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#4 out of 17 in Edinburgh

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!

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Must-see highlights & key info

Edinburgh Castle
Guided walking tour at Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, showcasing historic architecture and scenic views.
Exterior of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland
Statue of Earl Haig in front of Edinburgh Castle entrance, Scotland.
Canon gun at Edinburgh Castle with city view in the background, part of guided walking tour with fast-track entry.
View of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle
Museum of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Prisoners of war room inside Edinburgh Castle with historical artifacts and stone walls.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
1 hr 30 min
1 more
  • Embark on a 90-minute guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, steeped in rich history and royal tales that go back 3,000 years.

  • Enjoy a seamless experience with fast-track entry, bypassing the crowded lines to explore Scotland's most visited fortress.

  • Immerse in the charm of the old world with attractions like the 16th-century Great Hall, the venue of all the jolly feasts, and a unique canine cemetery.

  • Walk along the castle's promenade for panoramas of the city, and choose from English or Spanish guided tours for a personalized experience.

  • Fun fact: The castle, a symbol of Scottish pride, is built on an ancient volcanic rock and houses the city's oldest surviving building!

More details

  • Embark on a 90-minute guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, steeped in rich history and royal tales that go back 3,000 years.

  • Enjoy a seamless experience with fast-track entry, bypassing the crowded lines to explore Scotland's most visited fortress.

  • Immerse in the charm of the old world with attractions like the 16th-century Great Hall, the venue of all the jolly feasts, and a unique canine cemetery.

  • Walk along the castle's promenade for panoramas of the city, and choose from English or Spanish guided tours for a personalized experience.

  • Fun fact: The castle, a symbol of Scottish pride, is built on an ancient volcanic rock and houses the city's oldest surviving building!

from
£37
Edinburgh Castle view with Harry Potter tour group and whisky tasting experience in Scotland.
Tourists exploring Edinburgh Castle with a guide in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour
Edinburgh street with tourists on a guided Harry Potter walking tour near historic buildings.
Edinburgh's Elephant House Cafe, inspiration for Harry Potter, with Edinburgh Castle in the background.
Edinburgh Harry Potter tour group near Edinburgh Castle entrance.
Edinburgh Castle entrance with Harry Potter tour signboards in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland
Princes Street Gardens with Edinburgh Castle view, part of Glenfinnan, Glencoe, Fort William tour.
Edinburgh Castle interior with historical artifacts and medieval architecture.
Guide interacting with tourists on a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh
Edinburgh street with Harry Potter tour group near historic buildings.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4 hr
1 more
  • Go on a walking tour inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter, led by an English-speaking guide. and get exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle.

  • Sink in the 18th-century charm of Edinburgh University and visit Elephant House, the café where Rowling penned Harry Potter's character on a tissue.

  • Stroll in the Old Town to visit the graveyard housing Tom Riddle's grave, and explore the whimsical Victoria Street, which inspired Diagon Alley.

  • Gain entry to Edinburgh Castle, home to Scottish Crown Jewels, and learn how it inspired J.K. Rowling to create the Harry Potter world.

  • Fun fact: Suite 552 at Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel is called "Rowling Suite" after the author, who wrote the final chapters of the book there.

More details

  • Go on a walking tour inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter, led by an English-speaking guide. and get exclusive access to Edinburgh Castle.

  • Sink in the 18th-century charm of Edinburgh University and visit Elephant House, the café where Rowling penned Harry Potter's character on a tissue.

  • Stroll in the Old Town to visit the graveyard housing Tom Riddle's grave, and explore the whimsical Victoria Street, which inspired Diagon Alley.

  • Gain entry to Edinburgh Castle, home to Scottish Crown Jewels, and learn how it inspired J.K. Rowling to create the Harry Potter world.

