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Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

4.4
#1 of 6,508 in Things to do in Scotland
Must see · Castle · Tourist Spot
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A major monument of Scottish heritage and one of the world's most striking fortresses, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city's skyline. Sitting atop a large volcanic rock, the castle dates back to the 12th century. It served as the seat of Scottish royalty until the 17th century, when it became a military barracks. Today, the castle holds the Scottish crown jewels, three military museums, and a handful of exhibits. Guided tours included in the price of admission offer the most efficient and informative way to visit the castle. You'll hear highlights from its history and understand the significance of its various buildings and artifacts. After your tour, sit for tea in one of the complex's tearooms and enjoy a traditional Scottish meal in the Redcoat Cafe. Try to secure your tickets before visiting the castle to avoid waiting in line at the entrance. Add Edinburgh Castle and other attractions to your Edinburgh trip itinerary using our Edinburgh trip planning website.
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Edinburgh Castle reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
52,576 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • Magnificient castle. It’s much better to see it from outside. It’s not so magnificient Inside but it definitelly costs to see it. You can find interesting parts of history and good view on Edinbourgh. 
    Magnificient castle. It’s much better to see it from outside. It’s not so magnificient Inside but it definitelly costs to see it. You can find interesting parts of history and good view on Edinbourgh.  more »
  • In order to visit the castle, my friend and i booked a castle tour and honestly i think this is the bezt way to do it. It s very big, full of history, a lot to learn about it. Very vey good! 
    In order to visit the castle, my friend and i booked a castle tour and honestly i think this is the bezt way to do it. It s very big, full of history, a lot to learn about it. Very vey good!  more »
Google
  • Loved this castle!! You are free to roam in the order you want and to see inside buildings as you desire. Not 100% accessible, but you could spend hours there! We liked going earlier cause it was less crowded. You can stay as long as you want, so later in the day the crowds just grow. Lots of military museum spaces. Enthusiasts will love it! No pics allowed when viewing the Crown Jewels, nor in one other memorial building for deceased servicemen. Everything else is fine for pics. Great picture ops everywhere! Incredible view! We went in April and the wind made it quite cold so dress warm!
  • Great place. Some hints for your visit. 1. Prepay ticket and arrive 10 minutes prior to time on ticket. 2. Buy tickets before 1pm or 1300 so you can view the 1pm cannon firing. Make sure to find a spot to view the firingat least by 1245. Most. Good spots will be taken by then 3.There are several museums/areas on the castle grounds. A few of them are the Prison, National war museum and Royal Scots Dragoon. I found them to be nice and worth the time to spend exploring. 4. Bathrooms are available and first one as you enter on the left hand side. 5. The Scottish jewels was the longest wait of all places. 6. The have audio tours you can purchase to the right of the entrance if that is something you are interested in. 7. I would give myself at least 2 hours for museums and touring the castle. 8. Highly recommended

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