Edinburgh Castle: Hours, Address, Edinburgh Castle Reviews: 4.5/5
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
4.5
09:30 - 18:00
Monday
09:30 - 18:00
Tuesday
09:30 - 18:00
Wednesday
09:30 - 18:00
Thursday
09:30 - 18:00
Friday
09:30 - 18:00
Saturday
09:30 - 18:00
Sunday
09:30 - 18:00
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 Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Suggested 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.
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,018 within 5 kms
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
5,560
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • British • Healthy
Dine
2,036
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • European • British • Contemporary
The Grain Store
1,253
0.4 km€€€€ • European • British • Contemporary
Mary's Milk Bar
1,097
0.2 km€ • Dessert • Cafe
Social Bite
257
0.4 km€ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Fast food
L'Etoile Salon de Tea
195
0.2 km€ • French • Cafe • European
Cuckoo's Bakery
432
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Bakeries • Cafe • British
Meze Meze
1,865
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Mediterranean • European • Turkish
La Barantine
243
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Dessert • French • Cafe
Navadhanya
839
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Indian • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
395 within 5 kms
Argyle Battery
5
17 mHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
One O’Clock Gun
1
18 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks
St. Margaret's Chapel
157
21 mReligious Sites
National War Museum of Scotland
837
47 mMilitary Museums • History Museums
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
6,529
0.2 kmCultural Events
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
14,522
0.3 kmScience Museums • Observation Decks & Towers
Castlehill
70
99 mNeighbourhoods
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
77
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
88
91 mMilitary Museums
The Scotch Whisky Experience
6,579
0.3 kmDistilleries
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
51,415 reviews
Excellent
29,904
Very good
14,948
Average
5,102
Poor
1,055
Terrible
409
Gerry S
Whitstable, Kent195 contributions
Interesting
Sep 2021
Cobbled courtyards limited places to sit and get refreshments and use toilets. The War museum was packed and little more than a covid trap. The rest was fine and safe. When I queried it with staff I was advised that the museum wasnt actually part of the castle but merely used the space and set their own rules ie none. A mockery when the rest of the place has good covid controls. Otherwise its well worth a visit but if busy I would avoid the war museum.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Amelia S
Leicester, UK20 contributions
Beautiful historical landmark
Sep 2021 • Couples
Of course when visiting Edinburgh we had to do the castle! It stands right over the city and is so beautiful to see. Inside is just as good!
Probably wouldn’t recommend with kids as there’s a lot of information and well preserved spaces that aren’t really very ‘exciting’, however as a grown up nerd, I absolutely loved it!
My boyfriend who has now been dragged round many castles said this was one of the better ones, so that’s a good review from him!
Definitely recommend if you’re interested in history and lovely views.
Probably wouldn’t recommend with kids as there’s a lot of information and well preserved spaces that aren’t really very ‘exciting’, however as a grown up nerd, I absolutely loved it!
My boyfriend who has now been dragged round many castles said this was one of the better ones, so that’s a good review from him!
Definitely recommend if you’re interested in history and lovely views.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BT3rd
Datchet, UK5,690 contributions
Magnificent Working Castle
Sep 2021 • Couples
This is still a British army base and the third most visited attraction in the UK I believe. It is well worth a visit. The structure itself is somewhat to behold. Inside you get great views across the city and there are always the coronation regalia.
Scottish Heritage members and second year English and Welsh Heritage members can book online and get in for free.
Scottish Heritage members and second year English and Welsh Heritage members can book online and get in for free.
