Edinburgh Castle - Entrance with Royal Edinburgh Card

Edinburgh is synonymous with its majestic fortress. Edinburgh Castle stands atop a volcanic hill, Castle Rock, and can be seen from much of Scotland's capital.

Buy tickets, go inside its walls and explore a fortress where centuries of history echo with every step you take.

Edinburgh Castle.

Visit highlights

Experience the One o'clock Gun. The gun is fired every day at 1pm, except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day, and it can be heard throughout the city.
Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Royal Palace, where you will discover how kings and queens lived.
See the Honours of Scotland (the crown, the sceptre and the sword of state), the oldest Crown jewels in Britain.
Visit St Margaret's Chapel, Edinburgh's oldest building, with a history dating back to 1130. St Margaret's ChapelEdinburgh's oldest building, with a history dating back to 1130.

Tickets

Royal Edinburgh ticketholders

Entry to Edinburgh Castle is included in the Royal Edinburgh Ticket.

When you activate your voucher at the first Edinburgh Bus Tours stop (Waterloo Place), you will be issued a Castle ticket for the day and timeslot of your choice.
Even if that slot is sold out online (the Castle is the most popular attraction in the city), tickets are always available for Royal Edinburgh Ticket holders.
The pass also includes Holyrood Palace, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus.

👑 Buy the Royal Edinburgh Ticket

Entry Ticket + Guided Tour

If you will not be using the Royal Edinburgh Ticket, you can also book a guided tour of the Edinburgh Castle.

It includes your entry ticket and a 90 minute guided tour of the Castle in English led by a professional guide.

🎟️ Castle Entry + Tour

Castle Ticket

If you just need Entry Tickets to the Castle, make sure you book them in advance on their website.

Tickets online are cheaper than at the box office and, by booking in advance, you ensure the time slot of your choice will be available.

How to get to Edinburgh Castle

If you want to walk to the Castle, you'll need to walk up the Royal Mile, Edinburgh's Old Town main thoroughfare, lined with cafes, museums and souvenir shops.

The Castle Esplanade awaits at the end of the Royal Mile with beautiful views over the city.

You can also get close to the Castle on one of Lothian Buses city buses or on the Edinburgh Hop-on/Hop-off Bus, which is included in the the Royal Edinburgh Ticket.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Castle?

Yes - they are more expensive at the box office, you'll need to queue, and your preferred time slot may already be sold out.

If you buy the Royal Edinburgh Ticket, when you visit the first Edinburgh Bus Tours stop in person, you will be issued a timed Castle ticket, even if your preferred time slot is sold out online.

How long does it take to visit Edinburgh Castle?

Allow 2 to 3 hours, but there is no time limit - you can stay as long as you like within the opening hours.

Is Edinburgh Castle worth visiting?

If you enjoy history and fortresses, yes! It's an Edinburgh icon and the most popular attraction in the city. But if you don't like crowds, you might consider visiting another, lesser-known castle, such as Craigmillar Castle.

Is Edinburgh Castle haunted?

We have no proof - but no doubts either. If you like macabre and mysterious stories, you will love the Edinburgh Piper legend.

It is said that, centuries ago, secret tunnels were discovered under the castle. The army sent one of its pipers to investigate where they led.

So others could keep track of him, as he advanced through the tunnels, he played the bagpipes. Then, suddenly, the sound stopped... and the piper was never heard from again.

Although many claim that, even today, if you listen carefully, you can still hear the faint melody of bagpipes under the castle...

Does the castle offer audioguides?

Yes, for a small fee, you can rent an audioguide in several languages. guided tour in English from here.