Edinburgh Castle
An ancient fortress perched atop Castle Rock, housing Scotland's Crown Jewels and offering unparalleled city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds for a peaceful visit.
Edinburgh Castle
Best Time
Beat the crowds for a peaceful visit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient fortress perched atop Castle Rock, housing Scotland's Crown Jewels and offering unparalleled city views.
"It is awe-striking! The castle are our favorite by far. If you haven’t visited here yet, you must!"
🎯 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Castle Hill
Discover the oldest building in Edinburgh, a tiny Romanesque chapel dating back to the 12th century.
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
Barracks
Explore Scotland's military history, from ancient times to modern conflicts, within the castle's historic barracks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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!
☔ Be Prepared for Weather
Edinburgh's weather is unpredictable. Pack layers and rain gear, even in summer.
🗺️ Explore the Closes
Wander through the narrow alleyways (closes) off the Royal Mile for hidden gems.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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!
☔ Be Prepared for Weather
Edinburgh's weather is unpredictable. Pack layers and rain gear, even in summer.
🗺️ Explore the Closes
Wander through the narrow alleyways (closes) off the Royal Mile for hidden gems.
📸 Capture the Views
The castle offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
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.
"I visited Edinburgh Castle on a Tuesday. I hadn’t booked in advance, so I purchased my ticket online right after arriving. Tickets are only available digitally (no physical tickets are issued anymore) and cost around £22–23 per person. Personally, I feel that’s a little on the expensive side for what you get, but it’s still worth the experience.
Since I bought my ticket on arrival, the earliest entry slot I could get was about 2.5 hours later. I used that time to explore the Royal Mile, which worked out nicely — and I’d actually recommend this approach to others as well.
The castle itself is clean, well-maintained, and easy to walk around. There are many great photo spots, though depending on the season you might encounter queues to take pictures. Even towards the end of September, the place was fairly crowded. From the castle grounds, you get panoramic views of the city — at least on three sides — which is fantastic.
The walk up to the castle follows a winding, uphill path, but once you reach the top the grounds level out. The central area, which I believe historically served as the administrative heart of the castle, is especially interesting. There are several distinct areas to explore, each offering something different.
Overall, I definitely recommend visiting. It’s one of Edinburgh’s must-see landmarks. The only downside is the ticket price, which feels just a bit too"
Ali
"Worth it! It gets quite crowded but the lines are well managed. It’s not an all day affair (unless you read every text in every museum) but you could easily spend a couple hours roaming around. The gift shops are great, if you need souvenirs and you’re planning on coming down your shopping here for magnets, trinkets, etc. There is a canon fire that happened at 1:00pm, no idea how we were supposed to find out but tons of people were aware! Really fun, easy and interesting place. The street leading up to it is PACKED with people. Oh and great views of the city from here! Better than Calton Hill views. Take note you MUST book in advance. They sell out almost every day before they open."
zacry
"What a beautifully maintained piece of history! Attendees are limited to assure free movement throughout. Wish there had been more to see indoors, but understand the need to preserve. The Great Hall was wonderful."
Amelia Dow
What People Like
What People Dislike
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. Taxis are also readily available from the station to the castle esplanade.
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. +1 Consider using a park and ride and then taking public transport or a taxi.
From Waverley Station, Cockburn Street offers a much easier ascent to the Royal Mile than the notoriously steep Warriston's Steps, especially with luggage.
While Ubers can get you close, local black taxis may have more experience with specific access needs. For disabled access, it's best to contact the castle directly to arrange drop-off.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to purchase your Edinburgh Castle tickets online in advance to secure your entry slot and avoid disappointment. +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.
Yes, you typically book an entry slot, but you can stay as long as you like once inside the castle grounds.
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.
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.
🎫 🏰 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.
While the castle has historical limitations, accessible parking and drop-off points can be arranged by contacting the castle directly. +1 Be aware that some areas have uneven terrain and stairs.
Don't miss the Scottish Crown Jewels, St. Margaret's Chapel, the Great Hall, and the National War Museum of Scotland. +1
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for deeper historical insights and engaging stories.
Look for the cannonball embedded in the wall of the Cannonball Inn near the castle exit, a historical marker from a past event.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from the castle ramparts overlooking the city, the Esplanade, and the iconic silhouette of the castle itself.
Photography is generally permitted inside Edinburgh Castle, but always check for any specific restrictions in certain exhibits or areas.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful light and fewer crowds, perfect for capturing the castle's grandeur.
Yes, viewpoints from Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill provide excellent perspectives for photographing the castle.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
The views from the castle also provide a great opportunity to point out different parts of the city, making it an educational outing. 🚶 Budget Travelers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Esplanade provides a classic vantage point, while the ramparts offer panoramic cityscapes. Don't forget to capture the intricate details of the stonework and the historic interiors. Consider exploring nearby viewpoints like Calton Hill or Princes Street Gardens for different perspectives of the castle against the city skyline.
A versatile lens, such as a zoom lens, will be useful for capturing both wide vistas and close-up architectural details. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Edinburgh Castle's Harry Potter Connection
Several locations in Edinburgh, like Victoria Street and George Heriot's School, are cited as inspirations for the wizarding world's aesthetic. Exploring these spots can enhance the feeling of stepping into a fantasy realm. Many fans visit Edinburgh specifically seeking out these 'Harry Potter' connections.
The city's medieval charm, with its winding closes and historic buildings, lends itself perfectly to this magical narrative. 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. Navigating Edinburgh's Terrain
When visiting Edinburgh Castle, comfortable and sturdy footwear is non-negotiable.
The Witchery by the Castle
Visiting The Witchery provides a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's darker historical past.
The restaurant's ambiance is often described as enchanting and eerie, reflecting the history it embodies. 
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