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Tours, guides and itineraries

There’s a new story to discover around every corner at Edinburgh Castle.

To make sure you don’t miss any, we offer some great ways to explore this Scottish icon, including some suggested itineraries you can follow if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

Itineraries

• Portcullis Gate
• Argyle Battery
• Lang Stairs
• and much more...

Just an hour

• St Margaret's Chapel

Royal Route

• Castle Timeline

Military March

• Fight for the Castle - Argyle Tower

• Foog's Gate

Family Day Out

• Children's Quiz
• Lang Stair (family)
• Dog Cemetery (family)

British Sign Language Tour

• BSL Welcome
• BSL - How old is the castle?
• BSL - One o’ Clock Gun

Official Guided Tour

Be shown around the castle by those who know it best, our wonderful castle guides!

Castle guides will share stories from the most besieged place in Britain. Be entertained by tales of kings and queens past and discover the must-see spots around the castle. You will also be able to take in the spectacular views of Scotland’s capital along the way.

Our tours now include our brand-new audio tour guide system.

Official Guided Tour tickets include admission to the castle and a 30-minute guided tour. Please choose your tour time when booking.

29 March to 30 September: 9.45am, 10.15am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 11.45am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 1.45pm, 2.15pm, 2.45pm, 3.15pm and 3.45pm. 

Book tour tickets

Book partner organisation tour tickets, important information.

• Official Guided Tours are £3.50 per visitor. Availability is limited on tours and all visitors must pre-book in advance of arrival. Tours are free for Historic Scotland members
• All visitors with pre-booked tour tickets must arrive at the Tour Meeting Point (just through the Main Gate and to the right. View a map ) 15 minutes before the pre-booked tour time start time stated on their ticket. Entry to the castle can be very busy so please allow additional time
• If visitors miss the tour start time, they will not be able to join the tour, or any tours later that day
• Upon arrival at the Tour Meeting Point, visitors will be issued a portable wireless receiver and headset
• Tours may be adapted or cancelled in poor weather conditions. If cancelled, visitors will be emailed with as much notice as possible and will be automatically refunded for the price of their tour ticket.
• Tours will take place outdoors, please dress accordingly including sensible footwear. The route requires visitors to walk on steep and cobbled walkways
• Further information on accessibility at the castle can be found in the Access Guide .
• Tours are given in English only

Audio guides

Our audio guide features the voices of four time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, celebrated TV and movie actor Bill Paterson and Outlander’s Andrew Gower. Let them take you on a journey and learn about the castle and the people and events that stand out most in its fascinating past.

You can hire an audio guide device from the ticket office and audio booth, or pre-book online when you buy your tickets. 

Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian. Large Print is also available. 

You can also use our guide with your own mobile phone or tablet, instead of a headset. You'll need to bring your own fully charged mobile phone or tablet with internet, and we'll show you how to load it in an email before you arrive.

Audio guides are subject to availability.

20% discount

For Historic Scotland Members and Explorer Pass holders.

New 3D Model

This 3D model has been populated with information giving you an immersive digital tour of the Castle and gives the chance to explore hidden parts too.

View the 3D Model in Sketchfab

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? In Introducingedinburgh.com you’ll find all the necessary and up to date information on the best places to visit in the city, where to stay or the top neighbourhoods to go out for dinner and a night out , among a lot more interesting facts and figures. 

Edinburgh Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Edinburgh
• Getting around Edinburgh
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• 2-Day Edinburgh Itinerary

Why visit Edinburgh?

Scotland’s capital is one of the most unique and memorable cities in Europe . Edinburgh has a rare charm with narrow and cobbled passageways , called closes in Scots . The town is also known for its dark corners where terrifying events have taken place , its majestic buildings and gardens , countless fascinating museums , which are free to visit,  and, especially, the city's  kind and open locals . All the above-mentioned make this city a favorite among those who have seen it.

