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Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock with Ross Fountain in the foreground, Scotland.
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From happy customers

Loved by 48 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Michaela Safarikova
GB

Michaela

United Kingdom
Feb 2026
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We really enjoyed our visit with my daughters and friends, comparing the present with the past and what we know about Mary, Queen of Scots. The sweet endings was the green garden and authentic coffee in the courtyard.
Olga kruk
PL

Olga

Poland
Jan 2026
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+1 more

I am Polish and love Scotland and the Scots, and my greatest dream was to see Holyrood Castle. And my dreams came true.
Khelly Tacheva
TM

Khelly

Turkmenistan
Feb 2026
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İ had a great experience with this Hop-on Hop-off tour! The itinerary was well-planned and covered all the main sights. Both the driver and the guide were very friendly and professional. Highly recommended
FATEHYAB SINGH
IN

Fatehyab

India
Dec 2025
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Loved the dungeon experience Everyone was extremely engrossed in their roles and felt like we were actually present Had a wonderful time
Carole Johnson
GB

Carole

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
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I had visited before but it was my daughter's first visit and she was picked as Sweaty Betty - she thoroughly enjoyed this and the Judge was particularly excellent in her role. We had a really enjoyable visit, with staff engagement making us laugh and scream in equal measure. I would certainly return to the Edinburgh Dungeons.
Dolorès Cléroux
CA

Dolorès

Canada
Sep 2025
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I loved being able to get off , visit and carry on later. I did the Red bus around town, and the Blue Eoyal tour that allowed me visiting the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Stephen Trudeau

Stephen

Sep 2025
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The itinerary covered many places of interest. Generally good balance with travel and visit times for all the places visited. Felt a bit limited in regard to having time to browse gift shops but can't imagine how this could be changed as time for visiting landmarks was very good and wouldn't suggest making day any longer than that already scheduled! We had a wonderful time. Brian, our tour guide, was outstanding! His stories were informative and presented in an entertaining manner. He was very friendly, accommodating and made all feel welcome. He seemed to really care that all the attendees had a wonderful experience and we did!! We were quite impressed with how he wove together history and explanation of local landmarks and legends and supported this with topic specific (Scottish) musical accompaniments. It has made for a memorable trip!
Tiffany Graham

Tiffany

Sep 2025
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+2 more

Our tour guide, Linda was amazing! She involved the group in ways that made even this very antisocial person comfortable and included without feeling overwhelmed. Linda's knowledge and presentation of the history we walked in were outstanding and kept us all waiting for the next story! If we ever make it back, we will be using Mercat Tours again!

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Overview: Edinburgh Castle Tickets

  • Ways to explore: Choose from 45-minute guided tours, walking tours, or combo tickets with access to other attractions. Most tours include free time to explore Edinburgh Castle independently as well.
  • Additional access: Some tours offer upgrades, such as a 1.5-hour tour, a Royal Mile small-group guided walking tour, or a special Christmas guided experience with a complimentary guidebook.
  • Unique experiences: For an experience beyond the castle itself, try the Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour or the The Silver Tour - Scotch Whisky Experience.
  • When to book: Book your tickets at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred time.
  • Best upgrade: Extended guided tours or themed combos offer deeper insights and access to additional attractions for a fuller Edinburgh experience.

Which Edinburgh Castle ticket is best for you?

Ticket typeIncludesUpgradesGuideWhy pick this
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

Entry to Edinburgh Castle, 45-min guided tour, free exploration, city audio app

1.5-hour extended guided tour, Royal Mile small-group walking tour

Yes

Provides a fast yet informative guided tour with free time to explore the castle independently

Royal Mile Tour

90-min walking tour of the Royal Mile, and 45-min tour of Edinburgh Castle with guide & TourTalk audio

None

Yes

Lets you uncover hidden stories of the Royal Mile while gaining essential castle insights.

