brown concrete building under blue sky during daytime
brown concrete building on top of hill
white and black castle on top of green mountain
All attractions

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland
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brown concrete building under blue sky during daytime

Photo by jim Divine

Rising high above Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, this centuries-old fortress seems to watch as the city below pulses with life. Bagpipes play somewhere in the distance; sharp winds whip across the volcanic peak as visitors stream past timeworn stone and iron gates. Up close, moss gathers in the shadowy nooks, and history feels as immediate as the scent of rain on ancient steps. This is a place that dominates more than the skyline—it digs deep into the spirit of Scotland’s capital. Edinburgh Castle, both formidable and welcoming, remains the city’s heart and its storybook crown.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
21 GBP
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

Every adventure to this iconic fortress benefits from a bit of smart planning. Long lines can snake down Castlehill during busy summer months, while autumn’s golden hours bring smaller crowds and gentler light. The castle’s central location atop Castle Rock makes arriving straightforward—most buses, the city’s hop-on hop-off tours, and even the tram can bring visitors close. Streets surrounding the castle can feel steep, and loose stones might catch small feet or tired ankles. Booking tickets ahead is highly recommended, especially if attending special events or the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

  • Best time to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons, especially April to June or September to November.
  • How to get there: Short walk from Waverley Station; buses and trams stop nearby; limited parking in city center.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair access along a designated route; baby carriers often more practical than strollers; benches throughout castle grounds.
  • Average visit duration: Allow 2–3 hours to explore fully; linger longer for audio tours or exhibitions.

Must see stuff

Edinburgh Castle is more than a single building—it’s a sprawling complex of towers, halls, batteries, and museums. Stone walls lead to hidden courtyards, where echoes of past sieges mingle with the shouts of modern school groups. Each corner holds fresh stories. The One O’Clock Gun fires with a heart-stopping boom, while the Honours of Scotland—the nation’s precious crown jewels—shine with crafted mystery inside dim vaults. Don’t miss quiet St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building, or panoramic lookouts offering rare, sweeping views over city rooftops and the Firth of Forth.

  • Key sights: Crown Room and Honours of Scotland; Great Hall with medieval weapons; Stone of Destiny; Mons Meg cannon.
  • Unique experiences: Watch the One O’Clock Gun; guided tours with local historians; explore the National War Museum inside castle walls.
  • Photo-worthy locations: Argyle Battery overlooking Princes Street; Half Moon Battery with skyline vistas; atmospheric Crown Square.
  • Cultural or historical facts: Royal vaults that held prisoners of war; St Margaret’s Chapel built in the 12th century; several ghost legends add to the castle’s allure.

Tips for your visit

A few simple strategies turn a regular visit into an unforgettable day. Weekday mornings promise lighter crowds and plenty of time for photos. The weather—even in summer—turns quickly, so pack both a windbreaker and sunglasses. Since cobblestones demand sturdy shoes, skip fashion footwear in favor of comfort. Several indoor spaces provide cover from sudden drizzles. Eating is not allowed in most exhibition rooms, but a cozy cafe at the top lets you warm up over traditional tea or a scone. Lastly, a little curiosity and patience go a long way, especially when waiting for a glimpse of the Honours behind glass.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive at opening; weekdays are quieter than weekends and school holidays.
  • What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes; layers; refillable water bottle; camera with extra battery.
  • Local etiquette or rules: Keep noise down in chapel and museum spaces; photography not allowed in Crown Room.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Prepare for uneven surfaces; watch young children near rails; handrails in steeper corridors can feel slippery on wet days.