If you’re planning to spend a few days in Edinburgh, be sure to visit Edinburgh Castle. In addition to magnificent views over the city’s rooftops and its impressive fortified architecture, you’ll learn about important pages in Scottish history and discover its hidden treasures.
In this article, you’ll find all our useful tips in pictures to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Edinburgh Castle?
Is the castle worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, Edinburgh Castle is well worth a visit. Located at the top of Castle Rock, it dominates the entire city. Its impressive architecture and numerous areas to explore fully justify spending some time there. Even though it’s a very busy place, we found that the diversity of views, buildings and historical treasures made it an Edinburgh must-see.
In our opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh.
We strongly advise you to reserve your ticket to avoid the queues.
Why is Edinburgh Castle famous?
A true symbol of Scotland, the castle has served as royal residence, fortress and military garrison. Today, it houses a number of iconic landmarks: the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the famous Mons Meg cannon, the One O’Clock Gun firing range and St. Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building.
Our favorite moments
We particularly appreciated it:
- Panoramic views from the ramparts: throughout the visit, we took time to admire the scenery. From the different levels, the panoramas are superb: views of Edinburgh’s rooftops, Princes Street gardens and the Firth of Forth in the distance.
- The atmosphere of Hospital Square: a real break in the tour. The equestrian statue of Earl Haig is a reminder of the site’s military history.
- The elegance of the Great Hall: one of the finest interior spaces in the castle. The wooden framework is remarkable, and the walls decorated with antique weapons create a spectacular ambience. We loved its solemn, well-preserved feel.
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History in brief
Occupied since ancient times, the site became a royal castle in the 12th century under David I. It played a key role in Scotland’s wars of independence. It played a key role in the Scottish Wars of Independence. The royal family stayed here until the 16th century. It was then used as a garrison and prison. Since the 20th century, it has been one of Europe’s most visited sites.
How to get there: Edinburgh Castle
Where is the castle?
- The castle stands atop Castle Rock, an ancient volcano in the heart of the old town.
- It marks the western end of the Royal Mile.
- Its silhouette is visible from many points in Edinburgh, making it an immediate landmark.
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How to get there?
- The main access is on foot via Castlehill.
- It’s easily reached from the city center by walking up the Royal Mile.
- Waverley station is a 10-minute walk away.
- Several bus routes stop nearby (National Museum or George IV Bridge).
Parking
There is no reserved parking for visitors to the castle. The nearest public parking lots are at Castle Terrace and Johnston Terrace. We recommend using public transport or walking from the city center.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
The castle is very busy, especially between 11am and 2pm. We advise you to come as soon as it opens or at the end of the day. The cannon shot at 1 p.m. attracts a lot of people, but it’s well worth the detour if you like tradition.
Length of visit and main difficulties
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire site.
- Some of the climbs are steep, and several areas feature irregular steps and cobblestones.
- An accessibility card is available for visitors with reduced mobility. Find out more here.
Advice on how to visit
The route is well signposted. We found it very pleasant to follow the natural ascent to Crown Square. Starting with the ramparts and cannons, the tour builds up to the royal apartments and jewels.
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Visiting with children
While children are particularly fond of the cannons, the armoury and the stories about kings and battles, we didn’t notice any special activities dedicated to them. However, an activity book is available from the castle store. Find out more here.
Toilets with changing tables are available.
Schedules and rates
The château is open every day:
- April to September: 9.30am – 6pm
- October to March: 9.30am – 5pm
Last admission 1h before closing time. Closed on December 25 and 26.
Adult price: £19.50
Guided tours
- Guided tours are offered in English at set times.
- Multilingual audio guides are available for hire at the entrance to the site, or as a mobile version via the château app.
- Find out more here.
Catering
The château has two dining areas:
- The Redcoat Cafe, located on the esplanade, offers hot and cold dishes with a view of the city.
- The cozier Tea Rooms serves teas, pastries and light lunches in a tranquil setting.
Access and early fortifications from Castle Hill
Climb Castle Hill to the main entrance
On our visit, we walked up Johnston Terrace to Castle Hill via the Castle Wynd North staircase. As we climbed, the view of the city gradually opened up.
Crossing the Gatehouse and Portcullis Gate
Entrance is via the Gatehouse, an imposing defensive structure marking the main entrance. Then climb to the right to Portcullis Gate, an ancient drawbridge with a portcullis and thick walls. It was clear that we were entering a fortress.
Admire the cannons of Mill’s Mount Battery
Just beyond the gate, you come to a vast esplanade where we found the lined-up cannons of Mill’s Mount. But it was the view over the city that caught our eye. It’s already spectacular.
Explore the lower level: esplanade, museum and ramparts
Panoramic break on the esplanade
After Mill’s Mount, we stayed a while to admire the view from the open esplanade over the city’s rooftops. The Redcoat Cafe is also a great place to grab a bite to eat or a drink before continuing up the hill.
Earl Haig’s equestrian statue in Hospital Square
Continuing on, on our right, we discovered a square square marked by the equestrian statue of Earl Haig, a Scottish military figure of the First World War. Hospital Square provides another real sense of space in the heart of the ramparts.
Climb up to Foog’s Gate and the upper ramparts
The path then climbs gently to Foog’s Gate. This fortified passage marks the entrance to the upper level of the site. On the way up, we again enjoyed lovely views of the walls and surrounding landscape. The atmosphere becomes more historic and solemn.
Discover the upper level: cannons, chapel and historic buildings
The legendary Mons Meg and its fortifications
After passing through Foog’s Gate, we soon came across Mons Meg, one of Europe’s most famous medieval cannons. Its massive size always impresses visitors. Around it, the ramparts offer spectacular views over the town and the Forth estuary.
St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building on the site
A little further on, we discovered the small 12th-century Sainte-Marguerite chapel. It’s the oldest building on the site. Its simple architecture and thick walls create an intimate atmosphere, in contrast to the other, more imposing buildings. And above it, an ever more breathtaking view.
The Scottish National War Museum
Nearby, you’ll find the Scottish National War Museum. It traces Scotland’s military history through a fine collection of objects: uniforms, weapons, paintings and battle stories. The visit is quick but interesting, even for non-specialists.
Treasures of the former royal palace: Honours, Royal Apartments and Great Hall
We finally emerged into Crown Square and entered the most prestigious spaces.
- The Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny
We began by discovering the jewels of the Scottish crown: crown, sceptre and ceremonial sword. The famous Stone of Destiny, used at royal coronations, is on display in the same room. The staging is sober and highlights these national symbols.
- The royal apartments
The tour continues through the former apartments of the royal family. The rooms are simply furnished, but allow visitors to imagine life at the château. Panels explain the role of the different rooms and their use at the time.
- The Great Hall
We finished with the Great Hall, a vast reception hall built in the early 16th century. Its wooden framework is impressive. The walls are decorated with ancient weapons, shields and coats of mail, recalling the military function of the place.
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Frequently asked questions
Are there any special events in the castle?
Yes, concerts, temporary exhibitions and ceremonies can be held on the castle grounds. Check the official website for dates here.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
