Book Edinburgh Castle Tickets

4.4(126 Ratings)

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Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
Exterior of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
Statue of Earl Haig outside Edinburgh Castle
Canon gun on Edinburgh Castle
View of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle
Museum of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Room for prisoners from war inside Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
Exterior of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
Statue of Earl Haig outside Edinburgh Castle
Canon gun on Edinburgh Castle
View of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle
Museum of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Room for prisoners from war inside Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
Exterior of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
Statue of Earl Haig outside Edinburgh Castle
Canon gun on Edinburgh Castle
View of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle
Museum of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Room for prisoners from war inside Edinburgh Castle
Guided Tours
4.5(37)

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour with Fast-Track Entry

from
£35
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min.
  • Experience the riveting history of Scotland unraveled on a 90-minute guided tour of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
  • Bypass the bustling crowds with seamless fast-track entry, and uncover the castle's sights like the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the city's oldest building.
  • See the sword and the scepter, the oldest crown jewels in the British Isle, and admire the city views from the Castle Rock volcano.
  • Tailor the experience to your comfort with your preferred language, English or Spanish, and steep in 3,000-year-old Scottish history.
  • Experience the riveting history of Scotland unraveled on a 90-minute guided tour of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
  • Bypass the bustling crowds with seamless fast-track entry, and uncover the castle's sights like the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the city's oldest building.
  • See the sword and the scepter, the oldest crown jewels in the British Isle, and admire the city views from the Castle Rock volcano.
  • Tailor the experience to your comfort with your preferred language, English or Spanish, and steep in 3,000-year-old Scottish history.

Inclusions

  • 90-min guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
  • Skip-the-line entry
  • English/Spanish-speaking guide
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for the One O'Clock Gun – it fires every day except Sunday, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
  • Guide dogs are allowed on this experience.
  • Flash photography and tripods are not allowed on this experience.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tourists enjoying the City Sightseeing 24-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Edinburgh, with a view of the iconic Edinburgh Castle in the background
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets
Tourists exploring the Royal Edinburgh Tour, featuring iconic landmarks like the Edinburgh Castle, on a hop-on hop-off bus
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets, including a visit to the historic Edinburgh Castle
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets
Royal Yacht Britannia docked in Edinburgh with visitors exploring the deck.
Tourists exploring the Royal Edinburgh Tour, featuring skip-the-line entry tickets to 3 royal attractions and hop-on hop-off bus tours
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Tourists enjoying the City Sightseeing 24-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Edinburgh, with a view of the iconic Edinburgh Castle in the background
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets
Tourists exploring the Royal Edinburgh Tour, featuring iconic landmarks like the Edinburgh Castle, on a hop-on hop-off bus
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets, including a visit to the historic Edinburgh Castle
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets
Royal Yacht Britannia docked in Edinburgh with visitors exploring the deck.
Tourists exploring the Royal Edinburgh Tour, featuring skip-the-line entry tickets to 3 royal attractions and hop-on hop-off bus tours
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Tourists enjoying the City Sightseeing 24-Hr Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Edinburgh, with a view of the iconic Edinburgh Castle in the background
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets
Tourists exploring the Royal Edinburgh Tour, featuring iconic landmarks like the Edinburgh Castle, on a hop-on hop-off bus
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets, including a visit to the historic Edinburgh Castle
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour tickets
Royal Yacht Britannia docked in Edinburgh with visitors exploring the deck.
Tourists exploring the Royal Edinburgh Tour, featuring skip-the-line entry tickets to 3 royal attractions and hop-on hop-off bus tours
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
4.4(53)