Scotch Whisky Experience

Edinburgh Castle 45-min tour, 50-min Whisky tour, tasting, souvenir glass, expert guide, multilingual audio guides

None

Yes

Combines historic castle exploration with an immersive whisky tasting for a unique Scottish experience

Royal Attractions

Edinburgh Castle entry, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse, 48-hr hop-on hop-off bus, multilingual audio, English guide

None

Yes

Combines three royal attractions with a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Entry and tour of Edinburgh Castle tour, live guide, Palace of Holyroodhouse entry, multimedia guide

Small-group guided tour of Palace of Holyroodhouse with guidebook

Yes

Lets you explore two major royal residences in one day with guided context for deeper understanding.

Harry Potter Walking Tour

2-hr Harry Potter walking tour, entry to Edinburgh Castle, small group, local guide

None

Yes

Offers a themed walking tour that combines castle history with iconic Harry Potter locations.

What to expect at Edinburgh Castle

Royal Palace and Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Family exploring Edinburgh Castle courtyard, Scotland.
Tour guide leading a group on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, near historic buildings.
Tour guide explaining Edinburgh Castle to visitors on the Secrets of the Royal Mile Tour.
Guests sampling whiskey at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh.
Palace of Holyroodhouse exterior with stone towers and courtyard in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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A step inside history

Walk through the castle gates and across the stone courtyard. Right away, you’ll get panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Royal Mile with a cityscape steeped in centuries of stories.

See the castle’s top highlights

On standard guided tours, you’ll explore the castle’s top highlights, including St. Margaret’s Chapel, the One O’Clock Gun, and military displays. Later, continue to explore the castle at your own pace, preferably when crowds are lighter for the best experience.

Go deeper with extended tours

If you want more, opt for the 1.5-hour extended guided tour or a Royal Mile small-group walk. These offer extra stops, richer insights, and a deeper look at castle life and Edinburgh’s streets.

Guided insights

Learn more about what you see with your guide or a multilingual audio guide. Explore the nuances of the castle, Scotland’s most famous, and keep an ear out for hidden facts you normally wouldn’t find elsewhere.

Try something a bit different

Fancy a themed experience? Pair your Edinburgh Castle visit with a Royal Mile tour, entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or the Scotch Whisky Experience. You’ll enjoy castle history combined with fun experiences and stories you won’t get on the standard tour.

See more royal spots in one day

With the Royal Attractions combo, you can also visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Britannia. Hop on the 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour to move seamlessly between landmarks with audio guides included.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Edinburgh Castle

  • Booking window: Guided and small-group tours can sell out quickly, especially extended tours and combo experiences. Book your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred time.
  • Entry & routing: Standard tours meet at designated points outside the castle. Entry includes a brief guided portion, though some interior areas may not be accessible during the guided section.
  • What’s included: Standard guided tours cover entry to Edinburgh Castle and its main highlights, plus free time to explore independently. Some tours include multilingual audio guides, while others feature an expert guide.
  • Special upgrades: Some guided tours include upgrades such as a 1.5-hour extended guided tour, a Royal Mile small-group walking tour, or a small-group Christmas guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse with a guidebook.
  • Combo tickets: Some combo tickets include Edinburgh Castle entry along with entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scotch Whisky Experience, or a Royal Mile walk. The Royal Attractions combo includes two additional landmarks, offering a fuller Edinburgh experience.
  • Policies and accessibility: Tickets require a valid ID for verification. While much of the castle is wheelchair accessible, the grounds have uneven terrain and steps, and some areas may not be fully accessible.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Royal crown displayed on a red cushion at Edinburgh Castle.
Royal Palace and Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle interior with ornate fireplace and royal coat of arms.
Visitors observing the Great Hall's medieval armor display inside Edinburgh Castle.
St. Margaret's Chapel altar with stained glass window at Edinburgh Castle.
Canon gun on Edinburgh Castle terrace with stone buildings in the background.
Mons Meg cannon at Edinburgh Castle with visitors nearby.
Signposts at Edinburgh Castle directing to Crown Square, Great Hall, and War Memorial.
Prisoner hammocks inside Edinburgh Castle's war room.
Edinburgh cityscape with Arthur's Seat from Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
The Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle showcasing historical weaponry and suits of armor.
Edinburgh Castle ramparts with view of historic architecture and visitor exploring.
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Honours of Scotland (Crown Room)

Step into the Crown Room and marvel at Scotland’s most treasured regalia: the crown, sceptre, and sword of state, along with the ancient Stone of Destiny. Standing before these symbols, you can almost feel the weight of centuries of Scottish history.