  • Fun fact: Suite 552 at Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel is called "Rowling Suite" after the author, who wrote the final chapters of the book there.

from
£58
Tourists exploring the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse entrance with tickets in hand, Edinburgh
Tourists at Palace of Holyroodhouse entrance, London, holding tickets and multimedia guide.
Tourists exploring the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, with entrance tickets and multimedia guide in hand
Tourists at Palace of Holyroodhouse entrance, Edinburgh, using multimedia guide.
Tourists exploring the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, with entrance tickets and multimedia guide
Tourists at Palace of Holyroodhouse entrance, London, with multimedia guide tickets.
Tourists exploring the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse in London, available for booking with entrance tickets
Tourists exploring the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, with entrance tickets and multimedia guide in hand
Tourists at Palace of Holyroodhouse entrance, London, with multimedia guide.
Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh with tourists exploring the historic courtyard.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
1 more
  • Step into the royal world of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. See where King Charles III stays when in Scotland, and learn about its rich history.

  • Discover the eclectic State Apartments, a royal masterpiece showcasing the blend of grand and contrasting tastes of successive monarchs.

  • Walk in Mary, Queen of Scots footsteps as you visit her Historic Apartments and find out the chilling stories about murder that haunt the walls.

  • Seek solace in a peaceful oasis amidst the crumbling ruins of Holyrood Abbey which once used to be one of the grandest abbeys in Scotland.

  • Opt for a ticket upgrade to enjoy a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off pass which gives you entry into Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia.

  • Did you know? The name 'Holyrood' comes from 'holy rood' or 'holy cross', which is a Christian relic alleged to be part of the True Cross on which Jesus died.

More details

  • Step into the royal world of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. See where King Charles III stays when in Scotland, and learn about its rich history.

  • Discover the eclectic State Apartments, a royal masterpiece showcasing the blend of grand and contrasting tastes of successive monarchs.

  • Walk in Mary, Queen of Scots footsteps as you visit her Historic Apartments and find out the chilling stories about murder that haunt the walls.

  • Seek solace in a peaceful oasis amidst the crumbling ruins of Holyrood Abbey which once used to be one of the grandest abbeys in Scotland.

  • Opt for a ticket upgrade to enjoy a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off pass which gives you entry into Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia.

  • Did you know? The name 'Holyrood' comes from 'holy rood' or 'holy cross', which is a Christian relic alleged to be part of the True Cross on which Jesus died.

from
£21
Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off bus passing historic buildings on a city tour.
Edinburgh Castle with hop-on hop-off bus, part of The Royal Edinburgh Tour.
Edinburgh Castle with hop-on hop-off bus on The Royal Edinburgh Tour.
Visitors exploring the historic interiors of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.
Tourists on hop-on hop-off bus near Edinburgh Castle during Royal Edinburgh Tour.
Greenhouse in Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh with lush plants and glass architecture.
Visitors exploring the lush landscapes inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.
Royal Yacht Britannia docked in Edinburgh with visitors exploring the deck.
Tourists visiting Edinburgh Castle with hop-on hop-off bus in the background.
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's royal attractions with skip-the-line tickets, enjoying a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Visitors at Royal Edinburgh Tour with skip-the-line access to three royal attractions and hop-on hop-off bus.
Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off bus near historic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
2 more
  • Step back in time at Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Board the Royal Yacht Britannia for a royal sea adventure – along your HOHO route.

  • Explore the royal rooms, and wander through Mary, Queen of Scots apartments and see how tea areas and intriguing crew quarters were decorated.

  • Hop on and off at your leisure with three routes and 50+ key stops. Visit the Scottish Parliament, Old Town, and Royal Mile with your HOHO pass.

  • Enjoy frequent double-decker buses every 30 mins and listen to the multilingual audio guides or immersive English narration on the green route.

  • Did you know? In 1566 David Rizzio, the private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots was murdered brutally inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

More details

  • Step back in time at Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Board the Royal Yacht Britannia for a royal sea adventure – along your HOHO route.

  • Explore the royal rooms, and wander through Mary, Queen of Scots apartments and see how tea areas and intriguing crew quarters were decorated.

