Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
The castle has been a royal residence, fortress and army base; the Great Hall and Royal Palace are open, and the vaults hold prisons. The One O'Clock Gun fires on weekdays except Sunday at 13:00. The Esplanade hosts the Military Tattoo in August. Tickets are cheaper online and often sell out; arrive at opening. Waverley station is a 15-minute walk uphill.
Ticket Price
Adult about GBP 23.50 online (≈ USD 31), child GBP 14; walk-up tickets cost more. Book ahead - tickets often sell out.
Opening Hours
Apr-Sep 9:30-18:00 (last entry 17:00); Oct-23 Dec 9:30-17:00 (last entry 16:00); 24 Dec 9:30-16:00; closed 25-26 December.
Transportation
Edinburgh Waverley station is a 15-minute walk; buses along Princes Street stop nearby.
Best Season
In United Kingdom, visit Edinburgh Castle in May-Sep; rain is possible year-round.
Pro Tip: Go at opening and see the Crown Jewels first
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Go at opening and see the Crown Jewels first Security and ticket queues build quickly. Enter at opening, go to the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny, then explore the courtyards and military museums.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Yes. Timed tickets sell out in summer; book online for the best price and guaranteed entry. There are no walk-up tickets once online sales end.
The gun fires at 13:00 daily except Sundays, and is a short walk from the castle esplanade. Check the castle notice for exceptions.
The Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret's Chapel and the Great Hall are the highlights. The prisons and the National War Museum add context.
Allow 2-3 hours for the main sights; add 30 minutes for security and ticket queues in summer.