a smoothie or fresh juice during a busy day of sightseeing.

For a cosy pub meal, I’ve always enjoyed The Mitre Bar. During summer, I also love sitting outside at one of the pubs in the Grassmarket.

It isn’t always the cheapest place to eat, but the atmosphere is part of the experience and, for me, it’s worth paying a little extra every now and then.

Where I’d happily splurge

If I were choosing one place to spend a little more on food, it would be The Witchery. It’s definitely a special occasion restaurant rather than somewhere I’d eat every day, but I think it’s one of those experiences that’s worth the price.

This is most definitely only if you are travelling with older children.

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

One of my favourite memories is standing in the doorway afterwards and watching the performers leave Edinburgh Castle.

It made the evening feel even more special and is something I’ve recommended to friends ever since.

My biggest tip is not to eat every meal on the Royal Mile. Walk just five or ten minutes away and you’ll usually find better value, better food and a much more local atmosphere. I’d rather spend money on one meal I’ll remember than pay tourist prices three times a day.

Getting Around Edinburgh

Getting Around Edinburgh Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

One of my favourite things about Edinburgh is how walkable it is.

When I lived there, I walked almost everywhere.

Whether I was heading through the Grassmarket, wandering the Royal Mile or exploring the New Town, I often found it quicker and more enjoyable than jumping on a bus.

It’s one of those cities where you’ll stumble across hidden closes, beautiful viewpoints and little cafés simply by walking from one attraction to the next.

When you do need to travel further, Edinburgh’s public transport makes it easy to keep costs down.

Lothian Buses are reliable, easy to use and cover most places you’ll want to visit, including Leith, the Royal Botanic Garden and Edinburgh Zoo.

The tram is another good option, particularly if you’re travelling between the airport and the city centre.

If you’re travelling as a family, I always recommend checking the Lothian Buses family day tickets.

They’re excellent value if you’re planning to visit a few different parts of the city in one day and work out much cheaper than paying individual fares.

I’ve found they’re also far less stressful than worrying about parking or trying to squeeze everyone into a taxi.

Unless you’re planning to explore more of Scotland afterwards, I wouldn’t hire a car just for Edinburgh.

Parking can be expensive, many streets in the Old Town are difficult to drive through, and you’ll probably find yourself leaving the car parked for most of your stay anyway.

If you’re flying into Edinburgh, I’d also recommend catching the Airlink bus from the airport.

It runs frequently, stops right in the city centre and is usually much easier than waiting in the taxi queue after a long flight.

If you’re travelling with children, getting everyone onto one bus and knowing exactly where you’re getting off often feels much less stressful than navigating busy city traffic straight away.

What’s Actually Worth Paying For in Edinburgh?

One thing I don’t want you to take away from this guide is that spending less always means having a better holiday.

When I’m planning a trip, I don’t ask myself, “What’s the cheapest option?” I ask, “What will we still be talking about when we get home?” That’s why I’m always happy to spend money on experiences that feel uniquely Edinburgh while looking for savings everywhere else.

I’d rather stay a little further out, catch the bus instead of a taxi and grab a supermarket meal deal for lunch if it means we can afford the attractions that make the trip special.

When friends ask me what I’d book in Edinburgh, this is usually the advice I give them.

Looking through that list, you’ll probably notice a pattern. The things I’d happily spend money on are the experiences that feel uniquely Edinburgh or create memories we’ll still be talking about years later.

The things I’d save money on are usually the convenience purchases that don’t make the trip any better.

That’s always how I plan our family holidays.

Years later, none of us remembers what we spent on lunch or how much the bus cost, but we do remember laughing our way through Camera Obscura, standing on the castle walls and soaking up the atmosphere during the Fringe.

Is Edinburgh More Expensive Than London?

No. While Edinburgh is one of the more expensive cities in Scotland, I still think it’s noticeably cheaper than London for most visitors.

Accommodation is often the closest in price, especially if you’re staying in central Edinburgh during August or over New Year.

Festival season can push hotel prices much higher than you’d normally expect, which is one of the reasons people are often surprised by how expensive Edinburgh can seem.

Once you’re actually in the city though, I think Edinburgh feels much more manageable than London.

It’s smaller, easier to get around and you don’t feel like you’re constantly spending money just to move between attractions.

One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is how walkable Edinburgh is. In London, I’d usually expect to rely on the Underground several times a day.

In Edinburgh, we often spend hours exploring on foot without really thinking about transport at all.

Not only does that save money, but I think it’s one of the best ways to experience the city.

I also find Edinburgh much easier to explore with children. The main sights are closer together, there are plenty of parks and open spaces to stop for a break, and you don’t feel quite as rushed as you sometimes do in London.

That slower pace makes it easier to enjoy the city without feeling like you need to pack every minute of the day with expensive attractions.

When it comes to food, I think the two cities are more similar than many people expect. You can spend as much or as little as you like in both places.

The biggest difference is that Edinburgh’s compact city centre makes it much easier to walk a few streets away from the busiest tourist areas and find somewhere that’s better value.

How to Save Money in Edinburgh Without Missing Out

One of the biggest things I’ve learnt after living in Edinburgh and visiting many times since is that saving money isn’t about cutting out the best parts of your trip. It’s about spending your money where it makes the biggest difference.

