Daily costs per person in GBP. Edinburgh isn't cheap, but free world-class museums, budget street food, and stunning free hikes keep it surprisingly accessible.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: GBP (Pound Sterling) (1 USD ≈ £0.79)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £20–40 | £80–150 | £220+ | Hostels → boutique B&Bs → luxury hotels |
| Food | £12–20 | £30–50 | £70+ | Street food & pubs → gastropubs → fine dining |
| Transport | £5–8 | £10–20 | £30+ | Bus pass & walking → taxis → day trip transport |
| Activities | £0–15 | £20–40 | £60+ | Free museums & hikes → castle & tours → Highlands trip |
| Drinks | £8–15 | £18–30 | £45+ | Cask ale pints → whisky bars → cocktail lounges |
| Daily Total | £45–98 | £158–290 | £425+ | $57–124 → $200–367 → $538+ |
Money-saving tips
Free experiences
National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Calton Hill, Arthur's Seat, Dean Village, Water of Leith walkway, and the Scottish Parliament tours.
Budget food
Oink hog rolls: £5–7. Mosque Kitchen curries: £7–9. Piemaker pies: £4.50. Mums comfort food: £10–14. Supermarket meal deals: £3.50. Edinburgh is expensive but budget options exist.
Transport
Lothian Buses day ticket: £4.80 (unlimited travel). Single: £2. Buy tickets via the Edinburgh Bus Tracker app or contactless on the bus. The tram to the airport costs £7.50.
Free walking tours
Several companies run tip-based free tours daily from the Royal Mile — history, Harry Potter, ghost, and food tours available. Budget £5–10 per person as a tip.
Pub savings
A pint in the Old Town: £5–7. In Leith or Stockbridge: £4–5.50. Happy hours at many pubs (4–7pm). Cask ales are usually cheaper than lagers. Whisky singles from £4 at Bow Bar.
Festival fringe tip
During the August Fringe, hundreds of shows are free (PBH Free Fringe). Accommodation triples in price — book 6+ months ahead or stay in Glasgow (45 min by train) for half the cost.
