Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh - Edinburgh Castle 2014
1 / 10

Edinburgh Castle

4.6
·102k reviews·, United Kingdom

An ancient fortress perched atop Castle Rock, housing Scotland's Crown Jewels and offering unparalleled city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Beat the crowds for a peaceful visit.

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh - Edinburgh Castle 2014

Edinburgh Castle

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Beat the crowds for a peaceful visit.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient fortress perched atop Castle Rock, housing Scotland's Crown Jewels and offering unparalleled city views.

4.6
(102k reviews)

"It is awe-striking! The castle are our favorite by far. If you haven’t visited here yet, you must!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Enhance your visit with a guided tour for fascinating stories and historical context.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The castle grounds are extensive and uneven; good footwear is a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scottish Crown Jewels

Scottish Crown Jewels

Crown Square

Marvel at the historic Crown Jewels of Scotland, a symbol of the nation's rich heritage and royal past.

St. Margaret's Chapel

St. Margaret's Chapel

Castle Hill

Discover the oldest building in Edinburgh, a tiny Romanesque chapel dating back to the 12th century.

Great Hall

Great Hall

Castle Hill

Step into the magnificent Great Hall, a testament to medieval Scottish royalty and a venue for grand feasts.

National War Museum of Scotland

National War Museum of Scotland

Barracks

Explore Scotland's military history, from ancient times to modern conflicts, within the castle's historic barracks.

Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Secure your Edinburgh Castle tickets online well before your visit to guarantee entry and avoid long queues. Popular times can sell out, especially during peak season. Reddit+1

Comfortable Footwear is Key

Edinburgh Castle is a historic site with uneven terrain and many stairs. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the grounds and enjoying your visit without discomfort. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Beat the crowds for a peaceful visit.
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Enjoy golden hour views over the city.
Crowd
Medium
When
August Evenings
Why
Experience the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The perfect Edinburgh Scotland Itinerary! It’s like Hogwarts in real life and is even better than I imagined!! Here are some of my favorite things to do during a weekend in Edinburgh! P.s. While we do mentiom Harry Potter a few times, we do not support JK and she makes no money off of this!! #e#edinburghs#Scotlands#scotlandtravele#edinburghscotlandh#harrypotterh#hogwartsd#diagonalleyw#weekendg...
@followmeaway
240.9K likes • 4.4M views

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Enhance your visit with a guided tour for fascinating stories and historical context. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The castle grounds are extensive and uneven; good footwear is a must! Reddit

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh? That's a question asked all the time! Let's break down what to expect in spring. Remember: weather, crowds, and your budget are all connected when planning your trip. Edinburgh experience: Spring (March-May): Weather: Mild with increasing temperatures (7-13°C (or 45°-55°F), but still expect some rain. Flowers: Enjoy blooming trees and flowers, with cherr...
@rhonatheunicorn
231.7K likes • 1.6M views
Early morning coffee run in Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 - Filmed entirely on the beautiful Cockburn St. Beat the crowds on popular streets like this one by getting up as early as you can, rain or shine. Edited using my Moody Blues LUT Pack, available on my website. Link in bio. ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #edinburgh #edinburgh_snapshots #edinburghbloggers #edinburghcastle #edinburghcity #edinburghclicks #...
chrishenry
1.4M likes • 15M views

☔ Be Prepared for Weather

Edinburgh's weather is unpredictable. Pack layers and rain gear, even in summer. Reddit

🗺️ Explore the Closes

Wander through the narrow alleyways (closes) off the Royal Mile for hidden gems. Reddit

Edinburgh locations that inspired Harry Potter 🪄 [SAVE for your next visit] Edinburgh is a magical city, so it’s not surprising that it was the inspiration for the biggest film series of all time 1️⃣ George Heriot’s School 2️⃣ The Witches’ Well 3️⃣ The Elephant House 4️⃣ Victoria Street 5️⃣ The Writers’ museum 6️⃣ The Balmoral Hotel 7️⃣ West Bow 8️⃣ The Witchery by the Castle 9️⃣ Greyfriars Kirk...
timdrew_
90.8K likes • 1.4M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Guided Tours