These are the tips I always share with friends planning their first visit.

Stay a little further from the Royal Mile

If you’re flexible about where you stay, accommodation is usually the easiest place to save money.

You don’t have to stay right in the middle of the Old Town to have an amazing trip.

Places like Leith, Stockbridge and Musselburgh are all well connected by public transport and often offer much better value than hotels in the heart of the city.

I’d rather spend a little extra time on the bus each morning if it meant having more money for the experiences that make Edinburgh special.

One paid attraction each day is usually enough

One of my favourite Edinburgh itineraries starts with Edinburgh Castle in the morning, followed by wandering down the Royal Mile, exploring the National Museum of Scotland, relaxing in Princes Street Gardens and finishing the day on Calton Hill.

You still get one unforgettable paid attraction, but the rest of the day is filled with some of the city’s best free experiences. It never feels like you’re missing out.

Walk as much as you can

One of my favourite things about Edinburgh is that getting from one attraction to another often becomes part of the adventure.

Some of my favourite memories aren’t from ticketed attractions at all. They’re from spotting a hidden close I’d never noticed before, listening to a piper echoing through the Old Town or turning a corner to find a beautiful view of Edinburgh Castle.

Those are the moments you don’t plan, and they’re much easier to discover when you’re exploring on foot.

Choose one memorable meal each day

One thing we’ve learnt travelling as a family is that every meal doesn’t need to be a big event.

I’d much rather enjoy one really memorable meal each day and keep breakfast or lunch simple.

Whether that’s picking up a supermarket meal deal for a picnic or grabbing something quick between attractions, it leaves more room in the budget for the experiences we’ll still be talking about when we get home.

Visit outside the busiest times if you can

I absolutely love Edinburgh during the Fringe and think everyone should experience it at least once. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else, and the whole city feels alive.

If your priority is keeping costs down though, I’d look at visiting in spring or autumn instead. The weather is often still lovely, accommodation is usually much cheaper and you’ll spend far less time queuing for attractions. It’s one of my favourite times to be in the city.

Book the big attractions early

If you already know you want to visit places like Edinburgh Castle or Camera Obscura, I’d book them before you arrive.

Not only will you save yourself time queueing, but you’ll also avoid missing out on popular entry times during the busiest months.

The biggest mistake I see visitors make is trying to save money on the experiences they’ll remember most while spending without really thinking about the little extras that quietly add up throughout the day.

For me, there’s a big difference between having a cheap holiday and having a great-value holiday. I’d always choose the second.

Why Is Edinburgh So Expensive?

If you’ve looked at hotel prices and wondered why Edinburgh seems so much more expensive than other Scottish cities, you’re not imagining it.

The biggest reason is simple: demand.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, home to some of the country’s most famous attractions and hosts world-famous events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Hogmanay celebrations.

Millions of people visit every year, all wanting to stay close to the city’s biggest attractions.

Unlike many larger cities, Edinburgh’s historic centre is relatively compact, so there are only so many hotel rooms within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

That limited supply is another reason prices rise so quickly when visitor numbers increase.

Having lived in Edinburgh, I always noticed how much the city changed during August. The streets were busier, cafés were packed, accommodation booked out months in advance and there was an incredible buzz everywhere you went.

It’s one of my favourite times to be in Edinburgh, but it’s also when you’ll usually pay the highest prices.

The same thing happens around Christmas and New Year. Edinburgh’s Christmas Market and Hogmanay celebrations attract visitors from all over the world, so hotels often fill up well before December arrives.

One thing I think surprises many visitors is that not every part of Edinburgh is expensive. Once you’ve booked your accommodation, it’s actually quite easy to tailor the rest of your trip to suit your budget.

That’s why I think Edinburgh sometimes gets an unfair reputation. People see hotel prices in August and assume everything is expensive, when in reality accommodation is doing most of the heavy lifting.

One recent cost that’s worth knowing about is Edinburgh’s visitor levy. Since 24 July 2026, most overnight accommodation has included a 5% visitor levy, capped at the first five consecutive nights.

It usually isn’t a huge amount, but it’s worth factoring into your budget so it doesn’t come as a surprise at checkout.

For me, Edinburgh isn’t expensive because every single thing costs more. It’s expensive because it’s one of Europe’s most popular city breaks, and people are willing to pay for that experience.

The good news is that, with a little planning, you don’t have to spend like everyone else to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Plan Your Edinburgh Trip?

Now you know where Edinburgh is worth splurging, where you can save money and how to avoid the biggest budget mistakes, it’s time to start putting your itinerary together.

If you’re still deciding how long to stay, my guides to how many days to spend in Edinburgh and the perfect Edinburgh itinerary will help you plan your time.

If you’re working out your budget, check out my Edinburgh budget calculator to estimate how much your trip is likely to cost based on your travel style.

Your next step is to decide when you want to visit and book your accommodation as early as possible, especially if you’re travelling during August, Christmas or New Year. Once that’s sorted, you can start building your itinerary around the experiences that matter most to your family.

Every time we return, we end up discovering somewhere new or revisiting an old favourite, and it reminds me why Edinburgh is still one of my favourite cities in the world. I hope this guide helps you spend your money where it matters most and create memories you’ll still be talking about long after your trip is over.

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