Royal Palace

Wander through the Royal Palace apartments, where Mary, Queen of Scots, once lived. The rooms are preserved with period furnishings, giving you a sense of daily life in the 16th century.

Queen’s Room

Peek inside Queen Mary’s private bedchamber, where she gave birth to James VI. The preserved details make it easy to picture life at the heart of the Scottish monarchy, offering a personal connection to the history you’re exploring.

Great Hall

Walk into the Great Hall and look up at the immense oak hammer-beam ceiling, adorned with carved bosses featuring Scotland’s thistles. This space once hosted grand state banquets.

St Margaret’s Chapel

This tiny Gothic chapel, dating back to around 1130, is a spot tucked within the castle walls. Its thick stone walls, small rose window, and quiet atmosphere make it easy to imagine the worshippers who once gathered here.

One O’Clock Gun

Time your visit to hear the famous One O’Clock Gun, fired daily from the Half Moon Battery. The loud, resonant blast has been a tradition since 1861 and was used to help ships in the Firth of Forth set their clocks.

Mons Meg Cannon

Check out Mons Meg, the enormous 15th-century cannon that once fired massive stone balls over 3 kilometers. Standing beside it on the Argyle Battery, you can appreciate both the scale of medieval artillery and the breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s skyline behind it.

Scottish National War Memorial

Step into the Scottish National War Memorial for a quiet, reflective experience. Its stained glass, Rolls of Honour, and chapel-like interior tell the stories of Scottish soldiers from World War I onwards, giving a moving perspective on the nation’s sacrifices.

Prisons of War Vaults

Explore the castle’s underground vaults, where prisoners of war were once held. The graffiti, narrow corridors, and historic artefacts create an immersive sense of what life was like for captives centuries ago.

Half Moon Battery

Climb to the Half Moon Battery for panoramic views over the city and the Firth of Forth. This defensive vantage point not only offers incredible photo opportunities but also a tangible sense of the castle’s military importance throughout Scotland’s history.

Regimental Museum

Step inside the castle’s Regimental Museum and discover Scotland’s military heritage. Exhibits of uniforms, medals, and weapons bring the stories of Scottish soldiers to life, while displays make it clear why these regiments played such a vital role over the centuries.

Western Defences

Walk along the Western Defences, a series of walls and fortifications built to protect the castle from attack. The elevated positions provide some of the most beautiful panoramic views over the city.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle

Visitors walking towards the Esplanade Entrance of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
  • 1st April – 30th September: 9:30 am – 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
  • 1st October – 23rd December: 9:30 am – 5 pm (last entry 4 pm)
  • 24th December: 9:30 am – 4 pm (last entry: 2:30 pm)
  • 27th–31st December: 9:30 am – 5 pm (last entry 4 pm)
  • 1st January: 11 am – 5 pm (last entry 4 pm)
  • 2nd January – 31st   March: 9:30 am – 5 pm (Last entry: 4 pm)

Edinburgh Castle is closed on 25th and 26th December.

Know more
Tourists with a guide at the entrance of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.

Weekdays vs Weekend

  • Weekdays: Quieter with shorter queues. Arrive at 9:30 am to explore highlights before crowds build. Late afternoons after 2 pm are also calmer and offer soft light for photography.
  • Weekends: Busier than weekdays. Especially in summer. Early morning visits are best. Late afternoons have fewer crowds but less time before closing.

Peak vs Low Season

  • Peak Season (June–August): The busiest time of year. Large crowds, long queues, and a lively atmosphere due to festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Military Tattoo.
  • Low Season (November–March): Quieter with shorter queues. Colder weather, shorter daylight hours, and occasional wet conditions.
Know more

Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK.

