Plan your visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle

👉 The main public entrance is on the south side of the castle, reached from the Royal Mile via the wooden-slatted Esplanade Gate and Portcullis Gate. All visitors pass through security here before accessing the castle grounds.

👉 Start at Crown Square to see the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny. From there, explore the Royal Palace, then the Great Hall and National War Museum.

👉 After the interior highlights, step outside to visit the Half Moon Battery for city views and the One O’Clock Gun firing spot near the Redcoat Café.

👉 When you need a break, the castle has several places to eat and shop. Head over to either The Redcoat Café or The Tea Rooms in Crown Square for some Scottish delicacies. For souvenirs, browse the Portcullis Shop or the Crown Gift Shop.

Step into the Crown Room and marvel at Scotland’s most treasured regalia. The crown, sceptre, and sword of state stand alongside the ancient Stone of Destiny, connecting you to centuries of royal ceremonies.

Wander through the Royal Palace apartments where Mary, Queen of Scots, once lived. The period furnishings in these preserved rooms help you imagine the lives once lived within these 16th-century walls.

Peek inside Queen Mary’s private bedchamber, where she gave birth to James VI. Admire the intimate setting and preserved details that echo life at the heart of the Scottish monarchy.

Walk into the Great Hall and look up at the impressive oak hammer-beam ceiling adorned with carved thistles. This grand space once hosted state banquets and important gatherings.

Widely regarded as the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, this tiny Gothic chapel dates back to around 1130. Its thick stone walls and small rose window create a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that evokes medieval worshippers.

Time your visit to hear the famous One O’Clock Gun fired from the Half Moon Battery. This daily tradition began in 1861 and was originally used to help ships set their clocks.

Mons Meg is a huge 15th-century cannon that once fired stone balls over three kilometers. Stand beside it on the Argyle Battery and appreciate both its scale and the views over Edinburgh.

Step inside the Scottish National War Memorial for a reflective experience. The stained glass and Rolls of Honour in these rooms commemorate Scottish soldiers who died in the World Wars and later conflicts.

Climb to the Half Moon Battery for panoramic views over the city and the Firth of Forth. One of the most picturesque spots in the castle, this vantage point highlights its defensive importance throughout history.

• Weekdays: Weekdays are generally the best time to visit, especially early in the morning around opening (9:30 am) or later in the afternoon after 3 pm when tour groups begin to leave. 
  
• Weekends: Weekends tend to be busier throughout the day, with the heaviest crowds building from late morning to early afternoon. If possible, plan your visit between Tuesday and Thursday for a more relaxed experience.

• Peak season: The busiest period runs from June to August when summer tourism and school holidays bring larger crowds. August can be particularly busy due to the Edinburgh Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 
  
• Low season: Quieter months are November to February, though winter days are shorter. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and more manageable crowd levels.

• Visitors with disabilities are charged the standard admission rate, and proof of disability is not required.
  
• Free entry is available for accompanying carers when booking tickets, with up to two carers allowed per transaction.

• The castle is reached across the esplanade, a wide area of smooth tarmac with an uphill gradient of about 5 degrees.
  
• A small number of accessible parking spaces are available on the Castle Esplanade.
  
• Several manual wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
• A mobility vehicle to Crown Square can be arranged by staff at the castle entrance and can carry up to three passengers plus one wheelchair user.

• The One O'Clock Gun is fired daily at 1 pm except on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
  
• A limited number of ear defenders for adults and children are available to borrow from staff for visitors who may be sensitive to noise.

• Audio guides are available and are free for blind and partially sighted visitors.
  
• Print versions of the audio guide are available in large print and Open Dyslexic large print formats.
  
• Audio guide transcripts can also be downloaded to a personal device.

An on-site café serving soups, sandwiches, baked potatoes, cakes, and hot and cold drinks within the castle grounds.

A café offering traditional afternoon tea, cakes, sandwiches, and light meals made with Scottish ingredients.

A historic fine-dining restaurant near the castle entrance serving classic Scottish dishes and seasonal menus.

A contemporary Scottish restaurant located along the Royal Mile serving seasonal Scottish cuisine and drinks.

The castle’s main gift shop offers Scottish crafts, jewellery, books, clan tartans, toys, and Edinburgh Castle souvenirs.

A speciality shop focusing on Scottish whiskies along with traditional treats such as shortbread, tablet, fudge, and preserves.

A large Royal Mile shop selling kilts, tartan scarves, wool clothing, jewellery, and traditional Scottish gifts.

A specialist whisky retailer offering a curated selection of Scottish single malts and whisky-related gifts.

A modern hotel located in the Grassmarket area at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile.

A luxury boutique hotel located beside the castle gates, offering richly decorated suites within historic buildings.

A boutique hotel set in a converted historic building in Old Town, about a short walk from the castle.

A budget hostel located directly below Edinburgh Castle in the Grassmarket district.

• Travel time: 15–20 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley Station
  
• Closest station: Waverley Station
  
• Timings: Trains run frequently throughout the day

• Travel time: 10–15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre
  
• Closest stop: Princes Street / The Mound area
  
• Timings: Buses operate from early morning until late evening

• Travel time: Around 30 minutes from Edinburgh Airport to Princes Street
  
• Closest stop: Princes Street tram stop
  
• Timings: Trams run regularly from early morning until late evening