Edinburgh: Royal Attractions Tickets + 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

from
£69
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Edinburgh's royal sights are yours to see on this 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour with direct access to 3 popular attractions – your wallet will thank you later.
  • Discover royal history at Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace and tour the floating Royal Yacht Britannia, all easily accessible on your HOHO route.
  • Marvel at medieval rooms, precious jewels, and Mary, Queen of Scots' living spaces and peek into the Queen's private rooms and fancy tea areas.
  • Explore Edinburgh your way with the flexible HOHO pass. Three routes and 50+ well-placed stops let you see top sights like the Parliament and the Botanic Garden.
  • Catch a double-decker every 12-30 mins and pick from various language audio guides or enjoy lively English commentary on the green route.
  • Edinburgh's royal sights are yours to see on this 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour with direct access to 3 popular attractions – your wallet will thank you later.
  • Discover royal history at Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace and tour the floating Royal Yacht Britannia, all easily accessible on your HOHO route.
  • Marvel at medieval rooms, precious jewels, and Mary, Queen of Scots' living spaces and peek into the Queen's private rooms and fancy tea areas.
  • Explore Edinburgh your way with the flexible HOHO pass. Three routes and 50+ well-placed stops let you see top sights like the Parliament and the Botanic Garden.
  • Catch a double-decker every 12-30 mins and pick from various language audio guides or enjoy lively English commentary on the green route.

Inclusions

Royal Attractions

  • Entry to Edinburgh Castle (Close to stop 6, Red route & stop 8, Green route)
  • Entry to Royal Yacht Britannia (Close to stop 14, Blue route)
  • Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse (Close to stops 11 & 13, Red route, stops 13 & 15, Green route & stop 3, Blue route)
  • Audio guide in 30 languages (Royal Yacht Britannia)
  • Audio guide in 9 languages (Palace of Holyroodhouse)

Edinburgh HOHO

  • 48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
  • Access to Red, Green & Blue routes
  • Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Scottish & Portuguese (Red & Blue routes)
  • Horrible Histories children’s commentary
  • English-speaking guide (Green route)
  • Headphones
  • Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Red route

  • First bus: 8:45 am from Waterloo Place (9am from Nov 3 to Apr 5, 2025)
  • Last bus: 5:57 pm from Waterloo Place (4pm from Nov 3 to Apr 5, 2025)
  • Frequency: Every 12-30 mins
  • Popular stops: Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile

Green route

  • First bus: 8:51am from Waterloo Place (9:10am from Nov 3 to Apr 5, 2025)
  • Last bus: 5:51pm from Waterloo Place (3:40pm from Nov 3 to Apr 5, 2025)
  • Frequency: Every 12-30 mins
  • Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Blue route

  • First bus: 8:40am from Waterloo Place (9:20am from Nov 3 to Apr 5, 2025)
  • Last bus: 5:25pm from Waterloo Place (3:50pm from Nov 3 to Apr 5, 2025)
  • Frequency: Every 15-30 mins
  • Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Royal Attractions

  • Tip: Don't miss the Honours of Scotland exhibition at Edinburgh Castle, showcasing the oldest Crown jewels in the British Isles!
  • Parts of Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse are wheelchair accessible.
  • The Royal Yacht Britannia experience is wheelchair accessible.
  • Note that the ticket lets you visit Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia within 48 hours. If you need to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse outside of that timeframe, your ticket will still be valid.
  • Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult or senior citizen during their visit.

Edinburgh HOHO

  • This experience is wheelchair accessible.
  • Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.
  • Your guide dogs and pet dogs are welcome aboard.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tour group enjoying a walking tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, led by a guide
Tour guide revealing secrets of the Royal Mile with a view of Edinburgh Castle in the background, Edinburgh, Scotland
Tour guide leading a group on the Secrets of the Royal Mile tour with Edinburgh Castle in the background
Tour guide revealing secrets of the Royal Mile with view of Edinburgh Castle in the background, a unique experience in Edinburgh, Scotland
Tour group enjoying a walking tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, led by a guide
Tour group enjoying a walking tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, led by a guide
Tour guide revealing secrets of the Royal Mile with a view of Edinburgh Castle in the background, Edinburgh, Scotland
Tour guide leading a group on the Secrets of the Royal Mile tour with Edinburgh Castle in the background
Tour guide revealing secrets of the Royal Mile with view of Edinburgh Castle in the background, a unique experience in Edinburgh, Scotland
Tour group enjoying a walking tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, led by a guide
Tour group enjoying a walking tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, led by a guide
Tour guide revealing secrets of the Royal Mile with a view of Edinburgh Castle in the background, Edinburgh, Scotland
Tour guide leading a group on the Secrets of the Royal Mile tour with Edinburgh Castle in the background
Tour guide revealing secrets of the Royal Mile with view of Edinburgh Castle in the background, a unique experience in Edinburgh, Scotland
Tour group enjoying a walking tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, led by a guide
Walking Tours
NEW

