Discover the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, a landmark in Scotland's breathtaking landscape | Mobile Tickets | Instant Confirmation

Get Edinburgh Castle Tickets | Instant Confirmation

Edinburgh Castle Opening Hours | Best Time to Visit

Edinburgh

Book tickets to the Edinburgh Castle to spend a day steeped in history, culture, and heritage. Grab your tickets now for discounted prices to this historical landmark in Scotland.

01 Edinburgh: Attractions_Edinburgh Castle

Spend some time getting to know the story of Edinburgh Castle, an icon in Scotland's history. The castle itself is laden with a rich history that you can learn all about on your tour. Grab your tickets at amazing discounts, now!

Book Edinburgh Castle Tickets - Save Upto 15-20%

Bestseller

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

Dive into Edinburgh's regal wonders with a 48-hour hop-on, hop-off tour and get access to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia &amp; Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Top Experiences

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour with Fast-Track Entry

Uncover Scotland's rich history with a 90-minute guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, inclusive of fast-track entry and personalized language options.

Walking Tour of Royal Mile with Optional Edinburgh Castle Tickets

Discover the spellbinding beauty of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as you listen to your expert guide narrate true stories of the capital’s past.

Edinburgh Harry Potter Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle Entry

Discover the magic of Edinburgh with a Harry Potter-themed guided walking tour that includes entry to the enchanting Edinburgh Castle.

Headout's Top Recommendations

Edinburgh Castle

Opening Hours

Book Edinburgh Castle tickets & tours

How long should I spend at Edinburgh Castle?

1.5-2 hours

3-4 hours

5+ hours

Edinburgh Castle Location

Edinburgh Castle History

About Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle - Opening Hours

Find out everything you need to know about Edinburgh Castle opening hours, last entry and the best time to visit.

All you need to know about Edinburgh Castle opening hours

Experience Scotland's regal heritage by exploring the Crown Jewels, including the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State. Witness the Stone of Destiny, the coronation seat with deep historical significance.

Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny

Step into the opulent Royal Palace, adorned with ornate furnishings and historical artifacts. Visit the Great Hall, where important banquets and ceremonies took place, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Scottish royalty.

Visit the Royal Palace

Remember to visit the tranquil St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Admire its simple yet elegant architecture and enjoy a moment of reflection in this historic and intimate space.

St. Margaret's Chapel

Delve into the military history of Edinburgh Castle by exploring the National War Museum. Visit the various exhibitions showcasing the castle's role in conflicts and its importance as a strategic stronghold.

National War Museum

Gaze upon the mighty Mons Meg, a massive medieval cannon that once symbolized military might. Learn about its history and the impressive firepower it once wielded.

Mons Meg Cannon

Experience the daily firing of the One O'Clock Gun, a tradition dating back to 1861. Witness the booming spectacle and observe the simultaneous time ball drop on Calton Hill.

One O'Clock Gun

Gain insight into the harsh realities faced by prisoners of war in the castle's Prisons of War exhibition. Discover the stories of those held captive and the conditions they endured.

Prisons of War Exhibition

Engage with educational exhibits and interactive displays throughout the castle. Learn about the rich history of Scotland, its monarchs, and the evolution of Edinburgh Castle through the ages.

Educational exhibits and interactive displays

To ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors, large bags are not permitted with the premises of Edinburgh Castle.

For security and space considerations, suitcases are not allowed inside Edinburgh castle.

Perched atop an extinct volcanic hill, Edinburgh Castle stands as an iconic symbol of Scotland's rich history and architectural grandeur. Offering beautiful panoramic views of the city, this historic fortress houses the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Immerse yourself in the past with guided tours and witness the military might of the Royal Palace. Save time by booking your tickets and tours online for a memorable visit to Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle, atop an extinct volcanic hill, invites you to delve into Scotland's rich heritage. Discover the Crown Jewels, explore historic royal chambers, and soak in panoramic city vistas on your visit to this Scottish landmark.

Dominating Edinburgh's skyline, Edinburgh Castle perches atop Castle Rock, offering a glimpse into Scotland's past. From the splendor of the Crown Jewels to the stunning views, every corner of this fortress narrates a fascinating chapter of Scotland's enduring legacy.

For history buffs in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle stands as an essential destination. Immerse yourself in centuries of Scottish heritage and military history. Explore royal chambers, witness the Crown Jewels, and savor panoramic views of the city.

Located within the castle, the Redcoat Café provides a picturesque setting to enjoy light snacks, beverages, and stunning views of the city. It's an ideal spot to take a break and savor the surroundings.

