Scotland: 20 places to visit for free

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on April 17, 2025

Discover the Highlands without breaking the bank? It's possible! Not only can you easily save on train fares (with “off-peak” tickets or ScotRail Rail Passes, which we'll tell you about at the end of this article) and opt for (superb) hikes to discover the Scottish countryside, but you can also take advantage of numerous cultural sites that are totally free. In this article, we present our selection of 20 free places, classified by city and theme. No more excuses not to discover Scotland, even on a tight budget!

ℹ️ The cities in our selection are listed in alphabetical order. Depending on your itinerary, all you have to do is go directly to the towns that interest you, from mainland Scotland (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Falkirk, Gretna Green) to the Highlands (Newtonmore) and the Scottish islands (Lerwick, Orkney, Outer Hebrides).

To find out more, take a look at our favorite tours of Scotland by train (7, 10 and 15 days)!

Aberdeen

🏛️ Aberdeen Maritime Museum

• Why visit? To delve into Aberdeen's maritime history, from traditional shipbuilding to the North Sea oil industry. The museum houses an impressive model of the Murchison oil rig, spanning several floors.
• How to get there: From Guild Street, the museum is just a few minutes' walk (near the harbour).
• Practical info: Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm, free admission. Allow around 1-2 hours for the visit.
• More info at aberdeencity.gov.uk!

Dundee

🏛️ The Centre for Contemporary Art - V&A Dundee

• Why visit? To discover exhibitions on Scottish and international design, from fashion to digital design and architecture. Located on the banks of the River Tay, it's the first design museum in Scotland, and the first Victoria and Albert Museum outside London. Fun fact: designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, its architecture is inspired by the Scottish cliffs!
• Access: The museum is within easy walking distance of Dundee station.
• Practical info: Please note that access to the permanent galleries is free, but some temporary exhibitions may be subject to a charge. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, closed Tuesdays from November to March.
• Further information on vam.ac.uk

Edinburgh (between free museums, architecture and nature walks)

🏛️ Culture and free museums in Edinburgh

The National Museum of Scotland

• Why visit? To explore Scottish history, science and culture through interactive exhibits suitable for all ages!
• Access: The museum is accessible on foot or by bus from the city center.
• Practical info: Open daily from 10am to 5pm, free admission.
• Further information: nms.ac.uk

The National Galleries of Scotland

• Why visit? To admire Scottish and international works of art in a magnificent setting.
• Access: The museum is within walking distance of Princes Street.
• More info at nationalgalleries.org

The Writers' Museum & Makars' Court

• Why visit? To immerse yourself in Scottish literature through objects and manuscripts by famous authors (Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson).
• Access: The museum is within walking distance of the Royal Mile.
• Practical info: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4.30 p.m.), free admission.
• Further information: edinburghmuseums.org.uk

The Museum of Childhood

• Why visit? To immerse yourself in the world of toys and games of yesteryear, in the world's first museum dedicated to the history of childhood (ideal for families)!
• Access: The museum is within walking distance of the Royal Mile.
• Practical info: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission.
• More info at edinburghmuseums.org.uk

The People's Story Museum

• Why visit? Learn more about the daily lives of Edinburgh's people over the centuries.
• Access: The museum is within walking distance of the Royal Mile.
• More info at edinburghmuseums.org.uk!

🏰 Heritage & history in Edinburgh

Royal Mile & Grassmarket

• Why go? To stroll the historic streets, between medieval buildings, stores and traditional pubs, in the main artery of Edinburgh's old town (Royal Mile), and discover a historic square (Grassmarket) at the foot of Edinburgh Castle! Don't hesitate to join a free guided tour to learn more about the district's history.
• Access: In the heart of Edinburgh, within walking distance of the city center.
• More info at visitscotland.com

St. Giles Cathedral

• Why visit? To discover a jewel of Gothic architecture in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, on the Royal Mile.
• Access: Walking distance from the city center, free admission (donation suggested).
• Practical info: Free 45-minute guided tours are available Monday to Friday at 10.30am and 2.30pm, and on Saturday at 10.30am. We advise you to book in advance via the official website, as places are limited!
• More info at stgilescathedral.org.uk

The Dean Village

• Why visit? To discover a former milling village that's now a peaceful district, with old houses, cobbled streets and picturesque landscapes along the Water of Leith. Ideal for a leisurely stroll at the end of the day!
• Access: Located close to the Stockbridge district, Dean Village is accessible on foot or by bus from the city center.
• More info on visitscotland.com!

