Add dates

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

Edinburgh: Skip-the-Line Walking Tour of Edinburgh Castle

1. Edinburgh: Skip-the-Line Walking Tour of Edinburgh Castle

Discover the home of Mary Queen of Scots on this guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle. Admire the 16th-century Great Hall where parties and feast took place. Learn about the bloody history of the kings and queens who lived in this castle.  Meet your guide and walk to Edinburgh Castle which dominates the city skyline from its seat on the extinct volcano of Castle Rock. Stroll on the castle's promenade and hear about the the origins and sieges of the castle. View where the Royal Military Tattoo is performed. Enter the castle and make your way to the three museums and two prisons. Go to the National Monument to the fallen of Scotland and a canine cemetery. See the oldest building in the city at the Chapel of Saint Margaret. Be captivated by the grandeur of the Great Hall and a Royal Palace. After the tour you will have time to explore all of the buildings inside the castle until its closure.

Edinburgh Castle: Tour in English with Fast-Track Entry

2. Edinburgh Castle: Tour in English with Fast-Track Entry

Begin your tour by the statue of Adam Smith on the Royal Mile. Walk towards Edinburgh Castle as your guide sets the scene, explaining the significance of the Castle and mentioning some of the key characters who have helped shape it. Once inside, let your guide walk you through the Castle complex. Hear their in-depth knowledge of the Castle's main buildings and attractions, including the Argyle Battery and One O'clock Gun, the Hospital Square and Western Panorama. See the Castle dungeons and military prison, the Black Banquet and Thomas Randolph's daring castle raid. Encounter St Margret's Chapel, Mons Meg, the Crown Square, and The Honors of Scotland. After the tour, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore the castle museums (not accessible during the tour).

Edinburgh: 24-Hour Family-Friendly Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

3. Edinburgh: 24-Hour Family-Friendly Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Explore Edinburgh at your own pace with an award-winning hop-on hop-off open-top bus tour. Enjoy the onboard commentary that describes the history behind the city. Stop at locations like St Andrew Square, Johnstone Terrace, the Royal Mile. See sights like Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket. Board the bus and begin your city adventure. Compare Edinburgh's Old Town, where families lived in cramped conditions and rubbish was thrown out of the windows, to the elegant Georgian New Town, with its 3 main streets and square at either end. Hear about the hangings that took place in the Grassmarket as you marvel at the impenetrable Castle Rock above you, and hear about historic attempts to capture Edinburgh Castle. Drive along the Royal Mile, which joins Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Use the 24-hour ticket to hop on and off as you please. With great visitor attractions, museums, galleries, and restaurants to suit every taste and budget, Edinburgh's got it all! Buses run every 30 minutes, making the following loop: Tour Stops: 1. Waterloo Place 2. St. Andrew Square 3. Lothian Road 4. Grassmarket 5. Lauriston Place 6. Johnston Terrace 7. Lawnmarket 8. Chambers Street 9. John Knox House 10. Canongate 11. Holyrood 12. Our Dynamic Earth 13. Regent Road

Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Fast Track Entry

4. Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Fast Track Entry

Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress with a skip-the-line entry ticket. Admire the treasures of the castle like the Honours of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, and more on a guided tour. Wander along the ancient cobblestone paths and immerse yourself in the castle's captivating ambiance. You will discover the lesser-known areas of the castle, like the Western Panorama and Hospital Square. Continue to the National War Museum. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and hear intriguing tales of the castle. Your guide will tell you about the castle's historical significance as a military fortress and royal palace. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh from the castle's ramparts. Experience a memorable journey while discovering the secrets and stories of one of Scotland's most treasured landmarks.

Edinburgh: Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

5. Edinburgh: Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Make getting around Edinburgh's top sights easy with a 48-hour Royal Edinburgh hop-on, hop-off bus ticket. Dive into the history and culture of Scotland with access to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Easy to use, the all-inclusive ticket is fantastic value if you want to go to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Royal Yacht Britannia. The ticket also includes 48-hour unlimited travel on three of Edinburgh's hop-on-hop-off bus tours; Edinburgh City Sightseeing, Edinburgh Tour, and Majestic Tour. Use the bus to reach the attractions, leaving the city behind and heading to the coast at Newhaven through Edinburgh’s New Town. With stops for the Royal Botanic Garden and Royal Yacht Britannia, it couldn’t be simpler. As the bus returns to the city center, you can jump off at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Canongate section of the Royal Mile to walk up to Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Historical Tour w/ Tickets Included

6. Edinburgh Castle: Guided Historical Tour w/ Tickets Included

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the centuries as we explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle on a walking tour that will bring Scotland's rich history to life! As you explore, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of battles won and lost, royalty and rebels, and the colorful characters who have called the castle home over the centuries. You'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, providing a unique perspective on this beautiful city. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique and educational experience, a walking tour of Edinburgh Castle is a must-do activity in Scotland's capital. So come and discover the rich cultural heritage of this iconic landmark, and immerse yourself in the history of one of the most fascinating places in all of Europe! *This is a visit of the Castle grounds only, as no guides are allowed inside the buildings.