The Redcoat Café

Situated just outside the castle entrance, the Queen Anne Tearoom offers a charming atmosphere and a selection of refreshments. It's a great place to relax before or after your visit to the castle.

The Queen Anne Tearoom

Location: This entrance is at the lower end of the Royal Mile and leads to the Esplanade, a large open space in front of the castle.Accessibility: The Esplanade Entrance is accessible for visitors with mobility challenges, and the castle provides ramps and other facilities for ease of access.

Esplanade Entrance

Location: Located within the castle walls, this entrance is part of the main gatehouse.Accessibility: Accessible for visitors, but the terrain within the castle can be uneven. Some areas may require additional assistance for those with mobility challenges.

Castle Gate Entrance

Location: Situated on the western side of the castle, the Argyle Battery Entrance provides access to the western part of the castle, including the National War Museum.Accessibility: Some parts may have stairs or uneven surfaces, so visitors with mobility challenges should check for specific accessibility information.

Argyle Battery Entrance

Location: This entrance is located near the Half Moon Battery, providing access to the upper parts of the castle.Accessibility: Involves stairs, so it may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. Check for alternative routes or assistance.

Lang Stairs Entrance

Deep within David's Tower lies a time capsule, placed during its construction in 1892. This hidden container holds newspapers, coins, and other artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the late 19th century when the tower was built.

Since 1861, Edinburgh Castle has fired the One O'Clock Gun as a time signal for ships in the Firth of Forth. This daily tradition continues, and visitors can witness the firing, which is synchronized with the famous time ball descent atop the Nelson Monument in Calton Hill.

Displayed in Crown Square, Mons Meg is a colossal medieval cannon gifted to King James II in 1457. This massive artillery piece could reportedly launch a 330-pound gunstone over two miles, making it a formidable symbol of military prowess.

Within the castle grounds lies a poignant and lesser-known site – the Pet Cemetery. Dating back to the 1840s, this hidden corner pays tribute to the loyal dogs of military officers and their families, offering a touching glimpse into the personal lives of those who served.

Tucked away within the castle walls, St. Margaret's Chapel is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, dating back to the 12th century. Named after Queen Margaret, it stands as a testament to the enduring religious significance and architectural heritage of the castle.

Edinburgh Castle is open from 9:30am to 6:30pm between April and September and from 9:30am to 5pm between October and March.

Uncover centuries of Scottish history within the castle walls, from royal residences to military strongholds. Explore the Great Hall, witness the Stone of Destiny, and more.

Marvel at Edinburgh's breathtaking skyline from the castle's vantage point. Capture panoramic views of the city, its medieval streets, and the scenic landscape, that perfectly blends history and natural beauty.

Behold the glittering Crown Jewels, symbols of Scotland's regal heritage. Admire the dazzling craftsmanship and historical significance of these precious artifacts, carefully preserved within the castle walls.

Immerse yourself in the fortress's military legacy. Explore the gun emplacements, barracks, and dungeons, gaining insight into the strategic importance of Edinburgh Castle throughout the ages.&nbsp;

Engage in immersive guided tours and interactive exhibits that bring history to life. From educational displays to captivating reenactments, Edinburgh Castle offers a dynamic and enriching experience.

Edinburgh Waverley is the main train station in the city center. The castle is located about a 10 minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Limited on-street parking is available near the castle, but it's advisable to use city center car parks and then walk to the castle due to restricted parking spaces and traffic regulations in the immediate vicinity.

Access to Edinburgh Castle from the city center is often through Johnston Terrace. Follow signs for this route, and you'll find a bike-friendly path leading up to the castle.

The nearest bus stop to Edinburgh Castle is on Johnston Terrace, near the castle's entrance. It takes about 5 to walk from the bus stop to the castle.

Edinburgh Castle involves walking on cobbled paths and uneven terrain. Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear to explore the site comfortably, especially if you plan to climb to the upper areas for panoramic views.

To avoid crowds, plan your visit during off-peak hours or consider arriving early. The castle tends to be less crowded in the morning, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of its attractions.

Scotland's weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers and be prepared for rain, even on sunny days. Carrying an umbrella or a waterproof jacket ensures you can enjoy the outdoor areas without being caught off guard.

Don't forget your camera or smartphone to document your visit. The castle's architecture and the scenic surroundings offer many photo-worthy moments.

As the oldest surviving building, St. Margaret's Chapel tends to attract attention. Visit it early in the day to experience its serenity and avoid potential crowds that may gather later on.

Edinburgh Castle Opening Hours

Edinburgh Tickets | Secondary Footer

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.

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.

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

Book exclusive tours of museums, attractions, historical sites, and more in Edinburgh. Get 10% additional cashback, flexible cancelation, and 24/7 support on each booking.