🌿 Nature & walking in Edinburgh

Arthur's Seat

• Why go? To discover the remains of an extinct volcano that was active some 350 million years ago, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city from the summit!
• Access: Located in Holyrood Park, it's within walking distance of the city center.
• Practical info: Beware, it's a bit of a climb (30 and 60 minutes' walk, depending on the path you choose and your walking pace). So bring good shoes and a water bottle!
• More info at visitscotland.com

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

• Why go? Stroll through a green haven in the heart of the city and discover thousands of plants from all over the world.
• Access: The garden is accessible via bus routes 8, 23 and 27, with stops close to the east entrance on Inverleith Row, or on foot from the city center.
• Practical info: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:45 p.m.) from February to October, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3:45 p.m.) from November to January, free admission. Please note that admission to the garden is free, but the greenhouses (currently closed for renovation as part of the Edinburgh Biomes project) are subject to a charge.
• More info at rbge.org.uk

Pentland Hills Regional Park

• Why go? To explore hiking trails just a few miles from Edinburgh, and discover the beauty of the landscape and wildlife.
• Access: You can get there via several entry points, including Bonaly, Harlaw and Threipmuir. The park is accessible by bus from Edinburgh, and admission is free.
• Practical info: We advise you to bring hiking boots and check the weather forecast before setting off!
• More info at pentlandhills.org

The Leith Quarter

• Why go? Enjoy the maritime ambience of this up-and-coming district, with its cafés, art galleries and strolls along the harbor. Ideal for a stroll at the end of the day, with plenty of restaurants and bars to relax in!
• Access: Located in the north of Edinburgh, the district is accessible by streetcar (Leith Walk, The Shore and Ocean Terminal stops) or bus (line 16) from the city center.
• More info at visitscotland.com

🎉 Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe - Free Fringe (August 1-25, 2025)

• Why go? To take part in the world's largest performing arts festival, with hundreds of free shows ranging from comedy to theater. Many shows are free, and some operate on a "pay what you can" basis.
• How to get there: Events take place in a variety of venues around Edinburgh, including bars, cafés and public spaces, most of which are within walking distance of the city center. Most venues are within walking distance of the city center.
• Practical info: It's best to arrive early for free shows, as places are often limited and allocated on a “first come, first served” basis!
• More info at edfringe.com

Falkirk

🌿 Helix Park & The Kelpies

• Why go? To admire The Kelpies, two monumental 30-meter-high horse head sculptures (the largest equine sculptures in the world) in a lovely landscaped park, with paths, playgrounds and wetlands and a very good lagoon.
• Practical info: If you want to take in the sights, the Kelpies are illuminated at night. If you can, try to get there before sunset to see them in daylight before you discover their nocturnal illumination!
• Access: The nearest railway stations are Falkirk Grahamston (approx. 2 km) and Falkirk High (approx. 3 km). There are also several bus routes to the park, including routes 2, 2A, 3, 4, 28, F14, F14A and 29. The nearest bus stop is Stadium Road End, about a 4-minute walk from the park.
• More info at thehelix.co.uk

⚓️ Falkirk Wheel

• Why go? To see this feat of engineering: the world's only rotating boat elevator! This impressive structure links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal, enabling boats to cross a 35-metre difference in height in just a few minutes.
• Access: By train, the nearest stations are Camelon (approx. 29 minutes' walk) and Falkirk High (approx. 45 minutes' walk). Bus routes 1, 7, 8, 35 and F14A serve nearby stops such as Ochiltree Terrace Terminus, a 7-minute walk from the site.
• Practical info: please note that access to the site and visitor center is free, but there is a charge for boat trips. Be sure to check the timetable if you want to take advantage of the demonstrations to see the wheel in action.
• More info at scottishcanals.co.uk

