Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle
4.5
09:30 - 17:00
Monday
09:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:30 - 17:00
Thursday
09:30 - 17:00
Friday
09:30 - 17:00
Saturday
09:30 - 17:00
Sunday
09:30 - 17:00
About
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction. This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. Please note that the "Honours of the Kingdom Exhibition" is currently closed for essential maintenance works. The Crown Room and Jewels are open to visitors.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavoured souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
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See what travellers are saying
  • Inspire35216739254
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fantastic and beautiful city
    Edinburgh is a beautiful city with loads of things to see and do. We stayed just off the Royal Mile (Ibis Hotel, Hunter Square) and I would recommend that location and the hotel was very good too. Its walking distance to Edinburgh Castle and Hollyrood Palace. Hop on hop off bus is great and you can get one to Leith to see the Royal Yacht Brittania. There are really good atmospheric pubs and restaurants galore to suit all budgets. Also great for shopping, museums and art galleries. Overall a fantastic time was had 😊
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 February 2024
  • Tracey P
    Whittlesey, United Kingdom309 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great history
    Great history to see and with spectacular views. Brilliant to see the different army platoons history and war memorial is peaceful despite being busy. The 1pm firing of the gun was great to see and is a good idea to stand a bit further up the hill to watch.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 February 2024
  • Mrs B
    Cheshire, United Kingdom74 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Would recommend 👌
    I wasn't expecting there to be as much to see as there was. Such amazing museums and walk through attractions. It was expensive but worth it. Would recommend going on a day when you can see the 1pm gun being fired. Outstanding views of the city as well. Thoroughly enjoyed it 👌
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 February 2024
  • Felicity D
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much to see!
    I didn't really know what to expect, we booked as the castle is the main tourist site in Edinburgh and we got free entry with English Heritage membership. I hadn't expected such a range of buildings and exhibits. The war museum was interesting. We timed it to hear the 1pm gun! Seeing the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny was amazing. We didn't have time to do it all, will definitely be back.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 March 2024
  • Michael B
    London, United Kingdom6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Masterpiece of it's own! Absolutely worth a visit
    Left me speechless! How it fits inside this medieval city.. simply wonderful and powerful at once. I will never forget the first moment we saw it. Perfectly situated on the hilltop, watching over the city like on the throne itself. A drawing couldnt have been better to create that atmosphere and not to forget the historical dimension of this place. Loved it and will definitely come back one day
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 March 2024
  • Izzy
    London, United Kingdom101 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I will be back
    *My visit was in October but owing to family illness I am only just getting around to reviewing my trip to Edinburgh now* The castle is so big with so much to see and do that I didn’t manage to fit everything in so I will definitely return someday. It provides beautiful views over the city. I had no idea the Crown Jewels were stored at the castle so I was a nice surprise to see them. I enjoyed the war museum. The war memorial has clearly been well maintained and was well designed.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 7 March 2024
  • Joey613
    Battambang, Cambodia614 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A pretty cool experience.
    We really enjoyed visiting the castle. It feels like a walk back into history and they do quite a good job preserving it all. I would recommend it if you’re looking for some sightseeing whilst in Edinburgh.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 March 2024
  • 1isa82
    84 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting visit
    We really enjoyed our visit here. There’s lots to see and plenty of interesting information around to read. Watching the 1pm canon was good to see also. I had the audio tour which provided more information whilst walking around. The views are amazing to see.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 March 2024
  • Stefanie
    Peterborough, United Kingdom141 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience
    Had a wonderful time ! Traveled from London just visit castle booked tickets on advice just to avoid disappointment to be sold out ! Everything went smoothly no problems at all not overcrowded no queue anywhere thank you
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 March 2024
  • Adele G
    Donegal Town, Ireland65 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I don't know what I was expecting
    Didn't disappoint. Amazing views. Loads of displays and museum pieces . In fact much if it was like a huge museum. Crown jewels were nice. I thought we would see a little more of the day to day living of the castle.. . A kitchen. A bedroom, a living room, I don't know what I expected but I enjoyed the The Royal Yacht Britannia experience more
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 March 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles53,490 reviews
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Sam F
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2025 • Couples
An epic day out! As we walked up the Royal Mile and across the Castle Esplanade we were pretty giddy with excitement as we (me and my partner) love getting to know the history of places we visit. The castle is such an imposing presence, and the entrance gate is no different.

The first exhibition surrounding the one-o’clock gun was interesting enough, but we then stumbled upon the Scottish war museum (which we hadn’t realised was there!) which was a real highlight.

Next, the dungeons and military prison were very interesting, we especially loved hearing about the hole in the castle wall that prisoners had made whilst in the exercise yard, in an attempt to mount an escape.

The palace and great hall were also very impressive, followed by a wonderful look inside St Margaret’s chapel which was a surprisingly small building but with amazing history having been standing since the 1100s!

As we left, we learnt about the fight for the castle, which left a real impression on us as that night we continued our research and ending up watching “Outlaw King” a film about Robert The Bruce having been inspired by the history of the Scottish war of independence.

