Duration
Open today
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
Uncover Scotland's rich history with a 2.15-hour guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, inclusive of fast-track entry and personalized language options.
4.7/5
(126)
Lahem
Macey
Paul
-
Explore Edinburgh Castle with a local guide and hear fascinating tales of royalty, sieges, and legendary events in English or Spanish.
-
See the magnificent Great Hall, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, and marvel at Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
-
Stand atop Castle Rock to soak in sweeping views of the city and uncover hidden treasures within the castle complex.
-
Choose from options such as the acclaimed Royal Mile walking tour or skip-the-line entry to the castle for a richer experience.
-
-
Guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle
-
Expert local guide in English or Spanish (as per option selected)
-
Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle (as per option selected)
-
Guided walking tour of the Royal Mile (as per option selected)
-
-
Transportation
-
Gratuities
-
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from United States, Spain, Canada and over 32 countries have loved this experience
Lahem
Jul, 2025Verified booking
It was a truly memorable visit. The place transports you back to ancient times, where kings once lived and rulers rose and fell. The castle stands as a monumental testament to the rich cultural and human heritage of Scotland—its enduring presence a living record of the nation’s history. Many came to know it through the film Braveheart, which stirred the hearts of viewers around the world and fostered deep admiration and sympathy for the Scottish people, inspired by the legendary freedom fighter William Wallace. A heartfelt thank you goes to our guide, whose wealth of knowledge enriched our understanding of this beautiful country and its remarkable past.
Sue
Aug, 2025Verified booking
It was straight forward to exchange booking ref for actual ticket. Guide was awesome. Sonya knew her subject and got so many facts across in a way that was easy to listen to and funny. Speed of tour good too.
Kenneth
Aug, 2025Verified booking
Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Providwd enough time at each stop to allow us to rest as it was very hot during our visit.
Paul
Aug, 2025Verified booking
Getting to our start point and picking up the castle entrance ticket was a little confusing. However our tour guide Valleria was excellent. Very knowledgeable, could answer all our questions. Made recommendations for our extended walk around the castle. A great experience overall.Laura
Aug, 2025Verified booking
All went great! We loved our guide "Aussie" David. He was chock full of great stories and history and also thoughtful about keeping us warm and out of the wind!.
Walk back in time with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, the fortress where Scotland’s royalty once lived.
Getting started
Meet your guide at Advocates Close, opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral. After check-in, join your group for the walk to the castle entrance, where your guide will introduce the route and key highlights.
What to expect
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle crowns Castle Rock as a powerful symbol of Scottish heritage. For centuries, it has stood witness to pivotal moments in the nation’s history. Today, it offers visitors a vivid window into Scotland’s storied past.
Features
-
The Great Hall: Step inside the grand hall where monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots, once hosted feasts and gatherings.
-
Royal Palace: Visit the former royal residence and discover its role in the lives of Scotland’s kings and queens.
-
St. Margaret’s Chapel: See Edinburgh’s oldest surviving building, dating back to the 12th century.
-
Royal Mile: Walk the Royal Mile, the historic street linking Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with centuries-old buildings, shops, and landmarks.
Extras
-
Skip-the-line entry: Save time by skipping the long queues to Edinburgh Castle
-
Royal Mile walking tour: Go on a guided walking rour of the most famous street in Edinburgh.
-
What to bring
- Bring a valid photo ID if requested at the entrance.
What’s not allowed
-
Luggage, large bags, and bags over 30L in volume are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.
-
Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
-
Drones are strictly prohibited on the premises.
-
Access to the roof is not permitted in poor weather conditions.
Accessibility
- The experience is not fully wheelchair-accessible due to uneven terrain and steps within the castle grounds and surrounding areas.
Additional information
-
The guided tour takes place outdoors around Edinburgh Castle. Entry to interior buildings is not included during the guided portion, but you may explore them independently after the tour.
-
Specific stops during the tour are assigned by castle authorities and may vary.
-
Minors must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.
-
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before your scheduled start time.
-
If Edinburgh Castle is unexpectedly closed on the day of your visit, tickets to Holyrood Palace will be provided instead if available.
-
Meeting points may vary by tour. Ensure you check your booking confirmation for details.
-
Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
-
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
-
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Meeting Point
-
Meet your guide at Advocates Close.
-
Address: Edinburgh EH1 1ND, United Kingdom.
-
Landmark: St. Giles’ Cathedral.
-
Guide Identifier: Look for a black umbrella with the Scotland City Tours' yellow logo.
Get Directions to the Meeting Point
Getting There
By Bus
-
The closest bus stop is North Bridge (Stop NB). It is a quick 7-minute walk to the meeting point.
-
Board bus X95 to get you there.
-
Similar experiences you'd love
Top things to do in Edinburgh
Nearby cities to explore
