9:30am to 6pm, daily (last entry 4:30pm)
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland. You can find it on the map here.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse has 3 entrances: the Main Entrance, the Queen’s Entrance, and the Gatehouse Entrance.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse sees an average of 437,000 visitors per year.
Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is located at the eastern end of Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, nestled at the foot of the stunning Holyrood Park. With its dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, the palace offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and royal charm.
Closest landmark: Museum of Edinburgh (0.3 km)
Directions to Holyrood PalaceFrom the city center, head along the A8 toward the Royal Mile, and you’ll find the palace on your left. While parking is limited at Holyrood Palace, there are several nearby parking garages for your convenience, including:
The Palace of Holyroodhouse features three main entrances:
Only if you’re incredibly lucky. The Palace is His Majesty’s official residence in Scotland, but public visits happen when the royal family isn't in town.
There are no covered areas in the gardens, so bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket. Re-entry isn’t guaranteed, so plan wisely.
Not anymore. These historic rooms are preserved for visitors and tours. But yes, they were once very much the real deal, especially during Mary, Queen of Scots’ reign.
No. Leave the telescopic tech at home, photography isn’t allowed inside anyway. But you’ll find plenty of selfie-worthy spots in the courtyard and outside the Palace.
Speak to a Warden or visit the Visitor Centre. They’re the unofficial detectives of Holyrood when it comes to lost phones, scarves, or more.
Small sketchbooks and pencils? Absolutely! Just leave large easels or paints at home to keep the palace interior safe.
Yes, the palace uses a one-way system to manage flow and safety. So soak up everything in order, you can’t circle back for second looks!
It is! You can wander through the Abbey ruins with your general admission, but it may close during bad weather or maintenance, so check ahead.
Pounds sterling only, please! They also accept all major credit and debit cards, but no euros, dollars, or other foreign currencies!