Would thoroughly recommend the castle to anyone visiting Edinburgh. Make sure you get the audio guide, it’s very cheap and the more info you listen to, the more you get out of your visit!

All the staff were so friendly and helpful, the whole place feels very relaxed and I can imagine this would be great with kids.
Written 14 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Flavie
Chantilly City, France113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
Visit the castle on a Saturday morning from the first hour.
Take your seats on the internet before coming, as the number of places is limited and entry is by time slot.
Entry costs 20 pounds per person, and Audio Guide 3.5 pounds.
The tour lasts easily half a day, there are several museums dedicated to military history, a converted prison, a jewel room and a magnificent 360° view of Edinburgh.
Be careful, take warm clothes including rainwear, part of the tour is outdoors and the wind is important.
This visit is essential and very complete.
Automatically translated
Written 15 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CDNTerry
Toronto, Canada572 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Solo
Spectacular castle!! Make sure you book your tickets ahead of time as same day tickets often sell out early. Scottish jewels are great but expect lineups to get into the building and no photos/videos allowed in the room. Lots of great things to see, cannons, the chapel, war memorial, armaments rooms, etc. easy to spend 2-3 hours or more here. The climb to the castle can involve a lot of steps depending on the direction you come from and the entrance into the castle, while having no or few steps is still hilly so expect a bit of steep slopes.
Written 9 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

spidwid
Penzance, UK279 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
Visited the castle on a sat, I forgot the time of my booking reservation, and I telephoned that morning, the staff were very quickly able to find my booking details so that I was reassured.
I was told to catch the bus from my campsite which took us straight into Edinburgh city, which is massive. We were advised from a fellow camper to get off at Prince's Street, and the quickest route from there to Edinburgh castle was on foot. We followed Google maps, which took us straight there. The approach to the castle is steep, and it was full to the capacity of multicultural tourists by the coach load. A scaffolding seating area was up, because in July, they have concerts. We made our way through the crowd whereby a notice was displayed advising the site was fully booked, so without a ticket, sadly, people were being turned away.
The staff scanned our tickets and asked us if we needed a scooter to take us up to the castle, which we gladly accepted. This was actually little shuffle cars, taking you.
We met Robert the driver, such a lovely kind gentleman, very, very respectful man, he told us that we were going through a secret tunnel that other guests did not see, he told us which buildings were easily accessible. He also advised us if we had any issues, to either find the guides or go into the shop or cafe area and we would be helped.
The castle was jam, packed with visitors but queing was easy, and the exhibits were fantastic. Robert explained the Scottish crown jewels were there and a war memorial building, which the only two places you were not allowed to take photos.
All the staff were informative and kind, nothing was too much trouble. There was so much to see and it was impossible to take it all in to be fair. There were large print guide books throughout the buildings, which was fantastic.We realised when leaving the venue that there were also audio guides,for £3.50 which I recommend having.
We saw Robert ferrying people back and forth all day, so we flagged him down and asked him if we had missed anything. He said have you seen this, etc, etc, and then he mentioned the prisons. Sadly we missed them so he said “jump in the taxi, I will drop these other guests at the exit and take you back to the prison” As I said a real true gentleman, and an asset to the attraction. The only negative I can say is when I went into the ladies toilets, omg, shockingly disgusting. I couldn't believe women were so grosse. The castle is a definite must see, and I highly recommend a visit.
Written 9 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MJ
Toronto, Canada42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Friends
PLEASE do not listen to reviews that are saying this place is too touristy if you want to see this castle. Absolutely it is designed for tourists, but if you are in Edinburgh to soak in the history, there really is so much here you can get up close and personal with and I’d honestly call this a highlight. Between exhibits, museums, and the literal castle, you get to see so many artifacts and buildings that will show up in other parts of the city’s history, as well as get some great views as well. Highly recommend the audio guide, book your tickets far in advance (and at an earlier time slot if you want slightly less crowds), and be prepared to walk. Enjoy!
Written 24 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tanya E
7 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Business
I organised tickets for a group of people travelling from New Zealand, to include Afternoon Tea. The city was very busy with many roads closed, and the walk up to get inside the Castle is further than we thought, so we missed our time slot, but staff on the gate were accommodating and let us in. Once inside the castle, there didn't appear to be any maps/signs showing how to locate the tea rooms, and the tickets don't stipulate this either. Some of the group, were pretty tired already from the long walk up in the heat, with the steep climb and cobbles, however, the views made up for it! I tried to find a staff member who could direct us, but it proved tricky to find someone! However, we were directed in the end, and the tea rooms are at the very top of the Castle next to the Great Hall and opposite the Crown Jewels, just in case anyone else has difficulty locating it! However, it was worth the climb, as once we got there the Afternoon Tea really was delicious! It was worth every penny, and all explained to us, with a choice of teas or coffee, and we all opted for the extra glass of Prosecco/Gin. I highly recommend Afternoon Tea at the castle to anyone - just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there!!
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ImogenWillis
Surrey, UK123 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
Ensure to prebook tickets online for a time slot - you can get in 10 minutes before your time slot if you arrive early.

