Edinburgh Castle Caisteal Dhùn Èideann

The fortress on the volcanic rock that has dominated the city for nine centuries.

Edinburgh Castle seen from the Esplanade

Photo: Daniel Kraft / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Perched on Castle Rock, the castle has been a royal residence, a military base and a prison. Inside you can see the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels), the Stone of Destiny story, St Margaret's Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh), the Great Hall and the National War Museum.

Allow at least two to three hours. The One O'Clock Gun fires every day except Sunday, and the battlements give the best views over the New Town and the Firth of Forth.

Tickets / priceAdults pay about £21–24 when booked online and about £2.50 more on the day. Children and concessions pay less, and under-5s are free. Booking online is cheaper and guarantees your slot. Source: Ticket sellers and travel guides (2026); Historic Environment Scotland sells the tickets, checked 2026-10-10

Opening hoursApril to September: open 9:30–18:00, last entry 17:00. October to March: open 9:30–17:00, last entry 16:00. Closed on 25 and 26 December. Times can change. Source: Edinburgh Castle (Historic Environment Scotland), checked 2026-10-10

Time needed120–240 minutes

Best timeOpening time on a weekday

Getting thereWaverley station, then a steep 15 min walk up the Royal Mile; bus 23 or 27 to The Mound

AddressCastlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Booking advice

Book a timed entry online a few days ahead in summer and during August. The queue at the gate can be 30 minutes or more in peak season.

Insider tips

Arrive at opening time, go straight to the Honours of Scotland and see the Great Hall before the tour groups arrive.
The One O'Clock Gun is fired Monday to Saturday; stand near the Mills Mount Battery about 10 minutes before.
Walk up from Grassmarket via Victoria Street and the Vennel instead of up the Royal Mile for a quieter approach and better photos of the castle rock.

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