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ellwood2
Edinburgh, UK70 contributions
horribly poor people traffic management and dangerous exhibit (trip hazards)
Sep 2021
1
everywhere in the castle people are way too close together and it is too crowded -
2
the one way system failed completely at the shop entrance - on the way out of the castle in order to get into the shop I waited where told to wait in the narrow (two way traffic) roadway at the shop then a crowd of closely packed visitors were directed to stand round me (not in a distanced line actually but clustered round me) - this blocked the exit the roadway significantly for pedestrians and people hade to exit on the entry pathway - in the meantime I found myself suddenly surrounded by 10 people within inches of me with no masks on (I had a mask) - total nightmare - the only thing I could do was just leave the castle promptly - there was nowhere else to go as the shop was redlighted (no more customers allowed) and there was nowhere to stand away from all these people
3
avoid the "prisoners of war" exhibit at all costs - it warns you it is low lighting but it is practically black and very hard to se the steps and other trip hazards - also people were too close together with no controls on distancing - moreover it was a tacky meaningless boring exhibit and certainly not worth the risks involved - total nightmare for children I'd recommend you do not take your children in
everywhere in the castle people are way too close together and it is too crowded -
2
the one way system failed completely at the shop entrance - on the way out of the castle in order to get into the shop I waited where told to wait in the narrow (two way traffic) roadway at the shop then a crowd of closely packed visitors were directed to stand round me (not in a distanced line actually but clustered round me) - this blocked the exit the roadway significantly for pedestrians and people hade to exit on the entry pathway - in the meantime I found myself suddenly surrounded by 10 people within inches of me with no masks on (I had a mask) - total nightmare - the only thing I could do was just leave the castle promptly - there was nowhere else to go as the shop was redlighted (no more customers allowed) and there was nowhere to stand away from all these people
3
avoid the "prisoners of war" exhibit at all costs - it warns you it is low lighting but it is practically black and very hard to se the steps and other trip hazards - also people were too close together with no controls on distancing - moreover it was a tacky meaningless boring exhibit and certainly not worth the risks involved - total nightmare for children I'd recommend you do not take your children in
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kriss P
Buckingham, UK58 contributions
Breath taking views
Aug 2021
Amazing views and lovely walk through the history of Edinburgh.
Staff were very friendly answering all our questions with a friendly smile on their faces.
Staff were very friendly answering all our questions with a friendly smile on their faces.
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
maerceci2014
Maidenhead, UK148 contributions
A must
Sep 2021
You can hardly go to Edinburgh and miss out the castle. Even if you have little appreciation for history, the views alone are a knockout. Surprised and touched by the dogs' cemetery, so easily missed if you don't look over the walls. The Honours are a little underwhelming they way they are displayed, but the highlight for me was Mons Meg and the War Memorial hall. So rare to see the Q-Ships remembered. Booking necessary, but no queue to get in and the upside is that there is no crowding. Staff very polite and helpful.
Written 21 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
buttondeb
atlanta407 contributions
Try Other Castle Instead
Sep 2021
As others have said must pre book, most other places have stopped that practice. So after making the climb up the hill had to book on phone and next available time was in 2 hrs so had to wander around until then. Inside castle not nearly has interesting as many others in Scotland, they could do so much more with it. Not worth waiting the 2 hrs for. Views are good but they are free from outside the Castle.
Written 21 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peterborough-stig
Peterborough, UK465 contributions
A must for evert visit to Edinburgh
Sep 2021 • Couples
No visit to Edinburgh would be complete, without a trip to the castle. Posing high above Edinburgh.
The castle is what you would expect, most of the historic rooms / areas are open and you are free to walk about as you see fit. There is an audio guide you can hire for a wee bit more and the castle is signposted and well laid out.
The castle is what you would expect, most of the historic rooms / areas are open and you are free to walk about as you see fit. There is an audio guide you can hire for a wee bit more and the castle is signposted and well laid out.
Written 21 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
emma c
Sheffield, UK95 contributions
Very underwhelming would not return
Sep 2021
We visited on our recent trip to Edinburgh and thought this was a 'must do' place to visit.
Firstly you can't just go and get a ticket, you have to pre book for a selected time. We turned up and were told you couldn't just go in so we pre booked for later in the day and collected the tickets from the machines.
I was expecting it to be really interesting and lots to see inside like the rooms in other stately homes. This is not the case, the only rooms to see inside are the crown jewels (which you have to queue up for outside) and a couple of other rooms.
It was no where near as good as other stately homes or historical buildings that we have visited and we left feeling underwhelmed and a little disappointed
Not worth the money in my opinion.
Firstly you can't just go and get a ticket, you have to pre book for a selected time. We turned up and were told you couldn't just go in so we pre booked for later in the day and collected the tickets from the machines.
I was expecting it to be really interesting and lots to see inside like the rooms in other stately homes. This is not the case, the only rooms to see inside are the crown jewels (which you have to queue up for outside) and a couple of other rooms.
It was no where near as good as other stately homes or historical buildings that we have visited and we left feeling underwhelmed and a little disappointed
Not worth the money in my opinion.
Written 21 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jacqui H
4 contributions
The castle
Sep 2021
I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed looking around the castle. The staff were very polite and made sure not too many people were looking around at the same time.
We were able to get some amazing photos of Edinburgh.