Edinburgh is fondly known as “Auld Reekie,”  which means “Old Smokey” in Scots. This is because of all the smoke and chimneys the city had in the past, creating smog over the city. The weather in Edinburgh is normally rainy and windy , but far from being an inconvenience, the bitter weather gives the town an extra charm, creating a mysterious and somber atmosphere.

The capital has a unique radiance when the rays of sun stream through the clouds, and when the night falls, the ghosts that refuse to leave Edinburgh  come out to haunt the streets and buildings while guides accompany curious tourists to see crypts, alleyways, and graveyards to discover the mysteries that besiege the heart of the city.

As well as countless ghost stories, Edinburgh also offers its visitors and locals a wide variety of attractions, including museums , most of which are free. Tourists can also visit a whisky distillery and learn how Scotland’s national drink is made in   the   Scotch Whisky Experience ,  discover how the Scottish people lived during the Middle Ages in the People’s Story Museum , or explore the evolution of medicine in the Surgeon’s Hall Museums .

The country’s hearty dishes combined with the traditional Scottish breakfast will probably mean you’ll go home a few pounds heavier but happy and full of extremely fond memories of the city.

With our guide, you’ll discover why Edinburgh is the second most visited city in the UK after London . Every year, over two million tourists visit Scotland’s capital city.

Need accommodation?

If you still don’t have a hotel, hostel, or apartment booked, we recommend checking out the link below, where you’ll find all types of accommodation with the best rates guaranteed. If you book in advance, you’ll be able to get up to 75% discount and pay once you get to your destination.

• Hotels in Edinburgh – Book online for the best rates guaranteed.

top activities

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Highlands & Glencoe Day Trip Travel from Edinburgh to Loch Ness on this tour of some of the  Scottish Highlands ' most stunning attractions - an unforgettable day trip at the best price!

Edinburgh Free Tour Discover Edinburgh's Old Town with this free walking tour of one of Scotland's most beloved cities. This tour is perfect for any first-visitors to Edinburgh!

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour Edinburgh Castle is the most visited monument in Scotland ; an unmissable sight in the Scottish capital. Don't miss this Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour!

Holyrood Palace Tickets Coronations, weddings, betrayal, assassination... discover the secrets of Holyrood Palace: the official residence of the queen of England and Scotland .

Ghost Tour of Edinburgh The Scottish capital is famously haunted and there have been countless sightings of phantoms. Are you brave enough to take our ghost tour of Edinburgh ?

Edinburgh Underground Ghost Tour Embark on a haunting journey into Edinburgh's eerie depths . Uncover the secrets within the haunted underground vaults and Greyfriars Kirkyard by night !

Dinner and Traditional Scottish Show Looking for fun things to do in Edinburgh ? Spend a unique evening with this Scottish folk dinner and concert , complete with lively music and local dishes.

West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles Day Trip This day trip lets you enjoy a taste of all things Scottish , as we take you on a fascinating journey through the Highlands. Lochs, castles and mountains await.

Edinburgh Hop On Hop Off Bus Explore top Edinburgh attractions with our flexible hop-on hop-off bus tour without getting tired . Enjoy audio commentary in multiple languages!

Harry Potter Train Tour Want to travel on the Hogwarts Express ? Travel through Scotland's breathtaking scenery on board the Jacobite with this  Harry Potter Train Tour .

Whisky Distillery Tour Discover the secrets of Scotch whisky on this  tour of the Dewar's and Glenturret distilleries from Edinburgh ​. The ideal excursion for any whisky lover!

Royal Edinburgh Ticket Book this Royal Edinburgh Ticket and enjoy the best of the Scottish capital city for 48 hours. Visit the Castle, the Royal Yacht and the Palace .

Holy Island & Alnwick Castle Day Trip Discover the Medieval Kingdom of Northumbria: explore the ruined castles, quaint villages and wild coastline of North-East England on this tour from Edinburgh.

Day Trip: Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Get a slice of Highland life on this day trip to western Scotland, witht scenic lochs, the old capital of Stirling, and the Trossachs: land of William Wallace.

Edinburgh Outlander Tour Imposing castles, palaces and mythical mansions ... Discover a new side of Scotland by exploring the filming locations of the legendary TV series  Outlander .

