1. All of Edinburgh's main art galleries are free. The oldest one is the National Gallery of Scotland on The Mound which houses Scotland's greatest collection of Scottish and European paintings while also in the city centre is the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street. Just outside the city on Belford Road you'll find the city's National Gallery of Modern Art and Dean Gallery.

2. The Royal Mile in the Old Town is full of museums - top and bottom. What's best about them is that they are all free. This includes the 'Writers' Museum' which is dedicated to the lives and times of its famous authors, the 'Museum of Childhood', and 'The People's Story', a local favourite.

3. Just behind St Giles’ Cathedral is Parliament Hall, the very place where the United Kingdom was founded. Stick your head in for five minutes to see the age-old tradition where solicitors walk up and down the hall so the sound of their footsteps ensures nobody else can hear their conversation. Admission free.

4. Yes, that's right - a FREE walking tour! Where and when I hear you ask? Get down to the Starbucks Café by the Tron Kirk on High Street (Royal Mile) at 11am or 3pm where the tours, which take in Edinburgh Castle, Princes' Street Gardens and more, depart daily. All it will cost you is a tip!

5. It takes a bit more energy that most other things to do in Edinburgh, but dedicate about two hours of your day to climbing Arthur's Seat and you won't regret it. The vista from the top is breathtaking with views of the entire city and the Scottish Sea also.