Edinburgh: Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour

7. Edinburgh: Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour

Enjoy a theatrical sightseeing tour of Edinburgh onboard the Ghost Bus, a beautifully refurbished vintage double-decker, painted in traditional midnight black. Learn about Edinburgh’s grave robbers, plague victims, and the ghosts that reside in the most haunted city in Europe. Explore the city's gruesome past, while admiring its most famous monuments, including Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, Greyfriar's Kirk, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. As you traverse the Old Town and New Town, visit the sites of murders, tortures, and executions. Hear about the infamous Burke and Hare, and the hundreds of women who were drowned or burned as witches. The bus, which belonged to the Necropolis Bus Company, boasts decorative features that include atmospheric lamps and window curtains. In 1967, the entire fleet was destroyed in a mysterious fire, and only one bus survived.

Edinburgh: Vintage Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea or Gin

8. Edinburgh: Vintage Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea or Gin

Enjoy a sophisticated afternoon tea with a refreshing gin "pot-tail" (a cocktail in a teapot for larger parties) of your choice, served from the onboard trolley bar on a guided bus tour. Tuck into an afternoon tea consisting of a sandwich, petit fours, cupcake, warm scones, and mini quiches. Get a warm welcome from the bus staff with a glass of prosecco. Sit back, relax, and indulge your senses whilst taking in magnificent sites of the city like Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament Building. With this afternoon tour, indulge in 2 traditional British classics – tea and gin – based on the option you choose. If you upgrade to the gin option, get flavored gin cocktails supplied by Edinburgh Gin Company served in teapots with aromatic herbs and topped with dainty edible flowers. Treat your taste buds to traditional scones with fresh whipped cream and jam, a selection of finger sandwiches, mini rolls or wraps, mini quiches, and a selection of petit fours and cakes, all washed down with as much tea and coffee as you can drink.

Edinburgh: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass with 3 City Tours

9. Edinburgh: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass with 3 City Tours

Save money and explore Edinburgh at your own pace with a 3-route hop-on hop-off bus tour ticket. Pick from a ticket that lasts for 24 or 48 hours. Explore the city with stop options like Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Hop aboard and embark on your city adventure. Contrast the Old and New Towns, see the royal attractions of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia (entrances not included). Live guides provide English commentary on the Edinburgh Tour, while audio guides are available in up to 9 languages on the City Sightseeing Tour and the Majestic Tour. Hop on and off as often as you like at dozens of attractions, and enjoy unique, scenic views from the open-top upper decks. City Sightseeing Tour: Hear about the people and events that shaped Edinburgh, from the cramped conditions of the Old Town to spacious Holyrood Park, on a classic sightseeing tour in 9 languages. Enjoy Terry Deary’s Horrible Histories with the on board Horrible Histories Children’s Channel - history with all the gory bits left in! • Hanover Street • Princes Street Gardens • St. John’s Church • Grassmarket • Johnston Terrace • Edinburgh Castle • National Museum of Scotland • Museum of Childhood • Scottish Parliament • Our Dynamic Earth • Palace of Holyrood House • Burns Monument Edinburgh Tour: Enjoy the best views aboard an open-top bus, as live commentary in English brings Edinburgh’s history to life. Explore the Old Town and Georgian New Town, hopping off at 9 strategic stops. • Hanover Street • George Street • Charlotte Square • The Mound • Lawnmarket • Grassmarket • Our Dynamic Earth • Scottish Parliament • Canongate Kirk Majestic Tour: Leave the city center and head to the coast at Newhaven, with stops for the Royal Botanic Garden and Royal Yacht Britannia. This multi-language tour offers commentary through headphones in English, Gaelic, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and Russian. Return via the Palace of Holyrood House and the Canongate section of the Royal Mile. • Hanover Street • George Street • Royal Botanic Gardens • Ferry Road • Newhaven Harbour • Cruise Terminal • Ocean Terminal (Royal Yacht Britannia) • Leith Mills • Elm Row • Queen Mary’s Bath House • Queensberry House • Canongate Kirk

Edinburgh: Harry Potter Tour with Entry to Edinburgh Castle

10. Edinburgh: Harry Potter Tour with Entry to Edinburgh Castle

Se several beautiful Potter sights in this wonderful city and several locations that inspired JK Rowling to create the wizarding universe that we know and adore today. Meet Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, the first stop of the tour is a view of the historical Waverley Train station. Trains are an iconic part of a young wizard's journey. Head to Edinburgh University Old College, and pop into the Old Town area to see a spooky graveyard and visit a shop down Victoria street which inspired Diagon Alley. Enjoy great views of the famous Edinburgh Castle alongside many sights and buildings that inspired JK Rowling when she was writing each of the books including the famous cafe. Following the walking tour of the city you will then head to the world-famous Edinburgh castle.

Available activities

56 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 4

Other Sightseeing Options in Edinburgh Castle

Want to discover all there is to do in Edinburgh Castle? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Edinburgh Castle

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 19,373 reviews

It’s our first time in Edinburgh and our first tour of the castle, while searching for tours I noticed the price was the same without a tour guide as it was with one so we went with a tour guide and I’m so happy we did. We had the best experience with our guide Angus. He was so welcoming and made it very exciting not only with his knowledge of history but also made it so much fun with his sense of humor. We will definitely be back and would 100% recommend! go raibh míle maith agat agus Slán go fóil, from Ireland

Terry the witch was absolutely amazing, so welcoming and absolutely fascinating. I’ve learned so much about the witch trials and more that I never knew about from researching and reading. Her tour was simply magical and we loved every second. Thank you !

Sarah was the best tour guide - she really knew how to tell a story and had fantastic knowledge of the history. Would highly recommend it!

Rick was fantastic as our tour guide! The whole tour was exceptional!

We all enjoyed the tour. Benjamin was fun and enthusiastic.