  • By Bus: Lothian Buses and hop-on hop-off buses stop near the castle entrance on the Royal Mile.
  • By Tram or Train: Princes Street is the nearest stop. Short uphill walk to the castle.
  • By Car: No on-site parking. Nearby public car parks include Castle Terrace NCP and Princes Street Car Park.
Know more
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with historic stone buildings and equestrian statue.
  • Edinburgh Castle has one main entrance through the main Portcullis Gate at the Esplanade. This is the primary public entrance. Other historic gates exist but are not normally open to the public.
  • The main route to the castle is across the esplanade, a broad tarmac area measuring approximately 110m in length. The surface is smooth and has a gentle uphill incline of around five degrees.
Accessible parking sign for disabled drivers in a residential area.
  • Food & Drink: The Redcoat Café serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks. The Tea Rooms offer lighter fare, cakes, and afternoon tea.
  • Parking: A limited number of parking spaces are available on the Castle Esplanade for visitors with accessibility needs who hold valid tickets. These spaces may be used upon arrival or reserved ahead of time.
  • Toilets: Accessible and standard toilets are available across the site. Baby-changing facilities are included.
  • Gift Shops: Shops near the Crown Square and the entrance sell Scottish souvenirs, books, and unique gifts.
  • Audio Guides: Audio guides are available for hire from the audio booth located just beyond the portcullis gate. These are free for blind or partially sighted visitors and are available in several languages.
Person with a guide dog crossing a street using a white cane.
  • Visitors with disabilities are welcomed on the same basis as all other guests and pay the standard admission rate according to their ticket category. If assistance is needed during the visit, complimentary entry is provided for accompanying carers.
  • Sensory backpacks can be borrowed from the ticket office during your visit. Each pack includes a selection of sensory-support items such as earplugs, tactile toys, sunglasses, binoculars, a wind-up torch, a sand timer, and a sensory guide map.
  • A small supply of ear defenders for both adults and children is available on-site.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed within the castle grounds, including indoor areas.
  • Visitors who require assistance reaching Crown Square can request a mobility vehicle at the castle entrance.
  • Adapted toilet facilities are located near the castle entrance. However, these facilities are currently under refurbishment and will remain closed until Spring 2026. In the meantime, temporary toilet units are available on the Castle Esplanade.
  • Printed transcripts of the audio guide are offered in large print and Open Dyslexic large print formats. Digital versions can also be downloaded to personal devices.
Person overlooking Edinburgh cityscape from a hilltop, with Edinburgh Castle visible in the distance.
  • Large luggage such as suitcases or backpacks with a capacity of 30 litres or more are not allowed inside the castle.
  • Storage facilities are not available for luggage, pushchairs, prams, or other personal belongings.
  • Security checks, including bag inspections, may take place at the entrance.
  • Remain on marked visitor routes and avoid touching historic features.
  • Photography for personal use is allowed. Professional or commercial shoots require prior permission.
  • Pets are not allowed inside the castle. Only registered assistance dogs are permitted inside.
  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Respect ongoing military activities, including the daily One O’Clock Gun ceremony.
Colorful macarons arranged in a circle, Paris street food.
  • Queen Anne Tea Rooms: This on-site café offers light snacks or afternoon tea with scenic views. Signature treats include raspberry desserts, chocolate macarons, and specialty sandwiches.
  • Redcoat Café: The Redcoat Café serves hearty Scottish and international dishes, including sandwiches, soups, salads, and cakes for a midday break.

Visitor tips

  • Start your visit with with the Honours of Scotland. Head there early to avoid crowds.
  • For deeper insight into the castle, take guided tours. Expert guides reveal hidden stories and historical insights you normally would not get anywhere else.
  • Explore beyond the main attractions. Visit the National War Museum, Half Moon Battery, and David’s Tower once you have finished with the castle interiors.
  • Catch the One O’Clock Gun. Arrive a few minutes early for the daily 1 pm firing.
  • If you are keen on getting the best photographic shots, visit in the morning or late afternoon. The light at that time is best for panoramic shots.
  • Plan 2–3 hours to tour the castle. This is enough time to enjoy museums, chapels, battlements, and exhibits.

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Castle tickets

Standard tickets give entry to the castle, Crown Square, battlements, museums, and main highlights. Some tours or combo tickets add access to the Royal Mile or Palace of Holyroodhouse.

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