Walking Tour of Royal Mile with Optional Edinburgh Castle Tickets

from
£24
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr. 15 min.
Guided tour
  • Meet your expert English-speaking guide at Mercat Cross and get started on your journey to the Royal Mile.
  • As you walk past the iconic sites along this route, learn about the fascinating secrets and stories of the city.
  • Take a journey through time and explore the lives of Edinburgh residents like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, a Scottish poet and lyricist.
  • Upgrade your experience and add to your ticket a skip-the-line entry into Edinburgh Castle to learn about the many battles fought here such as the War of Independence.
  • See the oldest crown jewels here and pay a visit to the legendary Stone of Destiny where Scottish kings used to be anointed.
  • Meet your expert English-speaking guide at Mercat Cross and get started on your journey to the Royal Mile.
  • As you walk past the iconic sites along this route, learn about the fascinating secrets and stories of the city.
  • Take a journey through time and explore the lives of Edinburgh residents like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, a Scottish poet and lyricist.
  • Upgrade your experience and add to your ticket a skip-the-line entry into Edinburgh Castle to learn about the many battles fought here such as the War of Independence.
  • See the oldest crown jewels here and pay a visit to the legendary Stone of Destiny where Scottish kings used to be anointed.

Inclusions

  • Walking tour of the Royal Mile
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Skip-the-line entry into Edinburgh Castle (optional)
  • Wireless audio system with headphones (optional)
  • Tip: Take home souvenirs to remember this tour. Royal Mile is lined with shops that sell great souvenirs.
  • You can bring your own headphones or earphones to use with the audio system. It’s a standard 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Edinburgh's famous Harry Potter castle in Scotland
Group of tourists exploring Edinburgh's Amazing Harry Potter Tour with a guide, featuring a view of the historic Edinburgh Castle
Guide interacting with tourists on a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh
Group of tourists exploring Edinburgh on a Guided Harry Potter Walking Tour, passing by historic buildings and landmarks
Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
The elephant cafe where Harry Potter was born
Edinburgh's famous Harry Potter castle in Scotland
Group of tourists exploring Edinburgh's Amazing Harry Potter Tour with a guide, featuring a view of the historic Edinburgh Castle
Guide interacting with tourists on a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh
Group of tourists exploring Edinburgh on a Guided Harry Potter Walking Tour, passing by historic buildings and landmarks
Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
The elephant cafe where Harry Potter was born
Edinburgh's famous Harry Potter castle in Scotland
Group of tourists exploring Edinburgh's Amazing Harry Potter Tour with a guide, featuring a view of the historic Edinburgh Castle
Guide interacting with tourists on a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh
Group of tourists exploring Edinburgh on a Guided Harry Potter Walking Tour, passing by historic buildings and landmarks
Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
The elephant cafe where Harry Potter was born
Walking Tours
NEW

