During the course of its long life, Edinburgh Castle has suffered sieges, been a military bastion in times of peace and in times of war, and served as a safe haven for kings.The Entrance Gateway leads you into the castle, the oldest building in Edinburgh. The first things to catch the eye are the statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, two Scottish patriots who lived in the 14th century and fought for Scotland's independence. Their stories have been immortalised in the massive Hollywood blockbuster, “Braveheart”.Visit the One O'clock Gun on the Argyle Battery, which has been shot at 1 p.m. every day (except Sundays) since 1861. The tradition started as a timekeeping aid for the shipmasters in nearby Leith Harbour, and has continued to this day, becoming part of the culture of the city.Scottish royal history is a large part of any tour of Edinburgh Castle. Stroll around the splendid Great Hall where Charles I feasted, and see the bedroom which was the birthplace of James VI of Scotland, uniter of the thrones of Scotland and England in 1603. The Royal Palace plays host to the sparkling Scottish crown jewels – a real highlight of the tour. The “Stone of Destiny” also sits here, a piece of sandstone which has become a traditional part of the coronation of monarchs down through the years.Before you leave, pause for a moment to remember the country's many war dead at the Scottish National War Memorial, commemorating casualties from the First and Second World Wars, among other conflicts.Edinburgh Castle is easily reachable on foot from the eastern end of Princes Street. Be aware that some of the cobbled streets in the castle are at quite a sharp gradient, and may present difficulties for people with impaired mobility. Parts of the castle are wheelchair accessible, and there are a limited number of wheelchairs which can be borrowed on site. No parking is available, except for a small amount of disabled parking, which should be booked before your visit if required.Edinburgh Castle is open daily, but opening hours vary throughout the year – check online when planning your visit for more details. A guided tour is included in the entrance price, but you can also choose to follow the route outlined on the castle website at your own pace.
Edinburgh Castle Tours and Activities
Tours & day trips
See all 443 activitiesOpens in new tabLoch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 72 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling
Attractions
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabRoyal Edinburgh Ticket- Hop-on-Hop-Off with Edinburgh Castle
Private & custom tours
See all 164 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh: Scottish Tasting Platter at The Tolbooth Tavern
Classes & workshops
See all 11 activitiesOpens in new tabQueensferry: Maid of the Forth 1.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise
Reviews of Edinburgh Castle
5/5 - Excellent
Go early as it really gets busy by lunchtime.
5/5 - Excellent
Go straight to the Crown Jewels for a viewing before the crowds. Headsets were extremely helpful and informative.
5/5 - Excellent
Make sure you book first by going directly to the Edinburgh Castle site. The buses take you close by and if you have access to google maps it is real easy to get in and around Edinburgh. You can also get a M Ticket app on your phone and get 4 pound tickets to ride on the buses and trams as many times as you like. It is normally 1.70 per ride.
5/5 - Excellent
Be ready for lots of stairs.Remember that you cannot take backpacks in just small bags.
Popular places to visit
Princes Street Gardens
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Grassmarket
During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.
Scotch Whisky Experience
Enjoy a barrel ride, talks and tasting sessions in this lively museum devoted to Scotland's famous amber nectar.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Rich with history, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Edinburgh. Discover the area's entertainment choices and notable monuments.
Royal Lyceum Theatre
Enjoy a show at Royal Lyceum Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Add the area's shops or notable monuments to your travel plans.
Usher Hall
Enjoy a show at Usher Hall, a popular theatre in Edinburgh. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and shops.
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