Enhance your visit with a guided tour for fascinating stories and historical context. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The castle grounds are extensive and uneven; good footwear is a must! Reddit

☔ Be Prepared for Weather

Edinburgh's weather is unpredictable. Pack layers and rain gear, even in summer. Reddit

🗺️ Explore the Closes

Wander through the narrow alleyways (closes) off the Royal Mile for hidden gems. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The castle offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(102k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Edinburgh Castle for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and breathtaking city views. Many highlight the Crown Jewels and St. Margaret's Chapel as must-sees. However, some find the military history exhibits less engaging and note that the castle can be challenging for those with mobility issues due to its steep terrain and stairs.

"But tickets online early!
Wear your walking shoes!
Prepare to be in sun or rain!
Enjoy this piece of history that has been preserved so well. Oh and as you exit- look for the cannonball in the wall of the cannon ball inn. I recommend hiring the private tours. Either through the castle or city tours. The information is worth it"

E B D

"Amazing castle with many different areas to explore. Saw the Scottish crown jewels & a chapel built in the 1100's. Very great to explore. A bit of steep walking,so not very handicap friendly."

Deborah Drake

"It is awe striking! When you take a minute and think they had to get all those stones up there and build this castle without any of the construction machinery we have today, it hits you. We absolutely love Scotland and Edinburgh and the castle are our favorite by far. If you haven’t visited here yet, you must! If you have, you must go back. I know we will ❤️"

Mehmet Kutsal

What People Like

Rich history and architecture
Crown Jewels
Panoramic city views

What People Dislike

Steep terrain and stairs
Military history focus

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Waverley Train Station, avoid the steep Warriston's Steps with heavy luggage. Instead, turn left and walk up Cockburn Street to reach the Royal Mile easily. TikTok Taxis are also readily available from the station to the castle esplanade. Reddit

Driving directly to the castle is challenging due to pedestrianized areas. For accessible drop-off, contact the castle in advance or arrange a taxi to the esplanade. Reddit+1 Consider using a park and ride and then taking public transport or a taxi. Reddit

From Waverley Station, Cockburn Street offers a much easier ascent to the Royal Mile than the notoriously steep Warriston's Steps, especially with luggage. TikTok

While Ubers can get you close, local black taxis may have more experience with specific access needs. Reddit For disabled access, it's best to contact the castle directly to arrange drop-off. Reddit

Yes, you can use park and ride facilities like Ingliston and then take the tram to Haymarket, followed by a taxi to get closer to the castle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's highly recommended to purchase your Edinburgh Castle tickets online in advance to secure your entry slot and avoid disappointment. Reddit+1

Ticket prices vary, but booking online is generally advised. Check the official Edinburgh Castle website for the most up-to-date admission prices and any potential discounts. Reddit

Yes, you typically book an entry slot, but you can stay as long as you like once inside the castle grounds. Reddit

While specific discounts like '2 for 1' offers can sometimes be available, it's best to check the official website or local tourism sites for current deals. Reddit

Tickets are often released about two months in advance. If you don't see availability for your desired date, check back closer to the time. Reddit

🎫 🏰 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the castle. A guided tour typically lasts about an hour, leaving ample time for independent exploration. Reddit

While the castle has historical limitations, accessible parking and drop-off points can be arranged by contacting the castle directly. Reddit+1 Be aware that some areas have uneven terrain and stairs. Reddit

Don't miss the Scottish Crown Jewels, St. Margaret's Chapel, the Great Hall, and the National War Museum of Scotland. Reddit+1

Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for deeper historical insights and engaging stories. TikTokReddit

Look for the cannonball embedded in the wall of the Cannonball Inn near the castle exit, a historical marker from a past event. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots from the castle ramparts overlooking the city, the Esplanade, and the iconic silhouette of the castle itself. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted inside Edinburgh Castle, but always check for any specific restrictions in certain exhibits or areas. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful light and fewer crowds, perfect for capturing the castle's grandeur. Instagram

Yes, viewpoints from Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill provide excellent perspectives for photographing the castle. TikTok