Edinburgh Harry Potter Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle Entry

from
£58
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
4 hr.
Guided tour
  • Join a Harry Potter-themed walking tour guided by an expert English-speaking guide, complete with exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle.
  • The Edinburgh University Old College will draw you in with its 18th-century allure, and visit the Elephant House café, the birthplace of Harry Potter.
  • Try to spot Tom Riddle's grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard, and see a shop on Victoria Street that inspired the famous Diagon Alley.
  • Enter Edinburgh Castle, a symbol of Scottish heritage, and learn about its dark connection with witches and wizards of the past.
  • Join a Harry Potter-themed walking tour guided by an expert English-speaking guide, complete with exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle.
  • The Edinburgh University Old College will draw you in with its 18th-century allure, and visit the Elephant House café, the birthplace of Harry Potter.
  • Try to spot Tom Riddle's grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard, and see a shop on Victoria Street that inspired the famous Diagon Alley.
  • Enter Edinburgh Castle, a symbol of Scottish heritage, and learn about its dark connection with witches and wizards of the past.

Inclusions

  • Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Entry to Edinburgh Castle
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for "The Boy Wizard" shop on Victoria Street, known for its Harry Potter-themed merchandise.
  • This experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
  • Guide dogs and pets are welcome on this experience.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Why visit Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle
  • Built atop an extinct volcano: Castle Rock, the hill on which the castle sits, is the plug of an extinct volcano that last erupted over 340 million years ago.
  • Hidden tower: David's Tower was built in the 14th century but collapsed during the Lang Siege of 1573. The tower ruins were buried beneath the Half Moon Battery, but they were rediscovered in 1912.
  • Prison for American prisoners of war: During the American War of Independence, over 1,100 American prisoners were held captive in Edinburgh Castle. One prisoner, Ebeneezer Fox, carved a depiction of the American flag into the wall of his cell. This is believed to be the earliest known depiction of the Stars and Stripes outside of the United States.
  • Said to be haunted: There are many different ghost stories associated with Edinburgh Castle, including the story of the headless drummer, the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots, and the ghost of a dog that was once thrown from the castle walls.

Which Edinburgh Castle ticket is best for you

Edinburgh Castle

If you are on a budget

Go for: Walking tour
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Yes

  • Join an English-speaking guide on an exploration of the Royal Mile and the attractions along the route and learn about Scotland's history and its prominent residents like Mary Queen of Scots and Roberts Burns.
  • Upgrade your tickets for skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle and an audio guide

Recommended tour:

Edinburgh Castle

If you are short on time

Go for: Priority entry ticket
Duration: 1.5 hours
Guide: Audio

  • Bypass the long lines and crowds with priority access on this 90-minute guided tour of Edinburgh Castle.
  • Explore the Chapel of Saint Margaret and see the Crown Jewels and learn about their history with an audio guide in English or Spanish.

Recommended tour:

Edinburgh Castle

If you want to explore beyond

Go for: Combo ticket
Duration: 4 hours
Guide: Yes

  • Pair your visit to Edinburgh Castle with a Harry Potter-themed walking tour with an English-speaking guide.
  • Explore the Edinburgh University Old College, the birthplace of Harry Potter at the Elephant House Cafe, Tom Riddle's grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard graveyard, and the shop that inspired Diagon Alley.

Recommended tour:

What to see at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Crown Jewels of Scotland

Behold the dazzling Crown Jewels, exquisite works of art. Crafted with gold, silver, and precious gemstones, the Crown of Scotland boasts the honor of being the oldest surviving crown in the British Isles.

Edinburgh Castle

Great Hall

A colossal space measuring over 100 feet in length and 40 feet in width, this historic hall once resonated with celebration during banquets and royal ceremonies. Today, it houses the National War Museum of Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle

Royal Palace

Wander through the corridors of the Royal Palace, once a regal residence, now a living museum that narrates the tale of Scotland's monarchs. Explore the King's Apartments, the Queen's Apartments, and the State Apartments.

Edinburgh Castle

St Margaret's Chapel

Gaze upon the ethereal beauty of St Margaret's Chapel, the castle's oldest gem. Legend has it that Saint Margaret, King Malcolm III's queen, gave birth to King David I. This simple chapel boasts a serene nave, choir, and side chapels.

