Edinburgh Castle travel guide

Edinburgh Castle, the iconic symbol of Scotland's capital, boasts a history as rich and fascinating as its imposing structure suggests. The castle's story begins with the Iron Age hill fort, which was transformed into a royal castle in the 12th century.

The castle became a key royal residence during the reign of David I (1124–1153), and it was during this period that the oldest surviving part of the castle, St Margaret's Chapel, was built. Over the centuries, it has been a bustling military garrison, a site of historic sieges and royal ceremonies, and even a prison during the Wars of Independence.

In the 16th century, the castle's role as a royal residence declined, but it remained a vital military base. Today, it is one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and explore Scotland's royal and military past.

The 'Honours of Scotland' or the Scottish Crown Jewels, considered the oldest surviving set in the British Isles, are permanently housed in the Castle. The Stone of Destiny, a symbol of Scottish monarchy, is also displayed alongside. The Castle's 'One o’clock Gun', a time signal that fires every day except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day, is a unique tradition that has been maintained since 1861. The castle's Great Hall, adorned with an impressive hammerbeam roof and a collection of weaponry and armour, provides a glimpse into the past. The St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, is also part of the castle, representing a place of solace amidst the military fortress. The castle also offers panoramic views of the city from its battlements, particularly from the Argyle Battery and Mills Mount, making it a visually unique location.

Located in the dynamic Edinburgh, the popular Edinburgh Castle is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Edinburgh or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Scotland.

Edinburgh is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Edinburgh offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Edinburgh and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable National Museum of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Royal Mile, and Dean Village.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Edinburgh has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Edinburgh, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Scotland!

Edinburgh Castle is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Edinburgh, Scotland. If you're flying in, Edinburgh Airport is approximately 6.7 miles (10.7 km) away from Edinburgh. From there, you can easily reach Edinburgh Castle by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Edinburgh, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Edinburgh Castle, which is located 0.6 miles (0.9 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Edinburgh Castle, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK, Scotland.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Edinburgh Castle!

The best time to explore Edinburgh Castle is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). These periods offer mild, pleasant weather and less crowded conditions, enhancing your castle exploration experience. Spring often brings vibrant blooms, enhancing the castle's beauty, while autumn offers a scenic backdrop of fall foliage. Although summer (July and August) provides the warmest weather, it also coincides with the peak tourist season and the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival, which can result in larger crowds and longer wait times at the castle. However, the lively atmosphere during the festival is a unique experience not to be missed. Winter might be less crowded but be prepared for chilly weather and shorter daylight hours. Regardless of your visit time, it is recommended to arrive early in the day for the best experience. Always check the castle's opening hours and any special events ahead of your visit to plan effectively.

To truly enjoy your visit to Edinburgh Castle, joining a tour that features this popular castle in Edinburgh is highly recommended. As one of Scotland's most iconic attractions, Edinburgh Castle draws visitors from around the world. Booking a tour in advance allows you to skip the lines and ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Edinburgh Castle starting at just 7.49 EUR below.

Conveniently explore Edinburgh Castle and plenty more captivating attractions in Edinburgh by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Edinburgh Castle and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Edinburgh has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Edinburgh Castle below.

Aside from Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Edinburgh, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely National Museum of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Palace of Holyroodhouse.

National Museum of Scotland is a bucket-list museum and top attraction in Edinburgh, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 45,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of National Museum of Scotland is Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, UK.

Another appreciated attraction in Edinburgh is Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Like National Museum of Scotland, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars among 20,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this park is Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, UK.

Palace of Holyroodhouse is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Edinburgh. This establishment and top attraction in Edinburgh has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Edinburgh below.