  • Hop on and off at your leisure with three routes and 50+ key stops. Visit the Scottish Parliament, Old Town, and Royal Mile with your HOHO pass.

  • Enjoy frequent double-decker buses every 30 mins and listen to the multilingual audio guides or immersive English narration on the green route.

  • Did you know? In 1566 David Rizzio, the private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots was murdered brutally inside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

from
£76
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's Royal Mile with historic buildings and cobblestone streets.
Tour guide leading a group along Edinburgh's Royal Mile, highlighting historic architecture and landmarks.
Historic Royal Mile street in Edinburgh with cobblestone path and medieval architecture.
Tourists exploring Edinburgh's Royal Mile with historic buildings in view.
Edinburgh's Royal Mile with historic buildings and cobblestone street on Secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Walking Tour.
Tour group on Royal Mile, Edinburgh, with guide near historic buildings.
Edinburgh's Royal Mile with historic buildings and cobblestone street in Scotland.
Tour group exploring Edinburgh's Royal Mile with a guide.
Edinburgh Castle's Esplanade entrance with historic stone gate in Scotland.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
2 hr 15 min
1 more
  • Stroll through the Old Town and Royal Mile with a guide, uncovering tales of its famous residents and the city’s history on a 1.5-hour walking tour.

  • Walk the Royal Mile, the stretch between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, and learn about sieges, crimes, and the city’s cultural legacy.

  • Upgrade for skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, saving up to an hour, offering a chance to see the oldest Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

More details

  • Stroll through the Old Town and Royal Mile with a guide, uncovering tales of its famous residents and the city’s history on a 1.5-hour walking tour.

  • Walk the Royal Mile, the stretch between the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, and learn about sieges, crimes, and the city’s cultural legacy.

  • Upgrade for skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, saving up to an hour, offering a chance to see the oldest Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

from
£47

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Similar things to do in Edinburgh

About Edinburgh Castle

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.


Address
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK
Year opened
1103
Founded by
King David I
Visitors per year
2000000
Expected wait time - Standard
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Unesco status
1992
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Why visit Edinburgh Castle?

Highlights

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Millions love heading out with us

ADRIAN GUSTAVO ARNOLD
AR

Adrian

5/5
Argentina
What I would like to comment, and that does not appear is that I had a very good experience with the guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, very good guide. About Holyrood I can't add much, I already wrote about it at another time, since it is only about the purchase of tickets, they were available.
Maria del Socorro Trillo Leis
ES

Maria

5/5
Spain
The reservation through the web was very easy to make and upon arrival at the palace was very fast the procedure to enter. What you see of the palace on the visit is impressive, not all the rooms of course, and unforgettable. They do not let you take pictures in the rooms, only in the cloister. The remains of the Abbey are beautiful but they don't let you enter it either.
ciampani patricio
IT

Ciampani

4/5
Italy
All well and good but since King Charles 😡😡😡😡was in the residence...we paid but could not get in and since the ticket was cumulative of 2 other things part of the refund....it skipped cavalry. Do the ticket there so you can be sure you paid the right amount
Gabrielle McColl
AU

Gabrielle

5/5
Australia
The 48hr ticket was great value - also including entry to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood House and the Royal Yacht Brittania.
JOSE EDUARDO MURILLO BOLAÑOS
CR

Jose

5/5
Costa Rica
The Edinburgh Castle was by far one of my favorite activities in Edinburgh, lots of info and museums, plenty to do and see, the views are unique, and the recreations are pretty immersive.
GJH Hutten
NL

Gjh

4/5
Netherlands
The guide knew more than enough about the history and residents of the castle. Occasionally it became long-winded when talking about the family connections. Furthermore, the environment is very noisy and the group too large so you cannot understand the guide. Otherwise, the castle is breathtakingly beautiful and restored. After the tour you can visit the various rooms in buildings on your own.
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