Edinburgh Castle

Mons Meg

Encounter the colossal Mons Meg, a cannon of awe-inspiring proportions. This behemoth stretches over 16 feet in length and weighs a staggering 15 tons. In the 15th century, it stood as one of Europe's mightiest cannons.

Edinburgh Castle

One o'clock Gun

Join in the daily tradition that dates back to the 18th century, as the One o'clock Gun reverberates across the castle grounds. This midday spectacle draws both locals and visitors alike to the Half Moon Battery.

Edinburgh Castle

Half Moon Battery

Not just a vantage point, the Half Moon Battery offers panoramic views. With the city and the sprawling countryside stretched before you, it's the perfect stage for the One o'clock Gun's thunderous performance.

Edinburgh Castle

National War Museum

Immerse yourself in Scotland's military legacy, spanning from the Jacobite Rebellions to the crucible of World War II. Marvel at the vast array of weapons, uniforms, and artifacts that bear witness to the nation's storied military history.

Edinburgh Castle

Scottish National War Memorial

Pay your respects at the solemn Scottish National War Memorial, a hallowed tribute to those who laid down their lives in the name of Scotland. It's a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.

Edinburgh Castle

Queen Anne Building

This majestic venue at Edinburgh Castle is available for booking for private events, banquets, or cocktail parties for up to 170 guests. See the castle lit up at night with a piper's welcome and flaming torches at the drawbridge at the event.

Edinburgh Castle

Real Mary King's Close

Venture beneath the historic Royal Mile to unearth a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers dating back to the 14th century. Unearth the city's clandestine past, with sights such as the Edinburgh Vaults, taverns, shops, and even a prison.

Edinburgh Castle

Queen's Embroideries

Artistry takes center stage in the Queen's Gallery, where royal embroidery by Mary Queen of Scots graces the walls. These exquisite creations are a testament to the royal artistry of the queen during her exile.

edinburgh castle

Argyle Tower

This vaulted chamber is dominated by a huge model trebuchet that towers above a stone ball believed to have been fired at the castle during the siege of 1296, the first time giant catapults are recorded being used in Scotland.

edinburgh castle

Prisons of War

In the 1700s and 1800s, pirates and prisoners of war were held in dark, cramped spaces below Crown Square, including prisoners from France, America, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, and Poland.

edinburgh castle

Regimental museums

Now known as the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the regiment helped King Charles II fight 17th-century religious dissenters called Covenanters. Both the Royal Scots Museum and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum are on top of the hill.

edinburgh castle

David's Tower

Originally the heart of the castle at 100ft, the tower was the royal residence for 100 years. It was built by David II in the 1300s but was incomplete at the time of his death in 1371. By the early 1500s, the Royal Palace took over as the residence.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle

Timings
Location
Entrances
Facilities
Tips
Eat
Stay
Nearby
Edinburgh Castle
  • April 1 to September 30: 9:30am to 6pm
  • October 1 to December 23: 9:30am to 5pm
  • December 24: 9:30am to 4pm
  • December 27 to 31: 9:30am to 5pm
  • January 1: 11am to 5pm
  • January 2 to March 31: 9:30am to 5pm

Last entry: One hour before closing time

Closed on: July 3, December 25, and December 26. Unexpected closures may occur due to bad weather or other circumstances.

Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

Find on Maps

Getting there

  • By metro: The nearest metro station to Edinburgh Castle is West End - Princes Street. From the station, it is a short walk up the Royal Mile to the castle.
  • By car: There is no public parking at Edinburgh Castle. However, there are several car parks in the surrounding area, including Castle Terrace Car Park, Princes Street Car Park, and Waverley Parking.
  • By bus: Some buses stop near Edinburgh Castle, including Lothian Buses 24, 35, 38, and 45. From the bus stop, it is a short walk up the Royal Mile to the castle.
Edinburgh Castle

There is only one main entrance to Edinburgh Castle, which is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Visitors can access the castle over a wooden-slatted bridge.

