Edinburgh Castle Tickets

With your, Edinburgh Castle Tickets and tours, visit Scotland’s most iconic attraction. The stronghold that was once inhabited by Scottish monarchs is now mostly a museum. Providing the most spectacular views of Edinburgh from a volcanic crag called Castle Rock, the castle is a part of the Scottish capital’s Old and New Towns’ World Heritage Site. Discover the castle’s storied past on live guided and audio-guided Edinburgh Castle Tickets and see the exhibits and period artifacts housed within its historic walls. Step back in time as you discover cobblestoned promenades, ancient chapels, cavernous dungeons, and mysterious graffiti left behind by prisoners of war. See the Mon Megs cannon, the Great Hall, the Scottish crown jewels and more!
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Our tips for Edinburgh Castle

  • Guided tour. If you’re doing a self-guided Edinburgh tour castle, consider using Rick Steve’s book as a guide. There’s just the right amount of information for an educational tour but quick enough so that you don’t get bored and restless. A complimentary guided tour takes place several times every day. Just wait near the Portcullis Gate for the tour to start. You can ask questions and enjoy a wealth of stories and anecdotes about the castle.
  • Book early. It is common to have to wait an hour in line for tickets to Edinburgh Castle, especially during July and August. You can reach the attraction at 9:30 am in the morning when there are lesser people. But a much smarter option is booking your tickets online to enjoy the best deals and guaranteed entry. Book on isango at the earliest to avoid disappointment!

Good to know

The Edinburgh Castle was constantly under siege since its construction in the 12th century. It was the site of conflict between Scotland and England for hundreds of years as he who controlled the castle had control over Scotland. See the crown, the sword, and the scepter in the castle, the 3 objects used during the crowning of every Scottish monarch.

Also on exhibition is the Stone of Destiny, on which the monarchs stood during their coronation. The Mons Meg Cannon at the castle can shoot a 330-pound stone almost 2 miles! The castle is believed to be haunted by the ghost of the Lone Piper. Legend has it that his ghostly piping can still be heard beneath the castles, waiting to be rescued.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is the best time to visit Edinburgh Castle?
    A:

    Visit the castle during the shoulder season: in May, June or September. However, this is also the city’s busiest time, so book well in advance to avoid missing out. Winter is also a good time to visit as the crowds are lesser. But make sure you layer up really well as it can get uncomfortably chilly. Visit midweek if you want to explore in peace and with lesser crowds. The weekends can be extremely crowded as Edinburgh is a popular getaway on weekends.

  • Q: How do I get around the castle?
    A:

    You could make the most of your time and resources by taking an Edinburgh hop-on, hop-off bus tour and hopping off near the castle. The Royal Mile walk from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a must-do where you can admire the impressive architecture and star attractions of the city. Waverly station is also a walking distance from the castle and is Edinburgh’s main station. If you want to take a bus, then the Airlink 100 express bus runs from the airport to the city centre. It takes 25 minutes to reach Waverley Bridge, next to the main railway station. We also advise that you book the castle ticket or tour with roundtrip transfers included in the package in order to enjoy a convenient and hassle-free experience.

  • Q: What are the opening hours of Edinburgh Castle?
    A:

    It is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm with the last entry at 5 pm.

  • Q: How long does Edinburgh Castle tour take?
    A:

    It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to take a full tour of Edinburgh Castle at a comfortable pace.

  • Q: How old is Edinburgh Castle?
    A:

    The historic fortress dates back to the 12th century.

  • Q: Are there guided tours available at Edinburgh Castle?
    A:

    Yes, you can book from a range of guided and curated tours of Edinburgh Castle that include an audio or live guide.

  • Q: Any tips for saving money during the Edinburgh Castle tour?
    A:

    Even though Edinburgh continues to be a tourist hotspot, you need not break the bank to explore the charming castle. Travel during the off-season and you’ll get to book your tickets to Edinburgh Castle at more affordable rates. Try booking in Nov and Dec instead of the summer months when the attraction can get uncomfortably crowded. Another way to stick to your budget is by planning in advance. Check out the best deals online and pre-book your tour package well before you visit. It is always more expensive when you buy tickets at the attraction itself.

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