We were able to get some amazing photos of Edinburgh.
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Geordieboy73
1 contribution
Do you still have to queue after purchasing a ticket before hand on line.
worldtraveller30
london34 contributions
U just need to show your booking
corrinaandrob
Padstow, UK21 contributions
Good morning, We are looking to book tickets in July please can you advise about audio guides please? It says online we can add This on checkout but no option to? Thank you Corrina
Nicola D
Hessle, UK2,914 contributions
We got ours from the kiosk just inside the castle. It was quite interesting.
Azual L
2 contributions
If I book for 12pm and miss the timeslot, would they allow us in say 1 or 2pm?
ByHistoricScotland
Edinburgh1 contribution
Hello, many thanks for getting in touch. If you miss your timeslot we’ll do our best to fit you in if we can, but if we’ve reached capacity for the time slot when you arrive, you will have to wait until the next available time slot. Hope this helps.
Simon B
Southampton, UK17 contributions
Coming to Edinburgh next week we wish to visit castle . I can see we book and pay in advance on line how to we obtain ticket for entry .
areb5
282 contributions
Booking in advance is necessary. You will have the option of choosing an e-ticket, instead of a paper ticket.
You don't need to print the e-ticket. Just save it in your phone, and the barcode in it will be scanned upon entry.
We have very much difficulty walking any distance can we get a taxi to drop us off at the castle gates and if so roughly how much
emster25
Derby, UK39 contributions
Hi, yes you can, as we did this for my friend who has MS. We got a taxi from in the main street where the castle is and up to the top. Was a few pounds. Obviously, would depend where you were travelling from x
Connie I
Tucson, AZ18 contributions
What are the names and descriptions of the 3 crosses outside the entrance to the castle? One is the Scottish Horse, but what are the other two?
CANNOMAD
Stuttgart, Germany753 contributions
The other two crosses on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade are:
The Runic Cross
The Runic Cross was erected in 1862 for the memory of the officers, non-commissioned officers and private soldiers of the 78 highland regiment who died at the suppression of the First Relief of Lucknow in 1857 during the Indian Mutiny (1857-59). Eight men of the 78th Highland Regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross and the regiment also received the Victoria Cross during the campaign. The troubles started due to the bullets being covered with pig fat which they had to bite. Putting pork of any kind in their mouths is against the religious beliefs of Hindus and Muslims.
78th Highlanders Memorial Celtic Cross
The Celtic Cross was erected in memory of Colonel Kenneth Douglas Mackenzie a member of the 92nd Highlanders
for forty-two years. He died on duty in 1873.
Kevandme96
Tennessee51 contributions
Traveling with our son who uses a wheelchair. Do I need to make prior arrangements for the "mobility van" to the top of the hill? Also, what else is in place to help those with mobility issues?
Mobile158356
10 contributions
I would phone ahead to make sure your son can gain access to all the sites in the castle.
Rachel L
22 contributions
Is it free to walk around the outside of the castle ?
Mike Miller
Apex, NC18 contributions
You can walk in front of the castle, but there is not much to see.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Castle
- Edinburgh Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 09:30 - 18:00
- We recommend booking Edinburgh Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 97 Edinburgh Castle tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Edinburgh Castle:
- Potter About Edinburgh - with quizzes (From €17.66)
- Small Group Royal Mile Walking Tour with Optional Entry to Edinburgh Castle (From €22.90)
- Edinburgh Afternoon Tea Experience (From €43.55)
- Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh (From €23.54)
- 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh w/ Private Tour Option (From €121.65)
- Hotels near Edinburgh Castle:
- (0.02 km) Castle Hill
- (0.19 km) Wilde Aparthotels By Staycity - Grassmarket
- (0.23 km) Apartment By Castle
- (0.25 km) Edinburgh Luxury Apartment with Castle View
- (0.25 km) Castle Rock Hostel
- Restaurants near Edinburgh Castle:
- (0.06 km) The Tea Rooms at Edinburgh Castle
- (0.06 km) Redcoat cafe at Edinburgh Castle
- (0.24 km) Mary's Milk Bar
- (0.25 km) L'Etoile Salon de Tea
- (0.22 km) Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
- Attractions near Edinburgh Castle:
- (0.02 km) Argyle Battery
- (0.02 km) One O’Clock Gun
- (0.02 km) St. Margaret's Chapel
- (0.05 km) National War Museum of Scotland
- (0.10 km) Dirty Daves