Edinburgh Castle

Why Edinburgh Castle is special
This cliff-perched royal Scottish citadel has a robust history and some absorbing venues.

Top 2 Edinburgh Castle appeals
Castle venues

• Great Hall
  Its ornate 16th-century roof-ceiling is a architectural design masterpiece.
  
• Crown Room
  The crown jewels including the 1540s crown reside here.
• Royal Apartments
  The room that draws the most tourist interest is the historic bedchamber of Mary Queen of Scots.

Other popular venues include • 11th century St Margaret's Chapel • Prisons of War • Mons Meg and One O'Clock cannons • National War Museum • Scottish War Memorial.

Views
From the castle battlements, you get marvelous panoramic views of Edinburgh city and beyond. From the city level, you view the Castle (see above) in its grand glory.

More Edinburgh Castle tips & inisghts
Ticket price
Unfortunately, the admission fee is steep. However, it includes a guided tour and impressive venues to explore.

What to avoid
Ticket lines can be long and crowds thick. Avoid the first by buying your ticket online. Avoid the second by coming on weekdays or during the early or late part of the day.

Annual Royal Tattoo Festival
"Tattoo" is an outdoor British military pageant. The one presented in Edinburgh Castle is grand and superb. The audience is entertained with pipes-and-drums marching bands, highland dancers, historical portrayals, and more. This must-see event takes place outdoors at night during three weeks in August.

Location in Scotland