Is Edinburgh Expensive?

Edinburgh Budget Guide: What to Expect and How to Save Money

Edinburgh is one of the most diverse and cultural cities in the UK, showcasing its culture, arts, theatre, and history through its architecture and annual festivals. Despite this, Edinburgh has a reputation as being one of the most expensive cities in the UK. But, if you know the tips and tricks on where to find the best deals, you can visit the Scottish capital on a budget.

A Breakdown of Average Travel Costs in Edinburgh

How Much Do Things Cost in Edinburgh

Where to Stay in Edinburgh on a Budget

While Edinburgh has its fair share of expensive and upscale hotels, such as the Waldorf, Balmoral, and the Prestonfield Hotel, it is also home to budget-friendly accommodation options that won’t break the bank. The cheapest forms of accommodation in Edinburgh include:

Boutique Hotels: Boutique hotels are a great option for couples or solo travellers who want low-cost accommodation that is close to the best attractions and in a more intimate setting. Boutique hotels tend to have a smaller capacity than regular hotels and tend to be a lot cheaper. Try the Roseate or the Nira Caledonia for upscale yet cheap hotels.

Budget Hotels: Budget hotels give you the same convenience and comfort as upscale hotels, but for a cheaper price– however, luxury amenities like pools and spas may be absent in budget hotels. You can expect the same basic and convenient amenities in budget hotels. The Ibis Budget, Premier Inn, and Travelodge are the most well-known budget hotel chains in the UK.

Leith: This suburb of Edinburgh is known for being very affordable, in rent and hotel price. The best hotel to stay in Leith is the Holiday Inn Express or Premier Inn.

Airport Hotels: Airport hotels are known for being cheaper than city centre hotels, and if you are flying from Edinburgh Airport, you can stay in hotels that are conveniently close by without worrying about travelling. For cheap options, try the Moxy Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, or Hampton by Hilton Airport Hotels.

The Best Options for Finding Affordable Accommodation in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s most popular suburbs and areas include Old Town, City Centre, New Town, and Murrayfield– however, these areas tend to be pricier. For the best chance of finding low-cost accommodation, the best areas to stay in include:

Leith: As mentioned, Leith is known for its affordable accommodation and house prices. Leith’s waterfront is a popular place for both locals and visitors to Edinburgh, and you’re sure to find low-cost accommodation facing the waterfront.

Craigentinny: Another affordable suburb, Craigentinny is a quiet yet abundant area in North-Eastern Edinburgh.

What to Expect from Staying in Edinburgh and How to Book a Cheap Room

Compromising on price doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Although there are cheaper areas in each city, there are tips and tricks on how to always stay in cheap accommodation no matter what time of year you travel. Most hotels in Edinburgh are high-end and feature modern and convenient amenities, some of which also offer package deals. Here are our recommended tips and tricks on how to find a cheap place to stay in Edinburgh.

Book in Advance: When you book a hotel in advance, you’re more likely to find cheap deals. The closer it gets to your travel dates, the higher the prices will likely be. It’s the same for tourist seasons– summer and Christmas are busy travel periods, especially with Edinburgh’s festivals occurring in August, so if you plan to head to Edinburgh during the summer, book your hotel around 90 days in advance.

Travel at quieter times of the year: Edinburgh tends to be busy all year round, but the quietest months are January-March when the weather is cold and not a lot of events happen. From March, the weather gets warmer and citywide events occur, which means more demand for hotels.

Stay updated on any new deals: Hotels can sometimes offer membership programs or discounts, and have the opportunity to sign up to a newsletter where you can receive new and updated deals on room rates, or receive member benefits or discounts. The Enjoy Travel newsletter is a great source of deals and discounts.

How to Get Around Edinburgh Easily and Cheaply

Edinburgh has many public transport options, the most popular of which include buses and trams. The city is also very walkable, with hiking trails and Edinburgh Castle being a popular destination for tourists. Here are some of the best modes of transportation around Edinburgh and tips on how to get around cheaply:

• Stick to inner city areas when using public transport. Inner city zones tend to be the cheapest, and buses may not necessarily run to outer suburbs, meaning you may need to spend more on multiple buses or trams to your desired location.
• Walk or cycle as much as possible. Not only is this sustainable, but it also helps you avoid getting stuck in traffic or finding a parking space.
• Make use of the trams and buses. The trams and buses in Edinburgh are cheap and extremely convenient, and most run to popular attractions and suburbs.

Edinburgh is just 90 minutes from Glasgow– so, if you fancy a road trip, why not hire a car? The popular areas to rent cars from in Edinburgh include Waverley Train Station, Edinburgh Airport, Leith and the City Centre.

How to Eat Well in Edinburgh Without Spending a Fortune

Avoid newly opened or fine-dining restaurants: Edinburgh has its fair share of eating spots, and a sure-fire way to avoid spending a fortune on your favourite dish is to stick to restaurants whose prices you are familiar with– you can also find restaurants that offer set menus or sharing menus that can be better value for money.

Stick to Street Food: Street food is served across Edinburgh, and can work out a lot cheaper than sit-down restaurant meals, especially if you only get one dish. While popular markets like Christmas Markets can hike up the price, street food like kebabs, pizza, or pasta can work out pretty cheap.

Shop in budget supermarkets: Some of the cheapest supermarkets in the UK include Aldi, Lidl, and Morrisons. If you’re staying in Edinburgh and want to cook your own dinner, buy your groceries from these cheaper supermarkets. The quality of the produce is the same as in more expensive stores, but the prices and value for money are better.

Our Top Picks for Free and Cheap Activities in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has cheap and free attractions and activities among the higher-priced ones. Let’s take a look at what you can do while on a budget in Edinburgh:

Visit the National Museum of Scotland: Entry here is free, meaning you can enjoy yourself and immerse yourself in Scotland’s history and culture without worrying about how much you’re spending.

Visit a Bookshop or Library: Edinburgh is home to hundreds of second-hand and independent bookshops and libraries, some of which feature cafes or seating areas. If you’re looking for a cheap way to pass the time, why not grab a cup of coffee for around £3, and read a book?

Enjoy Edinburgh Fringe Festival: Edinburgh Fringe Festival does have tickets that start at around £15, however, there are some acts that you can watch and activities you can do for free.

The Best Places to Find Live Music, Shows and Events in Edinburgh

Bars/Pubs: Some local or smaller bands tend to perform in smaller and more intimate venues such as bars, which enables you to avoid forking out money for a big arena show. Tickets for pub events or shows can cost as little as £5-10 per person for entry.

Whistle Binkies: Whistle Binkies is a premium live music venue and bar in Edinburgh, showcasing bands, shows, and acts from everywhere. The best part? Entry is free. With hundreds of acts playing each month, you can see unlimited shows without going over budget.

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Tourist Board Info For Edinburgh