How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom

1. Grassmarket

Historic square with numerous souvenir shops and pubs. Known for overpriced food and drinks.

Authentic Eateries: Seek out local eateries hidden amongst the tourist-oriented venues.
Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days to avoid crowds and high prices.
Local Market Days: Check local market days for fresher, cheaper produce instead of souvenir shops.

Long street connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Famous for its overpriced Scottish gifts.

Hidden Alleys: Explore hidden alleys and backstreets for unique, locally-owned shops.
Off the Beaten Path: Venture off the main street to discover local treasures and avoid tourist traps.
Market Finds: Shop at farmer's markets for fresh, locally-made items at reasonable prices.

Iconic castle with long lines and high admission fees.

Skip the Line Tickets: Purchase skip-the-line tickets to save time and avoid queueing.
Guided Tours: Join guided tours for insider knowledge and to ensure you don't miss important sites.
Visit in the Morning: Visit early in the day to beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines.

Popular whisky tasting venue with inflated prices and tour fees.

Whisky Walks: Take a self-guided walk around Edinburgh's whisky distilleries instead.
Local Distilleries: Visit local distilleries outside the city centre for a more authentic experience.
Whisky Festivals: Plan your trip around local whisky festivals for tastings and deals.

Famous cathedral with admission fees and overpriced gift shops.

Free Attractions: Visit free attractions nearby, such as the National Museum of Scotland.
Self-Guided Tour: Take a self-guided tour or download an app to explore at your own pace.
Worship Services: Attend worship services for free, peaceful entry into the cathedral.

Popular museum with long lines and overcrowded exhibits.

Early or Late Visits: Visit early in the day or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Skipping Certain Exhibits: Plan which exhibits are most important and skip less interesting ones to save time.
Free Attractions Nearby: Combine your visit with nearby free attractions, like the Royal Botanic Garden.

Central park with overpriced food and drink kiosks.

Picnics in the Park: Pack a picnic to enjoy a more affordable meal.
Local Bakeries: Pick up treats from local bakeries instead of overpriced kiosks.
Avoid Peak Hours: Avoid visiting during peak hours, such as lunchtime and in the late afternoon.

Official residence of the British monarchy with high admission fees.

Combination Tickets: Consider combination tickets that include nearby attractions for savings.
Self-Guided Tour: Take a self-guided tour or download an app to explore at your own pace.
Visit in the Morning: Visit early in the day to beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines.

Instagrammable village with overpriced cafes and restaurants.

Pack a Picnic: Pack a picnic to enjoy a more affordable meal.
Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days to avoid crowds and high prices.
Local Bakeries Nearby: Pick up treats from local bakeries instead of overpriced cafes.

Iconic hill with overcrowded hiking trails and inflated prices.

Early Morning Hike: Start your hike early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days for a more peaceful experience.
Alternative Hikes: Research alternative hiking trails for a quieter, more scenic experience.

Optical illusion museum with long lines and high admission fees.

Skip the Line Tickets: Purchase skip-the-line tickets to save time.
Guided Tours: Join guided tours for insider knowledge and to ensure you don't miss important sights.
Visit in the Morning: Visit early in the day to beat the crowds.

Tourist attraction with high admission fees and long lines.

Combination Tickets: Consider combination tickets that include nearby attractions for savings.
Self-Guided Tour: Take a self-guided tour or download an app to explore at your own pace.
Visit in the Morning: Visit early in the day to beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines.

Iconic monument with overpriced admission fees.

Skip the Line Tickets: Purchase skip-the-line tickets to save time.
Self-Guided Tour: Take a self-guided tour or download an app to explore at your own pace.
Visit in the Morning: Visit early in the day to beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines.

Tourist destination with high parking fees and crowded ferries.

Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days to avoid crowds.
Local Transportation: Use local transportation instead of the ferry for a more affordable option.
Alternative Islands: Research alternative islands for a quieter, more scenic experience.

Popular zoo with inflated admission fees and long lines.

Combination Tickets: Consider combination tickets that include nearby attractions for savings.
Self-Guided Tour: Take a self-guided tour or download an app to explore at your own pace.
Visit in the Morning: Visit early in the day to beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter lines.