The best time to visit Edinburgh Castle and avoid crowds is during winter, except for holidays. May, June, and September are also excellent times for visiting to enjoy the attractions of the castle without crowds.
August is the busiest month due to the Edinburgh festival. Book tickets in advance if you plan to visit the castle during this time.
Come to the castle during the week in the morning to avoid crowds of tourists.
Set aside at least two hours to enjoy the main exhibits of the castle fully.
Explore the history of Scotland. The walls of Edinburgh Castle have seen battles, sieges, and the life and death of many Scottish monarchs. Walk through the castle's buildings and feel like a participant of the famous events, including the Black Dinner that inspired the Red Wedding scene in the Game of Thrones series.
Experience the legendary landmark of Scotland. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the ancient sight offers a range of attractions to help you immerse yourself in Scotland's history. Visit the dungeons of the castle to explore the darkest events of the city. Marvel at the Crown Jewels that Scottish monarchs wore during their coronations. Explore Scotland's oldest building, St. Margaret's Chapel, which dates back to the 12 century. Admire a gem of medieval Scotland — Great Hall, built for James IV in 1511.
Discover the legendary ancient fortress with the self-guided audio tour Edinburgh Castle: Hunt for Stone of Destiny. The Edinburgh-based journalist and tour guide will lead you through the castle's attractions and share with you the unknown facts and insights about the history of this place. Enjoy easy navigation and save time with included tickets.
- Edinburgh Castle ticket price
The Edinburgh Castle admission fee is lower if you book tickets online. The online ticket price is £18 for adults, £14.50 for seniors (65+) and unemployed, and £11 for children (5-15).
The gate price is £21 for adults, £17 for seniors (65+) and unemployed, and £12.50 for children (5-15).
- Discounts
Families of at least one adult and two children can get a special discount for group admission. A family online ticket costs between £35.50 and £61.50, depending on how many family members there are.
- Free admission
Children under five, Historic Scotland Members, HM Forces members, STGA and SITOA guides, and carers accompanying visitors with disabilities can visit Edinburgh Castle for free.
Edinburgh Castle is open daily, but opening times vary according to the season.
From 1 April to 30 September, the castle is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM. During the winter season, starting from 1 October, you can visit Edinburgh Castle from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM.
The castle is closed on 25 and 26 December.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions, so tickets tend to sell out fast. Book timed-entry tickets in advance to guarantee entry. You can save time by buying tickets on our website while booking the self-guided audio tour.
You can reserve the Edinburgh Castle tickets until the end of the current season. We recommend booking on our website, where you can get the self-guided audio tour to get the most out of your visit.