Rosslyn Chapel and the Borders Day Trip On this trip, you'll explore the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel and the border town of Melrose & its Abbey , plus a tour of a malt whisky distillery .

Edinburgh Food Tour On this Edinburgh Food Tour, you'll explore the Scottish capital through its gastronomy. You'll try traditional dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties!

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & The Kelpies Explore the Scottish Highlands on this day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Kelpies! You'll discover history and nature!

Scottish Highlands Tour Explore the Scottish Highlands on this excursion from Edinburgh and discover natural landscapes, a whisky distillery and historical monuments!

Forth Boat Tour Make the most of your time in Edinburgh admiring one of the most emblematic feats of civil engineering on this boat tour of three Forth bridges .

Get lost in the lively Scottish nightlife with this route across five of the capital's best pubs . Pints of beer, live music... let's get this party started!

Loch Ness & the Scottish Highlands: 2 Day Tour Delve deep into the delights of Scotland. Discover spectacular mountains, rivers and lochs as you immerse yourself in the legendary history of the Highlands.

St. Andrews & Fife's Fishing Villages Day Trip Make the most of your stay in Edinburgh with this St. Andrews & Fife's Fishing Villages Day Trip. Explore the famous golfing town and quaint coastal towns.

3-Day Tour of Skye and the Highlands See the very north of Scotland , where the winds whip the wild edge of the United Kingdom. We'll see highlands highlights such as Loch Ness, Ben Nevis  and more.

Edinburgh Private Tour Discover the architecture, history & everyday life of Edinburgh accompanied by a private tour guide . The best way to explore Scotland's capital city!

Edinburgh Hard Rock Cafe Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at Edinburgh's Hard Rock Cafe, a restaurant full of rock and roll. Choose your menu and enjoy a fun dining experience!

Edinburgh Shore Excursion If you're arriving in the Scottish capital by cruise, don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's history with this Edinburgh Shore Excursion.

Blackness Castle & Forth Bridges Cruise Enjoy a cruise to the three famous Forth bridges and the historic Blackness Castle on this  boat tour on the Firth of Forth .

Edinburgh Christmas Tour We'll admire Christmas markets and dreamy lights  on this Christmas Tour in Edinburgh . Explore the Scottish capital at this magical time of year!

Outlander Tour While in the Scottish capital , take a page from Jamie Fraser 's book and embark on our Outlander tour through Edinburgh to see iconic sites from the hit series !

Full Day Edinburgh Walking Tour + Entry Tickets On this  tour of Edinburgh , you'll visit the most important places in the city , such as the Castle and the Scotland National Gallery . 

This guide has been made by exploring each street, taking photos of every nook and cranny, and paying attention to each and every little detail to help you prepare your trip in the best way possible .

All the information in this guide was updated in March 2023 . If you see any errors or anything we should change, we would be delighted to hear from you .

Our travel guides

• top attractions
• Where to stay
• and much more

Select a ticket option

• Standard Admission, Member & Explorer Pass Tickets

Partner Organisation Tickets

• Save with an Explorer Pass
• Buy Membership
• Ticket Information

Edinburgh Castle

The Esplanade, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

• 0131 225 9846

Tickets often sell out far in advance, especially over the summer months. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry.

Tickets are free for members, but book online to guarantee entry.  Not a member?   Join now  to start enjoying the benefits

Standard Admission Tickets

• Standard admission tickets
• Historic Scotland Members
• Explorer Pass ticket holder 
• Carers tickets 

Pre-book an official guided tour of the castle and hear from one of our knowledgeable guides along the way with our audio tour guide system.

• English Heritage
• Manx Members
• SITOA card holders 
• current members of the British Armed Forces (with valid MOD 90 card)

Explorer Passes

An Explorer Pass, valid for 14 consecutive days, is a great way to explore our iconic sites.

Travel Trade and Group Bookings

Edinburgh Castle offers a range of private experiences. If you're interested in an out-of-hours, private tour of Edinburgh Castle, find out more about our exclusive travel trade tours .

