Independent visitor guide
Visiting Information
Hours and practical tips for planning your visit.
Independent visitor guide
Hours and practical tips for planning your visit.
Hours are set by Historic Environment Scotland. Last admission is usually one hour before closing. Special events can change closing times.
Tickets: Timed entry is required and slots sell out. Allow 2–3 hours on site. Partner tours are listed on our tickets page.
Plan Your Journey
Edinburgh Castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's historic Old Town.
Walk up the Royal Mile from Holyrood or down from the Grassmarket. Allow 15–20 minutes from Waverley Station. There is no visitor parking at the castle.
Lothian Buses routes 23, 27, 41, 42, and 67 stop on George IV Bridge, a short walk from the castle.
The tram stops at Princes Street, from where it's a 10-minute uphill walk to the castle.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, Scotland
Visitor Amenities
The castle has HES-run cafés and a tea room. They are not operated by this fan site.
Take home unique Scottish gifts and castle souvenirs.
HES often runs short included tours from Crown Square. Confirm on the day; this site does not provide them.
Wheelchair access to most areas. Mobility vehicles available.
Insider Tips
Official tickets sell out. Reserve a timed entry slot in advance before you travel.
Larger bags are not allowed and lockers are limited. Travel light.
Fired most days at 1pm from Mills Mount Battery (not Sundays or some holidays).
Steep cobbles, no on-site visitor parking, and plenty of ground to cover.