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide cityscapes and detailed architectural shots. A wide-angle lens is useful for the expansive views. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Edinburgh Castle offers a captivating experience for families. Kids will be enthralled by the castle's history, imagining knights and royalty. The National War Museum section can be particularly engaging with its displays of military artifacts. Reddit Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of ground to cover, and the terrain can be uneven. Reddit Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as options inside can be limited and pricier. TikTok

For a more immersive experience, look into any family-friendly tours or activities the castle might offer. The sheer scale of the castle and its dramatic location on Castle Rock are sure to spark young imaginations. Instagram The views from the castle also provide a great opportunity to point out different parts of the city, making it an educational outing. TikTok

🚶 Budget Travelers

While Edinburgh Castle has an admission fee, there are ways to experience its magic on a budget. Booking tickets online in advance can sometimes offer slight savings. Reddit+1 Consider focusing on the key highlights like the Crown Jewels and St. Margaret's Chapel if time or budget is limited. Reddit Many of Edinburgh's most stunning views of the castle are free from Princes Street Gardens or Calton Hill. TikTok

Walking the Royal Mile from the castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a fantastic free activity that allows you to soak in the atmosphere and explore the city's historic heart. Reddit Look for free walking tours that often cover the exterior of the castle and its surroundings, providing historical context without an entry fee. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Edinburgh Castle is a photographer's dream, offering iconic views and historical architecture. For the best light and fewer crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon visits. Instagram The Esplanade provides a classic vantage point, while the ramparts offer panoramic cityscapes. Instagram Don't forget to capture the intricate details of the stonework and the historic interiors. Instagram

Consider exploring nearby viewpoints like Calton Hill or Princes Street Gardens for different perspectives of the castle against the city skyline. TikTok The 'closes' off the Royal Mile also offer unique, atmospheric shots. Instagram A versatile lens, such as a zoom lens, will be useful for capturing both wide vistas and close-up architectural details. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Edinburgh Castle's Harry Potter Connection

While Edinburgh Castle itself isn't a direct filming location, its imposing architecture and dramatic setting have undoubtedly inspired the magical world of Harry Potter. Many visitors feel the castle's atmosphere evokes the grandeur of Hogwarts. TikTokInstagram Several locations in Edinburgh, like Victoria Street and George Heriot's School, are cited as inspirations for the wizarding world's aesthetic. Instagram Exploring these spots can enhance the feeling of stepping into a fantasy realm. Instagram

Many fans visit Edinburgh specifically seeking out these 'Harry Potter' connections. Instagram The city's medieval charm, with its winding closes and historic buildings, lends itself perfectly to this magical narrative. Instagram Even if you're not a die-hard fan, the sheer atmosphere of Edinburgh can feel enchanting, making it easy to see why it's associated with such beloved stories. TikTok

Navigating Edinburgh's Terrain

Edinburgh is a city built on hills, and this is particularly evident around Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Many visitors, especially those with luggage, find the steep inclines and numerous staircases challenging. TikTok+1 For instance, Warriston's Steps are a direct but strenuous route from Waverley Station to the Royal Mile. TikTok A more manageable alternative, especially with heavy bags, is to take Cockburn Street, which offers a gentler ascent to the same area. TikTokInstagram

When visiting Edinburgh Castle, comfortable and sturdy footwear is non-negotiable. Reddit The castle grounds themselves involve walking on cobblestones, ramps, and stairs. Reddit For those with mobility issues, it's crucial to plan ahead. While accessible drop-off points can be arranged at the castle esplanade, contacting them in advance is recommended. Reddit+1 Exploring the city and the castle requires a willingness to navigate its unique topography, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views and a deep sense of history. Reddit

The Witchery by the Castle

Adjacent to Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery is a historic restaurant and hotel steeped in local lore. TikTok Its name is derived from the Castlehill area, where numerous accused witches were executed in the 16th and 17th centuries. TikTok The building itself dates back to 1595 and offers a gothic, luxurious dining experience that transports guests to another era. TikTok

Visiting The Witchery provides a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's darker historical past. TikTok While not part of the castle tour itself, its proximity and historical connection make it a notable landmark for those interested in the city's heritage. Instagram The restaurant's ambiance is often described as enchanting and eerie, reflecting the history it embodies. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2