Contact our Admissions & Sales Team if your business plans to send individuals or groups to our attractions on a regular basis. 

Private Events at Edinburgh Castle

Are you looking for the perfect place to hold a private event? Hire Edinburgh Castle for your wedding or hire the castle for your next corporate event .

Didn't find everything you need?  Read our visitor FAQs

What's on at Edinburgh Castle

Afternoon Tea Experience

Tuesday 2 April 2024

Opening times

Tickets often sell out far in advance, especially over the summer months. Book your tickets online in advance for the best price and to guarantee entry. 1 Apr to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 6pm (last entry 5pm) 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily, 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4pm)

Official Edinburgh Castle Website

Edinburgh castle statements of significance, edinburgh castle on scran.

Browse images on our online learning resource.

Edinburgh Castle on Canmore

Detailed information on our online catalogue of Scotland's heritage.

• Places nearby
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Find out more

Hes archives and library.

Holyrood Abbey

Trinity House

Holyrood Park

St Triduana's Chapel, Restalrig Collegiate Church

Craigmillar Castle

Corstorphine Dovecot

Castlelaw Hill Fort

Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Ravenscraig Castle

Crichton Castle

Lochleven Castle

Blackness Castle

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More than 20 of our sites are now open. Please book your tickets in advance.

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Join Historic Scotland to visit our properties free of charge for a full year and support our work at the same time.

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Use one of our fantastic locations on your next shoot for an awe-inspiring backdrop to your work.

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Our 300+ historic places serve as creative inspiration for all sorts of learning activities – and for learners of all ages.

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See the past brought to life by the imaginative year-round programme of events at our properties.

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Hop off the tours at Edinburgh Casytle

© Edinburgh Bus Tours

Royal Edinburgh Ticket

48 hours on all three Edinburgh Bus Tours City Tours plus entry to Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia. This unique inclusive ticket ensures you see the Royal highlights of Edinburgh

The Royal Edinburgh Ticket includes 48 hour use of all three Edinburgh Bus Tours City Tours - live guided Edinburgh Tour and pre-recorded via headphones Majestic Tour and City Sightseeing Edinburgh as well as entry to Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Use the tours to find out more about the city, hop off at the Royal attractions to explore further. You can visit in any order you choose.

Note Britannia is open daily

Palace of Holyroodhouse is open Thursday - Monday October-June and Open 7 days July-September.

Closed 7 April, 6 May, 18-27 May, 29 June-7 July

COVID-19 information

This business has confirmed that they have implemented, and will ensure ongoing compliance with, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels protocols. The Safe Travels stamp is based on self-assessment and it is not a certification.

From £63 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• 44 (131) 5562244
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

Tour prices.

From £63 Per Adult £34 Per Child £58 Concession

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour gallery

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Tour company information

Edinburgh bus tours.

Hop-on, hop-off and discover the best of Edinburgh with an open-top Edinburgh Bus Tour. The 5-star rated tours showcase the best of Edinburgh with a choice of a specially trained live guide or multi-lingual commentary . Get a unique view of Scotland's capital from the top deck of our 3 city tour routes and enjoy sights such as Edinburgh's Medieval Old and Georgian New Towns, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse , The Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. See more for less and make the most of your visit with a choice of multi-tour tickets for 24 or 48 hours

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Visit Edinburgh Bus Tours

Opening times

Departing Waterloo Place from 0900-16.00 (09.00 -18.00 Apr-Oct) Every day Details -www.edinburghtour.com Download our new app ,live times plus info on attractions & discounts edinburghtour.com/app

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Key facilities

• Pets Welcome
• Disabled Parking

Price from:

£16pp

City Sightseeing Edinburgh

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre

Focussing on Edinburgh's Old Town, this multi-language tour listened to through...

• Level Access

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From pristine beaches to magnificent castles, exciting cultural attractions and ancient heritage, Scotland has it all. Come pay us a visit. We promise you won't be disappointed.

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