Glasgow

🏛️ The Kelvingrove Museum

• Why visit? To discover a vast collection of 8,000 objects in 22 galleries, including major works of art such as Salvador Dalí's Christ of St. John of the Cross, paintings by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Monet and Matisse, as well as exhibitions on natural history, ancient Egypt and arms and armor. All in an impressive Spanish Baroque building, a work of art in its own right!
• Access: By train (20-minute walk from Partick, Exhibition Centre and Charing Cross stations), bus (lines 2, 3, 77, 100, X25, X25A, X76, X77, 189, 4, 4A, 15) or subway (Kelvinhall station).
• Practical info: The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays). Free organ concerts are held regularly in the main hall! And for more info on the works, you can use the Smartify app.
• More info at visitscotland.com

🏛️ The University of Glasgow

• Why visit? To visit one of the oldest educational institutions in the English-speaking world (founded in 1451), with its impressive neo-Gothic architecture (reminiscent of the Harry Potter universe) and its museums (with collections ranging from art to the natural sciences)!
• Access: By train (Partick station is the closest, around 1.5 km from campus), subway (Hillhead station) or bus (lines 4, 4A, 6, 6A, 8, 90 and 118). Access to the campus and museums is free of charge. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Practical info: Guided tours of around one hour are offered by students!
• More info at gla.ac.uk

Gretna Green

🏰 The Famous Blacksmiths Shop

• Why visit? To discover this emblematic site of clandestine marriages in Scotland (since 1754, couples have united here, fleeing English matrimonial laws) and immerse yourself in a history as romantic as it is dramatic, which still attracts many visitors today.
• Access: By train to Gretna Green station, then on foot (3 minutes from the station), or by bus.
• Practical info: The site is open every day from 9am to 5pm. We advise you to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
• More info at visitscotland.fr

Lerwick

🏛️ Le Shetland Museum Archives

• Why visit? Explore over 6,000 years of Shetland history through interactive exhibits, artefacts and archives, and discover the unique culture of these islands from prehistoric times to the present day!
• Access: About 10 minutes' walk from the town center.
• More info at shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk

Kirkwall

⛪ St. Magnus Cathedral

• Why visit? To admire an architectural masterpiece, Scotland's only complete medieval cathedral, built of red and yellow sandstone in the 12th century. A remarkable example of medieval architecture!
• Access: On foot from the town center.
• Practical info: The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Please note that it may be temporarily closed for weddings or funerals. Guided tours are available for a fee, and a mobile app is available on site for an interactive audio-visual tour.
• More info at stmagnus.org

Lewis & Harris

🏛️🌿 The Megaliths of Calanais

• Why visit? To discover a fascinating prehistoric site, predating Stonehenge, with upright stones dating back over 5,000 years, in the shape of a Celtic cross!
• Access: By bus (line W2 runs from Stornoway to Calanais, on the Isle of Lewis).
• Practical info: Please note that the visitor center is closed until 2026 for renovation. No services (toilets, store, café) are available on site during this period. A word of advice: bring clothing suitable for changing weather conditions and comfortable shoes.
• More info at calanais.org

Motherwell, near Glasgow

🌿 Strathclyde Country Park

• Why go there? To enjoy the 400 hectares of nature around Strathclyde Lake: ideal for hiking, cycling, picnicking and birdwatching.
• How to get there: The park is accessible by train to Motherwell station, then by bus or on foot.
• Practical info: Events may be held at weekends, and for a more peaceful experience, we recommend going during the week.
• More info at northlanarkshire.gov.uk

Newtonmore (Highlands)

🏛️ Highland Folk Museum

• Why visit? Recount life in the Highlands from the 18th to the 20th century in an 80-acre open-air museum of restored buildings, traditional craft demonstrations and a reconstructed village from 1700. This living museum features over 35 historic buildings, including the village of Baile Gean, reconstructed from archaeological digs and used as a set in the Outlander series.
• Access: The site is accessible by train (Newtonmore station, 20-minute walk), or bus (lines 39 and M39, stop “Co-Op, Newtonmore”, 10-minute walk).
• Practical info: Open from April to August from 10am to 5pm, and from September to October from 10:30am to 4pm. We recommend you allow 3 to 5 hours for the visit, and opt for a weekday visit for a more leisurely experience.
• More information on visitscotland.fr

Further information:

• Our guide to Scotland (recommendations and itineraries)
• Scotland's most beautiful train journeys
• Our guide to Scotland by train (7, 10 and 15-day itineraries)
• Scotland's most iconic film locations (Harry Potter, Outlander...)

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.