However, there are many other entrances to the castle that are used for specific purposes, such as:

  • The Esplanade Gate: This gate is used for access to the castle grounds and the Royal Military Tattoo.
  • The Argyll Battery Gate: This gate is used for access to the Argyll Battery and the One o'clock Gun.
  • The Crown Square Gate: This gate is used for access to the Crown Square area of the castle.
  • The Foog's Gate: This gate is used for access to the Upper Ward of the castle.

Visitors are not permitted to use these entrances unless they have a specific reason to do so, such as attending a military event or visiting the castle grounds.

Edinburgh Castle
  • Ticket office
  • Information desk
  • Guided tours
  • Audio guides
  • Year-round temporary exhibitions
  • Cafes & restaurants
  • Toilets
  • Gift shops
Edinburgh Castle
  • Many visitors to Edinburgh Castle stick to the main attractions, such as the Crown Jewels and Mons Meg. But there are also some hidden gems to be found in the castle. For example, you can visit the National War Museum of Scotland, which is housed in the castle grounds. You can also take a tour of David's Tower, which offers stunning views of the city.
  • Look for the hidden symbols and meanings. For example, the castle's portcullis gate features a carving of a crowned lion. This is a symbol of the Scottish monarchy. You can also find carvings of the thistle, the national flower of Scotland, throughout the castle.
  • Take a guided tour. Guided tours are a great way to learn about the castle's history and see all the highlights.
  • The Crown Jewels are one of the most popular attractions in the castle, so it's best to see them early before the crowds arrive.
  • The One o'clock Gun is fired from the castle every day at 1pm. It's a popular tourist attraction, so be sure to arrive early to get a good spot.
Edinburgh Castle
  • The Tea Rooms: Indulge in an afternoon tea or sample some of Scotland's best meals or sweet and savory snacks with a view of Edinburgh. Do try the Blacketyside raspberry, Fairtrade dark chocolate macaron, and the Ayrshire ham and Glendrath egg finger sandwich with Arran mustard.
  • Redcoat Cafe: Nestled within the castle grounds, this cozy café serves up a delightful mix of Scottish and international fare, from sandwiches and salads to hearty soups and delectable cakes.
Edinburgh Castle

Budget: Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Rose Street), Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Cityroomz Edinburgh

Mid-range: Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street), Old Waverley Hotel, Best Western Kings Manor Hotel

Luxury: The Witchery by the Castle, The Balmoral Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

Edinburgh Castle
  • The Royal Mile: This historic street is lined with shops, restaurants, and pubs, and it is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of Edinburgh.
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse: This royal palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, and it is open to the public for tours.
  • Arthur's Seat: This extinct volcano offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside, and it is a popular spot for hiking and walking.
  • Princes Street Gardens: These beautiful gardens are located at the foot of Edinburgh Castle and offer a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
  • National Museum of Scotland: This museum houses a collection of over 20 million objects, including artifacts from Scottish history, culture, and natural history.
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions: This popular tourist attraction offers a variety of optical illusions and interactive exhibits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Castle tickets

How much is a ticket to Edinburgh Castle?

Ticket prices vary depending on age and group size, but start at £19.50 for adults and £11.40 for children below the age of 15.

What do Edinburgh Castle tickets include?

Tickets typically grant access to the castle grounds, including various attractions such as the Crown Jewels, the Great Hall, and St Margaret's Chapel. Special exhibitions or guided tours may have separate fees.

Are discounts available on tickets?

Discounts are often available for seniors, students, and children. Additionally, you may find discounted rates for online bookings, family tickets, or in combination with other historic sites.

What is the cancelation policy?

The guided tour of Edinburgh Castle cannot be canceled or rescheduled. However, the Royal Mile walking tour and the Harry Potter walking tour can be canceled 24 hours before the experience and you will get a full refund.

How long does it take to complete a tour?

The duration of your visit depends on your interests, but most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the castle's various attractions and enjoying the breathtaking views of Edinburgh.

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Opening Hours