Edinburgh Castle

Reviews, get directions and contact details for Edinburgh Castle

An 11th-century castle and barracks housing the Crown Jewels and National War Museum of Scotland.

Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

Phone: 0131 225 9846

Website

State: Edinburgh

City: Edinburgh

Zip Code: EH1 2NG

opening times

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

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Reviews

A beautiful and unforgettable place to experience the rich and elegant history of Scotland. Edinburgh Castle offers stunning views over the city, but be sure to check the weather, as clear skies make the experience truly special.nnIt can get quite busy on weekends, so arriving early helps. Even for children, it’s a fascinating visit, and I’d say it’s a must see for anyone coming to Edinburgh.

We visited on February 10th 2026. We enjoyed it a lot. It felt special just being there knowing how deep the history is and getting to walk in the footsteps of history. My feet had given up by the time I had finished but I enjoyed the experience nonetheless . Places like this are a must to keep history alive. I will return to Edinburgh in the not too distant future to cover some of the things I didn't have time for on this occasion.

Great experience and views from the castle. We arrived around 12pm, plenty of time to make our way through the castle to the 1 o'clock gun and watch the ceremony. Historic place with plenty to see. Well worth a visit and the views are amazing.

One of the known atttactions in this beautiful city.nU can buy tickets on line..nTry to.go little bit early before crowds arrive..nU will have a beautiful view of the city.nIt has many sections that u can visit..nAlso there is shop for snacks and coffee plus a souvenir shop..nIt s worth a visit imo!!

Edinburgh Castle is the most visited attraction in Scotland, welcoming over 1.3 million visitors each year who come in search of views, royal history, and a glimpse at the ‘Honours of Scotland’ – Britain’s oldest crown jewels. Edinburgh Castle is not only the dominant feature of the city’s skyline, visible from miles around, it’s also the feature which gives the city its name — the old Gaelic name translates roughly as ‘the fort on the hill’.nntrust me, you might underestimate this castle, and even i have kept 2 hrs for this, but it needs more time.nnWith several museums, a large war memorial, a royal palace, a Great Hall & several other little stops/activities, if you want to actually see all of Edinburgh Castle’s sights and attractions, you’ll need much more than two hours… especially considering the line to see the Honours of Scotland AKA the Crown Jewels can last 20+ minutes.nn* Three regimental military museumsn* The National War Museumn* The Scottish National War Memorialn* The Honours of Scotland, featuring the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Destinyn* St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburghn* Optional 30-minute introductory tours available throughout the dayn* Prisons of War exhibitionn* The Great Hall where banquets were heldn* The One O'Clock Gun, fired every day except Sunday at 1pmn* Visit the small antechamber where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, James VI of Scotlandn* Three gift shops and two cafesnnThe oldest surviving structure at the castle and the oldest in the city dates back to the 12th century. It is of course St Margaret’s Chapel, built by King David I in honour of his mother. This same king is the one credited with turning Edinburgh Castle into a royal residence. As the years rolled on, royals came and went, with new additions being made to the castle, creating the complex we see today.nnThe Renaissance of the 1400s for instance brought us the Royal Palace that now houses various royal paintings and displays including THE closet where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI of Scotland, AKA King James I of England.nnThe 1500s brought us the Great Hall, which was needed of course for fancy banquets.nThe 1600s brought new defences and barracks as the castle eased into its role of a military outpost more than swanky royal digsnnTickets to Edinburgh Castle should be booked online before you arrive.nnTip: these spots across the city offers great view of the castle- Calton Hill, The Grassmarket, Salisbury Crags, Castle Esplanade,  Ross Fountain, St Cuthbert’s Churchyard, The Vennel

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Map, Satellite View
Street View

Directions to Edinburgh Castle with public transportation

Old Town West Port 240 meters

Old Town Grassmarket 300 meters

Edinburgh Princes Street 2 310 meters

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Lauriston Street 330 meters

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Edinburgh Princes Street 1 360 meters

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