Tickets for adults are £18 each, free for children under 5 and children from 5-15 is £11. There are audio guides you can purchase for an additional £3. Tickets can be displayed on your phone so no printed required.

If possible ensure to be there around 1pm to see the daily 1pm gun fired from the cannon at the top.

This is not an easy walk or visit so ensure you’re physically able to walk around the steel hills in the castle.

The castle offers clear views across Edinburgh and is delightful to see. There are lots of difference parts to the castle such as the hospital, the prison, the chapel etc.

I would strongly recommend the audio guide if you want to know more about the history as there is hardly any information displayed around the castle itself. If however you just want to see what was what and wonder around you don’t need to purchase anything additionally.

There is no shop or place to purchase any drinks inside the castle itself so ensure to bring your own drink if it is a hot day or require any food.

If it is a rainy day ensure to wrap up as there is limited protection or places inside to gather - wear good shoes as it gets slippery!
Written 4 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kiwijules
York, UK24 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Friends
A typical cold, torrential rain and gusty wind day in Edinburgh that made guidebooks / audio guides unusable. Signage is somewhat poor - the Castle may be a working barracks but they have really missed a trick by not having a good visual / movie guide re castle history and development along with the growing town as a good starting point as I have encountered in other countries. While the castle is small the lack of cohesive signage or even suggested route, especially in the weather, was irksome. How visually, hearing, physically impaired folk would manage and enjoy a visit I do not know. Even more irritating the museum had some sort of alarm set off that saw it evacuated and given the weather meant we couldn’t hang around to see when it would reopen. Decided to have a spot of afternoon tea due to wanting to be out of the rain - the tearoom had “run out” and was closed by 1430. We went to the cafe lower down in the Castle - it was lovely with the views but all the uncovered foodstuffs before the counters was concerning especially seeing folk pick up stuff and put it back. For almost £20 per head I felt conned and that this was not value for money. I have had far more spectacular visits in other countries for under £10. It’s no wonder folk complain about the cost of tourist attractions in the UK.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review of your visit to the castle. We are sorry to hear that it did not live up to expectations. Unlike other castles, Edinburgh Castle has spent a large portion of its existence as a military fortress rather than a Royal residence and, as such, offers a different visitor experience. As it is a functioning military base, there are parts of the castle that are not open to visitors. However, we believe there is a wealth of things to see and do, including the Honours of Scotland, the Prisons of War and Fight for the Castle exhibitions, the National War Museum of Scotland, St Margaret’s Chapel – the oldest building in Edinburgh. The castle terrain is challenging in places, but we have a range of resources and services available to allow visitors to access the site, including BSL tours, visual stories, large print resources, ear defenders and a mobility car that is available to take visitors to different parts of the castle. We are also in the process of commissioning a full-site access review. We take value for money very seriously and are constantly seeking ways we can upgrade the experience to meet visitors’ needs and expectations. As part of this, we are about to undertake a signage review across the site and we will take your comments on board as part of this process. The admission costs for Edinburgh Castle are regularly reviewed to ensure value for money - our admission cost not only contributes to maintaining this beautifully historic location but also contributes to preserving our 340+ sites across Scotland. We do offer excellent value membership or explorer passes for those wanting to explore a variety of locations. Thanks again for taking the time to leave feedback. Thank you for your comments regarding our catering. cake displays. At present, we do operate an open cake table that is approved by local health authorities and our Health and Safety team, however we will take your feedback on board and discuss where improvements can be made to our display. Our afternoon teas are very popular and often are fully booked, as was the case on the day of your visit. We recommend to book afternoon teas at the castle in advance to guarantee entry. Our catering prices are costed annually in conjunction with Historic Environment Scotland and through comparisons with visitor attractions around the UK. Many thanks again for taking the time to leave a review.
Written 18 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

chocolatechip100
London, UK165 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Friends
We visted in a very blustery spring afternoon in April (storm kathleen) 2024 whilst in the city for a long weekend. Its a must see landmark, set high up along the royal mile with great views of the city. It does get busy, especially queueing to see the crown jewels but it's definitely value for money with all the museums included in the entry fee and the memorial for the fallen. Allow about 2.5 hours if you want to see ot all and make sure you wear comfy shoes!
Written 11 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Emeline R
Lyon, France10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
Castle which has a rich history spanning several centuries.
I had a great time discovering his experience!! 4 hours meeting the different eras that this place has gone through and I thank the audio guide (£3.50) for all the information and anecdotes/stories they told me.
I felt really immersed in the different moments that the place experienced.

In terms of attendance, 7,000 people per day seems enormous but the crowd is surprisingly well distributed (except at the royal jewelry store where you have to wait 10 minutes but with the audio guide the waiting time seems non-existent! )

The £19.50 entrance fee was worth it even if I admit that I was quite skeptical at first but the places and museums were able to reassure me.
Google
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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EDINBURGH CASTLE: All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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