Plan and Book Top-rated, Exclusive Tours in Edinburgh | Headout

Tours

Book fun & informative walking tours in Edinburgh only at Headout. Visit famous sites with a knowledgeable local guide and cancel for free.

The Best Walking Tours in Edinburgh  | Headout

Walking Tours

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. 

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)

Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Scottish & Portuguese (Red & Blue routes)

Horrible Histories children’s commentary

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.

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)

Popular stops: Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile

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)

Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse

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)

Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse

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.

This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.

Your guide dogs and pet dogs are welcome aboard.

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 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

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

Visitors exploring the Royal Edinburgh Tour, featuring skip-the-line entry tickets to 3 royal attractions and hop-on hop-off bus tours

Book Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours in Edinburgh only at Headout. Explore popular attractions at your own pace and save big. Cancel for free and get 24/7 support.

Top-Rated Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in Edinburgh

HOHO

Was able to visit all the sites we wanted to see .. didn't need to drive our vehicle.. eliminated finding and paying for parking. Drivers were friendly .

When you do not have so much time, hop on hop off is a splendid way to see a lot in short time. We did the tour with granted acces to the Edinburgh castle, holyroodhouse and the Brittannia.
Validatie the tickets was easy, since the little offucehouse was  in front of our building g.
Good experience. Enjoyed it.


Bus tours were great! Informative and funny. Made it to the castle and palace quickly. Only knock I have is the need to make our way to Waterloo Place to validate our tickets. Required a Tram from the Ocean Terminal to St. Andrew's Square rather than catching the Tour at the Ocean Terminal.

Ease of hop on buses helpfulness of staff. Negative was Holyrood Was not open during our stay yet still paid for the entrance.

All 3 attractions were so interesting. The 3 different coloured buses were so regular and we have to mention our trip on the Green one with commentary from Joy and the bus driver David. It was really enjoyable, Joy was both informative and funny. A great way to see Edingburgh and would really recommend this trips.

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.

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.

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

Harry Potter Edinburgh

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.

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.

Statue of Earl Haig outside Edinburgh Castle

Room for prisoners from war inside Edinburgh Castle

Book the best guided tours in Edinburgh only at Headout. Enjoy a detailed visit to top landmarks in the city with your multilingual tour guide.

Top-Rated Guided Tours in Edinburgh  | Headout

Guided Tours


The guide was fantastisc and gave a lot of details about the history of Scotland and England. 
We really enjoyed the tour. The guide, Jennifer, explained everything with a lot of humour.

Richard the tour guide was very good
He explained everything in the castle  so we were interested  on entire tour 
Funny great body language to tell the story 
Our highlight of edinburgh 

Paesaggio e architettura mozzafiato. La guida, Richard, era davvero super bravo e coinvolgente. Sicuramente consigliato!

Stunning scenery and architecture. The guide, Richard, was really super good and engaging. Definitely recommended!

El storytelling del guia habla hispana, un genio! Te hace meterte de lleno en la historia del lugar y ves todo desde otra perspectiva 

The best thing about our experience was our guide Sarah!! She was so detailed, animated, funny and knowledgeable about the history of Edinburgh.  She made this tour for our family!! 

Free Cancellation

Instant Confirmation

Mobile Ticket

Audio Guide

Guided Tour

Edinburgh Tickets

Enjoy a fast, and convenient booking experience by booking your tickets online.

Book Online

Avoid the hassle of long queues as your transfer vehicle will be waiting for you at your selected pickup point.

Convenient Pickup

Get to reach your destination in a fast and comfortable manner.

Drop Off

 A convenient, personalized transportation service for individuals or small groups, offering a comfortable and direct ride to and from an airport.

 A comfortable cost-effective transportation option in for multiple passengers traveling to or from an airport.

Headout is an authorised and trusted partner of the venue offering a curated selection of the best experiences to enjoy this attraction.

We understand plans change, cancel for free up to 72 hours before the event.

Headout is a brand trusted by over 15 million guests that offers a curated selection of the best experiences. This is not the venue's website.

Headout is an authorised and trusted partner of the venue offering a curated selection of the best experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Apr 1 TO Sep 30 Timings Days (Apr 1 TO Sep 30)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	9:30am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Tuesday	9:30am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Wednesday	9:30am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Thursday	9:30am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Friday	9:30am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Saturday	9:30am–6:00pm	5:00pm
Sunday	9:30am–6:00pm	5:00pm

All you need to know about Edinburgh Castle opening hours

Edinburgh Castle

Best time to visit the Edinburgh Castle

Weekday vs Weekend

Peak season vs Low season

Get Help 24/7

Headout

We Accept