After the excitement (and expense!) of the festive season, January feels like a time to tighten the wallet and save some pennies. But being mindful of your spending doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any fun in Edinburgh.
The city is bursting with affordable, family-friendly activities to help you make the most of the quieter winter months. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the wonderful Scottish capital for the first time, here’s our top five money-saving things to do in Edinburgh this January.
1. Explore the City with Edinburgh Bus Tours
A fantastic way to discover – or rediscover – Edinburgh is none other than our very own Edinburg Bus Tours. Not only do our tours offer unbeatable views of the city’s iconic landmarks, but we’re wallet friendly, especially for families as kids go free!
Even better, save 20% on our Grand 24 and Grand 48 tickets when pre-purchased online which offer you 24 or 48 hours unlimited travel on not one, not two, but three tours. Hop on board and explore iconic locations including Edinburgh Castle, the historic Grassmarket, and the Old Town and Royal Mile whilst saving some pennies.
With your Edinburgh Bus Tours ticket, we also have a number of attraction discounts across the city – helping you save even more with your ticket. Make sure to make the most of the discounts we have on offer.
Edinburgh Bus Tours – it’s the only ticket you need to explore Edinburgh.
2. Take a scenic stroll through Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat
January is the perfect time to wrap up warm and head outdoors for a brisk walk. And one of the best free activities to do in Edinburgh is taking a stroll through Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat. Holyrood Park offers incredible views of the city, and climbing Arthur’s Seat – an ancient extinct volcano – is free and a rewarding activity.
With fewer crowds in the winter, you’ll feel like you have the trails to yourself, and the crisp Edinburgh air will only add to your experience. Don’t forget your smartphone or camera to capture the stunning wintery skyline.
If you’re making use of our tours, hop off at Stop 12 on our CitySightseeing Tour or Stop 14 of our Edinburgh Tour to get your winter walk started!
3. Visit the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is always free to enter and a treasure trove of exhibits for all ages. From natural history to world cultures and interactive science zones, there’s something for everyone.
January is a great time to wander through its galleries, avoiding the festive season rush. The stunning building will keep you busy for hours of exploration and fun – and keep you out of the cold for a few hours!
Hop off at Stop 8 on our CitySightseeing Tour or Stop 8 on our Edinburgh Tour and travel back in time for the day at the National Museum of Scotland.
4. Discover hidden gems on the Water of Leith Walkway
For a peaceful and cost-free escape, take a stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway – a scenic path that runs through the heart of the city.
The Water of Leith Walkway is an idyllic 13-mile route that passes through areas of Edinburgh, including Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Stockbridge, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Leith – to name a few!
The walk also takes you past Dean Village, a hidden gem known for its picture-perfect charm. Add in the wintery Edinburgh magic during this time of year and you’ve got one of the best free activities to do in Edinburgh to see different parts of the city you might not have seen before.
5. Explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is free to enter and a wonderful place to enjoy a peaceful escape in nature all year round.
With over 70 acres of landscape, the Botanics offers marvellous panoramic views of the city skyline, plus you’ll get to discover lush greenery and exotic plants from all around the world and discover history dating back to the 17th century!
Take a trip on our Regal Tour and hop off at Stop 8 for a charming winter walk through the Botanics.
Plan your January adventure today!
Edinburgh has so much to offer, even on a budget. With Edinburgh Bus Tours as the perfect starting point, you can explore the city with ease and combine it with free and affordable activities.
So, wrap up warm, grab your friends or family, and enjoy everything our beautiful city has to offer without breaking the bank!
