Your trip to Edinburgh isn’t complete until you visit the city’s most iconic landmark. You can see Edinburgh Castle from almost anywhere in the city, as it dominates the Old Town skyline from the top of an extinct volcano, Castle Rock.
As the gateway to Scotland from England, this fortress was always at the centre of the conflicts between the two countries. Over the centuries, many sieges led to rebuilds, which is why Edinburgh Castle looks the way it does today.
Inside, you can step into the shoes of both kings and prisoners, visiting the rooms where each of them lived. You will see that austerity, in different degrees, shaped all their lives. Our guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, with your ticket included, brings their stories to life.
- Time needed 2–3 hours
- Entry Paid
- Location Old Town
- Booking Recommended
Thanks to its location, its impressive defences and its excellent state of preservation, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most visited attractions in Scotland. It is also one of the most expensive Edinburgh attractions, but for most visitors it is well worth it.
Practical information
Opening hours
- April–September
- 9:30am–6pm
- October–March
- 9:30am–5pm
Last entry one hour before closing.
Closed on 25 and 26 December. Reduced opening hours on 24 December and 1 January.
Tickets
| Ticket | Online | At the gate |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £23.50 | £26 |
| Over 65 and unemployed | £19 | £21 |
| Child (7–15) | £14 | £15.50 |
| Under 7 | Free | Free |
Book online in advance, especially in summer, at Easter, on bank holidays and at weekends.
If tickets sell out online, they are usually not available at the gate either. If that happens, you can still see the Castle from outside on our free walk around the Old Town’s main sights.
The One O’Clock Gun
Just inside the Castle, on your right, is Mill’s Mount Battery, home of the famous One O’Clock Gun. It is fired at 1pm every day except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day, so if you are anywhere near the Castle at one o’clock, you will hear it.
The gun has been fired since 1861. It was originally a time signal for ships sailing in the Firth of Forth, and today it is one of the symbols of Edinburgh Castle.
A military fortress
As you cross the Esplanade, look out for the statues of two heroes of the Wars of Scottish Independence, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Above the gate you will see Scotland’s national motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit”, which means “No one provokes me with impunity”.
Edinburgh Castle has always been key to controlling Scotland, and a small garrison is still stationed here today. Higher up, you will find Mons Meg, a giant 15th-century cannon given to King James II. It was used against the English, but it was too heavy to move easily, and it fired its last shot in 1681.
You can also visit the military museums dedicated to the regiments that served at the Castle, and the Prisons of War, where captives were held.
A royal residence
Edinburgh Castle is not only a fortress: it was also a home for the Scottish royal family. At its highest point is Crown Square, laid out in the 15th century, with four of the Castle’s most important buildings: the Royal Palace, the Great Hall, the Queen Anne Building and the Scottish National War Memorial.
Here you can see where grand banquets were held and walk through the rooms where royals once lived, including the room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, the future James VI.
Don’t miss the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, St Margaret’s Chapel, built in the 12th century by King David I in honour of his mother, Queen Margaret. It was hidden for centuries and used as a gunpowder store until it was rediscovered in 1845.
The Crown Jewels
One of the highlights of any visit is the Crown Room in the Royal Palace, where you can see the Honours of Scotland: the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword of State. They were first used together at the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543. Since then they have been moved and hidden many times to protect them, and they have been on display since 1818, when Sir Walter Scott rediscovered them.
For decades they were displayed alongside the Stone of Destiny, the block of sandstone used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. Taken by the English in 1296 and kept in Westminster Abbey for around 700 years, it was returned to Scotland in 1996 and has been on display at Perth Museum since 2024.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The huge rock the Castle stands on has only one natural access, from the east. Today it is a large esplanade where, every August, you can enjoy a unique show: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
With the Castle as a backdrop, military bands from all over the world march across the Esplanade, surrounded by light shows and fireworks that create an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Tattoo takes place on weekday evenings at 9:30pm, with two shows on Saturdays (6:15pm and 9:30pm), for three weeks in August. If you manage to get a ticket, get ready for one of the most memorable experiences Edinburgh has to offer.
On any trip to Scotland, Edinburgh Castle is almost a must. If you only buy a ticket for one monument, make it this one.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Edinburgh Castle.
Allow two to three hours to see the main areas at a relaxed pace. If you only want to see the highlights, around two hours is enough.
It is strongly recommended, especially in summer, at weekends and on busy dates. Online tickets are cheaper, and some time slots sell out.
Yes, especially on your first visit to Edinburgh. You will learn about some of the most important moments in Scottish history, see historic buildings and enjoy some of the best views of the city.
At 1pm every day except Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day. Check the official information before your visit.
The Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels), the Royal Palace, the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, Mons Meg and the Prisons of War. The Stone of Destiny is no longer here: it has been on display at Perth Museum since 2024.
Yes. Children usually love the cannons, the defences, the prisons and the Crown Jewels. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are slopes and cobbles.
A large part of the site is accessible, but the steep slopes, historic paving and some old buildings can make it difficult. Some areas have limited access.
The entrance is at the top of Castlehill, at the highest point of the Royal Mile. It is an easy walk from the Old Town, although the last stretch is uphill.
Location
You can only reach Edinburgh Castle from one direction: walking up the Royal Mile to the Esplanade. You will go through a security check at the first gate, and then show or buy your ticket before the second gate.
Get directions to Edinburgh Castle.